6 Reasons - Racing Local Rules!

As we move closer to the end of the 2014 triathlon racing season, it is really easy to get caught up in the race entry frenzy for 2015.  Pushed by the pressure to enter before races sell-out for the biggest, most popular triathlons, it is easy to spend your race entry budget before can realize you don’t even have one! The lure of Ironman branded races or televised events like the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon is undeniable and for good reason, these events are fun and exciting. However, be sure to figure in and support your local multisport events, you’ll be glad you did.

      1. Local races support local causes. More often than not, triathlons in your community support organizations that do good work in your area. Put your race entry money to work. Enter events that give back to your community.

      2. Sleep in your own bed. Multisport racing demands that you be the kind or queen of logistics. From packing your gear, navigating to far off race locations and keeping tight timelines, racing out of your area means sleeping somewhere foreign. Maximize your training, get the best rest you can before race day by choosing some events close to home. You’ll get more restful sleep and likely race faster.

   

3. Learn to win. “Winning” means different things to different athletes. That said if you aim to be on the podium, you need to practice leading and winning. Local, grass-roots, community type races can give you the opportunity to practice skills, pacing and racing strategies. Winning doesn’t happen by accident. Use smaller races or events where you have first-hand course knowledge to hone your craft.

4.      

      

      4. Family friendly. Chances are you’ll be able to wheel the kids in the stroller unrestricted around the race venue and everyone can get up and close to see the fun of triathlon. You might even be able to carry or run with your tot down the finish chute…a no, no in certain ‘larger’ branded events.

         

          5. The Expo. Smaller independent races feature local businesses in the expo. Explore companies that support your multisport habit right in your own backyard. Sample their products and services.  Feel good about patronizing small businesses that want to support you and your triathlon habit.

      6. Schwag and awards. If you aren’t used to climbing atop the podium, you might be surprised to be a big fish in a small pond at your hometown triathlon. Even if you don’t find yourself in one of the top few places in your age group, you might snag some race schwag. Most local events have a raffle or schwag giveaway featuring products from local businesses. Just remember, if you win something, it is nice to thank the folks who provided your prize or goodies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rachel Sears Casanta is a retired professional triathlete, USA Triathlon Level II coach, freelance writer and co-founder of Hypercat Racing, a bike fit and retail coaching studio based in Ventura, Calif.

Mother of All Sales - Special Event - May 10, 2014 - Hypercat Racing

In celebration of Mother's Day, we invite you to join us in-store on online for our first annual "Mother of All Sales" Special Event!

When: Saturday, May 10th, 2014 (online May 10 and May 11th)

Group Ride starts at 8am, departing from Hypercat Racing - 4160 Market St, STE 13, Ventura, CA 93003

Sales & Promotions

• Up to 50% off BH Bikes - 2013 close-outs (limited inventory)
• 20% off Profile Desing wheels and aerobars
• 15% off Cateye products
• 10% off all saddles
• 10% off all Hawk Racing products
• Special pricing on Powermeters
• Close-out clothing - up to 70% off.
• Gear and component  'spring cleaning' - sale of gently used components, bikes, frames and gear

Demo Products

• Demo Foundry Bikes - disc road, cross or Mountain Bike
• Demo Somec road bike
• Demo Profile Design Wheels (58mm and 78mm)
• Recovery Pump system

Launch of Hypercat Racing's Triathlon Club and Hypercat Racing Cycling Club

• Official USA Triathlon and USA Cycling affiliated clubs
• Membership Sign-ups - Be charter members in our new clubs
• Uniform Pre-Orders (Cycling kits, Triathlon kits & running singlets)
• Parents interested in Youth & Junior programming can talk with Rachel

Launch of New Webstore

• To celebrate this weekend's launch of Hypercat Racing's new website we will be running specials throughout the weekend. To stay on top of these time sensitive deals and sales, follow @hypercat on Twitter and 'like' Hypercat Racing on Facebook.

Sampling, Goodies and More

• Products from Powerbar
• Schwag giveaways
• Refreshments and goodies

The Picture is Complete

Today I had a follow-up visit with Dr. Jeff Saul at S.O.A.R in Redwood City. The purpose was simply to let the doc know how the last round of epidural injections worked. I also wanted to ask the doctor about returning to running.

Nothing particularly exciting happened at the appointment, but I left feeling like a weight had lifted off my shoulders. At this point we know that I have extremely degenerated disc and there is no way to 'fix it.' The doctor suggested that I avoid running for 12 weeks to enable my body to get to a point of minimal inflammation. (This break was intended to help me be able to return to a decent level of normal function as opposed to an outcome related to training or racing). I did ask the doc if I would do damage by running again. His answer was no, BUT, he said I would know very quickly if I would be able to run, train or race. It is pretty simple, the degeneration may continue to significantly limit my ability to train or perform and a high level. I have to accept what I am, what I have and move on.

Why would I feel relieved and even happy after leaving the doctor's office? (especially considering the 'non-outcome' of the appointment). Well, after five years of battling the back, I can see exactly what I am working with. My option is to try. I can try training and see what happens. I do have pain every day (regardless of training), so I'm not certain where an attempt to return to running and a full regimen of triathlon training will lead. No point in worrying or belly aching over it though. I'm going to wait another week or two and try some running.

The body is an amazing thing. I'm not counting myself out just yet. If my competition is smart, they won't either. :-)

My Back Diagnosis up until this point...

I can't say that it's my favorite thing to blog about my back. There are definetley more uplifting things to relate than doctor's appointments and discussions related to the potential end point of my professional racing career.

Still, this my reality and why sugar coat it. My hope is that other athletes who might face similiar issues will find something useful in my posts. Frankly, I also hope that healthy athletes will recognize how incredibly blessed they are to be able to participate in sports - at whatever level.
My tolerance for whining and excuses is ever so thin these days.

Up until now, my diagnosis has been degenerative disc disease and facet syndrome. Here are two links that a friend sent me that do a good job of explaining what those conditions mean.
There are two short videos.

http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/iplayer/facetsyndrome

http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/iplayer/ddd

Today, I returned to S.O.A.R in Redwood City to see Dr. Jeff Saal. I was referred to Dr. Saal over a year ago by well known cycling physician, Dr. Andy Pruit. I haven't had the opportunity to be seen by Dr. Pruit, but he assured me that the folks at S.O.A.R are among the best.

Based on the information I shared with Dr. Saal, he suggested I be scheduled for yet another MRI (my 3rd) and another follow-up visit with him. My last MRI was over a year ago so the intent of this new MRI is to compare it to the previous. We will be looking for any changes and further deteroriation of my condition.

Dr. Saal wasn't all doomsday, but fairly pragmatic and realistic. Let's just say he wasn't forseeing me competing much more as a professional triathlete. He suggested it was time for me to start 're-creating' myself and thinking about becoming a 'recreational' athlete. He said I could live a 'normal life.' I will have to 'adjust' my expectations and do anything I can to not aggravate my back.

I'm not throwing in the towel yet. Naturally it is prudent to wait for next week's MRI and follow-up diagnosis. The doc wants to do another round of injections and further exploration of strength training and non-impact training. I'm game for that. After 5 years of struggles I'm not going to quit. It is no secret to anyone who has followed my career, that I have a bit of a 'lackluster' swim. That is about to change.