I have been thinking alot about training, my goals and why I love riding. Some time ago I learned the difference between riding and “training with purpose” while training for my first cross state ride almost 5 years ago. The adage “training with purpose” has been rolling around alot in my brain as of late.

Most weeks I plan out my training with the assistance of a coach. Most of my weekly goals are time based. I will spend so much time riding, in the gym and doing other training until I loose track of what day it is..

I had an epiphany at the gym the other day. I was working on a dreaded weakness, Ham Strings, and was really having to push myself to finish my last set. Then a vision of myself cresting a tough hill with the pack in a tough criterium came to mind. Then the thought “get it done now or get it done to you this summer” hit me hard.

This thought really put a sharp point on training with purpose. I love to ride my bike, I get a big kick out of surviving surges, chasing down attacks and I revel in surprising strong riders as I pass them for the first time. This is why I train with a purpose.

I have entered a phase of training that has me putting in the longest hours of the off season, more intensity and a lot of self doubt. Why self doubt? Its the middle of winter and its almost impossible to get out and ride. I am still feeling slow and can’t always get my Heart Rate up. Right now I have to believe that my training will get me where I need to be. So their is an element of faith that goes along with training with purpose.

I had a friend ask my why I was so worried and wasn’t I doing the same training plan as last year? The answer was no. I went on to explain that when I learn new things about my fitness or abilities that I make adjustments to goals and plans hence my anxiety.

I believe that if I were not organizing my training and applying it to my strengths and weaknesses and ultimate desires then I would be doing my efforts a great disservice.

Thanks for reading! I feel like I am regaining my focus. Its a good thing too, racing begins in March.

Until next time don’t just train hard, train with a purpose.

In wrote in my previous posts (part 1, part 2) about the importance of sponsorship and maintaining good relations with your sponsor and the process of finding sponsors, attracting sponsors and entering into an agreement with a sponsor. In this post I will be introducing my Sponsors for 2010 and little about each of them.

Here we go – my sponsors for the 2010 USA Cycling Road Racing Season. In the months to come I will be writing articles on all of the products that I utilize from my prospective sponsors. These will not be reviews as I do not feel it is fair to the sponsors or my readers as I am being compensated in one form or another by these sponsors. These articles will be introductions to the products I use and will not contain any judgments or criticisms.

GSR Solutions is a visual communications consulting firm that I proudly own. GSR solutions offers a full range of services from graphic design, brand development, web development, web analytics and eMarketing. To learn more how GSR Solutions may help your organization please visit our site. You may also call me Robert Grissom at: 502.509.7624

Our vision is for KINeSYS Inc. to be a pioneer and global leader in the Performance Bodycare and Suncare categories, with a reputation for quality and innovation respected by our business partners and consumers. While KINeSYS products are developed for the active individual they have also been tested and designed to meet the rigors of professional athletes.

Motor Tabs Fluid Replacement System turns ordinary water into a smooth, refreshing sports drink! It’s as simple as dropping an effervescent tablet into water. Designed for use any time around participatory athletic activity or when additional electrolytes are required, MOTOR TABS is a portable sports drink that can go anywhere, as the tablets are individually wrapped in water/air tight foil packages that protect them from sweat, dirt and other harmful elements.  Whether it’s on the bike, run, hike, gym or at work, MOTOR TABS restores vital fluids that are lost during physical activity or illness.

The Inner Cooler is a personal garment worn under your shirt, similar to a dickey or bib. When soaked in water, the Inner Cooler swells. When worn during any strenuous activity your body heat causes the stored water to evaporate and the water vapor released cools the temperature at the body’s core.

Chomper Body makes products for people who love to play sports and strive to incorporate the healthiest possible choices for their skin care regimen. We use ingredients that are pure and simple. Ingredients that promote health and are good for your skin like moisturizing nut butters, lubricating oils and healing essential oils. Left out are potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, thickeners, silicone and petroleum based ingredients. Things that clog pores and pollute the body. And although our products won’t save your life or your sole they will provide hours of comfort and peace of mind for anyone passionate about living a healthier life.

My team Main Street Velo which is sponsored by some fantastic local businesses. To learn more about my team and our sponsors please visit our web site. http://MainStreetVelo.com

Thanks again for reading and keeping up with my articles. I am really excited about my sponsors and the upcoming racing season. Please visit these sponsors I know you will find there product offerings as compelling as I do.