What is 'Box'? 31st January 2008
Hi everyone,
Well another cycle tour is over for myself and its cycle tours 2, Gemmell-0.
Really though another great weekend of riding and racing on some of New Zealand's most famous cycling roads and circuits. This tour was featured as a warm up tour to the UCI cycle tour of Wellington. It was always going to be hard and a good bunch of boys rolled up. It was made even more so by the strong winds and heat over in the southern Wairarapa during the event. I knew again exactly what myself and coaches wanted to get out of the weekend, We got that and more so!
The racing was tight and honest and I got through feeling okay by the end of the two days. I again fell prey to a couple of cycling tricks, The locals that knew the roads used there skills well and at due times raised the pressure according too the terrain and conditions to get rid of any hang on's.
I was also introduced to a word that pro cyclists use around the globe and I quote "I'm box"! Basically if you are in trouble and about to get dropped you are in the "box". Once you are in there it is very hard to get out of this so called "box", Myself my legs and not to mention my little ticker found this out during the weekend a few times over...
So enough of the the cycle tours for the moment as this weekend is my first Triathlon for the season. Just as I did last year I will use the New Zealand sprint nationals event in Kinloch Taupo to start my season.
I don't expect anything from this race overall, but have targeted some goals within the event that I'll use as a measure against the gains I have made so far in my training. Generally at this time in the season the end result is not important. But what is important for me is the process in which the race is part of my training. I know where my fitness levels are at the moment and I know where they were at this time last year. So I'm looking forward to great race in the weekend and too catch up with everyone there during it.
Safe travels to everyone heading to Taupo. And see some of you on Sunday morning bright and early by the lakeside!
Regards,
Kris