I Need a Hero

10
Nov
2010
By

When was the last time something really amazing happened in pro sports.  Yeah, I know there has been a lot of cool plays and amazing acts of athleticism….but when is the last time we’ve seen a Hero?

I’m not just talking about cycling this time.  Think about all sports and let me know the last time a real, honest to goodness, Hero existed. (I think that Jens Voigt might be the closest thing we’ve seen in a long time.) Sports figures have become more like celebrities, and when we’re not reading about the latest doping scandal or wild antics, there are some decent quality sports being played.  But what I’m looking for is a Hero.  Not someone who throws the winning touchdown pass with 3 seconds to go in the game…..something much, much bigger.

What I want is a real Hero to emerge.

If you’ve got kids, there’s no doubt you’ve seen the movie…Cars.  Well, you know how Lightning stops just a few feet before the finish line…giving up the Piston Cup so that he can go back and help his crumpled up fellow competitor, The King?  Thats the kind of Hero I’m talking about.  A Hero that will do something so incredible in their sport that the whole world sits up and takes notice.  An action so great, that it is talked about for decades to come.  Yeah, I know it might sound corny, but we need a Hero to do something as great as this.

I think the world of sports needs it.  We need a Hero.  Why, you ask?  Well, our kids need a positive influence and role model that they can build their future on.  The rest of us could use a little dose of positive influence as well.

But who’s it going to be….and how is it going to take place?  I’m willing to see this happen in any sports genre, but it sure would be fantastic if we see it coming from a Pro Cyclist.  Who’s it going to be?  Let me see you script this one together.

Enjoy Your Ride

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  • http://kentsbike.blogspot.com Kent Peterson

    Check out Chris Horner:

    http://bit.ly/95Gcfu

  • Gerry

    “The famous are rarely significant, the significant rarely famous.”
    The celebrities of all walks who we look to as heroes were heroes before they were famous.
    Look in the mirror Darryl, you’re a hero to somebody.

  • Robert

    Google Pat Tillman.

  • http://www.massivemtber.co.uk Clive Chapman

    I’m not one to put the tag of hero on any sporting person. There are too many heroes outside of sport who are the genuine article.

    The fireman who rushes back into a burning building, the lifeboatman who braves the worst storm to save a life, or the soldier who risks his own neck save his comrades.

    The disabled person who overcomes all the odds to achieve what was not possible or the badly injured who completes, lets say a marathon.

    For sporting people all you can hope for is that they are good role models. I think that doing something you love, even if you are the worlds best at sport doesn’t qualify for the tag “hero”.

    But, if you force my hand then my sport of Rugby has the Englishman Jonny Wilkinson, the youngest player ever to play for England, won the Rugby World Cup with an extra time drop goal in 2003 and is renowned for his modesty, his hard work and shunning of the celebraty lifestyle in the pursuit of excellence.

    Like I said, he’s been at the very top of his sport, a totally awesome role model, but as he’d be the first to tell you, a hero he ain’t.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Loving the Bike

      Great words of wisdom as always, my friend. You’re totally right about looking for heros in all areas of life. I appreciate your words.

      Darryl

  • http://www.adirondackbasecamp.com tourpro

    It’s possible with so much information and media surrounding modern-athletes, that we know too much about them. It turns out that they are all people, with flaws, just like us.

    For me, it’s no longer the impressive performance or record-breaking feat, but the style and character of the person who has strived to achieve. Like Jens and many others.

    No doubt, it is hard to put anyone on a pedestal these days, when we’ve been burned so many times. But even so, there is still hope.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Loving the Bike

      You’re so right….we really do get to find out everything about them these days don’t we? That probably does play a part in the heroism, and it also allows them to show what kind of hero they are outside of the playing field as well.

      Darryl

  • http://taiwanincycles.blogspot.com/ Andrew

    If one came along more than once a generation we’d hardly take notice. That’s what makes them special in a field that often attracts the selfish on a quest for individual achievement, fame, riches and ego. Those very selfish desires often drive athletes to win. They often have to pay a very high personal price as well.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Loving the Bike

      Good point, thanks for sharing it Andrew. I’m not sure who we would consider the last “true hero”, but I’m hoping one more comes along in my lifetime.

      Darryl

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What’s the best fuel for an early morning ride?

Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride.  For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am.  I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier.  My rides are 1.5-2 hours.  Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all?  What do you think?

Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved.  The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all.  And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.

Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.

My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon).  Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods.  The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants.  The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.

Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water.  These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.

And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.

During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well.  With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.
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