[RC] Tevis winners / Patty P - Kristi SchaafPatty P wrote: Before the AZ summer came, Oct-March I was training pretty consistently, but still had not built my strength up to be able to ride a 50 mile. I entered my first 25 in Scottsdale, but couldn't finish due to a leg cramp. I need to go to the gym to build my muscle, or run like an marathon runner, if I ever plan to do the tevis with the goal of winning. So I see where strength has ALOT to do with it, and where my weaknesses are. ___________________________ Patty, if you look at the physical makeup of the female riders at any given AERC ride, you will see a lot of women with extra 'fluff' on them instead of a gym rat physique. Strong CORE muscles are the most crucial part of being a strong rider, whether or not they are buried under a layer of fat. But tell your boyfriend, that yes, your muscles (and tendons and ligaments and heart, etc, just like your horse) do need to be conditioned for endurance. Fit people's bodies perform more efficiently, and people with a higher percentage of slow twitch muscles most likely have an advantage because of the duration of our sport. But what I love about endurance is that all different kinds of body types can flourish in it. You don't have to look like a body builder OR a marathoner to be successful (or to wear Spandex) You have a lofty goal of winning Tevis, and goals are what motivate us, but my suggestion is that you first make it a goal to finish. : - ) Well, unless you meant that to finish it to win - then you go girl! Kristi Life's a journey, so enjoy the ride (and try not to fall off) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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