We’ve all heard the expression: “It’s like riding a bike”. Well it was literally for former Gamespeed client Stephen Boland. He came to me years ago (2005) to train as a masters track athlete. We had some great private sessions not only from a training standpoint but just the conversations we had about training approach and philosophy. Well he took both to heart and recently wrote me on how he was doing in his athletic life. Just have to say pretty fearless guy. Cool stuff read on………….
Hey Aaron.
Hope you are well. I still follow you on several social media sites though I don’t post too much.
I had major repair of my left shoulder 18 months ago. I took a fall on some steps on the way to 4 am weights session and blew everything out. Needed 4 procedures. That took me off sprint training for awhile. Rehab went well and I was pretty conservative. I’m back in the gym lifting just as heavy and doing everything as before.
I decided to return to cycling after a 15 year layoff. Track cycling is a new discipline for me. In road cycling one can mask poor conditioning by drafting and other tactics. Track goes hard and fast from the gun and if you aren’t capable you will get dropped, exposed and lapped. In running terms it’s like having competing in 100 meters up to 1600 meters. So last spring I basically grabbed a cheap rental bike and jumped into the mix with no base of conditioning. I figured it will take three seasons to get to optimal level so no time to waste. I’m also the second oldest guy out there (age 59) so that is another factor. It was a very humbling season. I got crushed weekly for three months by everyone out there. I started rounding in condition at end of summer, produced some results in the masters group then the season ended.
I put in a lot of work over the winter and last night I came to the track for the season opener faster than when I ended last season. I’m now upgraded from lowest category on the track (D) to the B group (A is highest). I’m racing against mainly 16 yo – 35 year olds. Last night in a field of 20 riders I stayed with the front four or five, rode aggressive from start to finish and mixed it up in the sprints and won some points.
I want to acknowledge you for your training all the way back in 2005. When I competed as a cyclist 20 years ago I thought I knew what hard training was. But I approached my return to cycling last year with a completely different mindset and expectations for myself. I owe that to your training Aaron.
Over the past winter when I was grinding out 3-4 hour rides in 30° alone out on hilly roads I reflected back on Gamespeed training and thought “this is what is required if I want to win..”
Onward.
Stephen Boland
April 2019
Aaron Thigpen of Gamespeed has been “the source” for numerous athletes from all walks of life for over the past 25 years. Some change their bodies, others their minds. Experiences and results may vary but all can walk away with something useful in life.
