All movement involves effort. An effort on an endeavor which the laity might consider extreme might not be so to the well-versed. However, breaking records in extreme sports is significant.
A famous Tour de France cyclist once said that we all suffer in the hills, it is just that some of us go up them faster. On Saturday, August 14th 2009, Mike McCusker broke the record for men over 60 years old on the Mt Washington Bike Race by one second shy of a full 4 minutes. Mt Washington averages 12% for 7.6 miles. Its upper half is above the tree line and weather can be a factor.
When you consider that older athletes "take different trains," as the great Sid Howard, record setting senior veteran runner himself, says about the effects of aging, Mike is fortunate in his degradation. But he does his homework in cycling and running up hills. And he is a tenacious competitor. He took 2nd place in mens 60-64 in this year's Mt Washington Foot Race as well.
Most recreational cyclists avoid hills. The body of the unseasoned cyclist suffers more in ascending the neighborhood hill than a well-trained competitor in this venue. Having the physical and mental chops to do this event is a study in discipline and devotion. Although the effort is about the length of time as running a half marathon, it is actually easier on the body as the bike supports the weight, taking the stress off the legs. Also, gearing make this a purer aerobic endeavor than running. You can back off and take it slower, thus reducing the suffering. However, the cost is not acceptable to those who do it for competition.
I'm just hoping to make it all the way through my 12:15 spin class this afternoon. How'd you do in the race Hank?
ReplyDelete5 minutes slower than last year, 10 minutes slower than 3 years ago, but good enough for 2nd, mens 60-64. Other than Mike, the competition was not on the starting line.
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