July 21, 2010

Tim Norris/Cyclist/SKLZ Team Member

 

We caught up with Tim Norris, Accounting Manager at SKLZ to see how his training has been progressing since his last interview. This is what he had to say:

 

How many weeks are you in your training?
I am now in my 10th week of training. I still have 13 to go.

Have you upped your longest ride from Del Mar to Oceanside yet?
Yes, I actually have. I recently rode from Lomas Santa Fe to Villa Scripps Poway Pkwy to the 67 and back. The trek up to the 67 was extremely difficult.

What is the biggest obstacle that your have faced in your training so far?
I had a very difficult ride to El Cajon. Although it was just 48 miles we went 3800 feet in elevation. It was also very hot the day we made this trek. When I got to the top of the hill I almost passed out. There were two other people in the group that were not even able to make it. I didn't think I was going to be able to finish the ride that day but after icing my head, I felt better and was able to finish the ride back.

Where have you been able to find out more information/tips/tricks to cycling?
I have used the internet to find out tips but most come from the people I ride with and group leaders.

What is an important piece of information you have received?
Get a fitted bike. Everything from the seat height to the pedals needs to be fitted for you. Without it you will be uncomfortable and in training for something like this you shouldn't be worrying about pain only about physical conditioning.

What is something that you enjoy about training so far?
I really enjoy getting up early and being on the bike at 7am. Its nice to be up and doing something like this at that time of day.

Do you typically ride solo or with others?
It's really a combination of both. We do one group ride a week, usually on Saturday or Sunday.  There are usually about 10-15 people who meet up and ride. Then I also try to do 1-2 solo rides during the week.

Do you currently participate in any type of cross training?
I have gone to spin classes and they have been really helpful in teaching proper pedaling techniques but I do prefer to be outside.

What do you typically eat before a ride?
-Bowl of cheerios
-Wheat bread with peanut butter
-Banana

What about when you ride?
-Power Bars
-GU Energy Gel Packs
AND you must drink at least a bottle of water an hour as well so you don't dehydrate.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being you could do the 620 mile Million Dollar Challenge bike ride tomorrow) where do you feel you are in your training process?
5, I am definitely still working