Event horizon

We all know that it takes just seven days to make us a man. Unfortunately, it takes almost 10,000 hours to turn that man into a world class performer. 10,000 hours is about 10 years. Nobody in their right mind wants to wait that long, nor -we are constantly reminded- should they have to do so. These days we can get what we want, when we want it. It is called instant gratification and like greed it is one of the pillars upon which our consumer society was built.

In just seven days, I will make you a man

No doubt this is why we all look for shortcuts. Maybe we need a power meter so we can train smarter? Or perhaps we need to change our nutrition and add more micronutrients? Or analyze our sweat to see what electrolytes we are missing? Or strengthen our core so we can be more efficient?

It is also why we are so eager to correct any perceived defects. Better get to it before it gets to us is the mantra. Better drink before you are thirsty, or eat before you are hungry. Or start pedaling circles before you know how to pedal. Or correct your gait before you have developed a proper stride?

We study and analyze and we take great pride in our deep understanding of physiology. Unfortunately though, every time we test that understanding in the real world, we are -most likely- in for a big surprise. All those things that seemed so rational and logical, all those things that just had to work, turn out to be for naught. Whenever we apply our fabulous insights or clever tricks we risk doing more harm than good. The road is littered with great ideas and fool proof remedies that achieved little or nothing beneficial.

Meanwhile our friend Iljo Keisse is still on for the Zesdaagse in Rotterdam, Alberto Contador is booked for the Tour of Murcia -all these conditional on any last minute UCI or WADA interventions, and Zdenek Stybar is back in cyclocross. There, Sven Nys suffers one mechanical failure after another, while Lance Armstrong bailed out of the New Zealand Ironman race and possibly Kona?


In other news, I have discovered a great Kriek (cherry beer) for you. Earlier I introduced you to Cantillon, no doubt a very worthy brew, but one that I am sure many will find too dry and too sour. Turns out Oud Beersel, makers of authentic Gueuze Lambic, make a fantastic Oude Kriek that is full of flavor, just a tad sour, and lacks the cloying taste of most popular Krieks. Like Cantillon it is deep red. A superb beer to top off a great workout.

Authentic super kriek