Level One NICA coaching complete, let's see how the season rolls

Just finished my courses for a Level One Mountain Bike coach over the weekend.  This will be the second year in helping my son and his team.  I am optimistic as to how the season will go with stay in place and other restrictions due to COVID-19.  I myself have been out on the mountain bike trail getting some much needed mental and physical miles in.  I have even done a few virtual challenges/races.  My son’s season is five races, spread out over every other weekend staring in September.  It is fun to get out and practice with the team and help them achieve their goals. It is also fun to travel around getting to ride other courses around the state. 

Moved up to Level 2 NICA Coaching

Have fun keeping active with my son on his mountain bike team, school club.  I applied and have moved up to level two as a NICA coach. Taking a first aid and CPR class along with some other courses online. 

This weekend we head out of town again for the second of five races on the season. The weather will be cooler up north again, this time in Prescott. I see him getting stronger on the bike, even though he is really not a fan of hills. Then again who is? 

I ordered a new rear wheel cassette I'll install either before we leave on the two hour drive, or set up a little shop inside the hotel room and get his bike prepped for Saturday's race. 

A great weekend

Over this past weekend I took part in the NICA On the Bike Training 101 clinic for coaches. I learned a lot. During the four hour course was able to listen and watch demonstration of skills and drills and then repeat them on my own bike. 

I took the class, wanting to up my coaches certifications, but also wanted to see about improving my own skills on the bike. 

I am wanting to keep the students I am coaching improving and getting better on the bike themselves. The skills and drills can apply to any or all the of the students I ride along with. 

Sunday I was able to get out and take my third ride on a new bike. Still getting used to it. I need to replace the factory seat it came with but other than that I am really liking it. A blog is in the works showing what new ride I chose. 

Looking forward to a lot of fun

Next year my son, the oldest of my two kids begins junior high. In doing so more at school programs will open up for him. One that I am excited for him to take advantage of is the after school mountain bike club. The school he is going to, it is a new program just getting off the ground. They have partnered with a local high school, in which they will be a part of their team when the season gets rolling.  He wanted me to be apart of the coaching group, so I went through the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) program. 

There are different levels of coaches and I passed and will be a Level One coach, helping with support of the team and other coaches. 

Last week was the first off season training session in a local park, riding on grass with him learning some bike handling skills. The team can only meet a limited amount of times before the official season kicks off and more training rides take place. Looking to have a lot of fun in the build up towards the season and his training and racing. 

140.6 here I come!

I am have started training for a self supported Ironman distance race in the middle of October of this year. In order to do this I have asked and am being coached by none other than the best James Lawrence, or those of you into the sport of triathlon, Iron Cowboy James. Yes that is right, the same inspiring athlete who set out last summer completing 50 Ironman distance triathlons in 50 consecutive days in each of the 50 United States.  I followed along last summer on social media and his website as he traveled across the country, day in and day out finishing the 140.6 distance. I am extremely honored to be coached by this amazing triathlete. In my first two weeks of training, I have been given some great workouts to follow and am looking forward to being able to complete my own Iron distance race. More to come on that as training continues. 

Photo: www.facebook.com/ironcowboyJames