for my first and probably only win of the season, I headed for Dublin and the very professional Base2Race at the Ballymount Estate. Base2Race had kindly offered a free swim and gait analysis and bike fit to a club member. .Dena joined me and attended the swim analysis and I went for the bike fit and run analysis.It has to be said these people certainly know their stuff and we both came away with the knowledge that we could and would improve our form.
The process is long but very thorough so be prepared to spend some time with them without watching the clock. Its all very informative and you will be glad you made the trip.
First up for me was the Bike Fit, with my new bike in hand I was delighted to get the opportunity to be fitted correctly. A comprehensive client history is taken first which includes training , goals, injuries, flexibility and measurements.
Then it was on to the all important fit, a lot of time was taken on this and very technical. Some adjustments where made to my saddle height and the saddle itself moved foward also. There was a lot of getting on and off the bike with subtle ajustments made but end result was a more comfortable position on the bike. Now i am not very technically minded like some of you guys out there who would probably have liked a bit more detail but I have to say Dom really knew his stuff and i think it really would be worth it to get professionally fitted especially if you are feeling any discomfort in your cycling position. Also a lot of benefits to be gained from his expertise in training and getting the most from yourself. Great guidance.
On then to the run analysis and this really was a gem find for me. As before there is a quick history taken and flexibilty test. And then on to the mechanical testing. It was on to the treadmill barefoot and the video rollin. Darren gave out the orders I followed them and then time was spent going over the footage analysising it. We would do a little bit of running, discuss the images and on again to the next bit. My odd running gait became very apparent during this process. Being able to see it myself was very informative, the images really do speak for themselves
I have had several problems with my knees over the years which had previously led to reducing my mileage and running goals. With what I have learned from this analysis I hope to not revisit these problems again.Darren gave me instructions and drills on how to improve my technique and the purchase of a correct running shoe should also help. The process involved in purchasing my runners was great. Darren brought in one of his collegues who specialises in fitting runners. This was a huge step up from the normal gait analysis I have experienced both here and in the UK when purchasing a pair of runners. Before it involved a run on a treadmill with an assistant observing and trying out different pairs. However this involved video footage of me running in each selected pair and analysing later. It was amazing how clear it showed in the footage which runner actually met all my support needs.
I have of course being putting their recommomdations into action over these last few weeks - no point in recommending someone unless they have been proven and so far sogood , its all thumbs up at the moment. So any of ye who have seen me recently pounding the roads running like a marching cadet in a hurry its all part of the big plan to the new improved me.
So to the burning question 'Do these guys know their stuff'? The answer is a definite YES!!
They can facilitate everyone from the humble begginer, to improver to elite. If you want to progress and improve your game these guys may just help stir you in the right direction the end result will of course be up to you!
Their shop although small does carry a good range of products and its worth dropping into if only to have a look around and have a casual chat to whoever is around, they are keen and very helpful. Its very easy to get to, just off the m50 you can't go wrong (ok Dena I may have slipped up a little!!}
So a big thank you to Base2Race for providing this opportunity and of course Racing 795 .
Ps. I can't wait till the next rafffle!!!
For details of pricing etc..call
M: 00 353 (0)86-8101681 (Paul)
M: 00 353 (0)87-2997355 (Dom)
