Sure been a while since just writing on where I’m at. Have had the odd question filter through so will touch on a few of the generic ones as well as a couple randoms occupying head-space at the moment. In a nutshell, all is real well, but without fireworks similar to Beijing’s extravegance. Its the end of a base block and hours have been ticked off with measured control. Two and a half weeks left in South Africa, three in Truckee, and then Xterra USA Finals at Lake Tahoe.
(Where the rubber meets the tarmac)
Training is coming on, with the times coming dropping in the pool while swimming with the Maties (Stellenbosch University) swim squad under Pierre de Roubaix. Its great to join the squad, although it makes for three 5:15am mornings as well as being put to shame by a few school girls. Will soon tempt my test set of 3x10x100 off descending send off to see where I’m at in the water. Am sure seconds are going to be what counts in Tahoe, so wanting to be on the leading feet there if I can.
The climbs around Coetzenburg felt flatter yesterday on the mountain bike, and the pedalling smoother. Was a real treat joining a friend I met on the Imana Wild Ride for the 3h30 ride. Gary has had me on the road bike mainly over the past weeks, for more sustained and consistent riding. Has made me appreciate the trails like way back when on borrowed bikes. The only niggle has been my left lower back’s tightness – a leftover from all the hike-a-bike stuff on Imana with the bike on the right shoulder. Cure-able with some bunkies, specific stretching, and Pilates, all of which I’ve been a bit slack on, so it drags on not hindering but not aiding either.
The new Forerunner 405 is kicking out faster average pace figures on the usual base runs which is encouraging. I’ve had great company of late, especially in Michal and Amo, both training for the Table Mountain Challenge. So much easier when support is there for the last session of the day.
(My new 405)
Recovery wise I’ve been trying to focus on using my USN (Ultimate Sports Nutrition) more optimally. I’ve been treated to great food from Ruth’s cooking talent, and having it at more regular times than if I were preparing grub myself. A small yet significant I feel. Ruth did a massage course over the past few weeks and thankfully I was selected for a few prac’s…
She’s out in Truckee already though, so no more such luxuries.
The Bosch has been great and weather has been fine blue skies with minimal wind. It’s become home in the smallest intimate ways, and I’m glad I touched base back here midway through the season. For the soul’s emotions perhaps more than the training ideal.
The Xterra USA Series has only the final left, and so points have been tallied, only needing the final’s result to add. I’ll be biking up to the Flume Trail with bike board numbered 2 on my Specialized, with 26 points over Josiah Middaugh in third. A small cushion that may come in handy if needed, but I’ll still have to place high to end the series as runner up. There is a great deal to play for, the most I ever have at least. Would be the choice day to ‘get it right’. I’ll be staying in Truckee again for the the three weeks prior, and will be able to go over the course numerous times before as well as acclimatise to the altitude effect of 1800m.
(Number 2 at Xterra Richmond)
2008 US PRO STANDINGS
| Men | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Point Total After Four Events |
||
| 2 | Dan Hugo | 270 |
| 3 | Josiah Middaugh | 244 |
I really believe if I can get myself to the limit I’d have to be disappointed with anything less than second. I know I can. As for the Xterra World Champs three weks on from Tahoe on the island of Maui, well, I’ll see that mainly from an experiential point of view. I want to understand the travel, the adaption to its heat and conditions, ride the course (only allowed on race day) and lay the foundations for one of my two ultimate sporting ambitions: to win Xterra World Champs some day. If I could get through the merciless course of lava rock without a mechanical, I’d be pleased, but even more so for a top ten. The dream would be to go top five, but that may be asking too much for a first voyage on an island that apparently demands respect.
I’m really excited to get back to Truckee. Yes, as Ruth is there. Haha. But also to ride some more incredible trail with coach Gary, and run with his wife Gia, and play with little Ella. Such a stunning part of the world that with stunning people in it. I’m still in South Africa as I’d like to race the third Jeep Msinsi Multisport event on the 14th September in Natal at Nagle Dam. I fly that night, via London to Reno, Nevada.
Telkom, South Africa’s fixed telephone line provider, have finally installed an ADSL line here at Mon Desir yesterday. I’ve been trying since December (a foreign concept to first world readers no doubt?), but such is the Deepest Darkest Africa I love. It should go a long way in motivating me to a greater online presence.
dghugo.com is evolving well. Feel I’ve been a bit off the boil of late. But hits keep creeping up, which is really encouraging. Towards the end of the USA/Europe adventure American readership was near equaling South African hits, but over the past month South African interest has grown faster again. Ruth had a CafePress shirt sent to Truckee, and was really pleased with the quality of the print and material. Only said the medium was an ‘American Medium’ as it wouldnt even fit me. But great to see a design in print she said. No specific advertising sold on the blog yet, but believe it all in good time.
Justin, a friend met around Xterra Alabama suggested I look into geotagging supporters on a blog page. A brilliant idea I’ve been meaning to look into. He suggested photo’s sent from the dghugo.com faithful in interesting ways. It’ll get there.
Interesting in that the main page impressions remain the photo’s section. I am really bad at updating it. I’ll figure a system some day. For the moment my flickr account remains easiest. And hopefully with a modem purchased later today it’ll be more up to date and comprehensive in coverage of life on the run.
Support base back home remains incredible, and excited to have new kit out soon including Garmin and EA Sports. My Dream Givers have been unreal in making this utopian chase possible. Beyond promises greater opportunity and I’m confident in lengthening my original two year possibilities trial with some corporate support. On the personal front I’ve been blown out the water by emails and facebook messages of support. Its nuts how a few words of encouragement can sustain on a long ride… Much appreciated.
I tried to soak up as much inspiration from visuals over the past two weeks during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There were many stories of success, of overcoming obstacles, but even more of disappointment and failure. Of sacrifice not coming to fruition. Such is sport. A post in its own right on the topic will come.
I’ve tried to play bits, consciously making an effort to relax maximally. A bit of gaming thanks to EA, as well as some films. The most significant being Into The Wild. Again, demanding of a post. What a confrontational story, impossible to shrug off lightly after. A must see.
(Into the Wild poster)
After the USA I return to one of the biggest multisport events on the South African calender, the Powerade Triple Challenge on the 9th of November. An event I love and which will serve as the season’s last big hit. Toying with thoughts of a proper break thereafter with the misses. Travel somewhere perhaps, something simplistic and far removed from usual familiarities. Already looking forward to next year, and building on 08′s successes and failures.
The sun’s out again today, after a front moved through since Saturday. I should be out and about, trying to figure the modem.
As always, thanks for reading. For the interest and support.
