Cycling Camp San Diego

Coaching Rates | Training Philosophy | Written Materials

Robert Panzera, Owner & Operator

Education

• BA Purdue University
• MA Kinesiology–Biomechanics San Diego State University (candidate)

Certification

• USA Cycling Certified Coach—Level 2
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

• Category 3 Elite Cyclist Road
• Category 3 Elite Cyclist Track
• Category 3 Elite Cyclist Cyclocross

• American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED
• American Red Cross Standard First Aid
• Coach for San Diego Cyclo-Vets

Biography

I have always been athletic, whether swimming, running, skiing, or playing basketball competitively and always had in interest in general health and well-being through exercise. During college, my athletics tapered off due to schooling and other interests. After college, I began weight-lifting regularly and watching my nutrition to get in better general health. This blossomed into a part-time athletic commitment.

I realized that with a little bit of knowledge—I am an avid reader—and some spare time each day, it was generally very easy to get in great shape; indeed, better shape than most health guidelines suggest. The key, I discovered, was time management and having long-term realizable goals. When weight-lifting was not enough to keep my interest, I returned to endurance sports with a much more streamlined approach.

At first, I participated in running events such as 5Ks and 10Ks. Eventually, I started cycling to build on my cardiovascular training. I found I was in the best shape of my life. As cycling became more and more of interest to me, I participated in one-day charity rides, like the Multiple Sclerosis Society New York City Tour. This led to my participation in multi-day charity events like the AIDS Ride from Raleigh, North Carolina to Washington, DC. Finally, it all culminated in my taking part in the multi-month American Lung Association Ride Across America. Now, I was not only weight-lifting, but I was specifically weight-training and cross-training to be a better cyclist. More doors were opening, and my interest was further peaked.

After finishing my ride across America, I took the next step by not only entering running events but also cycling events. My first foray was a combined running and cycling event—a duathlon. After that, I knew that cycling had replaced running as my focus; I not only loved to ride bicycles, but also to race bicycles, and I began to train on the bike voraciously, along with a continued weight-training program.

I joined a cycling team and for the last seven years have been training and constantly learning how to improve all aspects of my fitness to be a better racer—i.e., weight lifting, stretching, stationary training, plyometrics, nutrition, etc. Most importantly, I was able to acquire good solid coaching. First, I was graciously coached by Bob Kaplan of Westwood Velo in New Jersey. Bob gave me a solid foundation in how to train properly through structure and periodization. Bob was (and is) a great sounding board, because he has great years of experience and he is extremely well read. Read Bob's blog.

I then was coached by Joe Papp (joepapp.com), who taught me the importance and nuances of training with power—specifically an SRM Powermeter. Joe also provided me with a plethora of varied workouts and connected me with the right people to get me properly fitted on a bicycle.

Most recently, I have worked with Arnie Baker, MD, (arniebakercycling.com) one of the premiere coaches in the world. Arnie's vast array of knowledge, written materials, and vast palmares speak for themselves. I feel very lucky to live near Arnie and be a part of Cyclo-Vets cycling club (cyclo-vets.org), of which he is head coach.

This history has given me a versatile array of tools to help individuals achieve improved general health and athletic success. I have been through many stages of fitness and understand what it takes to be accomplished at each stage.

Interests

I am an avid reader of many subjects, both fiction and nonfiction. Below are some subjects I read about on a daily basis concerning physical activity.

• Bicycle racing - road, track, cyclocross
• Bicycle events - one-day or multi-day rides
• Running - competitive, exercise, general health, weight management
• Weight Training - general health, sport-specific
• Skiing - downhill for fun, competition
• Nutrition - weight management, sports performance enhancement
• Sports Psychology