Wednesday
Mar112009
TrainingPeaks member profile: Curt Wilhelm, mountain biker
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 12:14PM
After gaining 50 pounds and being warned by his doctor that his cholesterol was too high, Curt Wilhelm turned to his former passion for mountain biking to get his health back on track. Using TrainingPeaks to monitor his progress, Curt has improved his racing significantly, transitioning to the Expert category for the first time last season.
For Curt Wilhelm, mountain biking was originally just for fun. "I started mountain biking in the late 1980's just for fun with my buddies. In 1990 we entered our first race. It was a great challenge. I joined a team and traveled all over Northern California racing for 4 seasons."
Then, lifestyle changes got in the way. "After getting married, job, commuting, kids etc, the racing stopped, and riding was maybe once a week at the most. I got heavy, 220lbs, 50lbs over my race weight...In 2005 my doctor said my cholesterol was too high and I was at high risk for heart disease. He said exercise and a low fat diet was in order."
There was just one kind of exercise that came to mind for Curt. "The only exercise I wanted to do was mountain bike. Shortly after the doctor appointment I saw a flyer for a local mountain bike race. I didn't place very well but I was hooked again."
At first, Curt wasn't worried about how well he placed in the races, but eventually he started to focus more on the podium. "I never placed well in races - always midway back in the Sport class. In 2007 I joined a local race team and set my focus to get on the podium. I did some self coaching by reading some books and online articles. I got on the podium 6 times."
As he got more serious about his training, Curt started looking for ways to keep better track of his progress. "Over the years I have recorded my training on a hand-made calendar. It's hard to stay organized with that. I looked around the web in late 2008 and found a few sites to help, but nothing really came close to what TrainingPeaks offered. I like the new 3.0 version and the ability to upload my training sessions, and share them on my blog, mtbcoach.com."
Curt trains according to Joe Friel's heart rate zone method, riding alone with his Garmin to keep his workouts focused. "I train 5-6 days a week. Power intervals once or twice a week depending on the time of year, and a couple of longer endurance rides. I normally train alone. I get a more focused workout. I use a Garmin 305 to track my course, time, and HR. I use the Joe Friel HR zone method to train at my LTHR. My longer rides usually are on my road bike, along the Peak to Peak highway, or in the back country of Gilpin County on my mountain bike where the elevation is above 9500ft. I don't like listening to music. I tried it once, but didn't like it. I like to hear my bike and the sounds of nature. And, since I ride by myself and in mountain lion country, I want to be able to hear anything coming after me."
Curt did much better than he expected in his first season as an expert mountain bike racer. "Last season was my first year racing Expert. I did much better then I expected. I didn't get on the podium, but my times were much faster then the previous year (on same courses). I learned a lot about myself and what my body is capable of."
This year, with the help of TrainingPeaks, Curt hopes to improve his results even further. "As far as goals for this year, I plan on improving my results as a Cat1 (expert) mountain biker. I race the Mountain States Cup and Winter Park series. My goal is to get on the podium this year. I'll also compete in my first 100 mile race, the Breckenridge 100. TrainingPeaks will help me track my progress."
Curt also plans to expand his coaching services. "I'm hoping by the time this goes live, I'll have my USAC Coaching Level 2 Certification. I should have it by early March. I'm offering online coaching through TrainingPeaks and my own website to individuals including members of my race team, bouldermtbracing.com."
Sharing his passion for mountain biking through racing and coaching has helped Curt get his health back on track. "Now my cholesterol and risk for heart disease is low. I contribute it most to healthy eating, but also the training."
Not only is he healthier, he is happier! "I race mountain bike for a few reasons. First of all, it's really fun. I like dicing it up with my friends. I've also met a lot of really nice people at the races. It gives me motivation to stay fit, and healthy. I like to see how far I can push myself and I also like the educational aspect of racing. I've learned a great deal about the body and mind the last few years, and I use that in my training. Finally, I'm a role model and influence to my kids. They are still too young for the junior races, but they enjoy the kids' races some of the series put on. They usually do well too."
Happy training, Curt!
For Curt Wilhelm, mountain biking was originally just for fun. "I started mountain biking in the late 1980's just for fun with my buddies. In 1990 we entered our first race. It was a great challenge. I joined a team and traveled all over Northern California racing for 4 seasons."Then, lifestyle changes got in the way. "After getting married, job, commuting, kids etc, the racing stopped, and riding was maybe once a week at the most. I got heavy, 220lbs, 50lbs over my race weight...In 2005 my doctor said my cholesterol was too high and I was at high risk for heart disease. He said exercise and a low fat diet was in order."
There was just one kind of exercise that came to mind for Curt. "The only exercise I wanted to do was mountain bike. Shortly after the doctor appointment I saw a flyer for a local mountain bike race. I didn't place very well but I was hooked again."
At first, Curt wasn't worried about how well he placed in the races, but eventually he started to focus more on the podium. "I never placed well in races - always midway back in the Sport class. In 2007 I joined a local race team and set my focus to get on the podium. I did some self coaching by reading some books and online articles. I got on the podium 6 times."
As he got more serious about his training, Curt started looking for ways to keep better track of his progress. "Over the years I have recorded my training on a hand-made calendar. It's hard to stay organized with that. I looked around the web in late 2008 and found a few sites to help, but nothing really came close to what TrainingPeaks offered. I like the new 3.0 version and the ability to upload my training sessions, and share them on my blog, mtbcoach.com."
Curt trains according to Joe Friel's heart rate zone method, riding alone with his Garmin to keep his workouts focused. "I train 5-6 days a week. Power intervals once or twice a week depending on the time of year, and a couple of longer endurance rides. I normally train alone. I get a more focused workout. I use a Garmin 305 to track my course, time, and HR. I use the Joe Friel HR zone method to train at my LTHR. My longer rides usually are on my road bike, along the Peak to Peak highway, or in the back country of Gilpin County on my mountain bike where the elevation is above 9500ft. I don't like listening to music. I tried it once, but didn't like it. I like to hear my bike and the sounds of nature. And, since I ride by myself and in mountain lion country, I want to be able to hear anything coming after me."Curt did much better than he expected in his first season as an expert mountain bike racer. "Last season was my first year racing Expert. I did much better then I expected. I didn't get on the podium, but my times were much faster then the previous year (on same courses). I learned a lot about myself and what my body is capable of."
This year, with the help of TrainingPeaks, Curt hopes to improve his results even further. "As far as goals for this year, I plan on improving my results as a Cat1 (expert) mountain biker. I race the Mountain States Cup and Winter Park series. My goal is to get on the podium this year. I'll also compete in my first 100 mile race, the Breckenridge 100. TrainingPeaks will help me track my progress."
Curt also plans to expand his coaching services. "I'm hoping by the time this goes live, I'll have my USAC Coaching Level 2 Certification. I should have it by early March. I'm offering online coaching through TrainingPeaks and my own website to individuals including members of my race team, bouldermtbracing.com."
Sharing his passion for mountain biking through racing and coaching has helped Curt get his health back on track. "Now my cholesterol and risk for heart disease is low. I contribute it most to healthy eating, but also the training."
Not only is he healthier, he is happier! "I race mountain bike for a few reasons. First of all, it's really fun. I like dicing it up with my friends. I've also met a lot of really nice people at the races. It gives me motivation to stay fit, and healthy. I like to see how far I can push myself and I also like the educational aspect of racing. I've learned a great deal about the body and mind the last few years, and I use that in my training. Finally, I'm a role model and influence to my kids. They are still too young for the junior races, but they enjoy the kids' races some of the series put on. They usually do well too."
Happy training, Curt!
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