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Advantage Multisport, LLC is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their triathlon goals and dreams. USA Triathlon Certified Coach and Physical Therapist Daryl Smith takes a team approach with his athletes in designing schedules that produce results while maintaining a balanced lifestyle and maximizing fun. Protocol is heavily based in the principles of periodization, key workouts, health, and recovery. I invite you to explore this website and learn about my unique philosophy and outlook, and hope that you will become part of Advantage Multisport and experience the health and rewards of following the triathlon lifestyle.
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I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Brett Bauer this year in his assault on the La Ruta Mountain Bike Race, a 4 day stage race in Costa Rica. When he first came to me, I had a bit of uncertainty on my end, in that I had never coached a mountain biker before. He had the experience in terms of being an excellent technical rider though, and I had a good idea of what we needed to do to train his physiology to get him through 4 back to back days of heavy racing.
Brett diligently followed the plan we laid out, but more importantly became a student of the sport while experimenting with his nutrition, race simulations, etc. He also did a great job at balancing the training with family and work, making sure he finished his rides at the soccer fields to be there for his kids soccer games. His plan built to a 7.5 hour day in the saddle with endless climbing, and a once per month 4 day training block that built up gradually to a high volume so we could experiment with his recovery over repeated days of heavy training.
Even with all the training, there was still a lot of unknown going into the race. Day 1 included 17,000 ft of vertical gain, followed by 13,000 in day 2, 8500 in day 3, and 6000 in the final day. We were also looking at about 12 hours in the saddle in day one, and at least 7 hours per day the remaining days. The blogs from the best long distance MTB riders in the world also added to some nervousness after reading that this was the most difficult MTB event on the planet.
Well, Brett was an amazing success story. He completed the 4 days strong, executed his pacing plan and nutrition perfectly, made it through a mechanical setback, and now will have bragging rights for the next several months (though if any of you know Brett, you will know that he is not even close to the bragging type, so that is why I am bragging a bit for him here). I am sure this event will be one he will remember for a lifetime. He also did an excellent job of blogging his journey, his words can be read here... http://fanatikbike.wordpress.com/.
Brett, it has been an honor working with you and very rewarding watching you succeed through this epic event. I look forward to hearing your detailed story when you return. Awesome job man!!!
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