I guess you have to take everything in it's proper perspective.
I am saying that AJ's rate of improvement over the past 2 years has been scary. Less than 2 years ago, I was out riding the streets of Gainesville with AJ and a friend of his and I don't think my heart rate broke 90. Admittedly, in AJ's defense, it was an easy base ride. I didn't have a power meter on my bike back then but I would be shocked if we were doing more than 120watts. Now, at the sort of power #'s that AJ is doing for his base training, I would be hard pressed to sit on his wheel without my HR exceeding 190! (slight exaggeration but only slight).
The most important point is, he has done this by surrendering his life to the sport. Committing 100%.
Even at the front of the peloton, I don't believe that there are many who commit 100%. I've heard it from Lance (via interview), or in the tri world from Gordo and Scott Molina.
It is this rare total commitment that I am basing my opinion on.
That said, I understand that this is something that you have to truly see and experience firsthand to grasp the power
involved.
It is a little disappointing though, that when someone states a goal (however ambitious it may be), the instinctive response of the majority is to write them off as 'cocky'.
I wish AJ all the success he deserves.
Alan.
trigeek76@triathlontrainingsurvey.net
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