A bad habit never disappears miraculously; it's an undo-it-yourself project."– Abigail Van Buren
Lew Hollander is a man that has a varied background. Aside from being an exceptional athlete, he is a noteworthy scientist with many patents to his credit. In fact, he will gladly discuss with you nano principles or topics relating to synchronicity or resonance. Take your pick and I’m sure you have a topic to discuss with him in or out of the sports world.
Since the Cool ride and tie is coming up on October 1, let us take some of his expertise found in his book “Endurance Riding.” He makes the following points: 1. be calm and quiet around the horse; stand in the shade if it is hot; as soon as the horses pulse nears the criteria, send the crew person backwards up the trail to intercept the incoming runner to tell the runner where the crew is stationed and the horse is ready. 2. The horse must be watered as thoroughly as possible with tepid water; wash the horses front legs and neck first with cold water; if it is cold and windy out avoid putting too much water on the hind quarters and the big muscles of the body; and if the weather is cold or windy use a cooler a blanket to keep the horse’s body warm. 3. Help your runner in every possible way so that he may conserve his energy ; if there are no problems , a runner will vet the horse through and hit the trail once again; a tired runner can find it a tremendous effort just to find the timer, get the card signed and find the out trail. Last but not least, have the rider get off his horse when he can go faster on foot. His suggestions are right on so incorporate them into your race strategy.
Lew’s humor is best illustrated with some the following quotes from his book: 1. you must make up in your feet what you lack in your head. He got that one from his wife’s father. 2. Life is uncertain; eat dessert first. 3. You have to do with what you got because that’s what pays off in the end. Brer Rabbit 4. It is better to have a hen tomorrow than an egg today. Fortune cookie. Way to go young man – keep that humor.
By the way, Lew is the oldest competitor to complete the world ride and tie championship long course. That’s a neat record that he would say is” just for your ego.” For his ego’s sake I wish him well in this year’s Hawaiian Iron man so he will have that record as well. Read my chapter on him to find out his secrets.
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