Jacked Up Old Man™

West Yellowstone Skate Sprint

2011-11-29T17:32:00.000-05:00

West Yellowstone 24 Years:What its all about

2011-11-22T08:16:00.006-05:00

Current primo ski conditions in West out on Windy Ridge

History:

Have no idea how many of the past winters that were blessed by beginning in West but probably have spent 6 months to a year over time in West Yellowstone.

24 years ago it was the 3rd year Nordic skiing and 2nd in Biathlon I packed my white Subaru and Maki ( Amazing Dog) and I headed west stopping en- route for some training sessions with friends. While cruising down the interstate took exit for Yellowstone Park think I rolled into Gardiner couldn't find my hotel but luckily the Yellowstone Park was still open so I cruised through and finally arrived in West.

That year their was no snow for a while. (I had arrived in late Oct) We actually had the Olympic tryouts here that year. The conditions turned out to be biblical in nature. Of note Curt Schriener barely 18 and Lyle Nelson at a solid 40 both representing the National Guard made the Calgary Olympic Team.

Now unfortunately this is usually my first tracks for the year and first racing suffer fest.

Upon arriving in Nordic Ski Paradise it is had to resist the temptation to ski myself into a virtual catatonic deathlike state twice a day.

One has has to stay focused on the ball and limit ones self to stay on some reasonable like plan. People have to realize that XC skiing is not like Cycling, it is a weight bearing sport. One only needs enough stress to facilitate a physiological change. Most importantly is that this adaptation will only occur with the Requisite RECOVERY & REST.

During my one week stay here I will partake in a Sprint effort, Biathlon Race(Same Day), 15km skate race, turn 46(today) and become reacquainted with the Biathlon Rifle.

First Ski: West Yellowstone Ski Festival

2011-11-20T17:38:00.002-05:00

Ian presenting at the annual TOKO "University". Which runs concurrently with the Ski Festival TOKO tech reps get versed in wax updates, and other topics pertaining to skiing. Today we had an informative session on the particulars of ski flex with respect to snow conditions. Found it very insightful actually.

First tracks this year on actual snow. This year prematurely thought that was getting in good form. This afternoon found out unfortunately rather quite harshly... that I am not in awesome form, maybe just old and washed up. Last year I spent the summer in Afghanistan and only did limited ski training prior to coming to West.

As Josh Thompson says " On snow is reality"

Maybe I will have to back to Rochester and train alone on rollerskis again. Then will be able to believe that if I went out there and skied against them that I actually would be fast and strong.

The good thing is the snow is plentiful and superbly groomed out here. Will focus on the positive.

Obama Saves US Economy with Sports Corps

2011-08-29T15:32:00.004-04:00

Our President is supposed to announce in the next few days about a new job program to save the US and World Economy.

You've now heard about his new push to bring America to the top in all sports not just Football and Baseball. Obama wants the US to be competitive in all sports including Team Handball and Badminton. Realizing that there are decreased new job options for High School and College graduates he is going to create a US national elite force of athletes and at the same time create new jobs and save the economy. While the details of the plan shall be forthcoming. It is believed that at least top 100 athletes in each Olympic Sport will be able to fully employed by the Sports Corps.

Whiteface Weekend 2 :Hillclimb & Leadville Qualifier

2011-06-30T20:55:00.009-04:00

After finishing 2nd in the Whiteface Uphill Footrace two weeks earlier, returned for more punishment. First in line was the Bike race with King of the Mountain on the line. This race was on Saturday @ 17:30 with the Mountain Bike race starting the next morning @ 06:30. Was not looking forward to this double.

Fortunately William my seven year old and Backcountry Bob came along for the weekend to help with logistics.

Whiteface for some reason is split into a wave start and this year the wave start was splintered again. This was disconcerting to say the least. Wish they would have an elite wave for hte individuals wishing to race head to head. My goal was to average 320 watts for the hillclimb. Whiteface is a punishing 8 mile with an average grade of 8 1/2%. It is pretty much unrelenting. It starts in Wilmington, NY right above the stop sign and ends at the entrance to the tunnel to the elevator. The race started out with a skinny Canadian dude setting the pace, eventually Joe Tonon from Marblehead MA put on a big surge then settled down about 30 -40 seconds ahead of me. We kept passing many riders from preceding waves. Near the the top kept closing the gap and nipped Joe just at the finish line. Average Watts were exactly 320. Found out that finished second overall and first in age group. This was the first of the 2011 BUMPS series. Planning on finishing at least five of them in order to qualify for the overall standings. There are nine bicycle hill climbs in the Northeast throughout the summer.

Warming up for the hill climb on a Lemond trainer.

Will and Backcountry Bob made it to the summit. First time not summiting after a Whiteface Race due to warming down for the next days event.

Leadville qualifier Wilmington 06:00 Sunday am. Getting ready to go out and battle for 56 miles over hill and dale over many roads that many years ago used to ride on with my Wife on a Specialized Tandem Mountain Bike. This race was going to be brutal. It turned out to be too.

My support crew got up with ma at O'Dark hundred. We got to the start @Whiteface Mountain Ski area before six am. The 200+ racers among to qualify for Leadville got off with a shotgun start promptly at 06:30.

There were a couple of people who started the race on cyclocross bikes. Of not being T Sheske from Rochester and Dave McCahill from Lake Placid both strong competitors. This was a mistake . Being tempted to use a cross bike myself, there was some doubt when seeing them. Although from my experience of riding most of the course the previous sunday on my Tarmac SL3 knew that my hardtail Specialized 29'er was a better choice.

The race started out fast on the roads and split up into groups during the first approx 800' dort road Bartlett. We roared down towards Keene Valley then slammed up Styles Brook where I climbed away from the field and rode alone until half way back up the Jay Mountain road. My support team was there at the Jay Mountain Road and WHiteface giving me bottles that were much appreciated. There I was joined by three strong professional bikers we rode along at a good clip till going back to wards Bartlette where I could only go level 2 pace from there to the finish. Feeling progessively worse. In the last 14 miles lost over 15 minutes to the leaders. While making progress towards the finish eventually Dave Mc Cahill cruised up and we suffered up Whiteface Ski area climb. Which was bond brutal. Actually had to push my bike up much of the top half. We crested the KOM point together but ... On the dharowing descent the Mountain bike was the better steed.

Shortly after the race found out the reason why felt so bad for the end of the race. Gastroenteritis! Probably Viral. Started puking again and again got to revisit breakfast, then dinner.Over and over again. Actually for about 4 hours all I did was puke and lie on the ground, or floor. My friends were trying to take me to the emergency room, that was not happening.

Unfortunately cannot get the friday of before Leadville. So maybe another year will be able to make that adventure. Would not have been able to do the race with out Bob and Will helping and cheering me on.

Okemo Stop #2 BUMPS Series 2011

2011-06-28T12:37:00.003-04:00

This year the goal is to compete in at least 5 of the 9 BUMPS races. I've waned to do many of these races for a couple of years. this started after meeting and reading about the adventures of the Hill Junky. The first was good old 4867 (Whiteface) about 3500 ft of climbing in 8 miles. The second BUMP was Okemo. This climb is brutal.

Living Rochester NY makes attending most of these races a logistical nightmare. Luckily had a respite from work on Friday. Even luckier for the trip was accompanied by my 14 yo Daughter. After a 4hr bike tour with JH in the am got a mid afternoon start towards VT.

Upon arrival to a shrouded dusk. Previewed the course in a light drizzle unfortunately by car only. It was dark and raining, both of which may have been additive to making the access road more harrowing and foreboding. The road seemed steeper then the map on the website represented. The gearing on my bike did not seem adequate. A 39-28 was what on my bike. Andy @ ParkAveBike is changing it to a 39-36 for the upcoming assault up Mt Washington.

Actually, I was scared and bummed out that I did not have easier gearing for the upcoming assault. On a Positive note my daughter had relented and agreed to do the race also even though she hadn't even ridden a bike this year. Of note her steed was a 20 yo Specialized Stumpjumper with mismatched pedals.

The next morning it was game on even my daughter stowed her phone away prior to the race. It was a good outing for both of us.

We both made it to the finish. A young Pro schooled everybody just missing the record.

The next morning I threepeated Whiteface to prepare for the next BUMP race.

Dolomite Training Camp

2011-02-19T10:36:00.003-05:00

Some Pictures from the Dolomites. Finishing up training for the upcoming World Military Winter Champ's. Training has progressed well so far. Luckily Mr Wynn Roberts was on th same schedule. Will be following the US Biathlon Team's results from the European Biathlon Championships in Italy starting on Monday. They should do well there with Wynn, Leif , Russell and BIll contesting for the Podium. Will be sad to leave this Winter Wonderland. Have actually refrained from systematic overtraining. Unbelievably!!

Since returning from Afghanistan have been able to be involved in a few periods of complete systematic overtraining, overreaching. (Example 60+ hr in 2weeks, with 4 races, at near 7,000ft in West Yellowstone) Fortunately have been able to somewhat recover from these periods. AND now applying common sense to life's opportunities. For instance: Tomorrow a tempting delectable Euroloppet near here( only 42km) that is on the way to Munchen is being passed by. It would have been awesome to jump in.... but have to fly on Monday to CISM and race Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Another time.

Looking down into Antholz Valley. THe World Cup Biathon course is on the other side of the Antholz See (lake)

Up on hte pass above Antholz. A very special place.

View leaving the parking lot to go to morning training

Quaint place that is definetely snowparidise

Quite peculiar to see them removing snow from the ski track. This range is so dialed in that it would out of whack with extra snow.

Quote of the Day from my 7 yo Will last week

"When are you going to shave? You look like a Chinese Lady??"

No idea where he got that from. Believe he meant Man.

Although the Man is sporting a Faux Hawk, Mullet and some kind of Catfish Hunter Facial Hair.

Luckily he is pulling it off well.

Unbelievable, I was too scared to gander inside and inquire what they offered or meant.

Laying down suppressive fire

World class shooting coach in action

Notice the frown. Too many misses.

Mean Greeny on location in Austrich

Mean Greeny goes on a Trainabout

2011-02-15T14:14:00.004-05:00

Mean Greeny has traveled near and far to end up at an undisclosed training location for final preparations for upcoming events. Above are a few of the people that he encountered today.

The Adventures of Mean Greeny

2011-02-14T16:19:00.002-05:00

What the heck is that about?? Well.... I have gone off and my family could not accompany me while traipsing around the European continent due to other commitments such as school, skiing, soccer etc. so.....Below are some shots of the Mean Greeny on a covert mission getting me lost in the mountains, trying paragliding, going swimming in a semi frozen pond, etc. Luckily he is a good shooting coach and waxer.

Mean G wondering why the trails were not

groomed??

Waxing for +1 Celcius with new snow on granular

Lake Placid Loppet

2011-02-14T15:44:00.003-05:00

Photo US Nationals Rumford ME (Ian Harvey TOKO US)

Going back to 2007 Lake Placid Loppet weather sub zero warming to 25 by finish of the race. First time I used HF Blue with JS rotocorked. Also did Chambo's Rotocorked skis in Biathlon waxing building around 7 am. Skis were awesome start to finish and surprisingly enough result was the W by a margin over Chambo Justin Freeman and Eli Enman. Not what was expected for the first half of the race. Was ecstatic just to be skiing in their company.

Now 2011 got there unfortunately in standard fashion 01:30 Saturday am Feb 5th with Wife and 5 kids( 1 transplant) in tow. Some unnamed Jacked Up Old Idiot killed the battery while waiting for kids to to finish High School XC Ski practice in front of the high school adding two car changes( thats a whole other story cannot thank my friends enough for stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run for us,besides enduring me over the years) adding up to a three hour delay to the departure from the greater Rochester area.

Weather was predicted to be low around zero warming up to 25 by finish of race. Ski's were waxed and scraped with HF Blue and fine grinds. ( I was responsible for Wife's skiis also. Note to self and others: Don't mess up your wifes skis. )

Woke up at 6 am temperature 5deg F rotocorked JS Blue on both pairs, Sky was blue.. Arrived at Van Hovenburgh 9am for a 10am start sunny sky was robin egg blue, and oh so WARM.. Oh Noooo!!! It was in the 20's and getting warmer.

No other options but to race on prepared skis. So warm that long underwear top and hat was shed.

Actually not too worried, (although could have done better with HF red and JS Red with a touch more structure). I was tranquil it was what it was and HF Blue with JS Blue cover has a huge range and was confident it work superbly. Wife did not know of my angst luckily!!!

After action report my skis were good and won by large margin.. More importantly my Wife who does not train that much and had to be forced to the line since she was surprisingly tired, felt unprepared, and I had entered the previous day. She won the 25km skate race and reported that her skis were awesome, amazing and that she felt sorry for all the men around her, because there skis were slow compared to hers.

At the start I was waiting for AJ and the Wynnster?? Maybe even Steve Cyr.

Conclusion HF Blue w JS blue is my go to wax combination.

The Pyramid

2010-10-12T08:51:00.003-04:00

Brought back from Afghanistan a simple full body punishing workout.

Currently I am doing this one time per week to remind myself of Afghanistan.

Unfortunately although it still is done mostly at O'Dark hundred the 80degree heat and wafting acrid fumes from the open pit burning are missing.

In Afghanistan I started doing this with a very tough Navy Seal Captain and his cadre. we would do a short 6 mile warm up then drag some rubber mats outside of the workout tent. We had three stations Pull-Up Bar, Push-Up Mat, And 95lb Bar.

The Workout is simple do a pyramid in a ratio of Clean/press or Snatch 95lb;pull ups;push ups of 1:1:2 start at 1 rep go to 10 and back down to 1.

One ends up with 100 Snatches and Pull ups 200 push ups.

Then you have to do the Master Set of Pull Ups if you don't do 20 your are deficient.

Dangerous Men Dream With their Eyes Wide Open

2010-09-30T07:32:00.001-04:00

Then Spend All Their Waking Moments Actualizing Their Dreams.

Inside Cycling with John Wilcockson: Alexi Grewal is deadly serious about comeback

By John Wilcockson • Updated: Sep 26th 2010 7:18 AM EDT

While current American pros are already looking forward to contesting the inaugural Quiznos Pro Challenge in Colorado next summer, none of them expects that an ex-pro and Hall-of-Famer who just turned 50 might be joining them on the start line. The ex-pro is 1984 Olympic Road Champion Alexi Grewal, and he is deadly serious about his comeback.

The rider and the bike might be old, but the motivation is renewed.

“The first objective of what I see as a three-year commitment to racing is to ride Quiznos and be the only person to compete in all three of its incarnations, Red Zinger, Coors Classic and Quiznos Pro Challenge,” Grewal told VeloNews on Friday.

“I am early in the specific training process,” he added. “Generally, I am thin and strong with a moderate base, but it has all been in hiking boots on a mountain bike. Today was the first day on a road bike, and I had to beg borrow and steal to get the archaic Trek I got. I’ll be using hiking boots and flat pedals for a few more days, then the real stuff.”

Grewal’s interest in coming back to competitive cycling more than 17 years after he last raced stems from the work he has been doing for a hometown group in Loveland bidding for a stage finish and start at next year’s Quiznos event. The former Coors Light, 7-Eleven and Panasonic team rider said he has scouted a possible “queen stage” from Loveland to Boulder that would include the infamous Fall River Pass, a switchback Jeep road to 11,796 feet elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Loveland group was meeting with race organizer Medalist Sports on Friday to discuss the city’s bid.

Grewal retired in 1993 after a lengthy career that included a stage win at the Tour de l’Avenir, numerous stage wins at the Coors Classic, three wins at the Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb and an infamous ride at the 1986 Tour de France — when he was ejected by his team after spitting at a motorcycle-mounted CBS cameraman who came too close to him after he was dropped on the Marie-Blanque climb in the Pyrénées.

Two weeks ago, Grewal took part in Wheat Ridge Cyclery’s Crooked Roubaix, his first competitive event since his retirement. Despite riding a mountain bike, flat pedals and hiking boots, Grewal finished the 90-mile gran fondo-style high-altitude event on dirt and paved roads in the leading group, crossing the line in fourth place out of a field of some 125 starters.

Now a skilled carpenter, Grewal began training for his return with a daily 30-mile roundtrip ride to his job in Masonville, pulling a trailer containing his timber-framing tools. This weekend, he is participating, along with Lance Armstrong, in the Roche Constructors 50-mile Wapiyapi Classic charity event in Aspen.

At 6 feet and 156 pounds, Grewal is not much different from his first pro racing career. Now back on a road bike, he plans to train intensely over the next two months, with a view to joining a pro team that will compete in the Quiznos Challenge.

“One of my first thoughts,” Grewal said, “was to form an ‘old man’s’ team for Quiznos with Ned Overend and Raúl Alcála.” A more likely prospect, should the 50-year-old Grewal prove himself competitive, is a spot on a North American continental team. He intends to race early-season stage races like the Tour of Cuba, Venezuela’s Vuelta a Tachira and the Tour of Chile to prepare himself for his possible appearance at the Quiznos Challenge.

Knowing that he is attempting something that’s not been done before by a cyclist his age, the Coloradan concluded, “The punch line for this crazy thing is, Alexi Grewal, back among the wheels. But funny thing is, I have never looked forward to anything more.”

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Club Med for JackedUp

2010-07-25T01:31:00.005-04:00

My place of Work

Going out for a ride in the 100degr heat breathing copious amounts of dust and diesel exhaust.

Using the "Ergominator" Never nearly enough

Shelter close by

Since May I have been at a place as close to Club Med as I will ever get. I am some where in Afghanistan taking care of Service Members while running a Troop Clinic and also doing Anesthesia in my off time.

As the summer progresses the heat and dust have become quite oppressive. Lately my resolve to train has floundered, although seem to be going through a revival. The end is coming near. Currently, riding a donated at least 45 lb armoured mtn bike. Most of the time wearing a particulate mask. Have been able to start a small but dedicated Kettlebell Training Group. We have had multiple torture sessions with the Guru, Anthony Diluglia.

The lodging here is 4 star with tons of awesome food, laundry service, and countless other amenities. For the last month I even have a private area in a tent. Luckily the people here have been amazing. The Unit I am assigned to have gone to great lengths to make me feel welcomed and taking care of me even building a custom stand for the "Ergominator" and . When at the Hospital, the Staff there have taken excellent care of me. A great place to work and spend time at a new home with quality people.

It has been both sobering and honor to take care of Service Members who not only completely dedicate their lives, but at times give life and limb for their Country. To uphold and protect the American way of life.

5-Peat

2010-05-18T15:22:00.006-04:00

Just finished 5th Ascent of Toll Road. Ready for last descent of the day

Sunday morning May 16th 2010 view of Whiteface from highway riding down from Lake Placid To get one last climb in before Sequestered training camp.

Jason after his 3rd time up the Whiteface Toll Road. Stop sign in Wilmington to the Castle. Amazingly Saturday was the first time he cycled up Whiteface.

Jason on Sunday after his 4th time up in a weekend.

This past Saturday May 15th I had set a personal challenge of climbing the Whiteface Mtn Memorial Toll Road( an 8 mile access road with over 3500ft of vertical from Wilmington NY) 5 consecutive times in a row. It would give me almost 18,000ft of climbing in about 7 hours. That would more then equal what Vino said he did in January. I had already ridden it 3 times a row over 15 years ago.

Also late in the week prior I enlisted a couple of people to give donations to NSA. I also pledged $20 for each time I made it to the Castle.

Fast forward to Saturday May 15th 2010 upon awakening at O'Dark Hundred there was noticeable rain coming down. At 06:00 when getting p out of bed there was some light precipitation coming down. At this point my enthusiasm for an all day assault on Whiteface was deflated to wanting to go to Chair Six and get a scrumptious breakfast with my family and wait for the weather to clear.

Alas knowing that I had to get at it to raise the funds for the kids at NSA!!

So at 07:30 approximately I left my Subaru at the stop sign in Wilmington and started up the toll road. Luckily to my Wife's chagrin I collected some extra clothes and stuffed them in a back pack for my first trip. Off I went into a brutal headwind with a light drizzle. By the time I hit the summit it was a steady downpour complete whiteout a brutal buffeting wind and 34deg F by my SRM. Luckily each time up the weather improved with each successive time up.

On my third time up Jason H. joined into the Whiteface Repeat Challenge. This was his first time tackling the toll road on a bicycle. He accompanied me for three times up the toll road.

Although the weather was brutal it was gratifying to successfully complete the challenge of a Whiteface 5-peat.

Amazingly the next morning it was sunny and mid fifties in Placid so Jason And I did one more ride up to the Castle to enjoy the majestic view. Also I raised a little money for National Sports Academy.

Whiteface Repeat Challenger(Unofficial Fundraiser)

2010-05-14T12:16:00.003-04:00

View of Lake Placid from Whiteface Mt

This Saturday I am going to have the First Whiteface Mt Repeat Challenge. It will be an un-sanctioned rogue fundraiser with all funds raised going to National Sports Academy in Lake Placid. An excellent school providing aspiring Olympians the ability to grow and prosper academically while growing as a Athletes and Citizens of the World.

The Goal is to 5-Peat the Toll road an 8 mile climb with just 3500ft vertical. This endeavor shall take approximately 6 hours and have a total vertical of 18,000 ft. Awesome.

So far I have Five donations raised. Join the Challenge.

If you want to Support the Repeat Challenge

Donations can be sent to

You can send a check in one of the remittance envelopes found in our newsletter or by sending your gift to the school in care of Angela Price at NSA 821 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, NY 12946

2 Fast Guys

2010-05-11T09:51:00.004-04:00

Steve and Alex jogging to victory

These 2 are fast runners. Some of the fastest in New York High School System if not the Nation. Yesterday they both ran stride for stride basically jogging a 1600m in 4:43. Unfortunately neither one of them felt like throwing down. As a spectator I would have enjoyed that. What is peculiar about these 2 is that neither of them run in an organized fashion all winter long. After the fall xc running season is finished. Which by the way both of them raced in the Nike National Meet. Steve Mangan the one in the lead he raced cross country skiing all winter. Steve is one to watch next year he is attending Big Green in NH(Dartmouth) Steve will be a threat to qualify for Junior Worlds in the future. Following him is Alex Deir, already a High School National Champion in the Steeplechase as a Junior. That was after playing Varsity Basketball all winter. go figure. Imagine if he xc skied all winter? He shows how hard a sport basketball is.

"The Look"

Whiteface Mtn Repeats

2010-05-10T06:21:00.003-04:00

This Saturday it is time do the first Annual Whiteface Repeat Event.

So far there are 3 Olympians and 1 other so inclined individuals signed up. It is an an unofficial unsanctioned event.

Sometimes one has to go out and do something a little unconventional, maybe it will not make sense to others. It might seem unreasonable or even downright ridiculous to other's.

Yet one can derive great satisfaction from setting a goal. The tougher and harder to accomplish the better. One can also get confidence and realize that they can accomplish the "Impossible"

So go out there and have fun.

Be Like Zatopek and just do it. Why Because that's what you do!!!

Here is an excerpt from a fellow cult member.

Emil Zatopek was immortalized by what he did at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, winning the gold medal in the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres, and marathon – yet between 1948 and 1958 he also set 20 world records, at 10 different distances. They didn’t call Zatopek the Human Locomotive for nothing. The great Czech runner was inspired by Paavo Nurmi, the man they called the Flying Finn – who in the three Olympic Games from 1920 to 1928 won nine gold and three silver medals. Nurmi was the first distance runner to base his training on repeat 400 metres, with a stopwatch in hand. When Zatopek read Nurmi would run one hour of repeat 400 metres, Zatopek decided he would run two hours of repeat 400 metres. Athletics Weekly gave seemingly unlimited space to the exploits of Zatopek during the 1950s, and in March 1955 carried an extensive feature, having observed his training in Prague for weeks. Included was a sample of Zatopek’s weekly training from that February – when he ran 420 repetitions of 400 meters, thus covering 168kms.
Monday 7th: am 40 x 400 metres, twice (!) Tuesday 8th: am 50 x 400 metres; pm 40 x 400 metres. Wednesday 9th: am 50 x 400 metres; pm 40 x 400 metres. Thursday 10th: am 40 x 400 metres, twice (!) Friday 11th: am 40 x 400 metres, twice (!) Saturday 12th: am 30 x 400 metres; pm. One hour jogging, and exercises. Sunday 13th: am Two hours jogging and exercises.

I know, I know, you did that while you were 12, and since you read Zatopek did 400's - you did 800's!!!

Will Waterskiing on Snow

2010-05-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

Friendship Through Sport at the 1st Military World Championships

2010-03-24T13:52:00.006-04:00

Biathlon Sprint, Brusson, Italy.

Last loop was the fastest

Old Friend Andreas Zingerle, now the ItalianNational Junior Biathlon Coach

Brusson Biathlon Start Finish Area

One of the Swedish Biathlon Coaches who came to our rescue and obtained race prepped skis from Swedish XC Team while enroute to Cogne.

Opening Ceremonies 41 Countries Represent

Cogne Ski Stadium

Cross Country Venue

Milan Airport

This week I have the honor of being part of the US Armed Forces team at the first Military World Winter Games. We arrived Saturday went straight to the opening Ceremonies where Marco Alborello lit the flame for the games. The games are in the Val d'Aosta region with all venues in a situation similar to the Albertville Olympics. Our team is spead out in a couple of valleys. On Monday we suffered through jet lag in a Biathlon Sprint Competition won by a Norwegian.

Today we had an interesting time. It started out getting up at O'Dark Hundred gathering our gear and marching a half mile to a bus stop to wait for transportationto the xc ski venue a 1 1/2 hour jaunt down and up two treacherous mtn roads.

Unfortunately after over an hour of waiting in the dark from 5:40 fro a 5:45 pick up we retreated to the Hotel in Brusson. Our Chief of Mission as as exasperated as we were at our situaton. I was beyond angry, fuming, steam coming out of my ears.

Back to the Hotel where we conversed with some Soldiers and our Trainer found a Lady from the Organization who said no transport this am.

Off we went to breakfast then surprisingly the lady said a bus could take us and a slight chance to make start. So never giving up off we went. Joining us was a Swedish Biathlon contingent going to spectate. They joined us in laughter and anger about our exasperation. Also they felt our anguish and pain about probably missing this race.

Unbeknownst to Us On our maniacal drive down one valley then across the plain and up the next valley in record time about an hour that left almost all ready up chuck.

The Swedish Coaches called their XC Wax Technicians and arranged for us to use some of their skis and get them to the start.

Alas all was not lost, even after we drove by the start area twice we made the start with over 10 minutes to spare.

The Swedish Madshus skis were awesome. The race went well I was 4 minutes of Vittoz in 15km in the middle of a tough field.

Much Thanks and Gratitude to the Swedish Contingent and their Generosity and Caring.

JackedUp Tour De Ski

2010-03-19T11:02:00.005-04:00

Training in the Dobiacco Stadium

Between Dobiacco and Cortina

What the heck a I doing not living here??

Awards KLL

Due to being to factors beyond our control. We were unable to attend the scheduled Tour De Ski. Of note our Board also considers the current format of to not be challenging and or tough.

Location Italian and German Dolomites

Consisted of some events then four days of Racing in two Countries. It was a six day event that comprised three days of over 40 miles of skiing.

Three trips to Prato Piazza (Includes 4mile hill climb)with an around the Mtn Tour. 15km Mass Start Dobiacco World Cup Course, Sprint Relay, 25km Patrol Race, 42 KM Konig Ludwig Lauf.

Arrive Munich Sunday mid morning acquire rental car, drive to Dobiacco Italy.

Mon am 2+ Hour Skate Dobiacco xc Area reacquaint with course for race

pm almost 4 hr Classic Ski almost to Prato Piazza MM accompanied

Tues am Nearly 3hr skate trip up the valley to previous race course MM accompanied

Wed am 15 km Mass Start Skate finished fifth overall won sprint against Italian for 5th overall

pm Classic Ski Dobiacco Stadium to Platzo Piazza just under 4 hr Great 6km uphill to PlatzoPiazza

Thurs am 4x 1km sprint relay Dobiacco Stadium finished fifth partner MM. The MM kicked Butt we were in a second pack with four guys in a pack out of reach. We had a tough fight with the Spanish team. for the first 3 laps the MM dropped about 30 ft behind the top Spanish skie r form the 15 km then, I would battle up to tag off equal for his lap. I was tired like hell from classic adventures but knew that I had to put out or hear how stupid I was skiing for mucho grande hours. On the Minnesota Machine's last lap he managed to stay with the Spaniard giving me a shot of owning them. I took the lead going up the hill and sprinted like crazy to win (5th). We were psyched. Also I did not have to hear how stupid 6 hr day skiing days are.

Immediately following Changed to classic and skied to Platzo Piazza then continued around the mountain range crossing a xc area then back down a long valley for a 5hr adventure albeit toast.

The 2 Weiss Beers afterwards were the best beers of my life.

Fri am 25 km Patrol race carrying teammates rifle then travel to Obergammagau Germany for Konig Ludwig Lauf.

Sat am 42 km Konig Ludwig Lauf. Was starting to feel training tempo managed to finish 4th overall and take the World Medical Championships. Dinner with World Famous Ski Club then back to Munich to fly home.

Prato Piazza

2010-03-19T10:23:00.003-04:00

Suffering Alpiini Troops

probably a 25km ski up a valley for them.

The Fort at the Top

Enjoying the Scene

Location Skier's Paradise Pustertal Region Dolomites. Circa Early February 2010

This place was my destination of the evening 3 out 5 nights while contesting the the Alpiini Ski Championships in Dobiacco, Italy. The skiing there is phenomenal. There are ski highways all over the place. One can ski till they are totally exhausted very easily. During normal operating hours one can stop along the way and have espresso and kuchen to refuel. I found out on my second journey when returning by artificial daylight that the groomer gets quite agitated upon finding crazed American skier rocking out.

This being my third trip to the the region having already made the amazing journey from Dobiacco to Cortina a few times, on my first late afternoon adventure along with the Minnesota machine when we reached the high point on the way to Cortina we crossed the road and started up the Climb to Prato Piazza. Unfortunately we turned around about a mile unbeknownst to us from the top. That was Mon Night it was getting dark and it looked like we were almost there. Still am almost 4hr ski returning in the dark with no light. THen on Wed after a 15km Mass start I went up again late afternoon, solo. Another superb classic ski toko Blue great kick. Got up to the Fort after a 4 mile climb just at dusk changed clothes powered up the NightRider artificial daylight and came back the way I came. Did not go to the exact high point was planning on a 30 mile ski the next afternoon with the MN Machine.

Thurs after Sprint relay finished fifth great performance from MN MAchine. Unfortunately I went on epic ski with al my friends. Had a blast started at nigh noon and circumnavigated the mountain's above the venue. Stopped at the Cafe at the top and had an espresso. Then jammed across and down the other side of the pass. I thought I was getting tired until I passed those Alpiini soldiers finishing there patrol race. They were suffering.

It ended up being an over 30 mile classic ski. But it was worth it.

Poor Performance Results in Extensive Extended Altitude Training Camp: The President is sending me to classified location to prepare for what's next?

2010-03-19T10:12:00.005-04:00

After living the the life of a Ski Nomad. With sorties in Finland, Canada, Germany, Italy and a campaign in the US, traveling the World awaiting for self proclaimed TWD.

Just as Putin has called for accountablility and resignation of all Russian coaches. They have held me accountable for poor performances. They are replacing me with another Jacked Up Idiot. They may encounter difficulty replacing the irreplaceable Jacked Up. But of course I wish them Good Luck!!

Next stop Classified for an extended training camp.

Mini Tour De Ski

2010-01-30T16:24:00.002-05:00

Right now departure for a European Tour de Ski is imminent. At Area 143 2 snow towers need some TLC and the Groomer is beached due to track malfunction. Training loop is 1/2 way to completion.

Currently delayed and have to fly backwards to get to where the action is. Why does Washington DC area need snow?? Who knows??

Plan is to do 15km Skate Mass Start, Sprint Relay, 25km Patrol Race followed by 50km Skatte World Loppet Wed-Sat. As part of the Italian Military Ski Championships in the Sud Tirol then the KLL, Konig Ludwig Lauf.

That will give my Wife time to fix all and get the training loop completed.

Voodoo Man

2010-01-25T06:34:00.002-05:00

Right Before I Devoured the Voodoo Man

Found this man at the 1980 timing hut on top of Algonquin Hill at the high point on Porter Mtn loop.(LakePlacid)

Was out doing a post race harder then race classic session on my favorite loop. (7x last weekend)

The VooDoo guy got revenge by making me put too much sticky stuff on my classic skis the next morning.

Question of the Week

Why doesn't the Harry Eldridge Memorial ski race go up Harry's Hill?

Take Home Lessons

#1 Do not put so much goop on bottom of skis

#2 Do not do races on flat courses when I can go train on real terrain. It gets in the way of training. A 3-5 hour ski on Porter Mtn loop was negated. although the race was fun.

#3 Get the race to be 3x East Mtn with Harry's hill.

Take Home Points

Confessions of a Training Addict

2010-01-19T19:17:00.005-05:00

My New Training Partner

He constantly heckles me

"Is that all you got?" , "You can't wipe me out!!", As He Wips my leash "GO Horsey GO!"

Warning what follows is perseveration. To proceed may alter your thought patterns.

I'm not kidding.

Sounds simple at first. Addicted to training. Not Exactly. Definitely not addicted to plodding along through anything. Not a Day, not a second, not any workout, ski, bike, hike, run, kayak. Abhor even wasting a second. Am on a mission to achieve excellence in all its varying aspects and forms.

Understand??

JackedUp are you addicted to training? Definitely!!

Not plodding though. Am forever seeking the state where the mind is in control and the body just responds. The "Flow", " Nirvana" , and or "Something".

Don't assume that I'm crazy, yes driven but not crazed. If I really wanted to make the Olympic team I would have quit my job, sequestered myself from my family created a support team to facilitate peak performance.

Does anyone realize what goes into obtaining orchestrated peak performance. Analyze the support staff behind most successful athletes.

Don't think or assume that this implies that I did not give 100% in order to tryout for the 2010 Olympics, with my limitations and constraints I gave 110%. Through this journey I have received unfathomable support from my Family, my Coworkers and National Guard Biathlon. Not forgetting help from Friends and Acquaintance's. ( For some strange reason, probably prefer to remain anonymous.)

As one gets older we get distractions, commitments, and limitations for me that is a family and a job. Yes I would've been thrilled to race in another Olympics and would not have tried if it wasn't possible.

The truth of the matter is that I just love training and racing. This is a similar situation to back when I would bring extra stuff home that I would collect a the dump then return 90% of it letting my wife think that she had won. When the actually I had claimed the Victory and Wife never knew it.

Remember as Tsen Tsu taught in the China 5th Century BC " When a Victorious Warrior is Victorious: No one knows he has attained Victory"

Training to make this Olympics in a way was akin to the dump analogy in that it allowed me to train logarithmically more then if I wasn't training for something big.

In a Machiavellian way the ends justified the means. Due to the enlistment of Wife and Kids was able to train copious amounts of hours. Now I need some outlandish justification to go on another training mission. Right now I have JackedUp's version of the "Tour De Ski" and the World Military Championship at the end of March.

While I have heard countless so training maniacs say that if they were to become paralyzed, lose a leg that they would rather die. For me a die hard training addict I find those statements repulsive and spurious to my training mission for life. No matter what the handicap there would be a new training mission and an odyssey for excellence. If I was locked in(means totally paralyzed, not even your eyes move. No way to communicate your alive except brain scan) with only brain waves functioning I would just imagine excellence and live it through some alpha waves working on a virtual perfection of sport. Never say die, never give up.

Unfortunately Racing is a necessary evil but it can get in the way of optimal training. Now I can train for training sakes. Optimal training.

Stay tuned for elaboration on the Training Wars.

Next???

Stay tuned for elaboration on training Wars.

Training War

2010-01-19T15:22:00.002-05:00

Its all about training. Victory is measured by total system destruction.

To a training addict.

More to follow.

Maybe? We Will See

2009-12-21T16:04:00.003-05:00

Finally after at least 6 years of "NO WAY" . We have a "Maybe".

That is the answer to the question, suggestion, encouragement to one "Chambo" to try Biathlon out.

I have been following Chambo since his college days where he was tearing up the tracks as a collegiate skier when I was coaching at St Lawrence. Later racing against him over the years.

It is too bad that he has not trained for Biathlon these past years.

Biathlon is an addictive sport. Very humiliating also. One can wonder why extremely talented skiers such as Lars Berger, and Ronny Hasfas compete in Biathlon where they constantly get punished with penalty loops when they will for sure have a chance of a podium in a "Special Race".

As Josh Thompson would say: "Biathlon is a sport where you have to be smart enough to figure it out and STUPID enough to keep doing it"

Maybe I do not like Chambo and want to watch him to suffer painfully doing Biathlon.

No actually, Chambo would be a kick ass biathlete. He is fast strong skier.. His Wife, Beth Ann is a National Class Biathlete and he still has many good years of skiing in him.

As has been demonstrated a Biathlete can do well in a ski race, but a Skier would have a hard time excelling in a Biathlon Competition.

Hopefully he will take the plunge.

Itasca Biathlon Trials

2009-12-19T17:39:00.004-05:00

Gravestone GeneratorThey are not dead till they are warm and dead.Do not believe everything you see.The Nerve
Although it has it has warmed up from subzero temp to the low teens it is still cold out here. While some people may lose focus towards the end of a tryouts. JackedUp knows it is go time.
In 2006 a faction of MWSC and the USBA put up a gravestone in Fort Kent Maine. Marking the end of BIathlon for JackedUp. I missed that team by 3 places working full time as an Anesthesiologist and as a National Guardsman.

To seal the deal on June 26th 2006 due to a mechanical during a bike race I suffered a fractured Acetabulum and Pelvis. Was relegated to crutches for 2 months. For awhile it was questionable weather I would be able to run again yet return to a competitive level in any sport. Due to the timing of this missed a deployment to Iraq in its stead had a Sept till Dec training camp in Boston with the US Army doing an active duty stint and with CSU(Cambridge Sports Union) After all clawed my way back so that:In spring I returned to Fort Kent and took home 2 National Biathlon Championship medals.
Now it is the last hour of tryouts. So far shooting has been ok. Skiing speed has not been as fast as expected.
Ready to $^&^$ on that F@#$% Gravestone during the next race.

Leaving Canmore's Paradise at O'Dark Hundred

2009-12-06T23:03:00.002-05:00

Pre- Race; receiving race instructions from the "Institute" and while Simultaneously deriving Unfathomable Mental, Physical, Social, and Psychic Euphoria from watching Tim Burke REPEADETLY make the European's and the "Grown" Men who coach them cry.

Chasing the Montana Mountain Man Dan Campbell

(Wouldn't it have been awesome to actually finish on the summit of one of those peaks?)

Dan and I passing some junior racer's on our last loop. Notice the "Steam" coming off all of us.

Canmore Nordic Center did it. They made 2 separate race loops. Although it wasn't the exact loop that I lusted for, the 3.3 km loop there is a gas. They did an excellent job. It is amazing how they got so much dine in just a couple of days time. The last races before the tryout series are over.

Photo Credit to Brandon Adams. Utah National Guard.

Canmore Race Series #2

2009-12-04T23:16:00.003-05:00

Water Vaporization

Pat Cote Skiing

Canmore Nordic Area has done it. They have created a separate Biathlon and Cross Country Loop In about 3 days. The tracks stand as testament to their snow making capability. Unfortunately we are not able to ski the real 10km course which has great transitions fun downhills and some challenging terrain. It was funny the 2 days previous to today the temp. was way below zero F and the snow guns were making about 90% vapor or more.

Tomorrow we have a 10km race on a 2.5 km loop. The loop has no sustained climbs or downhills. It will be a suffer fest though since one shall have to grind around the course, with no real rest.

Psyche d to race the Temp should be above zero tomorrow. Still Toko HF Blue with JS Blue Bloc rubbed and Rotocorked. Sunday will bring extreme cold and most likely will break out the XCold powder.

Then on Monday we travel to again to the Midwest Freezer Box.

Actually was -22 a second before that's Celsius

BIg Game Shooting Training

2009-11-30T22:10:00.004-05:00

The Hirvi or Moose Hunt

Due to persistent beatings on the range. Shooting training has been changed. The Minnesota Machine and I have started Big Game Hunting in our condo while waiting to attack the range in the early am.

Canmore Race Series #1 Over

2009-11-30T00:08:00.003-05:00

Photo Credits: National Guard Biathlon Pictures form 10km Sprint Saturday November 29th

Finished with first official races of the season. The hellatious downhill was all that got me to go around the course at times after the mental and physical batterings that were received on the shooting range. It was a sort of S-turn that if you tried to turn you would slide due to all the ice in the trail from all the snow plowing going down. It would have made a great video of the youth competitors coming down that hill that while warming down Bill Bowler, Russell Courrier and I stopped for some time to watch them biff and boff through the hill sometimes there were 2 or more lying on the trail in the middle of the turn in some sort of contortionists pose. Luckily nobody was getting bashed up to badly.

The turn was so bad assed that it even took out our Specials Forces Biathlete right before his standing shooting. Filling his barrel and sight with snow.

Doug Bernard successfully negotiating the Hellatious Ice Riddled S-Curve

Canmore, Where Skiers Are Made

2009-11-27T22:15:00.004-05:00

A Sunrise as we arrive at the Venue for another hammer session. This weekend the North American BIathlon Series starts in Canmore, Alberta, Canada.
They have the the whole range covered. We will ski from the Range up to the top of the hill each loop. Every loop people have to cross traffic twice so there is a possibility of some major carnage. Also since we are using all of the available trails we will share half the trails with all the other tourists and Racers training here tomorrow.
Even with under 2 miles of man made snow Canmore is a spectacular place to train.

Recent Webcam Footage from the Institute

2009-11-26T15:18:00.002-05:00

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Recent Webcam Footage from the Institute

2009-11-26T15:07:00.004-05:00

No Cross Country Skiing for Old Men, That is Discrimination

2009-11-25T09:28:00.001-05:00

Do Not Bring a Biathlon Rifle to Britain: Enforced Rest

2009-11-24T22:09:00.003-05:00

The conspiracy to manipulate one Man's existence continues. Remember Friend "They are even out to get Paranoid people." .

Do Not Bring a Rifle into Great Britain no matter what anybody tells you.

The Authorities did not believe that I escaped from Finland and arrived at Heathrow via Santa's Sled. They did not even find any humor in that. Even in the land of Benny Hill. Go Figure.

After one week of enforced rest and recovery at a Government subsidized training facility I have been released to the US Army for duty in Canmore, Alberta.

Luckily, I am not in West Yellowstone this week. Although I love going there and have many great memories from West. It is a premier place to go for early season training. The grooming is always perfect. The scenery is awesome. People are great.

Although it looks like Nirvana in West. There are some problems with training there during the Thanksgiving week. Many of the people coming there like to stop in the middle of the trail and socialize? This interferes with my Systemic Over Training Plan.

In order to avoid slowing down and stopping and continue to overtrain, and also to avoid harming innocent skiers enjoying themselves I am forced to train at all hours of the night and early morning by headlamp and night vision. This disrupts my Arcadian rhythms and sleep schedule.

Quote Of the Week: Excuses!!

2009-11-21T17:27:00.002-05:00

Stolen from a Winning High School Coach:

Excuses are like Butt Cracks

Everyone has one and they all stink!!

Top Ten All Time Excuses to Follow at a predetermined date.

Arrested!! "Illegal Ski Technique"

2009-11-13T23:28:00.008-05:00

Jacked Up being led off the tracks by Finnish Police

After escaping from the Olos Ski Prison Jacked Up took up residence in Rovaniemi, Finland. A quiet setting with a great history in the Nordic Sports. It was the perfect place to train anonymously and discreetly. Oh Well!!

Today the Jacked Up old Man was arrested after being reported by Ounasvaara Ski Club Officials and local Citizens who recognized him from Finland's Most Wanted show. As he was skiing around the ski track.

Some of the charges that were leaked from the sealed inditement, Jacked Up was charged with:

Illegal Ski Technique

Skiing to Fast

Impersonating a Finnish National Team Skier

Hunting Reindeer and Moose without a license

Training with Illegal Training Plan

Systemic Overtraining

Impersonating Santa Claus

Neglecting Recovery

He was immediately sentenced and returned to the Lapland Prison System for Remedial Skiing and Shooting.

We all know what the Finns are up to arresting and incarcerating an innocent Man who is just Guilty of loving Skiing and Hard Training... Protecting National Interests and the Population??

Dragging that Reindeer down the trail was simply resistance training.

We all know what the Finn's are after.. They are after the secret weapon.

TIGER CLAW

Fortunately the Institute is sending a Fast Action Extraction Team to Lapland. To protect their "Intellectual Property"

Excerpts From Prison

2009-11-10T14:03:00.003-05:00

Pictured above is the reason that there will never be peace. What is that? A pile of anonymous shoes? No it is NOT!!

That is the space between the door of my room and Athletes from a former Eastern Bloc. While I have not talked to them. Talking to extraneous individuals is not mission specific. I have had my personal space infringed or incringed on by some heinous smelly footwear. Retaliation is imminent.

Have you ever interviewed prison Inmates? Well if you see them for medical reasons one visit is the as the next different Joe but same general story. They are innocent and have trouble sleeping.

Well this inmate is Guilty and has no problem sleeping. Oh Well

Here is an excerpt from an anonymous prisoner in another cell in another prison in Lapland. They obviously make an industry of making prison life in November in Lapland seem Glamorous

"to prison R.D.D

here it is the same. sleep, training, food, sleep, training, food. I can’t even eat this shit anymore. Cold smoked bear meat was terrible. Cat fish caviar or reindeer tongue I won’t take any more. Only bison meat and pizza Al Capone keeps me alive here middle of nowhere. After some beer it is easy to calculate that it’s only 2 days left or was it 4 ?

unknown soldier from cell 117"

This message was recieved through underground internet facilitated by satillite aided internet device smuggled in as Alpina Boots, Madshus Skis, Exel Poles, Oakley Glasses, Craft Long Underwear. Progress and freedom cannot be help back.

Swedish National Biathlon Team Zeroing for the Olos Invitational incidently Won by Paavo Puurinen.

Jail Break planned shortly have a Moose Suit and going trot through the Tundra and avoid being shot.

Ski Jail, Muonio Northern Finland

2009-11-07T10:07:00.007-05:00

Currently banished to Northern Finland in a "Virtual Jail". Was dropped up here at the Olos "Resort". There are no fences or guards that are apparent. Although once you leave the confines of the ski trails there is just a moonscape. It is common knowledge that there are man eating Reindeer and Moose in the frozen tundra.

Right now they have 7km of man made snow. There is a 41 point Biathlon range. Consequently there are around 20 National Teams Cross Country and Biathlon Teams imprisoned here, preparing for the upcoming Winter Season.

There are many other inhabitants of this Jail although I have not talked to them. They also go out and do hard labor on the ski tracks.

It is funny that although Mother Russia has been disbanded... The Russian Team and all their satellite teams still have many old men standing around the trail. What are they doing?? Trying to stop people from leaving the track and going and smoking a pipe in the woods?? Who knows what they are doing. But they are there.

The beginning or end of the track.

Luckily some of the Guards have been helping me. Much Thanks to them.

So far I have done one Time Trial and have another one early this upcoming week.

It is much easier to train for Biathlon if you get some help on the range.

If you read this please send Extraction Team. Sometimes you get what you ask for. I am in TOKO gear skiing for my life.

BIke Racing and Ultimate Fighting My Channel

2009-11-07T09:58:00.001-05:00

Arctic Circle Finland: Suomi Faction JackedUp Nation

2009-11-01T13:22:00.004-05:00

Yes, finally back in the land of cross country skiing. After an uneventful trip I was collected by the Finnish Branch of the Jacked Up Nation. Their actual identities are withheld to protect them and their families. Currently at the Arctic Circle for a few days of indoctrination then shall be transferred to Muonio for action.

Guess what the heck this is?

Ok.

It is a Bottle of Scotch that was purchased for my old Coach that brought me from a city slicker from New York to a World Class Athlete in under 24 months two decades ago.

It also is a sign that things are starting to go the "Jacked Up Way" .

It was purchased at the duty free shop at JFK Airport, NY transported across the pond. When transferring to a domestic flight i Finland the screeners said that I had to toss this because could not bring on plane even though I did not leave a sterile area?? Who Figures? THey said that the EU does not trust the TSA??

SO instead of tossing this nasty elixir I went out of the sterile area intoo Helsinki Vantaa and checked it as is although the Gate Attended wrapped it in the Garbage bag you see and we put it on the belt.

It was expected to arrive smashed in Rovaniemi. BUt it came off the belt intact. Who would've figured that???

To The Homeland, Redemption

2009-10-30T14:11:00.004-04:00

As local members of “Jackedupnation” may have figured out, the Soldier Hollow roller ski races I have just returned from, didn’t go so well.

My reaction to the high altitude there didn’t go as planned, and while I am displeased with myself, I was not discouraged.

Until today.

Yes, today….

Today I got kicked to the curb…

Just minutes ago, by special currier, I received a letter from “The Institute”.

Yes, “The Institute” where I have been granted asylum from the real world.

Where I was helped to further my quest for the ultimate ski technique, expand the boundaries of human performance, and escape into a world where I was valued as a man on a quest.

Until today.

Here is what the letter said:

Dear Jackedupoldman,

It has come to our attention that you have failed to make the world cup trip in biathlon due to your utter and complete failure in Soldier Hollow.We here at the Institute wish to remind you that it was “do or do not” time and you “did not”.

When you came to us for help those many years ago, you promised results.

Many on THE BOARD felt you were over the hill, washed up and a mere shadow of your former self, but in a sprit of benevolence, we took a gamble, and took you under our wing.With the provision that you would produce” spectacular” results, proof positive that you were worthy of our trust in you.

We are still waiting to see your name at the top of a result list. Any result list.

Frankly, you have been hanging on by a tread, your only saving grace being your total destruction of the US Nordic community on Whiteface Mountain.

That result each year gave us hope, as lord knows, that was about it for your “total world domination”, as you kept claiming you were on the verge of.

However, with your last minute decision to sit out this year’s Race to the Castle, Soldier Hollow became your final chance to renew our faith in you.

We think it goes without saying that based on those races; your ski career is over.

It was a good one, you had many days in the sun, but clearly, you have lost a step. Or three.

Those “kids”, as you keep calling those 25 year olds on the National Team, are where we are putting our money behind now.

We owe it to our investors to at least give them some return on their investment.

You have been, to be honest, just a drain.

Therefore, let it be known that Jackedupoldman is no longer a part of “The Institute”

All of your privileges have been revoked.

We deny your mere existence.

We do however wish you well as you make the transition into the real world. Our counselors are standing by to assist you as we feel you are going to need some severe help coping with reality, as it has been decades since your last visit to Planet Earth.

Even Jackedup has feelings and after reading that, I was down in the dumps.

Way down.

I had narrowly slipped through the fingers of my family’s intervention, but this was just too much.

Clearly, I needed to do some soul searching.

So, I do what I always do.

I put the hammer down.

It was time to find the inner “Jackedup”.

I find that pain purifies my thoughts, and for the next 8 hours, I became purified personified.

And then, as it always does, my destiny became clear.

Give up?

Go back to the Real World?

Become the “oldman” formerly known as “jackedup”?

I think not!

And so, I decided it was time to get back to my roots. My quest now must go back to where many of my training practices where honed.

Where I could get my biathlon MOJO back.

Where I would be looked on as a man on a mission, not a madman.

Yes, the only country in the world where “Jackedup” can be understood.

Finland.

A land where they have a different word for everything, and no word for “crazy”!

Yes, I leave for Finland to regain what I have lost.

My dignity.

Jackedup is not done yet!

Those Institute @#$%! don’t have a clue!

I might be out of their minds, but they are not out of mine.

It is on.

Now we are going to be doing things one way… the Jackedup way.

I pity the fool who tries to stop me.

Utah Epic Classic Trip That's What It's all About

2009-10-22T20:54:00.004-04:00

Big Mountain Mission Accomplished

Heading Up Big Mountain

It is about getting together with great people going out and doing what you love. After having a couple of frustrating days on the course and range at Soldier Hollow... fortunately was saved. Was able to meet up with "Nordic Dave" and was introduced to one of his stomping grounds. We started out in Salt Lake City went up some canyon ending up on Little Mountain Pass after doing both sides of this climb we again descended went down to the bottom of the valley then turned around and finished on Big Mountain. All things considered it was an amazing workout in great company and majestic scenery.

In Utah Do Not Enter Means :

Do Not Enter

Barn Before Soldier Hollow Venue

Biathlon Intervals Oct 13 2009

2009-10-21T09:36:00.001-04:00

Last Biathlon intervals before heading to Utah.
Felt much better then at 5900 ft trying to survive.
Word to the wise do not race in your 3rd to 5th day at altitude.

Intervention Foiled

2009-10-17T04:06:00.001-04:00

Well right now as I am sitting on a jet under the name Jacked Up. Mr Up to the uninformed.

While I am heading at 600mph to my destiny at Soldier Hollow, my Family, Friends, USBiathlon Representatives, Coaches, Adviser's and Coworkers are sitting in my living room drinking Dark Roasted Starbucks by the gallon expectantly waiting my return from what they think is my Saturday morning obligatory hammer session.
What brings a group like that together?

An intervention.

For yours truly, Jackedup old man.

Luckily an unnamed source leaked that the support team that I have learned to count , whom has enabled me to continue my addiction to the sustained dopaminergic release I get from training has decided it is time for Jackedup to own up to the facts.
This Olympic "Craziness", need to be confronted. Why now? It's a mystery to me. Just because My Wife and Kids have not seen me for the last three months is no need to panic.
Tipped off to this attempt to derail the Jackedup train, I decided to stage my own preemptive strike.

Friday was spent at the Courthouse changing my identity to my alter Ego - Jacked Up. Getting plane tickets updating USADA etc all the time pretending I was innocently at work.

As I prepared to continue my delusions, my "intervention group" was getting their iron clad case together to make me face the facts.

They think that this triaining should stop. They cite many reasons.
#1 That I am not contender for the US Olympic Biathlon Team but a middle aged man undergoing a mid life crisis. Unnamed Representatives of the USBA have convinced them of this.

#2 My new "Tiger Claw" technique is insane and proves that I have gone over the edge.
#3 I have a family ( huh? when did that happen) that needs my full attention, and financial earnings.
#4 This is 2009 not 1992, the sport has passed me by. I need to be working on my golf and boccie games, not ramping up some 210 beats per minute roller ski workout on a treadmill.
#5 Even if I made the Olympic team -Who cares anyway!!

My answer:
Jacked Up cares.
And that is good enough for me.
Nice try intervention group, by the time you get this, I will be on the start line in Utah.
Destiny awaits in Soldier Hollow, I will continue to fight the good fight.
Like the Phoenix, I will rise again....

The Future is Here " Tiger Claw"

2009-10-13T09:49:00.003-04:00

Most of "Jackedup Nation" realizes that behind the barb wired fence at Area 143 there are things happening. Revolutionary things. Secret things. One of these classified projects has been as enthralling, and as awe inspiring, as the Apollo and Manhattan Projects were back in the day. It is the next breakthrough in ski technique. It has been a steady progression of experimentation taking years to assemble. First there was the Skijitsu Technique. This was demonstrated on the Toll Road at Whiteface Mountain in the Fall of 2008. Many shortchanged the results saying they were falsely based on the 4Wheeled Rocket Skiis(Code Named:The (&*^$&%$#^$@$!^$). This was believable to the Masses. BUT the Erudite realized that something else was going on.
Skijitsu!! They did not know what the technique was called. They just knew it was new, and it was fast, very fast. They had heard the whispers on the wind about the government funded - ultra-secret project to develop ultimate ski technique. After hundreds of hours of video analysis and dartfish assisted breakdown of the technique at a long and secret retreat, Vordy, Fish, Caldwell among other's, believed they had cracked the code. Unfortunately for them, researcher's at the institute had already realized the fatal flaw of Skijitsu. It was only effective at 7% grade to 11%. Perfect for the toll road, or the last stage of the Tour de Ski, but consequently inefficient and useless at lesser grades and higher speeds. Once the liability was identified, the institute shifted into overdrive to find a solution. With 2010 on the horizon, failure was not an option. This solution was the Apollo11 Rocket technique which was more efficient and faster over more a varied terrain, while still maintaining the crushing uphill pace demonstrated on Whiteface. At first it was merely theoretical. Numbers were crunched force plate analysis, biometrics VQ, blah blah. Once again, the field test would be the Race to the Castle. Fall 2009 - Whiteface Toll Road. Result- Total Domination.. again the expert analysis was that it was just the rocket skis. Despite the results, the Institute's search for the perfect technique was still on. While the Apollo11 was better then Skijitsu, it still had some fatal flaws . Due to Government restrictions those flaws cannot even be inferred to here. It was in late 2009 however, that the testing finally had another breakthrough's and an even newer technique was born. The ultimate in ski racing.
The Tiger Claw. Yes the Tiger Claw. You may laugh at the ridiculous of this preponderance. But in laboratory tests on the Punisher, and on road courses designed to simulate World Cup ski terrain, the Tiger Claw has broken every previous record. By minutes, not seconds. And so, while unable to race Whiteface, the facts are in, the Tiger Claw is the technique of the future and will be on public display, very, very soon. Consider yourself warned....

Thoughts on 2009 North American Birkebeiner

2009-09-28T13:44:00.003-04:00

First of all an awesome event. At the Birke one can catch up with many old ski friends. It is an amazing atmosphere with all types and kinds of skiers well represented. The most rewarding parts last year were of course catching up with old friends enjoying the hospitality of my hosts the Bauer's. John also makes it a near impossibility to win the 40-45 age group. Actually cannot wait until he is again out of my age group.

This past year I was able t get there a couple of days in advance and help out with a National Guard Booth where we had an information on the Biathlon Program at the National Guard and help out at the TOKO tech team by answering questions about wax and waxing to many appreciative people.

Why am I going on about the Birke now anyway??

Well I watched under the power lines in the media player at Fasterskier.

Earlier this year some people had inquired as to what the heck I was thinking during that time?

It is very simple we are all addicted to Dopamine. Leading a race gives me a Dopamine high.

Not to mention that I buy lottery tickets occasionally and always think that I am going to win.

Also in the beginning of the Birke there were so many people, it was a pain to ski in the pack. In a pack that big it is easy to get caught up with some people and fall, break a pole, etc. I just wanted to thin it out a little.

Hope to be in the same position next year.

Quote Of the Week: ff

2009-09-16T06:20:00.004-04:00

Will Mountain Biking Biathlon Training at Van Ho

Labor Day 2009

"It's not about the training it's about the Racing"

Most of us tend to focus on the training and for whatever the reason of the day is tend to under perform, not meet expectations come race day.

Unfortunately it is not about the training. It is about the results. At least for me this year. next year I can again start doing impossible workouts day after day. It is fun to go out and do hellatious rollerski, bike, running workouts. It is an awesome feeling to just be wasted from exhaustion. The daily hazing and abuse that I have endured for what seems like an eternity ( and am addicted to)would bring upon me being banned from coaching for life if the full truth was ever known. Even last year I can identify a couple of workouts that were just too much. The poor results that followed in retrospect were an almost certainty.

SkateMill Biathlon

2009-09-10T13:51:00.001-04:00

These are video excerpts from this morning's Biathlon workout. It was 8 intervals followed with shooting for time and accuracy. It is quite amazing the lengths one old man will go to. To be competitive in the sport of Biathlon.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T09:28:00.001-04:00

The weather was incredible in Lake Placid this weekend. Sunny not to warm. Being up there with near perfect conditions really makes me question why I am not there all the time.
Although I did not feel up to par all weekend I had some good training never the less. Saturday a time trial on my test course. After fixing my rollerski binding flex plate. Time was slower than I expected but felt a little under the weather. Sunday did easy running and shooting at Van Ho Biathlon Range I hired freelance Coaches Ripster and Will to help set up time and distract me.
Monday's training salvaged the weekend. I was able to utilize the complete loop at the new biathlon range in Lake Placid. My Daughter was the coach of the day.
It is interesting to compare skiing hard on the treadmill to rollerskiing in vivo. Onthe treadmill the speed is set and you have to maintain that speed never miss a stride or pole plant if you do not recover from the misshap you will fly off the back there is no forgiveness. On the treadmill you cannot slow down you have to adapt to the pace.
On the road you set the pace if you are skiing alone if you do no t pole hard then you go slow. YOu have to set your pace.. will fininsh later .....have to go to a court room for jury duty

State of the Nation

2009-09-02T11:20:00.002-04:00

As the Ski season comes closer the focus of training must become more specific. Unlike most aspiring most athletes aspiring to make the Bus to the 2010 Olympics my training venues are limited by geography and time. Being a man I have adapted my environment to meet my needs. No glacier or summer skiing. Currently have my Children and Wife are digging a ski tunnel. Tim and Lowell will not come to my house after there last experience digging a tunnel under Area 132 in Lake Placid in their formative years. Not only are they World Class Biathletes but they can are also world class excavators. They can dig especially when augmented with a six pack of Coca-Cola.
Also we scrapped the Rollerski Biathlon loop we were scheduled to build this summer.

This is because the Punisher (Skatemill) Is all that I need.

One Man, One Mission, One Area, One Punisher, One Target, One Goal, One Result.

RIght now the focus and purpose is improving ski fitness and technique combined with adapting to shooting fast and furious.
Fortunately I can be shooting in about 20 seconds from dismounting from the Punisher.

The video above is from a short interval where I was post call( status post limited sleep due to working) after each interval I shot a biathlon stage. I only did twelve that morning.

The previous day it was 8 times 8 minutes at threshold combined with shooting. That is: Jumping off the Punisher sprinting 50 ft grab rifle put on back fire five shots sprint back to the Punisher and rock and roll. Every once in a while take a Lactate sample and adjust speed of the Punisher.

My life is getting very simple. Work, Date with the Punisher, ski Specific strength, repeat, Bike about once a week.

No glaciers no, ski tunnels etc. Boring and I Love it!!

Living With The Enemy

2009-08-31T21:14:00.006-04:00

Jacked Up Old Man on the Punisher

Man is mankind's own worst enemy. Just as my worst enemy is well known to many, unknown to most,hated by everyone, and loved by all.

Living with the enemy. He is Moody and nothing is ever good enough. I believe him to be frustrated maybe even emotionally and mentally tortured and vicariously living out his dreams and aspirations through me.

Every waking moment I can recall I live in fear and trepidation of what he will to me next. Over the years I have learned to overcome and all hurdles and trials that are thrown at me. What seems simple is not.

Sleeping with the enemy. That never happens due to the enemy never sleeping. He plans, schemes, waits, recovers, rebuilds but never ever think that he is sleeping. The Enemy does not realize that humans need sleep to rebuild and recover.

Training with the enemy is always a challenge he keeps no schedule is always enduring some punishment. Especially from the Punisher where truth is absolute. Am sent out to suffer at all times of days and night. Am sent out to the Institute to be tortured on the Punisher, am sent to far lands to be Punished by the Punisher of the Day. Nothing is ever good enough for the Enemy. Failure is never the Enemies fault. Failure is by default all blamed on me. The Enemy sends me out to train till failure. This can be detrimental the point of failure. The point of training is to get better not worse. is to go fast and get results not train the most. The enemy sends me to War without proper preparation. For example he gives me one to weeks to compress a years shooting in and then admonishes me when the shooting is slow and sub par. He makes me work all night then travel to races then wonders why I do not perform??

Eating with the enemy is never constant. The diet of the Week changes for no good reasons. Am made to eat all different concoctions. Currently it is the Superfood diet, but that is subject to change. Sometimes am starved by him. he is concerned with my power to weight ratio to stupidity. It is frustrating to no end dealing with the enemy on even a weekly basis imagine on a second by second basis. Scary.

The Enemy lets one gives in to weaknesses, allows one to justify and reason that you should be reasonable and tolerant, especially with one's self. Causes you to overindulge with food. Lets you rest when you should be working and causes you to work hard when you should be resting. Sends you to work when you should be training.

Racing with the enemy is painful. Go out hard, suffer then pick it up. Death or the end of the race is the only deliverance from his torture.

News Flash

2009-08-30T17:36:00.000-04:00

This just in.
ESPN.com reports that Jackedup is looking into rehiring his former coach whom he broke ties with earlier this year. A unidentified source close to the situation tells ESPN that Jackedup is rethinking his training program after seeing what his former coach did with an unknown and obscure biathlete from Lima New York - whom has come out of nowhere to make the World Championships in running biathlon. With the pressure of trying to qualify for Vancouver now only weeks away, Jackedup seems ready to reconcile with the man who made him “Jackedup” in the first place. Stay tuned as Jackedupis rumored to be having a press conference to address the situation.

JackedUp Quote of the Week

2009-08-27T13:06:00.004-04:00

"Michael Jackson would not have had Insomnia, He would not even have needed pharmaceuticals.

If JackedUp was his Doctor/Trainer/ Life Coach."

Anonymous

Just call, and ask Jason Hettenbaugh.

But call before 6pm. Since he goes to bed early!!!

"Another example of why not to Dope."

JackedUp

Dope and you shall DIE

Doping Kills

JackedUp Hill of the Week: Burch Hill

2009-08-26T05:17:00.004-04:00

Picture from last Fall

Yesterday I thought that at one point (Second ascent Double Poling with speed reducers on third notch) that with certainty the next double pole the insertion point of my triceps common extensor tendon was going to be torn from the bone. Did about 4,000 vertical feet double poling and skating without poles. Can't wait to do it again next week.

Burch Hill is a short Rd between Canadice lake Rd and County Rd 37 it has a change in elevation of just over 400ft in 0.81 miles with the first 0.5 being quite challenging and the last 0.3 being 3-7% grade. It is just short enough that one can ski down it in about 4 minutes. the kicker is that the last half mile of the descent is over 12% into a stop sign that T's into a road parallel to Canadice lake.

One would most certainly have a memorable experience if they were not equipped with V2 Aero 15o's complete with speed reducers and brakes. It is quite a disconcerting view when you are descending towards Canadice Lake, luckily the speed reducers and brakes worked well time after time.

JackedUp Tranquilo US Biathlon Powers Angioscato

2009-08-23T08:54:00.005-04:00

As you can see the they have set up multiple cameras at the Lake Placid Biathlon Venue to get insight into my Top Secret Training(TSS). It is a George Orwellion 1984esque setting that I was training in. After careful review of the tapes they have seen the product of the institutes training techniques. Fortunately all of their feeble attempts to infiltrate Area 143 have all been foiled. They have no clue how it is done at the Institute.

According to unnamed sources the Powers that Control US Biathlon are having an emergency meeting in Bern.

Whiteface Mtn Recon Mission Approximately #1000

2009-08-21T20:11:00.002-04:00

Lake Placid Turn

On Way Down about 1 1/4miles from my House, The Castle in Background

Possible Future JackedUp Old Man???

Will he stand the test of time??

My House!!

(Notice His Bike)

Last weekend although had contracted some nasty intestinal viral illness, still managed to drag my lazy body up the toll road. Was again out on another reconnaissance mission of the toll road. Every day that I can be up on a Mountain Summit is the best day of my Life. Looking forward to the NYSEF Uphill Bike Race on September 13. Even though I am riding my bike only about 1 day a week due to Biathlon commitments. It will be a good test of fitness.

I noticed that I was missed at the Race to the Top an awesome Rollerski Race in Rutland VT. I really wanted to attend but was relegated to doing Biathlon specific training in Lake Placid. Although Saturday am while missing the Rutland race I found myself unable to even complete some rollerski intervals due to sickness. Even though I felt under the weather thought that it was not that bad, again found myself to be in error.

Skatemill Workouts in the "Torture Chamber"

2009-08-21T10:06:00.003-04:00

From now until end of October I will be stationed on the Skatemill 2-3 times per week for another Sufferfest. Now the Indoor Training Facility at area 143 is starting deliver one Torture Session after another. Unfortunately most of the time the Skatemill leaves me beaten and cowering in a corner. Drenched in my own Sweat, Blood And Tears. To add to the frustration the shooting regime is unrelentlessly progressing. Now it is Suffer on Skatemill STOP, get unattached from Mill and Ski's Run down to firing point Rifle on back squeeze off 5 rounds then run back to Skatemill and repeat.

First they have not installed Air Conditioning at the Institute yet. Second my Coach keeps making me do impossible workouts. Usually the first couple of torture sessions are tolerable then all of a sudden each passing minute becomes an eternity of one more pole plant.

On the flip side this is what I live for. That is learning to do the next pole plant and skate push off.

At some point all that matters is executing that next pole plant and push off. Not slipping back on the Skate mill. Time crawls. There is nothing else that matters. That is where Victory is measured in survival. Jacked Up versus Machine.

Soon Shooting will become the same. Time will stop it shall just be Me and the Rifle. Each shot will seem like an Eternity. Form your vantage point if you were watching it would seem just a few mere seconds. My reality each shot shall be life or death. Just as each pole plant and each shot shall determine my Ultimate Destiny.

JackedUp Quote of the Week

2009-08-19T07:19:00.003-04:00

"If Muhammad Ali was a Skier, He would've been me."

"Impossibility is possible."

"A Man without imagination is like a Bird without wings.

He will never Fly."

August State Of The "JackedUp Nation"

2009-08-13T14:22:00.005-04:00

JackedUp Old Man Being abused by the Punisher

Finishing one of 8 almost 7min Hill Bounding Intervals Level 3 For TB and Level D for me

Photos By Pat Coffey Photography

Ski season is imminent. Coming Fast. Right now it is 80F and Humid in Rochester. But in a few months will be on snow. Just have turned the corner and am becoming more focused on the ski specific tasks needed in order to be able to perform this winter.

Last weekend had my first Biathlon Specific Rollerski Races/Tests which were a good indicator of ski fitness. Definitely was not the fastest skier in those trials. Not surprising since I spent most of my time training intensely, while on vacation chasing after the young guys. Even after winning the World Championship Jacked Up Old Man Rollerski Championships. ( My Wife took all the prize money) In the skating technique.

Yesterday discovered that I can do intervals on the Skatemill and within approx. 30seconds shoot at the range @ Area 143. Great specific training. Will save lots of money on not building the rollerski loop here.

Of note I had the opportunity to do two weeks of training with Tim B, and Lowell B. That was a great opportunity to see where I was and to get a feel for the intensity and focus that I needed to incorporate into my preparations for the season.

Right now am in the middle of a rest week then back to the grindstone.

Again I will have to immerse myself into operation improbable. Ignoring fatigue and temptation to cut the corners. The Piper Must be Payed. Either now or Later!!!!

Prognosis improved!!!!!

Annual Forced March, Allen Mtn

2009-08-10T10:21:00.005-04:00

The Mud Monster

Summit Photo

Early am Before Summit Assault

Each summer I drag my family out to climb some of the Adirondack High Peaks. This year it was Allen Mtn. Details about previous years "Adventures" classified due to the fifth amendment and the ongoing and future investigations by Social and Kids Protective Services. We hiked in to where the herd path starts getting there around dusk made dinner, slept, then up at O'Dark hundred to break down camp and climb Allen Mtn in a rain storm. It is amazing what kids are capable of. One of my kids was convinced that slippery moss on the stream beds was really a 2,000 ft water slide. Especially when there with the guy who answers "Tell someone who cares." To all comments. On the way down my crew sustained an attack by a mud spewing monster.

Second Mud Monster

Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Enemy Closer

2009-08-01T07:27:00.003-04:00

Have been training fro the last week in Lake Placid and Jericho, VT. Training is progressing incrementally. Get to be a full time athlete for one more week finishing off with the North American Biathlon Championships in VT. Concentrating on shooting especially speeding up the range procedure. That is working on getting the rifle off your back and getting ready to fire the first shot , shooting, then getting out of there.

Have had the opportunity to train with Tim Burke and Lowell Bailey. Although the are both great people. Don't become complacent. They represent the enemy. Young Athletes representing the USBA. I have been keeping them under close watch and against all odds and reason waiting for Winter to unleash the beast. The plan is to give htem some more confidence next week at the races. They both are the real deal. They both have the ability, opportunity and support staff to be in contention for top results this winter.

Whiteface Mtn Prior to Sunset

2009-07-20T14:33:00.003-04:00

Saturday evening I found myself at the summit of Whiteface Mtn after a a leisurely 20 mile ride from my house. It was awesome to have the whole place to myself. Wish I could go up there every night and enjoy the world.

Do You Want To Go Canoeing?

2009-07-15T05:43:00.002-04:00

f you are in Northern Finland around June and someone asks you this definitely go run and hide.

I started skiing at the tender age of 21 while I a was attending St Lawrence University in Canton, NY. It is a great small liberal arts college located in northern NY State with a Division I ski team.

I only skied there 1 year then withdrew in the spring in order to focus my efforts on becoming an Olympic skier.

That early summer destiny took me to a small Country in Northern Europe, Finland. Once in Finland after some time in southern Finland I ended up in Rovaniemi. It was there I found a Biathlon Coach, and had the opportunity to train and live with some really extraordinary people.

One day a very good Finnish skier, Eero asked me I would go for some canoe training in the early evening. I of course said yes. I borrowed a friend's car and met Eero and his Wife at the designated time. You have to take into account that at this time in his life Eero did not speak english fluently or I Finnish. I got into their car and we proceeded to drive approximately 1 1/2 hours to a cottage on a hill above a scenic lake. There we had a snack then went down to a boathouse got into a canoe and started to paddle. We only paddled for a little bit and all of a sudden we were at a boat launch. His Wife was waiting for us we got out of the canoe and proceeded to put it onto his car got into the car and started to drive for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours. We arrived at a boat launch on an obscure river in Northern Finland with mosquiito's as large as birds. It was around 10 pm also. Still light since it was around midsummer. It was light 24 hours a day. Great if you want to train three times a day with a nap in between each training.

Then Eero and I got into the canoe and started paddling down this river. After over 2 hours of paddling we stopped and Eero got a snack out and we were sitting on the riverbank eating and drinking for a short time and I said that I will not return the car to my friend at Pohjanhovi , a rocking nightclub at eleven or twelve. He says to me "Was that the plan?" Well we paddled for anothe 3 hours then left the canoe next to the river and ran for about an hour back to the Lake Cottage. Now it was between 4-5 am.

You must realize during the day I had done 2 strenuous training sessions and was thinking about 1-2 hour Canoe training session, not a 5 hour plus training adventure.

although I was tired it was a great experience and an epic canoe trip through Northern Finland.

Supercompensation Versus (Super) Decompensation

2009-07-14T08:01:00.009-04:00

Anchorage Alaska Jan 2009

If you read the literature many physiologists have debunked the notion of Supercompensation. The theory is very basic. First overload the system with systemic intensity, strength , volume training to the point of extreme fatigue. Then rest, during this rest period the body will not only adapt to the previous period of stress, but shall build itself up to new level. This theory only seems to work with a Supersized Mc Donald's diet. Eat a lot go to sleep, play XBox all of a sudden you are also Supersized.

While it is true that your body will adapt to various stresses applied. Yes, it actually adapts specifically to specific stresses applied. That is why specificity is so important. The body adapts right down to a cellular, biochemical level to stresses applied. Enzymes are induced to rebuild and grow new blood vessels, muscles tendons, mitochondria, Red blood cells, even the hemoglobin adapts to be more efficient when it needs to.

All this adaptation is contingent on getting proper rest, recovery, and nutrition.

If the system is overloaded to the point of failure and beyond the point that is able to recover then it will decompensate. When you get to the knife edge of extremeness even one interval can start you down the slippery slope of decompensation. All you need to do is induce heat shock proteins to make a product that you need to succeed. Whether that is new muscle, RBC's capillaries, etc. Any effort beyond that is a waste of precious resources. Probably also destructive.

Whether this is from to hard a workout such as regularly achieved by the Facebook group "The Athletically Insane" or because lack of recovery caused by lack of sleep, work, socailizing, injury and or sickness.

Unfortunately even knowing that Supercompensation is a like the Holy Grail. It is too good to be true. One has to hold back and not be self destructive. Even if it feels good.

If you really want to succeed all you need to do is stress the system specifically to cause an adaption. That is where art science and intuition intersect. The Art and Science of Coaching. It is easy to overreach and fail. I personally have proven again and again that training beyond the point of Human reason just leads to Decompensation.

I have trained to hard to go so slow. Now I am just trying to be Human not Superhuman.

Mt Washington, NH

Mt Washington Toll Road

Summer Biathlon Nationals

2009-07-13T06:23:00.006-04:00

This weekend made the journey to Lake Placid to contest the US Summer Biathlon National Championships held at Mt Van Hovenburgh Biathlon venue. I got to race in the last 2 out of three race series. As you can see below the first day I spent most of the race in the penalty loop. Although I have been able to train some shooting combo this spring and early summer... shooting was ugly for the first race. I only hit one prone shot out of a possible 5 prone and 5 standing. this shows how hard it is to run full speed into the range and try to hit some targets On Saturday it was quite blustery at times. I received a couple of calls that night that my rifle got blown off of the rack and maybe the sites got moved. That was not the case I just did not shoot well. Running fast was hard since running training is not the focus. In its stead concentration is on Ski specific training primarily Rollerskiing and Bicycle training.

Saturday's Race shows how important shooting and especially shooting with pressure on is. Sunday luckily I redeemed my good name. The next day the shooting was much improved as well as the result. Even the the shooting still was not good on an international level I shot 15 out of 20 and had the fastest time of the day.

Always a Bad Sign

My one hit of the Day!!

The Range

Starting the Sprint Race

The Organizer's of the race put on a well organized World Class event. It was attended by competitors from the Northeast, Southeast, and West and Canada that I saw on the range. I was heartened to see such a strong showing. Many thanks to all the Volunteer's who made this event such a success. People who you see all the time at NYS Biathlon races. Such as Peter Indick, Russ Myer, Carl Snow, John Mc Tiernan, Mike Detraglia, Rick Costanza, Dan Nardiello, Patty Clark, and Sponsors as Marc Shepardson owner of Altius Firearms.

Report From JUOM Operative:Snow Farm

2009-07-11T18:07:00.003-04:00

Remember do not be jealous if someone is getting a good deal. Applaud it.

This a a picture taken today at the Snow Farm in New Zealand by an operative on site. I am here in Sunny(above the THUNDERCLOUDS) Lake Placid. Recovering from a US National Championship (Summer Running Biathlon)that I only hit 1 prone shot in. At least there is tomorrow.

For now I have to live vicariously through my operative enjoying the Best grooming in the Universe.

JUOM Wannabees

2009-07-08T20:23:00.004-04:00

These two fine young lads were found running up Mount Marcy in the High Peaks Region near Lake Placid, NY. They may represent the future generation of JackedUp Old Men, and Real JackedUp Old Men such as Jon Engen. But right now they are young men aspiring to make the next US Biathlon Olympic Team.

Yes, they probably have heard some of the the legends of a Young Jacked Up Man who made all the High Peaks in NYS higher by carrying backpacks of rocks to their respective summits, Hopped up Algonquin on his right foot and down on his left. Climbed Algonquin one day barefoot, after a DEC Ranger said he could not climb it in sneakers( not acceptable foot gear). Carried, dragged pine trees while hiking/running with slower people.

Take notice they are not muddy cut up or bruised. They have small rocks hefted over their heads. (To small to get an adequate training response actually)

Even they are young enough to be my children or even grandchildren. They are also some of my fiercest competition for the Olympic spots.

This I pointed out to my scouts who MMS me that JUOM CLASSIFIED picture while I was recovering from my am workout at work.

My scouts reported that they were "Wimpy" and furthermore after seeing these not muddy aspiring Biathletes in action with their small rocks that I could take the take the evening off and rest confidently.

Let me tell you IT will never be EASY..Those guys are tough.

Bopple Hill, JackedUp Featured Hill of the Week

2009-07-08T07:22:00.007-04:00

Descending Senaca Point Road to towards Canandaigua Lake and Bopple Hill

The Beginning of the Second Pitch 23% Soon

Just below the Finish

Bottom of Bopple Hill, The beginning of the first Pitch

This short but steep hill is again in the Finger Lakes Region. I usually hit it in the middle of a three hill set that includes Miller and Gannette.
Bopple hill has just under 700ft of climbing in about 3/4 of a mile. Its steepest section is 23% grade. It is the Piece de Resistance in the Highlander Tour which takes place every year. During the Highlander the Organizer's have historically chalked in the Tour rider's name in colorful chalk. Similar to NIKE's Chalkblot in the TdF

This hill starts from a scenic road that runs along Canandaigua Lake. It is usually accessed by bombing down Senaca Point Road, which gives a scenic look at the Canandaigua Lake.

It is a common scene to pass someone weaving up the hill due to its extreme grade.

JackedUp Quote of the Week: Do As I Say!! Not As I Do!!

2009-07-07T07:52:00.005-04:00

This is the best advice that can be given. Now even I am going to take this advice. Over the last 30 years I have been the subject of an experiment of one, about excess. That is: excess of training and adrenaline overload. For years the Mantra was any individual training session and associated training block was unsuccessful if I was not physically, mentally, and spiritually spent or more correctly depleted way beyond a near death state. Then once recovered the plan was to be stronger and faster.

Basically the old adage: What does not kill you. Makes you stronger.

This has not worked.. Actually most of the time have been left for dead in races on side of trail.

It is crazy that over the years I have trained so hard to not ski as fast as I should. or I've Trained to hard to go slow.

Anybody who knows about 5% of about my past training knows that I have first hand experience, under direct fire, of myriads of ways to overtrain, overreach, injure, punish the human body and psyche. As demonstrated on said test sublect.

This being acknowledged. Over the years I also have experience with what works and actually have a good idea of what needs to be done.

So, heed my learned advice. As I shall!!

First line of business I have obtained for Me an Order of Protection From Myself.

When It comes to training I am my own worst enemy. Actually Public Enemy #1.

Second line of business: CLASSIFIED, revealed on a need to know basis, to those who actually need to know.

What Happens When You Sleep

2009-07-03T21:04:00.003-04:00

In this fast paced world sleep is the first thing to go. Especially in my world. With all the demands on my time, sleep is the first casualty. As a surgical intern in a time before an 80 hour week work restriction. There where some weeks where I slept around 15 - 20 hours a week. One really does not understand what is to be tired until you have done this. You can actually function quite well like that when your adrenaline is jacked up. Driving home after a 40 hour day was another story.

I read about younger athletes who want to do it all. Work, school, social etc. there is much pressure in the world to succeed. I can recall many people telling I was wasting my life training to go to the Olympics. Right now some of those people are going into retirement and spending a lot of time training and racing. Go Figure.

Those athletes should concentrate on getting results while they can. There is no point in being mediocre in everything.

What happens when you sleep?

In animal studies and some reports about tortured people the result of severe sleep deprivation is ultimately death!! That is BAD!!

Eventually the organism with severe sleep deprivation undergoes complete organ failure. From the studies once temperature dysregulation occurs the process is irreversible.

What is sleep? It is complex but it is when you are not awake with 4 stages. Slowing of the brain waves and an awake like EEG REM sleep.

Anesthesia state is not sleep. Sorry Michael Jackson Diprivan is not a real cure for insomnia. Whomever prescribed that for him is basically not smart.

So Sleep is needed for life.

While you are sleeping your body produces Human Growth Hormone, recharges the immune system. When you are sleep deprived your immune system also gets depressed. It probably is a function of your brain resting during the slow wave period and letting some inhibitory brain wave also going to sleep and letting your pituitary get to work.(just supposition)

SO you do not need shots of HGH you just need to sleep.

People need 8-10 hours of sleep a day. Interesting enough a sleep deficit can be repaid in one good night sleep. Probably does not restore all recovery lost during the way.

Those athletes who could take a nap to add to there recovery and do not????

I wish I could.

yes there are many studies that show decreased performance with lack of sleep from just one night. Unfortunately in order to get to some races I have to work overnight or travel at the expense of rest in order to to get to the race. But on the flip side if I did not do that I wouldn't get to contest the race at all.

Go get some sleep, do not feel guilty taking a nap.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION SEVERE

*BEING TIRED

*LESS EFFICIENT

*INCREASED METABOLISM

*IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPRESSION

*DEPRESSION TO PSYCHOSIS

*INCREASED INCIDENCE FIBROMYALGIA

*DECREASED PERFORMANCE

*DECREASED HGH

ALL THIS ADDS UP TO BEING FLAT AND NOT PERFORMING WELL

2009-07-01T06:17:00.002-04:00

Warming up for Wilmington TT

July is already here. There is good skiing in New Zealand At the Snow Farm. My good friend is on his way there. Wish I could go there and get some sleep and on snow training. Back in the day it was easy to get a plane ticket to anywhere in the world and go skiing. Now there a couple of limiters including work and family. Oh well must live vicariously through others and continue to substitute rollerskiing.

Have just finished the 3 weeks of Whiteface and the first 3 weeks of intense ski training. It went well have felt some interval improvement in fitness, strength, power and shooting. Now have to race oops meant rest. The hardest part about trying to train hard during my mid life crisis is recovery. I mean I do not need any crazy supplements or drugs. All I need is some less stress and some SLEEP. I can definitely function on less sleep then most. What I miss most about training full time as the ability to take a nap each day. Now I get to work 60-80 hours a week then somehow squeeze in a little training and family time.

Now the focus is to recover some this week then increase the shooting training tempo. SO far with shooting 2-4 sessions a week I have improved overall shooting time and consistency. Will continue to get used to suffering with more intensity. It is funny intensity is like a drug, Once you start doing it you want more and even need more. Get back on the skatemill and amp up intensity. At this point am of the belief that my aerobic potential has been over utilized or at least maximized and now need to increase the skiing speed and power output. Especially if I want to be competitive in the relatively short and less challenging races that Biathlon has to offer.

Coming up there are the Summer Biathlon Running Nationals in Lake Placid July 8-10th, then there is some Biathlon Rollerski race in Vermont in August.

Last night did the Parish Hill course for the GVCC Tuesday A Club Race it was a fun race on a challenging course. We are really lucky to have such a good series of club races.

And a shout out to my Friends who will be suffering and cursing me when they crest Wolfanger Hill

Directions from Bristol: Go to the end of Canandaigua Lake take a left after the Famous Pie Place onto Parish take a left towards Middlesex at the stop sign then go a couple of mile s take the first left go by the trailer park when the road forks take a right go down a couple of miles and it is a left turn going up.

2 Hour Run

2009-06-30T06:21:00.002-04:00

Back in the late 80's there was a Real Psychopath from the Finnish National Ski Team who was training in the good old USA. Well any way this individual had absolutely no filter between his thought process and his verbal cortex. An example would be while driving through the quaint little village of Lake Placid I had to keep the windows closed and locked because he was screaming out what he wanted to do to every man and woman we drove by. Even I was aghast.

Anyway one midday this Madman who stayed at my house at times and did lots of insane training. He actually helped by showing and "learning" me how hard and intense one had to go.

Then I taught him.

So Psycho Skier Man shows up for my second workout of the day and says I want to go for a 2 hour trail run!! No longer!! I say ok! Off we go starting right from my old house near the beginning of theNorthville-Placid trail. We went at a good level1-2 pace for 2 hours. At this point we were at the shores of Moose Pond. He smiles at me and asks "Where's the house??"

It was awesome the look on his face as I just pointed back down the trail and with utterly no mercy.

It was awesome watching him implode on the way home. It was only a 4 hour run with no food or water.

Ei Armoa!!!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

2009-06-29T05:18:00.004-04:00

Pictured above is a sticker from USADA showing a negative test result from my only drug test from this year. I find it quite interesting that because of a few individuals, countries, and sport teams that every amateur athlete is guilty of doping until proven innocent.

While I really have no animosity towards USADA or WADA. I really resent being put under more scrutiny then a level 3 Sex Offender. While there is no mercy from JackedUp towards dopers. It is a pity that the current situation penalizes all athletes, not just the ones who cheat.

Before the 2006 Olympics probably sometime in 2004 I received an obnoxious call from a representative of USADA saying that I was in violation and was going to get a missed test violation. I was a little perplexed at this point. First one has to realize that nobody had informed me that I was on a testing protocol. Supposedly USADA sent me a form letter saying that I had to do such and such. I had not received it. The US Biathlon Association put me on the list without informing me. They backed down after some exchanges involving many parties.

Since then I have had to give my whereabouts to USADA 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Or face being a convicted Performance Enhancing Drug User. Now not only do you have to give them your general whereabouts but you need to give them a 1 hour window each day where they can come and get you. If you are not there then you are GUILTY.

The onus is on the Athlete to not take any substance that includes anything banned. This last time when I got tested I had a Hempberry Protein Supplement additive, luckily Hemp Protein with ground up amazon acai berries is clean.
Ingredients: Organic hemp protein, superberry blend (organic mesquite pods, organic strawberries, organic blueberries, organic raspberries, organic cherries, organic pomegranates, organic Sambazon^® açai, organic goji berries, organic guar gum, inulin from chicory root), organic Fair Trade Certified evaporated cane juice, organic berry flavor.

While there is no guarantee that there are no banned substances in this product, it seems as if it is clean. Phew. Imagine every thing that you eat, you have to worry about there being an unnamed banned ingredient. Then, Bam your GUILTY of doping. Yes,. Just as much as the athlete who takes steroids or blood dopes. Bizarre actually.

While I understand that competing in sports is a privilege not a right. I do not think that Athletes who have not cheated should be subject to any censure on there living. It really does suck when I get off of work and am driving to Lake Placid or somewhere, then realize "Oh my Gosh Forgot to inform USADA of my whereabouts.". You get this sinking feeling like Oh S@#t now I can get a missed test. This really sucks.

One would surmise that in this day and age that it would be very easy to come up with testing that would catch dopers and not have to make every athlete prove their innocence. Such things as Hair tests, Buccal scrapings or some other test that they could do periodically that would cover a period of time prior. Yet the athlete would for all practical purposes would still be guilty until proven innocent.

What is the point of testing someone such as Lance Armstrong over 30 times in less then 6 months??? Is he guilty of something?? Does Someone have to punish him? What does that mean?? Is there some scientific reason for testing him so much? They have tested me once in the past year.

Another scary thing about drug testing is that they does not have scientific peer reviewed tests for substances. The powers that be use new unproven tests to prosecute athletes. While there is good science behind there tests, some of the tests have been hardly validated or would pass peer revue or hard scientific scrutiny. The said tests get challenged in a court of law judged by non- scientists. What about false positives?? Sorry!! There tests are approved by them not a third party such as the FDA.

It is very scary to send my urine off for testing knowing that it is going to tested with unvalidated tests that could very well come up with a false positive. Thereby tarnishing my name.

Lets talk about accountability. Recently the NCAA sanctioned a Basketball Team for a Student Athlete whom cheated on the SAT years ago. They really hit the school hard. Did the school cheat?? Did his Teammates cheat?? Did they have anything to do with it? I think not.

But consider Professional Baseball??

Look at the case of Alexander Rodriguez . A-Rod currently of the New York Yankees. Is there any accountability??

Professional baseball should sanction the team he was playing for with huge fine and removal of there record for the period mentioned. He is a role model??

Then maybe the Teams would go after him and try to recoup there lost money.

The New York Yankees, with an owner who was a previous vice president for the USOC does not sanction him at all. Where is there accountability. Is it all about money??

It is crazy. Thats what it is. At the very least A- Rod should be banned from all sports for 2 years.

I could go on for as long as there is time about past doping allegations and proven cases where the IOC does not go back and correct the Record Book.

Well in conclusion I continue to do my best to comply with USADA's whereabout protocol and get on with it.

All the People that I have dealt with USADA have been helpful and nice so far. I understand that they are trying to make sport a better place.

A great Book to read is Steroid Nation. It is a book about some athletes taking steroids to improve performance. It is an eye opening inside view on the doping culture.

JackedUp Featured Hill of the Week: Wolfganger Hill

2009-06-27T15:52:00.007-04:00

Whenever I get the chance I drive 25 miles to the greater Naples area. I call it the Bristol or Naples Hill Park. Out here there are numerous 400ft to over 1000ft of vertical climbing. These hills are quite and for the most part have paved roads traversing them. There are endless miles of awesome challenging roads to Bike and Rollerski on in the Finger Lakes

Around Naples there are tons of amazing climbs. This the area where every fall the Highlander Tour takes place. This year it is September 10-11. With a competitive Uphill Time Trial on Friday and a couple of options of tours on Saturday. It is a fun, great, well run event. Definitely worth doing. For me this tour takes place very often.

The Prattsburgh Rambler takes place in this general area every spring. It is a 30 mile road, and improved road race held every spring. Also a great must do event. Has lots of epic hill climbs.

Wolfganger Hill

Located on the southern end of Canandaigua Lake in Middlesex, Yates County, New York.

It is an awesome hill. Beyond Categorization. It is approximately 1.4 miles long with 1058 Vertical of ascent. It consists of 2 pieces about 500 ft of climbing with a false flatter area in the middle it consists of a mostly seasonal surface unpaved although there is some tar mixed into the rocks in places.

It is so steep that it is almost unclimbable on a road bike with normal gearing, even for a strong climber. The first time that I found this hill I descended it after climbing up South Hill Road, another humdinger of a hill. At the top of the hill when dropping down the virtual wall of the road. To my friends dismay I disappeared from sight for awhile to he crested down the hill. We had to stop on the false flat to let our rims cool down from excessive braking.

When climbing up the hill that steep pitch near the top is almost unclimbable on a road bike. You are pushing between 400-500 watts just to not fall off your bike. One is at near race pace just to keep moving. Then there is the problem of not having your rear tire slip out on the boulder strewn dirt road or popping a wheelie and ending upside down and on your back.

One time when I was almost at the top I ran into a local taking wood of the woods with a tractor. I said Hello, He said Hello. Then I started asking him quite loudly "Where is my shirt?" He replied " What Shirt?" Then I said the "The one that say's I Climbed Wolfganger."

N.B. The road may be spelled Wolfanger. That is how I remember the signage. The map says otherwise.

Near Top Looking Down

Beginning of 2nd Steep Section

Middle of Bottom Steep Steep Section

The Start. Better be in a easy gear!!!

What Were You Doing at 06:00 This Morning??

2009-06-25T07:18:00.004-04:00

I was hammering to near death physiological parameters in the middle of a To Failure Skatemill workout. It was awesome, and yes there was someone out there crazy enough to be at the controller. Even though I got nowhere in 1 hour of activity. Some of it quite strenuous. The plam is that it is getting me somewhere towards skiing fast. This was my third day of intensity. Tuesday 40 mile club bike race with a great bunch of young and JackedUp old Men from GVCC. Then Wednesday 6x 3 min at race pae and above on the Skatemill then this am 8x1 min at over race pace.

This afternoon or evening hope to ride 2-4 hours of hills in the Greater Naples, Bristol Hill Park.

Get Out There and Hammer !!!!! It is a Blast!!!

Tiger Joins JackedUp Support Team

2009-06-25T07:03:00.005-04:00

There have been many people asking: "JackedUp who is coaching you after you fired your coach and mentor of many years?".

After the Coach was fired and dealt with appropriately. A Board Of Directors was assembled. This Board consists of the World's top experts in their respective fields. This is a complete staff that analyzes and directs all facet's of my life. Most decision's are made by committee. The goal of this venture is to prove to the World through an experiment of one. On JackedUp.

(Of course we take suggestion's from other people along the way) That older athletes can be remade to the point that they are better then when they had youth working with them instead of against. Stay tuned to at least weekly updates on what they are having me do and the progression that is sure to happen.

Due to the interests of National Security these experts must remain anonymous.

Although fortunately Tiger decided to join the team in a full time capacity without renumeration.

No, Not Tiger Woods, but Tiger Tail the new JackedUp Team Masseuse. The Tiger Tail is an excellent recovery tool. Now that Tiger is there for me, no longer do I have to feel that I am neglecting massage every time Lance Armstrong twitter's to my cell phone that he is getting a massage and listening to some music.

The Psycho and the Loon

2009-06-23T06:17:00.005-04:00

Back in the late 80's there was a Real Psychopath from the Finnish National Ski Team who was training in the good old USA. I had the opportunity to train many hours with him.

On an occasion of training with the Psycho from Finland we went for some kind of running combination training at Mt Van Hovenburgh in Lake Placid. The night prior there was a huge thunderstorm. When we arrived at the Biathlon range and set up some targets at the beginning of the range and I preceded to zero my rifle. Well at the far end of the range there was some sort of bird. The Psycho somehow got it in his head that that there bird at the end of the range was public enemy #1. Basically a pest, menace and threat to society. So he first tells me to "Shoot It" then "Shoot It, Shoot It, Shoot It. "

I patiently explain to him that in America one cannot just go and off some seemingly innocent bird. Furthermore some environmentalist would consider it a crime worse than outright murder. Then we would be locked up for life.

Once I finished zeroing the rifle we started off for our first running loop. As we approached the said bird. It then became apparent that it was a huge Loon. This loon, when it saw us coming started hopping down the field in the direction we were running. Do not know if you have ever seen a loon hop, but a hopping Loon is one of the funniest sights that I've ever seen.

As the field tapered into a trail the Loon turned around stood up on its haunches, spread its wings. Then started to whippoorwill loudly as Loons do. Then it deployed its long sharp pointed beak that was actually more akin to a Tibial Bone Biopsy Needle at this point and charged us.

I was terrified. afraid for life and limb. Luckily we got away unscathed.

The Loon must have landed on the range the night prior during the thunderstorm thinking it was a lake. We called the DEC but it had gone onto hiding when they came.

From now on I still get Post Traumatic Loon Syndrome every time I paddle by a Loon on a peaceful serene lake.

Benchmark WIlmington Time Trial

2009-06-22T20:58:00.002-04:00

This year I started using the Wilmington Time Trial Course that NENSA and NYSEF among others have been doing for the past years. It is good practice to have some benchmarks to monitor your training. It is hard to be accountable, especially for older people training mostly on their own. It is very easy to go out and just play.

Which is Ok, of course in a limited way for an off day.

This Sunday less then 12 hours after completing the Whiteface Uphill Bike Race a 8 mile race up the Whiteface Mountain Highway I went for Time Trial # 2 in the pouring rain. Definitely would have enjoyed a little more rest but needed to compress Time Trial, then Running and shooting and driving 290 miles back to home base.
This course is a good test of actual ski speed. There is some flats, gradual inclines, and a huge hill for the last mile. This hill is a very steep hill that was used in the Michael Flanagan Bike Race.
I was actually a little slower then in the beginning of May. Hopefully the wet roads accounted for the slower time. Actually I felt better with technique and overall fitness. I will be back in July for #3 and also a to try out the top 5 miles of the Whiteface Toll Road.

Of note UTube would not play my music that I put on it due to copyright infringement.

Father's Day Video My Son Made Late Last Night: King of the hill

2009-06-21T06:22:00.002-04:00

It is impossible to get anywhere in life or accomplish anything without support. While actually in a race the racer must ultimately do it all by themselves. In actuality they have their support with them embedded in their being.
While my training takes incredible sacrifice on my part it actually my family and friends who make a larger sacrifice.
It is surprising that my kids support me at all since this mission to become reborn as a Biathlete takes me away from them even when I am home.
It's going to be a Hobbit's Father's Day
Meaning that I shall get those pesky kids of Mine all treats.
Thanks to My Family and Friends.

Whiteface Weekend 3 Interim ooTraining Update

2009-06-20T22:31:00.004-04:00

Another consecutive weekend trip to Lake Placid. Unfortunately the Rollerski loop at the ski jumps was closed for some event although it looked pretty dead when I drove buy. Drove up after work and did running then mountain bike with shooting at Mt Van Hovenburgh. Also did some shooting drills with some definite interval improvements. it was somewhat windy out which was got rid of the nasty black flies and no see-ums. This range is an awesome range and is equipped with electronic targets. You can see my Son resetting after a shooting stage.

After this the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race was at 5:30 pm. It was great weather for a race. Unfortunately they make everybody go out in age group waves. I was able to a good effort with interval improvement from latest previous years. I finished in approximately 47:21 with average watts of 344. After I passed the toll booth at 3 miles I was joined by three boys and friend who drove up cheering for me. Since the awards were delayed, did not find out my overall placing. Although did know that I had won the age group.

Tomorrow at the least will do some more shooting. If the weather is good will go before that and do the 8km Wilmington Rollerski time trial.

JackedUp To Failure: Workout of the Week

2009-06-18T06:57:00.005-04:00

This is a good workout to work on technique under the duress of stress. The stress of this workout is compounded by Fatigue from work and the 1hr criterium done the night previous with a 300 Watt average. To really qualify as a JackedUp workout, this interval session done last night was done after completing a 14 hour work day. It is also good for weight loss since instead of dinner I did a hammer session.
Equipment Needed:
Treadmill with at least 5000W with 3Phase Motor's, 8ft by 12ft Ski Surface
Safety Harness
Rollerski Equipment
Coach to Direct and Monitor Training
Videographer
A Bring it on Attitude, with a willingness to suffer and push to beyond total body failure.
Workout :
Warmup 10minutes
2 Minute interval at a hard fast speed
recover
8 times 1minute at speed (classified) grade (classified)recovery time 2-3 min

Do not do this Workout Alone or in the Dark.
Learn to Hammer. All intervals To Failure in Order to Succeed
If you need to know the full story just wait for the Book of the Inside story coming out in 2011

If you want to see other videos go to the UTube douglas6xc Channel. including avideo done by my son Langton. Douglas6xc UTube Channel Langton's Video

Langton's Video from June 17th Hammer Session It is actually only just over 2 minutes

Flashback: Going Out For Varsity Track

2009-06-17T05:44:00.003-04:00

Back during my formative years I went out for the Potsdam High School Track Team. Well then I was trying unsuccessfully to take the Alpine world by storm. So I had just finished my Alpine season. One must realize that I had not run cross country or anything prior,except from running away from people trying to hurt me. I went to a couple of days of practice culminating in a 2mile time trial on the road. By then was experiencing some knee pain and started out hard then once tiredness set in, so did my knee pain. Then I stopped after less then a half mile. ( Was with the leaders of course) Then I practiced on my own for a couple of weeks showing up for practice 2 days before the first track meet of the year. We did a 4 mile run. Then the day before the meet we did a short run and gathered on the bleachers next to the cinder track for a pre meet meeting. Most people there probably did not know who the skinny little obnoxious freshman was. Unfortunately I sat in between two huge Field Athletes. Well Coach Pelkey an impressive individual started to announce who was running Varsity and JV for various events. Eventually he got to the Mile. To my surprise I was not named to the Varsity People. I immediately raised my hand and once The Pelk noticed me I queried Him As to why I wasn't running Varsity.

Well as one can imagine, first he just stood there mouth wide open and was silent for a period of time. Then he said WHAT! I repeated myself, but realizing that I was being a little outrageous, I started to try and rescind my question. Pelkey then said that we had already had time trials and I missed them soooo I could go run the 1600m right now for my tryout. I said that's ok no problem I'll just run JV.. That wasn't my destiny. The two huge dudes I was sitting between had me by the elbows and delivered me to the starting line. Pelkey said go. and I went. They forgot about me until the third lap. Once they realized I was going fast all cheered me home. I ended up running around 5:07, Which was the fastest time of the year. The next day I ran Varsity.

Lets see if History repeats itself...

State of The JackedUp Nation: Update on Current Training Situation

2009-06-16T10:18:00.004-04:00

Operation Improbable is still in full swing. Every day the goal is to make progress however intangible it seems.

Although this mission may seem virtually impossible to an outsider. While we here running the nitty gritty at the Center of the Operational Center, Mission Control are all systems go. All lights are green.

During the last 12 months while executing a training plan of way over a 1000 hours. There were many flashing red lights and alarms going. At age 43 JackedUp cannot sustain that kind of training tempo. The limiting factor probably is recovery. So far the nanobots that are deployed intravascularly cannot rebuild and repair the damage created by JackedUp.

This year in preparation for TWD(If you don't know don't ask!!! You may not want the answer!!)

Training tempo is cut back!! Intensity is up!! Recovery is Paramount!!

Current Situation: 43 Year Old Male is trying to compete with kids half his age to gain a spot on 2010 Olympic Biathlon Team. Currently works full time, is member of the National Guard, has a more than busy family.

Currently somewhat Geographically challenged. Must drive 5-8 hours to get some Coaching guidance and rollerski and shoot. On the positive JackedUp does get some outside input. Just try to picture what JackedUp is going up against?? Athletes who are younger, have just one focus, have huge support systems actively working to get the most out of them. Currently JackedUp is Sponsored by this , Wife and Family and gets great support from the National Guard and this Website. Luckily there are some equipment sponsors.

Masseuse is still the Tiger Stick.

Facilities: On a positive note Area 143 is fully Operational. There is shooting range, and lots of training equipment available. Including the Skatemill.

Status: Full Go. No Chance of Ringing the Bell.. Every Week Is Hell Week. Bring It On!!

JackedUp is Bringing It.

Whiteface Weekend 2 Training Update

2009-06-15T14:18:00.001-04:00

Pine Pond Pictured, Notice the Sawteeth Range in the Background

Terrific weekend up in Lake Placid Region. Shot, Ran, Road Raced finishing on the shoulder of Whiteface, Roller skied and Shot, Mountain Biked.

Saturday morning met up with members of the US biathlon National and development team at Mt Van Hovenburgh Biathlon Range. The no-seeums were horrific. We were all scratching our collective skin off. One female athlete visiting from Europe actually put the region's supply of bug repellent off.( did not say bug dope). We did some shooting drills and had a little shooting competition. Warmed up with a run then they did some hard pole bounding combo. It was hard to pass up the opportunity to go hammer with those young guys. They were probably happy that I did not partake. It is always confusing to them(whether they admit it or not) how I can keep up with them on the once a year obligatory hammer session at over 40. Then how I ski so slow during the winter. Well after the warm up I did some easy running combo with very short loops.

Had to save myself for the afternoon festivities..

In the early afternoon did the Wimington road race. It was a great race consisting of a 14 mile circuit with a finish at Santa's Workshop. The Pro1,2,3 race was 70 miles with approximately 5,000 ft of climbing. I was happy to finish. I finished barely in the money. Was psyched to hit the last 1.6 miles of climbing in a 5 man break with a small lead on the field only to have my leg muscles firing in their relaxation phase. Twitching and fasciculating actually. Should've eaten something during the 3 hr race. It is amazing how when descending in a pack or breakaway at around 60 mph how insignificant that styrofoam helmet feels.

Sunday morning I went to the rollerski loop at the ski Jumps, it is a great loop even though it is short it has a great hill approach to a 4 target covered range. Did just under 2 hours of training. The approach to that range is awesome. I skied with my rifle on and actually shot reasonably well. Was going to do some race pace intervals. Even though surprisingly felt good after being so wasted after the race yesterday I did fore go the intervals and instead did some ski specific strength endurance.

In the afternoon did an OD mountain bike to Pine Pond an awesome multi-use trail at the end of Averyville Road with the Langtonater. This was a great ride. Got beat up up by some mud and branches. About 3-4 miles int o the ride my rear tire started to lose some air. I went and fixed the innertube, got that done pretty quickly found the thorn through the tire that initially caused it. despite the mud and rain. Of note the continental tire was a little hard to get off in the beginning.

The issue became getting that $%^^&# TIRE BACK ON. After breaking one of my 2 tire irons in half and about 40 minutes of suffering finally we got it back on. If I flatted in a race it would have been over. I was about to start running back to the trail head when I go tit back on. The worst thing was the combination of mosquito's black flies, and no see-ums that were eating us alive. Bet my hematocrit was at a critically low level at the end of this ordeal.

This week have some good training planned, work tempo allowing, then back to Whiteface for a 17:30 Scheduled Bike Race to the Summit.

Whiteface Update

2009-06-13T16:58:00.004-04:00

Finishing the second week of three weeks of Whiteface. Just Finished a 70 mile with 5,000ft of climbing Bike Race Finishing at Santa's Workshop at the beginning of the Toll Road. The race was brutal. There was a 14 mile circuit where you came up the 1 mile long Black Brook Hill each lap. The first lap I was with the field the second and third I was in small breakaways. Different ones. The fourth time I was in a a 10 man breakaway that split into a five man breakaway then we rode the 6 miles to the base of Whiteface where we had a 25 sec lead for the last 1.6 miles of climbing. About a half mile up the road I was still with the lead, but my leg muscles were not firing as I wanted them to. They were actually not so much cramping but not working well and fasiculating. The power output and heart rate were also somewhat depressed.

Was happy with the race probably was still a little cooked from Thursday evening's torture session.

Early April 2 min Interval on Skatemill featuring JUOM

2009-06-12T14:33:00.001-04:00

This a video from an interval session where I was dong 2 min intervals with 2 min recovery. Please excuse the sideways filming as it was done by Langton my 14 yo main helper.

Giving 110% and Going Nowhere

2009-06-12T06:19:00.006-04:00

Last night after a full day of work, the real work started. The plan was a hard workout on the Skatemill made by Forcelink from Holland. This is a beast of a treadmill that lives behind the house at the Institute.

I was met by an individual who was prepared to torture me on this device to end my physical and mental limits. It was awesome after a quality warm up the fun began. Due to having a harness each interval can be done till total body failure.

As loyal JackedUp readers already know that my long and ... Coach was fired this spring due to poor results and personality differences I am currently relegated to doing workouts directed by Chris Carmichael through Bicycling Magazine. Do not worry the program and plan is working towards being fast on snow this upcoming winter.

The past three years after along hiatus from serious training I've had the luxury of building back my aerobic base. Unfortunately there is no data proving or disproving this. To tell you the truth is it what it is. No more no less. Now it is time to get fast again. Last year I was training for an event similar to the Tour De France but on rollerskis. There were numerous epic 4-5 hour rollerski workouts with 4-6,000 vertical climbing. My V2 150's made by JENEX made this possible. What goes up must come down.

Back to last night. The workout consisted of 6x2min with 2min recovery going very fast at a 10% grade on a huge treadmill. Then did 2x 1min obscenely fast. It is amazing as how time passes while your going hard how exponentially harder each next 15 seconds gets. Even though the entire workout lasted 1 hr with warm up and cool down. I was very satisfied with the result. After all that hard work and extraordinary effort I got Nowhere. Oh Well. Time will tell if I got some where. The plan is to get fast again. and Bring It to Them..

Weekly Training Update

2009-06-11T10:57:00.002-04:00

The Ski Season is coming fast. Therefore must be ever so vigilant. It is easy to relax and do it the next day. Stay rested stay fresh. Shooting the other day was a wake up call. Without fast good shooting my chances are basically ... not pretty. This has been proven. Just look at my Biathlon results over the past 5 years.

Since I am a training addict it is paramount to not go overtrain. Especially on a consistent basis. A little here and there, actually may even be therapeutic.

The Paradigm now is to increase the intensity, tempo and volume of training. While at the same time staying rested in order to really adapt to going hard when needed.

The other focus is on relearning how to shoot. Accurate and fast all the time. Training for shooting is not like physical training it must be level Absolute all the time. Do not ever go out and waste time.

Right now I am in the midst of the 3 Weeks of Whiteface.

Whiteface is a special place for me. During the summer I have had many hammer sessions there along with the associated memories. Around 2 decades ago one of my greatest accomplishments was getting cuts on my face at the end of a 3minute max hillbounding interval on Excelsior. At the finish of this interval I was so totally spent that I could not even break my fall with my hands at its completion. There is a short list of friends who had the pleasure of accompanying me on these special workouts. Sometimes I would climb to the Summit for warm -up return to place of torture then go back to the Summit for cool-down. Go Figure??

Over the years there have been many Victories and Defeats on the slopes of the Mountain. These include Pro1-2 Road Races, Running Races, Chairlift Races, and Rollerski Races.

One day I assaulted the Mountain from 4 different ways. Unfortunately there are even more ways to attain the Summit. That day I Hiked the 2 different Hiking trails Ski Pole walked up the Alpine area then Cycled up the Road. Over the years I have cross country skied, cycled, hopped and run up the Toll Road. Have run, hill bounded, walked and cross country skied up the alpine area. Actually as a young teenager when I was trying to be an Alpine Racer at Mountain House School now National Sports Academy most of the time I would forego the lifts and boot up the hill since I could get more runs hiking on a short set of gates then wasting my time riding the lift. Finally many hikes up the Mountain.

Enough of Whiteface...

Shooting Is the Key to Success

2009-06-10T06:27:00.004-04:00

This past Friday after working all night and driving during the day up to Lake Placid. I got lucky, since I got to jump into a training session with 2 members of the A US Biathlon team. Although I was running on some kind of new fangled jet fumes mixed with extra strong Starbuck's Coffee. ( You know it's Strong when you can't put a spoon in it since the spoon will be dissolved by the coffee.)

What was most daunting was the speed and accuracy of Tim Burke and Lowell Bailey's shooting. Over 17 years ago I used to be fast also. Now I have a huge opportunity to improve in shooting in both speed and accuracy.

This spring AREA 143 finally has a live shooting range. I have been taking advantage of this 2-3 times a week. Surprisingly enough it is not uncommon to shoot 90-100% for running combo workouts. In Lake Placid shooting on rollerskis that was not the case. Yes there were some clean stages, but then there were the other times shooting.

Action required.

At this point in time have instituted some changes: Shooting log. More stress added to the game. Interesting enough I found that just timing my overall shooting time added a new factor. STRESS. The stopwatch or Time has no Mercy. It just is..

Shooting in biathlon always has been a mystery to most people. How do Biathletes shoot those pesky little targets anyway??

Do not ask me!!

Ok, it is simple proper position, sight alignment, trigger control and Hit not Splat.

If you take the time to watch Biathletes shoot you will notice the top athletes come in fast take a few deep breathes then deliberately get into position and knock down targets with impunity.. This is a product of proper training and repetition.

The Big deep breathing activates stretch receptors in the lungs that feedback to he brain activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Allowing the athlete to switch from a caveman chasing the woolly mammoth to a zen master who is the eye of the hurricane. CALM in a Maelstrom. It is the athlete that misses lots of targets is the one who does not stop skiing.

Then you notice that they do not wait for their heart rate and body to calm down. This is just as an idling car is calm. An athletes heart does nto beat to hard if it is in an idling rhythm. If your heart rate gets too slow it will actually shake the body and disrupt shooting.

Most athletes probably do not understand or care about this stuff they just do it.

Flashback: Stuck in the Snow

2009-06-09T06:09:00.004-04:00

Above the back of our house where I spent some of my formative years in Potsdam, NY. Way up in the North Country. We had a flat roof over that encompassed a large area. One winter day after a couple of large snowstorms. My Mother had me shovel the roof off. There was 2-4ft of wet heavy snow on these 2 flat roofs. I shoveled for hours that stretched to what seemed like an eternity. My arms and back were wasted. It was over 2 consecutive hours of a shoveling manic fest. Even though the temperature was dropping into the low teens or even single digits at the end I was scantily clad due to the hard exertion.

At the end of this hard shoveling there was an inviting huge pile of snow on the stone deck below the roof over 6ft high at least. After some contemplation I decided to take the leap. Well I was about 12 ft above the ground so there was only about 6ft of air plus how high I could jump. It still looked high to me. But I had to do it.

Off I went feet first... Slam I went into the pile of heavy snow. There was no injury sustained did not even hurt. But. There I was stuck in the cement almost to my neck arms stuck at my sides. Entrapped by the snow. Jailed by the all the snow that just had been shoveled off the roof.

I thought it was funny, being there stuck in the snow. No problem I yelled and screamed knowing that my Mother would free me from my entrapment. I was right next to the downstairs bathroom window, within less then 3-4ft of the safety and warmth of my house.

Mom came to the window opened it smiled. Then said "You got yourself into it, You get yourself out of it. "

I was aghast after shoveling that roof off for what seemed like days. No appreciation of my sweat and toil. She wasn't joking I didn't see her for 3 hours. I wiggled and screamed and worked my way out of the mess I got myself into. After awhile I thought that I was going to expire like a character in a Jack London Tale.

Once I got myself out of the snowbank. Mind you right next to my house with help readily available. I was extremely hypothermic with impending frost bite in arms legs and other places. I went straight upstairs and using my survival skills drew a cold bath and got in and slowly warmed it up. Needless to say I refused to communicate with my Mother for a long period of time.

The take home message: Assess the risk liability of your actions. Be prepared to extricate yourself from any and all situations. Your on your own.

Whiteface Uphill Run 2009

2009-06-07T13:35:00.004-04:00

Busy couple of days culminating with the 32nd Annually Whiteface Road Race. It was great weather for the race. Even though I did not feel like partaking I went and won the race for the fourth year in a row.

First worked overnight Thursday night then Friday morning drove up to Lake Placid picking up Backcountry Bob Above Utica. Slept till Long Lake then got up in time to do a strength endurance rollerski workout with some members of the National Biathlon Team. Boy did they shoot fast. Then went to Vermont and did Army work and went on a training mission in one the new Eurocopter Air ambulances. Returned to Placid did the Uphill Race now will go rollerski and shoot. Then back to home base.

Notice the JackedUp race shirt provided by my sponsor. Also notice the Brooks Racing Sneakers provided by BROOKS CANADA (Quebec Division).

They Are Training When You Are Sleeping

2009-06-06T04:03:00.006-04:00

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Remember when your sleeping, somewhere on the other side of the planet. Their is a JackedUp Athlete training like a Maniac and in the near distant future when you meet him. He will Beat YOU.

That is the old paradigm..

Actually one early morning in Lake Placid while I was staying at the Pill Box. The name for the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid when it was Located next to Mirror Lake. After a long night of cavorting with mostly some wild Nordic Combined and Freestyle athletes. Well that Night it was a freak early Blizzard in late Sept or early Oct. When I got back back to room I had to capitalize on the good fortune of all the snow so despite the late hour. I put on all my ski gear in the hallway( Being considerate to not wake my roommate.) As I skied down the hallway through the lobby there was a crazed freestyle skier(future medalist ) hanging out with his girlfriend. One has to take into account it is after 2am. They said Duncan what the hell are you doing? Go to bed!! I replied:

"Remember when your sleeping, somewhere on the other side of the planet. Their is a Russian Athlete training like a maniac and in the Winter when you meet him. He will Beat YOU."

Then without looking back. Out the front door and down the stairs I skied. It was an awesome night out there. The plows had not been out and there was 4-6 inches of snow on all the roads I started out and skied around Mirror Lake right down through Main Street then went out on the Lake Placid Golf Course for a while. Yes we had a time trial the next day. Boy was that fun.

Now being older I live by the mantra that Recovery is Paramount. So Now I don't want to train in the dark. Unfortunately due to current Operations Tempo( Work, Family, etc.) Optimal Recovery is just not feasible.

Workout of the Week: Double Pole, No Pole Skate Roller Ski

2009-06-05T08:42:00.003-04:00

Greetings Fellow Cross Country Ski Maniacs,

Since the ski season is rapidly approaching it is time to start with some ski specific workouts. This is one of my core workouts. It satiisfies my appetite for ski specific endurance strength combined with aerobis to race pace effort. This workout is done on rollerskis and can take from under an hour to 3 hours to complete. It can be used as a weight loss device if you replace a meal with a Double Pole, No Pole Skate Workout.

Recommended Equipment:

Helmet, Gloves, Sport glasses, Polar Heart Rate Monitor

Rollerski Poles(Sharp Tips) preferably EXEL Poles

Rollerskiis Preferably V2 100,125,or 150's outfitted with brakes and speed reducers.

Cross Country Skate Boots (My Preference Alpina Rollerski Boots)

A hill about 2minutes to ski up.. One way to figure out if the hill is adequate is to have it Be a 110 -140 on the JackedUp Hill Scale. This is actually easy to determine. Just double pole up your hill counting how many double pole repetitions it is and there you have your Jacked Up number. It is an easy way to compare hills if you find yourself training at other locations.

Be sure to find a hill with a good run out if you do not have a brake or speed reducers.

Once you assemble all the equipment, found your hill, and thank God you are not a Biathlete and all that other junk.

Get ready to Hammer

Go warm up about 10-15 minutes easy skating good technique.

Then do Double Pole first simply Double Pole up said hill recovery just the cruise down the hill portion. Start with 5 repetitions.

Then leave your poles at the side of the road and ski up without poles. Work on doing V1, and V2 Technique. Do the hole interval concentrating on one specific technique. Again try for 5 repetitions to start with . Savor and enjoy the burn in your legs. Mimic the movement with your arms as if you had poles in them, concentrate on good form and weight transfer. Feel the power of throwing your weight in the direction of travel.

As the summer progresses you can add more repetitions. If you are one of those overachievers and find the workout to easy or believe that your hill is inadequate. Then you can utilize the speed reducers going uphill. Another option as done by Dale Niggeman developer of the Catski is to adapt a ski jouring harness to a tire pulling device. Start out with a motorcycle tire. When you want to get real Jacked Up go to a Monster Truck or Tractor Tire. I tried this but almost got killed by the tire rolling over me. guess I got it wrong.

This is great ski specific strength endurance workout. Later in the season it can be done twice a week with 10 times Double Pole and No Pole Skate