Tell us a little about yourself
I live in Regina, SK with my wife Amy, and two kids ages eight and six. Mountain biking is my main physical passion in the summer, complemented by Spartan races to keep things interesting. In winter, I bring out the fat bike. Yoga and strength/mobility workouts are scheduled weekly, as injury prevention is paramount.
I have 18 years of experience as a self-employed Massage Therapist and Acupuncture practitioner, and have recently returned to school part-time for Osteopathy.
Mountain bike stages races are what I gravitate towards; having completed the Singletrack 6, BC Bike Race and Breck Epic. I love the fact that in a stage race, each day is purposely highlighted with the best trails in the local area. In stage racing you must be smart and diversified in your approach to the physical and mental stamina required, a nutritional understanding for hydration/fueling/eating and recovery, and being able to remain patient and focused while on the bike. Biking is my meditation. I trust and use Hammer Nutrition for my racing and training, as it is the cleanest fuel with no added sugar.
It’s a privilege to age. I am thankful for the ability to pursue my passion on the bike, and like to volunteer my time in the community and on the trails.
In your physiology training, how big of a component is nutrition? What are some areas that you hope to better educate yourself?
We study a healthy chunk of physiology and nutrition in College, and it has helped me understand some of the body’s needs and processes while racing and training. When athletes can optimize the efficiency of their stomach and digestion during a race, success rates improve. Nutritional balance plays a key role in athlete performance, especially stage and endurance racing.
I’ve come to respect the amount of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium our tissues need for power output and cramp prevention. Hammer Nutrition has the best product for mineral replacement during a race with Endurolytes and Premium Insurance Caps. The more you sweat, the more you need to replace.
What are some of the unique qualities of mountain bike training and racing in the prairies?
Yeah, mountain biking on the prairies can seem like an oxymoron, however we have a very strong mountain bike club for regular training, provincial XC races and a humbling number of steep hills and challenging trails in the valley. Don’t forget the wind, it’s your least favorite training partner. Training through the wind builds mental character and physical strength. I do a fair bit of gravel riding as well, for a change of pace that benefits my tempo and cadence.
What are your top three Hammer products? And why?
Vegan Protein Powder (Chocolate) – This protein powder is the best on the market. This protein powder tastes amazing when mixed with water alone, it is clean, and plant sourced. I use this post-workout, after a race, and during a long work day.
Endurolytes - They have saved me from cramping SO many times. If the training ride or race is going to be a hot one, I will take two capsules along with a dose of calcium/magnesium the night before, repeat the same procedure in the morning and then carry a handful of Endurolytes in a baggie if I’m on a 4-5hr gravel or road ride, and take two capsules every 90 minutes.
Tissue Rejuvenator - As I get older, recovery is paramount. In consultation with my Naturopath for recovery strategies, I was already taking several of the ingredients in Tissue Rejuvenator, like Tumeric, Yucca Root and Collagen. I take two TR capsules post-exercise and before bed.