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heathera
Canada
158 Posts |
 Posted - 11/05/2009 : 1:29:45 PM
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We got home from the IFSS Dryland WC on Monday night. Having had a couple of days to let it all soak in, I'd like to share my thoughts about the trip.
1. You need good equipment to do well. The top teams use lightweight aluminum scooters with racing grade components. My low quality steel scooter's brakes needed tinkering before every run. After crashing on day 2, I had to get off and straighten the handlebars which were at a 30 degree angle to the front wheel. After that I had to drag my foot to brake on the steep downhills because the front brake was sprung open. It's hard to justify an expensive rig for one race, but then again...
2. The presence of international competition really does make a difference. I think organizers work harder to make everything as perfect as possible, and the human participants train harder, and run harder. The atmosphere is special. It inspires new ideas for the future.
3. One-dog scooter racing on steep terrain requires human training! Training with the dog wasn't enough. The appropriate training regime would have been dog-less scootering, on steep terrain.
4. Cani-cross is cruel on your calf muscles and feet! Ow! OK, I guess more training with the dog would have helped :-) I can walk again now. But, frankly I was scared at first to train with the dog I raced with. The first attempt got me a face plant and drag through a patch of poison ivy. :-) Running down those steep hills at Saguenay was definitely scary... And I don't scare easily.
5. Seed events can work magic. We don't do much dryland racing in this area. Still, this event pulled in good competition from the surrounding regions. It wasn't huge, but there was special spirit and enthusiasm. The relay was especially fun because it forced us to team up with people we hadn't met before. I think the idea could go even farther: I think a mixer relay, where each team member must be from a different country, would be quite useful.
6. It takes a village to raise a child! Boy did I appreciate having everyone help out with my 13 month old baby Daniel. He enjoyed meeting everyone too. Dave was busy with team captain duties a lot, so I was in charge of the little guy most of the time. I could never have taken care of the dogs, raced and cared for the baby without all the help. Thanks everyone! |
Edited by - heathera on 11/05/2009 2:47:39 PM |
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sav
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2009 : 2:43:54 PM
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I think Heather makes some fantastic points. We saw the top level of international competition. The folks that won are the same ones that win when the WCh is contested oversees, at least for the bikejoring, scooter and 4 dog-classes.
Top equipment is indeed key and is the difference when fighting for a couple of seconds. Not only is their equipment top of the line and light, it is also terrain and conditions specific.
I had the pleasure and honor of hosting the Norwegian team at my house for the week and a half leading up to the WCh. While these people are good dog trainers they are also hardworking dedicated athletes who train THEMSELVES and their dogs tirelessly. For anyone who thinks it is all about the dogs they are sadly mistaken. For example, and bear with me for anyone who has heard the story, the day after 2 of the Norwegians arrived they turned up missing. They had gone out to scooter my 3 mile trail (I knew about this), which they did twice, and then they scootered/kickbiked to New Balance to go shopping. New Balance is 4 miles from my house, so this means the Norwegians kickbiked 14 miles WITHOUT DOGS, and this was a typical day!
Additionally, the bond they have with the dogs is incredible. On Saturday night of the race, Venke and Lena were sitting in the car with the dogs, signing to the ipod and drinking beer. They sat out there for a couple of hours just spending time with the dogs.
Amen on the canicross, hence the reason you did not see my name on the start list. I did a 2.5 mile canicross race in May and couldn't walk for two days. All I can say is ARNICA gel......!
And you couldn't be more right about it taking a village.....a special thank you goes out to Kim Marsch for entertaining my 6 year old, Grey. While he is pretty self-sufficient he also moves quickly and it was nice to have an extra set of eyes.
I hope everyone in attendance was able to pick up somethings and I hope some took Lena up on her offer of advice. She is very helpful and can be reached by email.
Here's to advancing the sport and learning from those with so much to offer.
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What I learned at Saguenay
