paleo update and new bike build!

[Ryan Gibson]

DISCLAIMER: I am self aware of how neurotic this paleo thing might sound to some, although its not for vanity or narcisim, but, rather, to up my race performance. Yes, I am a 30-something married father with a full time job, and will likely never win a Cat 1 race...but why not try, right?

 

Well, the paleo for athletes thing is coming along, but still not sure how much is attributable to paleo vs. heightened consciousness of what I eat. Also not sure the no dairy and gluten part of paleo is a game changer from what I was doing already with a low card (except when training or exercise recovery). I started at 178lbs March 16th, lost a bunch of water weight (as predicted by Jim H) and went to 175lbs by March 19th, and am now 173lbs. It seems harder to lose when I am training, so thinking this wet week with more rest than usual will allow me to go to 171lbs. Really shooting for 165lbs by Napa Dirt Classic-this is aggressive and may not happen.

 

I have learned one important rule, at least for me and my body, the hard way...over hydrating and low carbs=cramps. Despite using electrolyte+ mix and carbing up while training, going too low on carbs during other times of the day and drinking too much water resulted in persistent cramps, both while riding and all other time (night cramps too). I have added a little more carbs into the diet, particularly during the day, and no more cramps :)

 

In more application of physics to going faster on the mtb...I have decided my full suspension Santa Cruz Tallboy, with dropper post, is just overkill for much of the riding and racing that I do. Yes, I love my tallboy and it will still be my fun-bike and go-to for more all mountain rides and DHish races, but I have been considering a lightweight hardtail racebike for some time. With a birthday looming, the door is open for me to slip this one past the wifey, so...I am going to build up a Santa Cruz Highball :) I have heard a lot of great things about this super light carbon frame, including its nice slacker headtube angle for stability and short chainstays for snappiness. I am hoping to have all the parts to build up this weekend to properly shake down and dial in for debut at the Napa Dirt Classic.