Wow!! I can't believe it's finally here...well...almost.
First I have to apologize for neglecting this journal. I have been so busy training and getting ready for the trip I haven't had much time to actually sit down and reflect all I have been through and what I am about to go through.
Tomorrow at 4 AM Ruby will get placed on her brand new bike rack, purchased just for this trip, my husband and I will sleepily hop in to the car...stop for a cup of joe so we can find our way out of town and start our 18 hour journey to California. Wow.
My last few training rides have been going good. I did suffer a minor knee injury that has been causing problems and affecting my training, but I rested last night and feel it's definitely on the mend) I feel I have done all I can do to prepare for next weeks challenge. I have this crazy desire to really rock it in CA. I would love to ride fast and have it be easy. I know that's asking a lot and know it's probably not realistic. But, it is what my heart desires. We shall see.
Okay, I'll confess I want to ride faster than my brother-in-law who is an ex-marine, star athlete, marathoner and triathlete. I feel he has always looked down on me because of my "extra" weight and I would love to just really show him! :o) There, I said it and I fully understand it is both unrealistic and just plain silly. But a girl can dream, right?
This weekend I rode 75 miles, I didn't quite get to the elevation gain of the actual ride of day one next weekend. I will confess it was a tough ride for me. For some reason I never really found my "zone" I tried, but I just never found it and the ride was never easy or enjoyable for me. When I finished the ride my confidence was pretty shot and I was starting to think next weekend might be a nightmare. The fast girl who was going to ride circles around her competition was nowhere to be found. Up until this last weekend I was actually starting to feel like an athlete, dear I say endurance athlete. But, after this weekend I felt like anything but.
Tonight was completely different for me. I went out for a 25 mile quick paced ride with the local bike group. I found the ride to be very Zen for me. It was like a meditation and helped me to regain my confidence. During the whole ride I was checking in, do I feel pain, nope I feel great. Do I feel tired, nope, I have lots of energy even after working all day...I can do this. Do I feel that feeling of hopelessness, nope, I a full of hope and confidence.
I might actually be ready to do this! Wow, feels great!
Tonight was exactly what I needed for next weekend. I have heard that an endurance event is 90% mental, well...I feel I am 100% mentally ready. I can and will do it.
Well,there it is. I am going to try and enjoy the ride and the experience and the scenery....I really will. Honestly, I will be proud of myself for doing two MS150's in one year.
Well I'm Off to CA, wish me luck and I will be back to give a full report.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
Hey! Why are you riding so much? Oh, I'm training...wanna see my plan?
During several group rides, I've told my riding-mates that I am following a training plan to prepare for the MS150 and thought I'd share it with all of you. It has been SUPER helpful in getting me ready for both of the MS150's this year. While I will admit that it is A LOT of riding and when I'm at the stage I'm at now, it tends to feel I am constantly on my bike. It really does help to prepare you for the magnitude, length and give you the endurance needed to complete the event semi-comfortably. I say semi-comfortably because it does take effort, and my definition of comfortable is more like lounging on my couch with my pup cuddling next to me while I'm watching a great chick-flick. Riding 150 miles in two days is not that, but it's an different kind of great. :o)
Okay, here is the plan, if you're interested:
"1) Take a rest day—here it is on Thursday, but you can adjust to meet your personal schedule. 2) Try to ride most days of the week - especially getting closer to the ride date. 3) Don’t increase your weekly total more than 10-12%. To do so risks injury. 4) “EASY” means relax. This is a recovery period for your body. 5) “BRISK” means 2-3 miles per hour faster than your target speed for the ride 6) “PACE” means your target speed for the day of the MS150 7) The big mileage days on Saturday are critical to the program. It doesn’t have to be on Saturday, but they should be more than 4 days apart, and once a week. Program to help you ''comfortably' complete the MS150" More from the blog: http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html
I just finished week 8 and am embarking on week 9. I have actually deviated from this schedule quite a bit, changing the mileage to fit my schedule (adding mostly or incorporating a spin class). You'll see that I was supposed to ride 65 miles on Saturday, but rode 25, making Sunday my big day ride, 50 miles, and 50 miles today instead of the suggested 15. I am finding that it's pretty easy and takes little effort to complete a 50 mile ride, so I'm hoping that jumping to a 75 mile ride in a little less than two weeks will be easy as well.
I am trying really hard during this training schedule to not feel so run down. I felt really run down when I trained for the first MS150, but to be honest...I don't think I rode as much, rode alone mostly (endurance sports is mostly psychological, so spending hours upon hours alone can take a toll). But most of all, and this I think is the key, I hardly did ANY hill training. As you know from my frustrating blog entries, I've done TONS of hill training this time around, I think that will not only help during the actual event with the hill climbing, I think it will help with my endurance as well (at least I hope it will).
I think I can feel myself getting to be a better and stronger rider, but still do not feel like I'm ready for the big event weekend. I am going to try and ride 100 miles this weekend, I'm hoping that will give me to confidence to know I am ready. (fingers crossed)
I will be back later to report about how this weekend's rides went, for the most part I think they went well. I will be back with details.
Okay, here is the plan, if you're interested:
"1) Take a rest day—here it is on Thursday, but you can adjust to meet your personal schedule. 2) Try to ride most days of the week - especially getting closer to the ride date. 3) Don’t increase your weekly total more than 10-12%. To do so risks injury. 4) “EASY” means relax. This is a recovery period for your body. 5) “BRISK” means 2-3 miles per hour faster than your target speed for the ride 6) “PACE” means your target speed for the day of the MS150 7) The big mileage days on Saturday are critical to the program. It doesn’t have to be on Saturday, but they should be more than 4 days apart, and once a week. Program to help you ''comfortably' complete the MS150" More from the blog: http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html
 | |
| Please note that I found the training schedule here: http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html |
I am trying really hard during this training schedule to not feel so run down. I felt really run down when I trained for the first MS150, but to be honest...I don't think I rode as much, rode alone mostly (endurance sports is mostly psychological, so spending hours upon hours alone can take a toll). But most of all, and this I think is the key, I hardly did ANY hill training. As you know from my frustrating blog entries, I've done TONS of hill training this time around, I think that will not only help during the actual event with the hill climbing, I think it will help with my endurance as well (at least I hope it will).
I think I can feel myself getting to be a better and stronger rider, but still do not feel like I'm ready for the big event weekend. I am going to try and ride 100 miles this weekend, I'm hoping that will give me to confidence to know I am ready. (fingers crossed)
I will be back later to report about how this weekend's rides went, for the most part I think they went well. I will be back with details.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Back to the scene of the climb...hill climb that is
So, as reported on my last entry, I promised to tackle that hill climb that we did last Thursday a few more times to see if it would get easier and I would become more efficient. Today was day 1 of fulfilling that promise to myself.
I had volunteered to valet park bikes at the farmers market this afternoon from 11 AM to 2 PM. So, I needed to get this challenge done before then. I actually ended up oversleeping a little and woke up about when I was supposed to leave, oops! At first I was starting to talk myself out of it. But, then I said, naw...you really need to do this. Put your bike clothes on before you wake up too much and realize what you're done. Ha! Success, bike clothes on before I was completely awake and couldn't change my mind. Next, only one thing do...tackle this blasted hill.
I am happy to report that I successfully climbed the hill. What is a success you ask? I climbed it without thinking I was going to have a heart attack. I did manage to still go slow, I think at one time I looked down and my speed was 4.5, but I did it...I made it...and well, it was almost pleasant. Okay, I wouldn't go that far...I'll just stick with the I didn't feel impending cardiac arrest starting to set in. I'm proud to say my heart stayed (semi-comfortably) lodged in my chest. I snapped a pic on my way down (yes I was stopped) you don't really get the full impact, but it was sure fun riding down that crazy hill I just conquered! :o)
Here is the view of the mountains near the top of the hill:
And here is the view down the hill I'd just climbed...you can see it, but I an promise you that the ascent goes on for miles...and miles...and miles. ;o) Okay, only bout 8 miles..but that's miles and miles, right?
The other good news, is that I finished the ride and still felt like I had enough energy to help out at the farmers market for 3 hours, running around parking bikes.
The bad news is, I am a pretty tired girl right now and am wondering how I will do on my ride tomorrow.
Oh, my ride, I didn't tell you guys about that. I am riding 50 miles, a pretty difficult hill climb. The one above is a 7% grade, the one tomorrow is 11.5% grade. Yikes! The good news is that it's only 50 miles (the ride, not the climb) but still....I am a little worried I will lag behind and keep everyone from going as fast as they want. But, I've already decided that I am going to tell them to go ahead if I lag behind, I know they area fairly well and can find my way home. I am certainly not going to race.
In other news, I got to park a bike identical to my new bike at the market today. :o) It is so freakin' adorable!! I got a chance to talk to the owner and she was gushing about it and said she LOVED it!! She also said the bike was great on hills (which I was worried about, cruisers are typically horrible on hills with their limited gearing). But, she said the gearing was great. Yay!! Now, it just needs to get here!! Grrrrr.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
What goes up, must go slow.....
First things first, I am excited to say that I went ahead and picked the adorable Woman's Trek bike from the previous post. I think I would have been disappointed if I didn't get it. So, I went ahead and made the leap. Now, I get to wait for delivery...they are shipping it to me. Yippee!
So now back to that crazy tittle of this post...
Yep, I think that is my motto when climbing hills on my bike. I seriously don't get it and I can honestly say I am super frustrated with my hill climbing. Well, between you and me....I think I know what it is...but I don't know what I can do about it. I think it's my weight. It makes perfect sense,pulling all of this weight up a hill is going to slow me down, no matter now strong I am.
I feel like I'm doing everything right, I'm climbing, challenging myself with difficult hills. I am going to spin class to increase strength and endurance and I am seeing improvements on the flats, I can average (comfortably) a pace of 20 miles (once warmed up :o) but put me on a challenging hill and not only to I should like a freight train, but my speed slows to a snail, honestly and snail could probably pass me!
I had a really great ride tonight, and feel I did pretty good, except for that hill. So, on Saturday, I'm going to do the exact same ride and see how I do. The only thing I can think of (and I read this in an article somewhere) is to pick a challenging hill and do it over and over and over again until it's not only doable but easy. Supposedly this is supposed to help wiht hill climbing. I feel like I've done everything else (except lose weight, which I've tried...but no luck) so I am going to climb, climb, climb that challenging hill and see what that does for me.
If that doesn't work...well...I guess I will just rock the flats and have my friends take a break and wait for me at the top of this hills. It will still be fun, right? :o/
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A new bike Delima
So as you know, I have a pretty amazing road bike. I have to confess I have a probably less than healthy love for that bike. My Ruby is amazing in so many ways and she is just absolutely perfect for me in every way. She allows me to become the athlete and rider I have always wanted to become. The rider that many (even me) thought I could never be, because I wasn't *that* person. She gives me confidence to BE that person. And for that I am forever grateful!
But, unfortunately she is not perfect for every ride. Sometimes I want to just chill, and coast down the road sitting completely upright holding onto wide handle bars and just taking in the scenery, without challenging myself at all. Without being that athlete and challenging myself or others. Just taking in the sites on the beautiful country roads in my beautiful state.
For a while I have been looking at old cruisers, I've always wanted one and figured since I already had a favorite bike, I could be a little impulsive and frivolous and get a cruiser. I love the romance and history of an old vintage cruiser. Imagining where it had been, what it's life has been like before it found me and hopefully giving it a better life restoring it to it's beauty and taking it on new adventures.
But, like many of my road bike adventures, this search has too taken an unexpected turn. As part of a sales incentive that I won recently, I got to pic a high dollar item from a catalog. When I won, I actually tried to give it to a co-worker, because there really wasn't anything I wanted. Until, he said...did you see if they have bikes (yeah, I guess I might or might not talk a lot about my biking adventures at work). ;o) We pulled up the catalog together and sure enough, they did have bikes, LOTS of bikes. Oh no....what do I do now? Well, he saw the spark in my eye and the slight curl of my mouth (trying not to smile) and said, oh, you really should get a new bike!
Um........do I though? I don't need one. And really I always wanted a vintage cruiser. But, this was free...and it was a new bike. Oh, the decision. So, just for kicks I looked to see what was available. That was the end of me. There were soo many choices and so many different bikes. They even have a city cruiser, multi-speed so I could still go fast, challenge myself...but (and this is the most important part) look cute doing it. I could even add some of my reflective flower stickers to make it look vintage and cute.
But, then I looked at the mountain bikes, and wondered if that would be a better use of this "gift". Would I use a mountain bike more? Would I get more out of it? Would I eventually be happier with it? Gosh, I don't know.
I've thought about it a lot. While, I might get more out of a mountain bike, the cruiser (I think they call is an urban or commuter bike) makes my heart start to beat just a tiny bit faster and makes me smile. I think that means that the cruiser is the next bike I am meant to have.
So here is a picture of it, I think it's really cute and there's even a place to put a front basket:
But, unfortunately she is not perfect for every ride. Sometimes I want to just chill, and coast down the road sitting completely upright holding onto wide handle bars and just taking in the scenery, without challenging myself at all. Without being that athlete and challenging myself or others. Just taking in the sites on the beautiful country roads in my beautiful state.
For a while I have been looking at old cruisers, I've always wanted one and figured since I already had a favorite bike, I could be a little impulsive and frivolous and get a cruiser. I love the romance and history of an old vintage cruiser. Imagining where it had been, what it's life has been like before it found me and hopefully giving it a better life restoring it to it's beauty and taking it on new adventures.
But, like many of my road bike adventures, this search has too taken an unexpected turn. As part of a sales incentive that I won recently, I got to pic a high dollar item from a catalog. When I won, I actually tried to give it to a co-worker, because there really wasn't anything I wanted. Until, he said...did you see if they have bikes (yeah, I guess I might or might not talk a lot about my biking adventures at work). ;o) We pulled up the catalog together and sure enough, they did have bikes, LOTS of bikes. Oh no....what do I do now? Well, he saw the spark in my eye and the slight curl of my mouth (trying not to smile) and said, oh, you really should get a new bike!
Um........do I though? I don't need one. And really I always wanted a vintage cruiser. But, this was free...and it was a new bike. Oh, the decision. So, just for kicks I looked to see what was available. That was the end of me. There were soo many choices and so many different bikes. They even have a city cruiser, multi-speed so I could still go fast, challenge myself...but (and this is the most important part) look cute doing it. I could even add some of my reflective flower stickers to make it look vintage and cute.
But, then I looked at the mountain bikes, and wondered if that would be a better use of this "gift". Would I use a mountain bike more? Would I get more out of it? Would I eventually be happier with it? Gosh, I don't know.
I've thought about it a lot. While, I might get more out of a mountain bike, the cruiser (I think they call is an urban or commuter bike) makes my heart start to beat just a tiny bit faster and makes me smile. I think that means that the cruiser is the next bike I am meant to have.
So here is a picture of it, I think it's really cute and there's even a place to put a front basket:
And with the basket:
Although I am kinda tempted to get the mens version instead:
So what do you guys think? Super cute huh? I have to say, I am already falling in love and I haven't even ridden it yet. But, there is still that small part of me that is keeping me from completely pulling the trigger and getting a mountain bike instead. It's so much more practical, but this is so much more fun and stylish. Sigh....what to do...What to do.
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Challenge Completed - Venus De Miles
Well, I am very happy to report that not only did I complete all 67 miles of the Venus De Miles, I actually rode 72 miles. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Now, don't get me wrong, the ride was definitely hard and not without it's challenges. Let me tell you all about the day.
First of all, I got next to zero sleep the night before. My nerves were at an all time high, and I kept waking up thinking that I was going to over sleep, or forget something or both! Plus, I drank way too much water the night before so I had to get up several times for that as well.
But, as I finally got to sleep, the alarm was beep, beep, beeping. I actually for a moment forgot what today was...and started to hit the snooze. Luckily, I was awake enough to remember my mission for today. Ride my brains out until I crossed the finish line. Check.
Getting ready was pretty uneventful and my sweet husband actually woke up and followed me around to make sure I had everything I needed, ate some breakfast and was excited for the day. And I was off, before I knew it I was riding my bike along the bike path on my way to the starting line. Yikes!!
When I got to the event, I was slightly overwhelmed. It was 6 AM and there were women with bikes sleep walking all over the place. I parked my bike next to a few other dozen bikes and started the search for coffee. Ahh, found it...of course the longest line. Oh well, maybe I'll chat with some people in line and maybe find a riding partner since I'm solo today (and not really looking forward to riding alone).
I got a cup of Joe, but no new friends. Everyone seemed either paired off, or not quite awake enough for chatter. I then went over to the Team Venus tent to put some ribbon on my helmet signaling me as a team Venus rider (and hopefully would help me pair off with another lonely rider). But, no...no new friends there either. By now, it was time to find my way to the starting line. There was some confusion as to where the 100 milers and the 67 milers should line up. I kept telling everyone who would ask that I was riding the 67 mile ride and asked what they were doing.
Then, I heard a voice behind me, "I don't know..I'm doing the 67 mile ride and I know this person in front of me is too so I am following her because she looks like she knows where she's going". Ha! I turned around and she was pointing to me. I started to chat with Alice, who would turn out to be a great riding partner for the day. :o) I asked her if she was riding with anyone (nope, alone...all of her friends dropped out), what pace does she ride at, (13-15MPH, ahh..me too..prefect). Would she mind me tagging along and riding with her, nope, she would love that. yay!! Victory and were were ready to start!
The next 20 miles or so were pretty uneventful. Alice and I chatted for most of it and found out that she worked for a company that our company does a lot of business with and so we talked shop quite a bit, which is rare because most people never know what I do, or where I work. Soon though, we got to some challenging hills and I suck at hill climbing and Alice was quite the strong climber, and we were separated.
It was okay, I hate the feeling that I am slowing someone down and honestly prefer to climb alone so I can concentrate on the task at hand. :o) Plus, we had the big 2K foot climb coming up, Left hand canyon to Jamestown...so I knew I'd probably lost my riding partner for the day. Oh well, it was still nice to have someone for a while.
At the bottom of the hill as I was starting when I was switching my front chain to the inner ring, it skipped the inner ring completely and landed on my pedal arm, locking up my pedals and my bike started to wobble and tip over, I thought for sure I was going to fall over, but luckily I was able to get unclipped and save myself from humiliation and pain! Yay! As I was standing there trying to stop shaking and regain my composure, a cute guy in a pink tutu (all of the ride support was in drag, it was an all women's ride after all. ;o)rode up and stopped in front of me. He asked if I needed help, and I said naw, my chain just fell off. He stopped his bike and said, Oh, let me put it back on for ya. And in a second it was all better. And so was I, time to start climbing.
The climb was hard, I won't lie. It took just about everything out of me. I kept telling myself, okay, just one more mile. you can do it. come on! Just think about the feeling accomplishment. So, when I got the Ward turnoff, just three of the steepest miles from the top, I was done. I pulled over and one of the ride marshals was there and he asked if I was okay. I said I was but I was turning around, as I tried to swallow back the tears and catch my breath at the same time. I just can't go any further. I don't have it in me. really, I don't.
He refused to let me quit, he was an awesome cheerleader and then did a great job of chatting with me about his bike club and taking my mind off things until I was able to get enough water and air, that I was actually starting to feel better. MUCH better. Then something crazy happened, I started riding back up that hill...to the top. He said to be sure to wave to him on my way down. I told him it may be in a couple of minutes if I didn't make it to the top, he said...that's okay, at least you made it further than you are now. Hmm, good point and something to think about.
It was super tough, but I did it...I made it to the top....and immediately started the super fun 10 mile decent....I managed a top speed for 35MPH on that canyon. On my way down I kept my promise and waved to Paul, gave him a thumbs up and thanked him for talking me off the ledge. He said, did you make it. I said, Yep! I did. THANK YOU!! He shouted a woooohoooo!!! To me and said that's awesome! :o)
At the bottom of the hill I was on HWY 36 and stuck behind a group of 4 riding double wide so I couldn't pass when Alice came up behind me and said HI! I found you!! Wow! I guess she spent a long time at the top of Jamestown and so I was able to get ahead of her. She said she took an extra long break because it was so hard and such a struggle for her. Now, we were done with the hills and riding together again. yay! We passed those girls (so annoying, you're supposed to ride single file) and raced over the rollers on HWY 36, sooooo much fun!!!
Soon after that though, Alice got a flat. Bummer!! Luckily some more men in pink tutu's came to the rescue. :o)
Before we knew it, she was all fixed and we were on our way to ride to famous fruit loops. It was my first time riding them, and even though by this time my legs were cramping something fierce, I still enjoyed them...but my speed was suffering....every pedal stroke was painful. It was hot and all I could think of was, great...is this how the MS is going to stop me today. I won't allow it. I am going to keep going until I can't physically pedal, I can ignore the pain. Right? Yes, I can, and I tried to concentrate on anything..the beautiful scenery. The amazing weather. The miles I've riden so far. I can do this.
Then, All of a sudden I looked up and didn't see Alice in front of me anymore. Then I looked down, and there she was. She rode on a gravel road and her bike slid out from under her. We sat for a while until she regained her composure and double checked everything to ensure there wasn't any serious damage. Nope, just a little road rash and a few more scratches on her bike, but that was it. She was a real trooper, and soon we were off.
At the last rest stop, I was so tired...I just wanted more than anything to call my husband and ask him to come get me. But, nope, I promised myself that I would not quit...and I had a little more left in me before I would get to that point. I mean, after all....I already rode 59 miles, what is another 8 miles. I can do that. No problem. Right?
Plus, these cuties were there to cheer me on and give me the strength to carry on to the finish. After a photo op, some electrolyte chews and some nectarines I was ready to get this thing over with.
The last 8 miles seemed to drag as much as the first 20, but I made it. As I turned the corner to the finish line and heard the cheers and whooohooos, I started to tear up. It was a VERY long day, full of challenges and victories...but I did it!! Wow, I did...I did it. Yay! It's over. As I crossed the finish I looked straight ahead and there was my husband waiting there for me, with my flip flops...and the most adorable smile. Yay. I did it.
Now, where's lunch and the beer? :o)
First of all, I got next to zero sleep the night before. My nerves were at an all time high, and I kept waking up thinking that I was going to over sleep, or forget something or both! Plus, I drank way too much water the night before so I had to get up several times for that as well.
But, as I finally got to sleep, the alarm was beep, beep, beeping. I actually for a moment forgot what today was...and started to hit the snooze. Luckily, I was awake enough to remember my mission for today. Ride my brains out until I crossed the finish line. Check.
Getting ready was pretty uneventful and my sweet husband actually woke up and followed me around to make sure I had everything I needed, ate some breakfast and was excited for the day. And I was off, before I knew it I was riding my bike along the bike path on my way to the starting line. Yikes!!
When I got to the event, I was slightly overwhelmed. It was 6 AM and there were women with bikes sleep walking all over the place. I parked my bike next to a few other dozen bikes and started the search for coffee. Ahh, found it...of course the longest line. Oh well, maybe I'll chat with some people in line and maybe find a riding partner since I'm solo today (and not really looking forward to riding alone).
I got a cup of Joe, but no new friends. Everyone seemed either paired off, or not quite awake enough for chatter. I then went over to the Team Venus tent to put some ribbon on my helmet signaling me as a team Venus rider (and hopefully would help me pair off with another lonely rider). But, no...no new friends there either. By now, it was time to find my way to the starting line. There was some confusion as to where the 100 milers and the 67 milers should line up. I kept telling everyone who would ask that I was riding the 67 mile ride and asked what they were doing.
Then, I heard a voice behind me, "I don't know..I'm doing the 67 mile ride and I know this person in front of me is too so I am following her because she looks like she knows where she's going". Ha! I turned around and she was pointing to me. I started to chat with Alice, who would turn out to be a great riding partner for the day. :o) I asked her if she was riding with anyone (nope, alone...all of her friends dropped out), what pace does she ride at, (13-15MPH, ahh..me too..prefect). Would she mind me tagging along and riding with her, nope, she would love that. yay!! Victory and were were ready to start!
The next 20 miles or so were pretty uneventful. Alice and I chatted for most of it and found out that she worked for a company that our company does a lot of business with and so we talked shop quite a bit, which is rare because most people never know what I do, or where I work. Soon though, we got to some challenging hills and I suck at hill climbing and Alice was quite the strong climber, and we were separated.
It was okay, I hate the feeling that I am slowing someone down and honestly prefer to climb alone so I can concentrate on the task at hand. :o) Plus, we had the big 2K foot climb coming up, Left hand canyon to Jamestown...so I knew I'd probably lost my riding partner for the day. Oh well, it was still nice to have someone for a while.
At the bottom of the hill as I was starting when I was switching my front chain to the inner ring, it skipped the inner ring completely and landed on my pedal arm, locking up my pedals and my bike started to wobble and tip over, I thought for sure I was going to fall over, but luckily I was able to get unclipped and save myself from humiliation and pain! Yay! As I was standing there trying to stop shaking and regain my composure, a cute guy in a pink tutu (all of the ride support was in drag, it was an all women's ride after all. ;o)rode up and stopped in front of me. He asked if I needed help, and I said naw, my chain just fell off. He stopped his bike and said, Oh, let me put it back on for ya. And in a second it was all better. And so was I, time to start climbing.
The climb was hard, I won't lie. It took just about everything out of me. I kept telling myself, okay, just one more mile. you can do it. come on! Just think about the feeling accomplishment. So, when I got the Ward turnoff, just three of the steepest miles from the top, I was done. I pulled over and one of the ride marshals was there and he asked if I was okay. I said I was but I was turning around, as I tried to swallow back the tears and catch my breath at the same time. I just can't go any further. I don't have it in me. really, I don't.
He refused to let me quit, he was an awesome cheerleader and then did a great job of chatting with me about his bike club and taking my mind off things until I was able to get enough water and air, that I was actually starting to feel better. MUCH better. Then something crazy happened, I started riding back up that hill...to the top. He said to be sure to wave to him on my way down. I told him it may be in a couple of minutes if I didn't make it to the top, he said...that's okay, at least you made it further than you are now. Hmm, good point and something to think about.
It was super tough, but I did it...I made it to the top....and immediately started the super fun 10 mile decent....I managed a top speed for 35MPH on that canyon. On my way down I kept my promise and waved to Paul, gave him a thumbs up and thanked him for talking me off the ledge. He said, did you make it. I said, Yep! I did. THANK YOU!! He shouted a woooohoooo!!! To me and said that's awesome! :o)
At the bottom of the hill I was on HWY 36 and stuck behind a group of 4 riding double wide so I couldn't pass when Alice came up behind me and said HI! I found you!! Wow! I guess she spent a long time at the top of Jamestown and so I was able to get ahead of her. She said she took an extra long break because it was so hard and such a struggle for her. Now, we were done with the hills and riding together again. yay! We passed those girls (so annoying, you're supposed to ride single file) and raced over the rollers on HWY 36, sooooo much fun!!!
Soon after that though, Alice got a flat. Bummer!! Luckily some more men in pink tutu's came to the rescue. :o)
Before we knew it, she was all fixed and we were on our way to ride to famous fruit loops. It was my first time riding them, and even though by this time my legs were cramping something fierce, I still enjoyed them...but my speed was suffering....every pedal stroke was painful. It was hot and all I could think of was, great...is this how the MS is going to stop me today. I won't allow it. I am going to keep going until I can't physically pedal, I can ignore the pain. Right? Yes, I can, and I tried to concentrate on anything..the beautiful scenery. The amazing weather. The miles I've riden so far. I can do this.
Then, All of a sudden I looked up and didn't see Alice in front of me anymore. Then I looked down, and there she was. She rode on a gravel road and her bike slid out from under her. We sat for a while until she regained her composure and double checked everything to ensure there wasn't any serious damage. Nope, just a little road rash and a few more scratches on her bike, but that was it. She was a real trooper, and soon we were off.
At the last rest stop, I was so tired...I just wanted more than anything to call my husband and ask him to come get me. But, nope, I promised myself that I would not quit...and I had a little more left in me before I would get to that point. I mean, after all....I already rode 59 miles, what is another 8 miles. I can do that. No problem. Right?
Plus, these cuties were there to cheer me on and give me the strength to carry on to the finish. After a photo op, some electrolyte chews and some nectarines I was ready to get this thing over with.
The last 8 miles seemed to drag as much as the first 20, but I made it. As I turned the corner to the finish line and heard the cheers and whooohooos, I started to tear up. It was a VERY long day, full of challenges and victories...but I did it!! Wow, I did...I did it. Yay! It's over. As I crossed the finish I looked straight ahead and there was my husband waiting there for me, with my flip flops...and the most adorable smile. Yay. I did it.
Now, where's lunch and the beer? :o)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Still riding like a crazy fool!
Hi everyone!
So, I know I promised that I would write more...and I didn't. Bad me! I have a lot going in in the next couple of weeks and well, I guess that's why I'm here writing to you again. :o)
I have been training (to be honest not as much as I should be) for the MS150 that will happen in just a few weeks on September 17th and 18th. DH's dad and brother will be joining me for this ride and well, I'm super nervous that I won't be able to do it.
I guess if I'm going to be really honest...right now I'm just not super confident in my cycling ability. I went for a ride on Tuesday and it was HARD, really, really hard for me and it was only 20 miles. I felt like my legs were mush all of the muscle was on vacation somewhere (probably really nice) but definitely no with me helping me out during that ride. I almost quit. Really!? During a 20 mile ride? If I had that much problem during a 20 mile ride, what will I feel like during a 75 mile ride?
I think what is getting me, is that I thought I was pretty well prepared, until that ride.
So I am trying to think what could have possibly gone wrong. What made me feel that way. Could I be OVER training? I did go to a really hard spin class the day before that shredded my legs, but I thought I had recovered.
My current training plan is, Monday, Spin, Tuesday, Fast ride, Wednesday, Spin, Thursday, rest, Friday, easier 15 mile ride, Saturday, long ride 60+ miles, Sunday, shorter ride 15-20 miles. Repeat until the event.
I have skipped some days. Like last week I didn't do the long ride, this week, I skipped Fridays ride. But for the most part I am getting at least 100+ miles in each week. So I should be getting in better shape. But I don't seem to be.
It's crushing to my spirit because it makes me feel like I will always be that fat girl, and not the athlete I want to me. I feel I should be. I feel I am.
So this brings me to tomorrow. I am riding in the Venus De Miles, which is Colorado's only all women bike event. There are 4 different distances you can choose from, Century, 67 miles, 51 miles or 33 miles. I had initially signed up for the century back in March thinking I would be more than ready for it with all of the riding for the MS150. But, well, life and fatigue got in the way and now I am doing the 67 mile ride instead. To be honest, the 67 mile ride is almost as challenging as the 100 mile ride with a 3000 foot elevation gain (all in 8 miles) so I don't feel like too much of a wimp for dropping my mileage for the ride.
But I do still feel scared. What if I suffer, what if I am not prepared and can't do it. What if I break down, or bonk during the ride. I want so badly to look at my GPS at the end of the ride, see the 67 miles and feel that immense feeling of pride because I pushed myself WAY out of my comfort zone and completed a challenging ride. Um, successfully completed a challenging ride. I mean, I know it's not going to be easy....I just don't want it to be impossible.
I have to confess that I am tempted to drop down to the 51 mile ride, this would be easier for me and I know it is doable. But, would I be proud for completing it? Probably not. Will I feel like a slouch for not pushing myself? Probably.
So, I will ride 67 miles tomorrow. I will climb that torturous Left Hand Canyon to Jamestown and feel that immense sense of accomplishment. Right? I won't die. Plus, there will be LOTS of women riding right along side me, hopefully helping to keep me motivated and distracted from the pain in my legs, the tinge in my back or the strain of my lungs.
One thing I am looking forward to is the downhill, 3000 miles of twisty turny downhill canyon roads....so much fun! I've climbed this climb before and survived. I did it just three weeks ago....so I can do it again.
I think what is worrying me is that I will be 30 miles into the ride when I start the Jamestown assent. I am hoping my legs will still be fresh and able to do that. Oh, did I mention 30 miles of rollers? Yep, fun times!!
I will be back tomorrow to let you all know how it goes...I hope I will be able to post my time and let you know it wasn't as hard or challenging as I thought it was.
Wish me luck!!
Roo
So, I know I promised that I would write more...and I didn't. Bad me! I have a lot going in in the next couple of weeks and well, I guess that's why I'm here writing to you again. :o)
I have been training (to be honest not as much as I should be) for the MS150 that will happen in just a few weeks on September 17th and 18th. DH's dad and brother will be joining me for this ride and well, I'm super nervous that I won't be able to do it.
I guess if I'm going to be really honest...right now I'm just not super confident in my cycling ability. I went for a ride on Tuesday and it was HARD, really, really hard for me and it was only 20 miles. I felt like my legs were mush all of the muscle was on vacation somewhere (probably really nice) but definitely no with me helping me out during that ride. I almost quit. Really!? During a 20 mile ride? If I had that much problem during a 20 mile ride, what will I feel like during a 75 mile ride?
I think what is getting me, is that I thought I was pretty well prepared, until that ride.
So I am trying to think what could have possibly gone wrong. What made me feel that way. Could I be OVER training? I did go to a really hard spin class the day before that shredded my legs, but I thought I had recovered.
My current training plan is, Monday, Spin, Tuesday, Fast ride, Wednesday, Spin, Thursday, rest, Friday, easier 15 mile ride, Saturday, long ride 60+ miles, Sunday, shorter ride 15-20 miles. Repeat until the event.
I have skipped some days. Like last week I didn't do the long ride, this week, I skipped Fridays ride. But for the most part I am getting at least 100+ miles in each week. So I should be getting in better shape. But I don't seem to be.
It's crushing to my spirit because it makes me feel like I will always be that fat girl, and not the athlete I want to me. I feel I should be. I feel I am.
So this brings me to tomorrow. I am riding in the Venus De Miles, which is Colorado's only all women bike event. There are 4 different distances you can choose from, Century, 67 miles, 51 miles or 33 miles. I had initially signed up for the century back in March thinking I would be more than ready for it with all of the riding for the MS150. But, well, life and fatigue got in the way and now I am doing the 67 mile ride instead. To be honest, the 67 mile ride is almost as challenging as the 100 mile ride with a 3000 foot elevation gain (all in 8 miles) so I don't feel like too much of a wimp for dropping my mileage for the ride.
But I do still feel scared. What if I suffer, what if I am not prepared and can't do it. What if I break down, or bonk during the ride. I want so badly to look at my GPS at the end of the ride, see the 67 miles and feel that immense feeling of pride because I pushed myself WAY out of my comfort zone and completed a challenging ride. Um, successfully completed a challenging ride. I mean, I know it's not going to be easy....I just don't want it to be impossible.
I have to confess that I am tempted to drop down to the 51 mile ride, this would be easier for me and I know it is doable. But, would I be proud for completing it? Probably not. Will I feel like a slouch for not pushing myself? Probably.
So, I will ride 67 miles tomorrow. I will climb that torturous Left Hand Canyon to Jamestown and feel that immense sense of accomplishment. Right? I won't die. Plus, there will be LOTS of women riding right along side me, hopefully helping to keep me motivated and distracted from the pain in my legs, the tinge in my back or the strain of my lungs.
One thing I am looking forward to is the downhill, 3000 miles of twisty turny downhill canyon roads....so much fun! I've climbed this climb before and survived. I did it just three weeks ago....so I can do it again.
I think what is worrying me is that I will be 30 miles into the ride when I start the Jamestown assent. I am hoping my legs will still be fresh and able to do that. Oh, did I mention 30 miles of rollers? Yep, fun times!!
I will be back tomorrow to let you all know how it goes...I hope I will be able to post my time and let you know it wasn't as hard or challenging as I thought it was.
Wish me luck!!
Roo
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time to dust this puppy off and start writing
So I did something kinda crazy last week. To be honest it's really not all that crazy. It is a dream I have had for at least 5 years and decided to close my eyes, hold my breath and just click "submit" What was I clicking on you ask? It was the entry form of the MS150 Colorado bike ride. Yep, I'm doing it. Not only am I doing it...but I am a person WITH MS, who is doing it. I think that is pretty cool. Why in the world would I want to do such a thing, and more importantly why would I want to put myself through something like that. Well, the answer is really very simple. Because I can. :o)
Once the pride and excitement had worn off...the fear had really started to set in. Oh crap, what in the world have I gotten myself into? Can I *really* do this? What if I fail? Or worse, what if I fall off my bike and get hurt. What if I don't have this in me. Maybe I should just drop out now and save myself the embarrassment.
First step, get a bike. So the research starts. Then, the scary part go to the bike store and decide on a bike. So a little bit of history about me and why this was so hard for me. I was a fat girl..I still am kinda a fat girl. But inside I will always be a fat girl even though really, I think there is a hardcore athlete in there somewhere as well. Well, when I go to places for athletes like a bike store and put myself out there....the fat girl shows up and is super intimated.
Unfortunately, the first bike store I went to was the prefect mix of intimidation and bully. It was almost too much. The salesperson was trying to talk me out of the ride and basically told me I was not only unprepared physically but it was HUGE undertaking and that I should not be entering into this lightly. Um, hello I am here aren't I? The ride isn't tomorrow...I do have 12 weeks to train and prepare. Isn't that enough time? Yes I do have cellulite, yes, it's probably been 10 years since I've been on a bike, Yes, I am completely unprepared at this moment...but you don't know me. You don't know what I have done mentally to prepare...and am now ready to do physically to prepare. Did he not realize how hard it was to even walk into the store and ask for help?
So I left, with him still telling me I was crazy and that he has been riding for 20 years and would never even think about doing such a ride.
Hmm.....okay.
Now I had a lot to think about. What if he was right and I really couldn't do this. Maybe I should just give up. It's so much safer in this place...then to branch out and try something new anyway. I'm not really an athlete anyway....am I? Why do I always want to be one?
So, the next morning I volunteered at an event sponsored by the National MS society for the newly diagnosed. I was a peer with MS who would lead one of the break out support groups to answer questions and just help out right now, when things are so scary. It was a GREAT event. I didn't even think I would get so much out of it. I felt for them, and remembered how it felt to get that diagnoses and think my life is over. It would never be the same and it would certainly never be as good. Ever. I now had MS. But all of that is so untrue, I am more fit, stronger, more powerful and so much more of a person than I was before MS and I have MS to thank for that. As much as I don't want to be thankful I have this disease, I kinda am. It has given me a gift that I don't think I would have received any other way. The gift of carpe diem. Live for the moment, go out and get what you want now. Life is not forever and it is for the asking. Live the life you want now.
With this new found strength and inspiration, I stopped into a small bike store I passed on the way to the meeting. I figured what the heck....I'll give it one more try. I walked in trying to hold my head and chest high, but still pretty terrified and said I wanted to look at road bikes for a ride I am doing. The guy, Mike was nice and walked with me over to the bikes, started giving his sales pitch and talked to me like a person...even more...like the athlete I wanted to become and not the fat girl. It was wonderful. He asked if I wanted to go for a test ride, I didn't. The other shop owner had me terrified that I would fall as soon as I got on the bike. but,I took a deep breath and said, um...okay. I asked him if I could just ride around the parking lot, (secretly, or not so secretly terrified to be alone with the bike) He said, no, go ahead take it. There is a bike trail 3 block away...go ride on that...it's a great day and you should take it for a nice long ride to really get a feel for the bike. Um, 3 blocks....um....a long ride...um...are you sure? At this point a cute old russian couple had just come back from renting bikes and the older man said to me, yes, bike trail is nice, we just there, you go. Enjoy. Um, well, okay.
So, I started peddeling out of the parking lot thinking for sure I would fall at any moment, but wait...this was easy. Not only was it easy it was enjoyable. Oh, but don't enjoy yourself or get distracted, concentrate, this is a very sophisticated road bike. You could fall at any moment.
peddle.....Peddle...Zip...Zoom.
Forget it! This is fun and I am going FAST!! Weeeeee......
What in the world was that other guy talking about, I can so do this. Not only can I do this...I can rock this! Wow! The wind in my face the speed...it is WONDERFUL!
Finally after riding around the bike trail for a while I turned around and went back to the bike shop, with a HUGE grin on my face. The guy asked me how I liked it. I said it was awesome, I LOVED this bike. He said, Okay...but you should probably ride a few more to be sure.
So I did...all were awesome in their own way. I decided that I should go to a few more bike stores armed with this new knowledge and confidence and see which brand/bike I liked best.
I did and ran into one more jerk, but I wasn't having any part of his biases and insecurities, I AM doing this and I NEED a good bike to do it...so get out of my way and show me some bikes. He did and eventually lightened up. :o)
But, all day nothing felt as comfortable as one of the bikes at that first store...and honestly I was so thankful to them for giving me my wings. I went back there and bought my latest love, Ruby. She is absolutely beautiful and I feel so lucky to ave found her. We are going to have such adventures together. Here is a picture of her during our first ride together.
and a close up of her awesome carbon fiber frame, I love that she isn't shiny and pretty like most bikes, but has a little bit of an edge and her own unique beauty:
Once the pride and excitement had worn off...the fear had really started to set in. Oh crap, what in the world have I gotten myself into? Can I *really* do this? What if I fail? Or worse, what if I fall off my bike and get hurt. What if I don't have this in me. Maybe I should just drop out now and save myself the embarrassment.
First step, get a bike. So the research starts. Then, the scary part go to the bike store and decide on a bike. So a little bit of history about me and why this was so hard for me. I was a fat girl..I still am kinda a fat girl. But inside I will always be a fat girl even though really, I think there is a hardcore athlete in there somewhere as well. Well, when I go to places for athletes like a bike store and put myself out there....the fat girl shows up and is super intimated.
Unfortunately, the first bike store I went to was the prefect mix of intimidation and bully. It was almost too much. The salesperson was trying to talk me out of the ride and basically told me I was not only unprepared physically but it was HUGE undertaking and that I should not be entering into this lightly. Um, hello I am here aren't I? The ride isn't tomorrow...I do have 12 weeks to train and prepare. Isn't that enough time? Yes I do have cellulite, yes, it's probably been 10 years since I've been on a bike, Yes, I am completely unprepared at this moment...but you don't know me. You don't know what I have done mentally to prepare...and am now ready to do physically to prepare. Did he not realize how hard it was to even walk into the store and ask for help?
So I left, with him still telling me I was crazy and that he has been riding for 20 years and would never even think about doing such a ride.
Hmm.....okay.
Now I had a lot to think about. What if he was right and I really couldn't do this. Maybe I should just give up. It's so much safer in this place...then to branch out and try something new anyway. I'm not really an athlete anyway....am I? Why do I always want to be one?
So, the next morning I volunteered at an event sponsored by the National MS society for the newly diagnosed. I was a peer with MS who would lead one of the break out support groups to answer questions and just help out right now, when things are so scary. It was a GREAT event. I didn't even think I would get so much out of it. I felt for them, and remembered how it felt to get that diagnoses and think my life is over. It would never be the same and it would certainly never be as good. Ever. I now had MS. But all of that is so untrue, I am more fit, stronger, more powerful and so much more of a person than I was before MS and I have MS to thank for that. As much as I don't want to be thankful I have this disease, I kinda am. It has given me a gift that I don't think I would have received any other way. The gift of carpe diem. Live for the moment, go out and get what you want now. Life is not forever and it is for the asking. Live the life you want now.
With this new found strength and inspiration, I stopped into a small bike store I passed on the way to the meeting. I figured what the heck....I'll give it one more try. I walked in trying to hold my head and chest high, but still pretty terrified and said I wanted to look at road bikes for a ride I am doing. The guy, Mike was nice and walked with me over to the bikes, started giving his sales pitch and talked to me like a person...even more...like the athlete I wanted to become and not the fat girl. It was wonderful. He asked if I wanted to go for a test ride, I didn't. The other shop owner had me terrified that I would fall as soon as I got on the bike. but,I took a deep breath
So, I started peddeling out of the parking lot thinking for sure I would fall at any moment, but wait...this was easy. Not only was it easy it was enjoyable. Oh, but don't enjoy yourself or get distracted, concentrate, this is a very sophisticated road bike. You could fall at any moment.
peddle.....Peddle...Zip...Zoom.
Forget it! This is fun and I am going FAST!! Weeeeee......
What in the world was that other guy talking about, I can so do this. Not only can I do this...I can rock this! Wow! The wind in my face the speed...it is WONDERFUL!
Finally after riding around the bike trail for a while I turned around and went back to the bike shop, with a HUGE grin on my face. The guy asked me how I liked it. I said it was awesome, I LOVED this bike. He said, Okay...but you should probably ride a few more to be sure.
So I did...all were awesome in their own way. I decided that I should go to a few more bike stores armed with this new knowledge and confidence and see which brand/bike I liked best.
I did and ran into one more jerk, but I wasn't having any part of his biases and insecurities, I AM doing this and I NEED a good bike to do it...so get out of my way and show me some bikes. He did and eventually lightened up. :o)
But, all day nothing felt as comfortable as one of the bikes at that first store...and honestly I was so thankful to them for giving me my wings. I went back there and bought my latest love, Ruby. She is absolutely beautiful and I feel so lucky to ave found her. We are going to have such adventures together. Here is a picture of her during our first ride together.
and a close up of her awesome carbon fiber frame, I love that she isn't shiny and pretty like most bikes, but has a little bit of an edge and her own unique beauty:
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