Xterra Tahoe Aftermath
October 17th, 2008 by Dan Hugo
The shadow of a man
Strange how an event can change inner perception - going from self doubt to self belief. I’m sure that’s universal, but non more so than in sport. The thought patterns change for me, and the visualization while training grows in confidence and positivity. Surely not much changed physically during the event, other than the inner voice.
With the weight of pressure and expectation lifted and potential earnings banked, while viewing Maui’s World Championships purely as experiential, coach Gary and I figured to toss caution to the wind and do some big stimulus over the three week block between. Going for broke type vibe. The course at Maui sounds like Russion Roulette with jagged lava rocks and 6inch thorns, making a bike mechanical ‘a roll of the dice’. Compounding that are some mythical legends I’ve heard, of needing to understand the island and its challenges. So thats the primary focus. But we figured to play the hand too…
(Video highlight of the 2007 Xterra World Championships)
Always surprising how under relaxed no-pressured circumstances the body responds well, which adds fuel to the fire, and thats how the past ten days have been. So I’m getting excited to race on Xterra’s greatest stage. I’m yet to see a start list, but hoping it is as star studded as last years event. Be a treat to line up alongside some of triathlon’s greats.
My father usually gives me some pre-race advice - usually the same advice - to never give up. Its been lingering since last weekend, how close the series title came. As mentioned in the race report, it wouldnt have been justice to take it, but little about sport is just. Looking back over a six month block, I was left with a few ‘what if’s?’. If I’d run 13 seconds quicker in Richmond, or more realistically bike more aggressively, or had a 20second better day out in Alabama, or just been in better physical and emotional shape ten days ago, etc etc. Important part to me is the lesson of never giving up, not know what could happen down the line.
I fly out next week Tuesday, to Maui, and return the Monday night after. I’ll be staying in a condo with Jenny and Brian Smith, of the nicest most genuine couples I’ve met through sport. Brian had the most radical day last year, finishing third overall, after the fastest bike split. I’m hoping to sponge off his experience if he’ll let me. He must have got something right last year.
I’m thrilled to be see the island, and swimming in the ocean’s warm water. Apparently like swimming in an aquarium. I wont get to do many of the usual touristy vibes, but for me personally, being able to race there is a dream in itself. Its the first Xterra I heard about, at age 15. A newspaper article up on Benita De Witt’s wall made mention of two South African’s with floral wreaths around their necks (and two significant cheque’s). Must have made an impression…
So my last few days of proper training in Truckee are numbered, and perhaps luckily so. Fall is turning to winter, as the yellow and orange leaves drop and daylight shrinks. The mornings are freezing, but this week its heated well by midday. Last weekend was brutal though. Blue skies and sunshine, yet noting over 6degrees. It seemed non-sensical.
I’ll have 6 days back here after worlds, and but will do the trails at my leisure - weather dependent! But perhaps I’ll highjack the 1984 Land Crusier and idle on down to Yosemite for a few nights. Some say the most beautiful place of the world. The six days will also include some truly American cuisine as a non-negotiable. Star Bucks, McDonalds, Dairy Queen blizzards, In and Out, some Mexican, local Pizza, M&M’s (the jumbo pack), Ben and Jerry’s - all the flavours, including ‘everything but the kitchen sink’, etc. My event back in SA is mainly downhill…
| Armstrong Inspiration | Xterra USA Championship 2008 Video |
October 17th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Good to see you are back and hungry again.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
The wait was worth it…
October 21st, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Good luck for Maui Dan!