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Exceptional year for fitness and recovery
By Pam Kallio,
USAT Level II Coach , USA Cycling Level II Coach
It's that time of year again, Kona is over and with the exception of a few races another Triathlon year is over. The morning news today had it snowing in the northeast and Denver has already had its initial snow for the year.
I have had an exceptional year for fitness and recovery and I have to say it's due to my use of MAP and Dr Minkoff's sage advise. I had the opportunity this year to move from Tampa , Florida to Tucson , Arizona , both known as two of the best triathlon training capitals of the world. However, both offer very different mind sets and different opportunities.
I had to learn how to really ride mountains in Tucson , both the ascent and decent (still working on this one). Florida is essentially flat, and we ride bridges to get “hill” work in. Boy did my perception of “hill” work change!! Mt Lemon is 9000 ft! I also got into mountain biking since moving in August. Mountain biking is VERY big out here and used a lot for cross training.
After 5 times on a mountain bike I entered my first mountain bike race which was in Show Low Arizona, in the White Mountains which are at 9000 ft. The race itself took place at 7000 ft. It is called the Tour of the White Mountains and is put on by Epic Rides. Needless to say I was scared to death and fear itself caused me to take three pretty good falls during this race. The climbs were steep in many places and very rocky, but the downhills were treacherous to a beginner like myself. I had a blast – more fun than I could have imagined and learned a lot too. I also managed to com e in 2 nd place masters female 45 and over!
There were 10 of us that went up to race together. I was the only total novice to mountain biking, but have 10 years of cycling experience and race experience that the others did not have. My coaching side came out and I had them all hooked on MAP prior to the race. Eight out of the ten of us made the podium – placing top 5 in our age groups. A couple of the guys that had always had trouble with cramping and recovery did not experience any of their normal symptoms due to their use of MAP. They are, of course, are now hooked on the product as I am.
Due to my moving and a new job, my triathlon season was not as active as I had planned on, but thanks to my use of MAP my fitness level and recovery from hard training days is the best its ever been. I am now training for the 109 mile Tour de Tucson race in late November. MAP is carrying me through some long climbing training rides. On another note, my husband is playing Old Boys Rugby here in Tucson and I am now getting him and some of his Rugby crew hooked on the merits MAP provides for their sport!
Pam Kallio
USAT L2 Triathlon coach
USA L2 cycling coach
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