Full Throttle: In-Season Training
Tavo Sadeg at home on the snow, Alpine Meadows Resort. December 2022 pc @martin.gomez
Return to the Snow
As the snow begins to fall and mountain activities open up again Tavo turns his attention back towards the slopes. He replaces summer activities with daily riding sessions on the mountain as his in-season training takes shape. It includes a litany of mountain drills and countless sets of exercises on turning and jumping properly. Tavo also works on his bag of tricks and then closer to freeride events incorporates some “competition-specific” drills.
At first glance, you might think this in-season schedule is just a bunch of turning drills. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Upon closer examination, you’ll start to appreciate what he does each day. These are not routine laps on easy groomers. They’re highly focused runs practicing at or near his athletic potential. Whether it’s pushing hard to complete a rotation on a trick or simply stomping that next cliff, Tavo is working hard to fine-tune his craft. He likes to play in that uncomfortable zone near his athletic potential.
Tavo Sadeg completing his 'Air Force' training course at Alpine Meadows, January 2019. pc @tavo.sadeg
Working With Potential
But working in this zone and pushing their potential isn’t for most people. If not simply because of the tremendous effort required, then for the risks involved. When you start to twist, flip, and straight up huck off cliffs you introduce risk and serious injury. This is not something Tavo takes lightly either. Even the most talented and careful athletes make mistakes and injuries do occur.
Like many other athletes, Tavo has had his share of injuries too. At just 19 years old he has already suffered multiple concussions, numerous sprained ankles (including one last season leaving him hobbling with a cane for weeks), and countless injured wrists including one compound fracture. This list doesn’t include the nagging injuries that come from the daily grind of snowboarding. But true to his form, Tavo doesn’t complain. (I don’t think it’s in his nature.) Instead, he’s found a regimen of both preventative and recovery therapies that helps him get through the season.
Tavo Sadeg riding high at Palisades Tahoe, California, May 2022. pc @ledozzie
Beat the Daily Grind
Battling against the daily grind for so long Tavo has had the chance to try many different healing modalities. He’s now settled on three basic strategies that work for him.
1.) Twice daily routine of full-body stretches and bodyweight exercises.
2.) Routine Bodywork – chiropractic adjustments, massage, acupuncture, and occasional cupping.
3.) Regular Epsom salt soaks – ‘the remedy’ for aches and pains and also helpful in reducing inflammation.
Regardless of what healing modality you choose to help you get through your season, it comes down to individual preference and what works best for you. But if the recent pic (see below) is any indication of how it’s going for Tavo, it sure looks like we’ve got an incredible season ahead of us.
Tavo Sadeg gains extra GNAR points shredding 'Box Chute' on the Fingers, Palisades Tahoe, California, December 2022. pc smokebombtahoe
We’re back tomorrow with more from Tavo. This time we’ll talk about his approach to the pivot turn! Here’s another special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!