Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Apple Duathlon
While the other road racers were in Duluth racing I was dabbling in the sport of duathlons.
Saturday was the Apple Duathlon in Sartell (St. Cloud area). I picked up my sister—we were going to drive to Dickinson, North Dakota after the race. My sister is a Type A personality, I knew she wouldn’t just sit back and let me do my thing—instead feel the need to help or what I call dictate the situation. I know, be greatful she was there—but sometimes it's too much. She has never been to a race before and thought it would be necessary to read and tell me every rule like I was one of her children. She can be very helpful at times, but I’m a “Go with the flow” type of person. I wasn’t worried about the rules, after doing a few road races the rules tend to be the same. Plus, the announcers tell you them before you start. I was more worried about warming up, stretching, and having everything I needed for the transitions.
Dan “The Man” Stone from spin class was there, Judy his wife came to watch. I ran into a few people from the TH group: Melinda, Amy, and Larry. Amy qualified for the HI Ironman and said that this du was a recovery for her. I wish I could say the same!
After getting organized and ready we lined up. The Elite went first. Five waves later us ladies took off (all women were grouped together). The first block was “the hill”, I tried to keep myself at a steady pace so my heart rate wouldn’t spike. Although, starting the run on a hill will spike everyone’s heart rate. After cresting the hill I heard this wohh-wohh-wohh sound. I looked over to the right and the elite were already on their bikes! What the hell?—guess that’s why they are the elite.
I saw mile marker one and thought “This is the dumbest thing I have ever done. Why did I sign up for this thing? I’m not a runner. I like the bike, but this combination thing is just dumb.” It sounded like a great idea when I was sitting in front of the computer a few months ago. Only 26 miles to go! During the run I kept thinking about the bike part—oh how much fun that will be!
I got to the transition area got into my cycling gear and was off. The arrow bars I borrowed from Bill worked great—the position was very comfortable. My goal was to gain time during the 20.5 mile stretch on those who are the runners and to reduce my average heart rate. The challenge was pacing myself since there was another 3 mile run after the bike. The crosswinds from the east was not helping the situation. The winds can damage one’s mentality but racing this year in winds much stronger then what I was being dealt during this race, I was able to push that aside and just focus on continuing to be consistent. Unlike the run when everyone was passing me, I was able to pick away and start passing people. Those that passed me on the bike I was able to catch up and pass them a few minutes later.
Transiting to the last run I knew this was going to be the hardest part of the entire race. Staying at a consistent speed was the goal. My left calf started to cramp while I was putting on my shoes. I took a swig of water and started out—the cramping stopped. Since I was now warmed up, the second part of the run wasn’t too bad. I even joked around with some of the people cheering the runners on. Once I saw the Jr. High (the finish line) I kicked it up and tried to give it my all. I crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 7 minutes—tired, pleased with my time (although my transition times could have been shorter), and very happy that I completed the race.
I don’t know if I’ll do the du again. The pain is still fresh in my mind. I am excited that now I don’t have the nagging feeling that I should be running, instead I can run because I want to and that I can focus on cycling.
Results:
Time: 2:07:33
1st run time: 27:00 (avg 8:42)
Bike time: 1:06:58 (avg 18.4)
2nd run time: 29:44 (avg 9:35)
Saturday was the Apple Duathlon in Sartell (St. Cloud area). I picked up my sister—we were going to drive to Dickinson, North Dakota after the race. My sister is a Type A personality, I knew she wouldn’t just sit back and let me do my thing—instead feel the need to help or what I call dictate the situation. I know, be greatful she was there—but sometimes it's too much. She has never been to a race before and thought it would be necessary to read and tell me every rule like I was one of her children. She can be very helpful at times, but I’m a “Go with the flow” type of person. I wasn’t worried about the rules, after doing a few road races the rules tend to be the same. Plus, the announcers tell you them before you start. I was more worried about warming up, stretching, and having everything I needed for the transitions.
Dan “The Man” Stone from spin class was there, Judy his wife came to watch. I ran into a few people from the TH group: Melinda, Amy, and Larry. Amy qualified for the HI Ironman and said that this du was a recovery for her. I wish I could say the same!
After getting organized and ready we lined up. The Elite went first. Five waves later us ladies took off (all women were grouped together). The first block was “the hill”, I tried to keep myself at a steady pace so my heart rate wouldn’t spike. Although, starting the run on a hill will spike everyone’s heart rate. After cresting the hill I heard this wohh-wohh-wohh sound. I looked over to the right and the elite were already on their bikes! What the hell?—guess that’s why they are the elite.
I saw mile marker one and thought “This is the dumbest thing I have ever done. Why did I sign up for this thing? I’m not a runner. I like the bike, but this combination thing is just dumb.” It sounded like a great idea when I was sitting in front of the computer a few months ago. Only 26 miles to go! During the run I kept thinking about the bike part—oh how much fun that will be!
I got to the transition area got into my cycling gear and was off. The arrow bars I borrowed from Bill worked great—the position was very comfortable. My goal was to gain time during the 20.5 mile stretch on those who are the runners and to reduce my average heart rate. The challenge was pacing myself since there was another 3 mile run after the bike. The crosswinds from the east was not helping the situation. The winds can damage one’s mentality but racing this year in winds much stronger then what I was being dealt during this race, I was able to push that aside and just focus on continuing to be consistent. Unlike the run when everyone was passing me, I was able to pick away and start passing people. Those that passed me on the bike I was able to catch up and pass them a few minutes later.
Transiting to the last run I knew this was going to be the hardest part of the entire race. Staying at a consistent speed was the goal. My left calf started to cramp while I was putting on my shoes. I took a swig of water and started out—the cramping stopped. Since I was now warmed up, the second part of the run wasn’t too bad. I even joked around with some of the people cheering the runners on. Once I saw the Jr. High (the finish line) I kicked it up and tried to give it my all. I crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 7 minutes—tired, pleased with my time (although my transition times could have been shorter), and very happy that I completed the race.
I don’t know if I’ll do the du again. The pain is still fresh in my mind. I am excited that now I don’t have the nagging feeling that I should be running, instead I can run because I want to and that I can focus on cycling.
Results:
Time: 2:07:33
1st run time: 27:00 (avg 8:42)
Bike time: 1:06:58 (avg 18.4)
2nd run time: 29:44 (avg 9:35)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Breakaway
Last night was the final night of the Opus series. The wind was a bit strong from the south, but this past year we have raced in worst conditions so the wind was not much of a factor. Aside from the wind, it was a great night to race. There were several people who showed to either support their favorite rider or to participate in the last race of this series. This one was part of the Women’s Made Real Series so we had a great turnout in my field. 21 total women riders 16 of them were cat 4’s. I haven’t seen a few of these ladies in a while so it was fun to find out what races they have been doing and to congratulate each other in previous races. Sounds like a number of them will be doing the Duluth Series. Since I have other commitments this weekend I won’t be able to race with them…next year!
Going into the race I was a mix of emotions. Happy to be racing against my peer racers, but nervous as I always am before they say “Go”. Once we start rolling I’m fine. Instead of 9 labs they bumped us up to 12 labs this time. I had a bit of problem starting. I couldn’t get into my cleats fast enough and I was in the wrong gear! Not until I was ½ way around the first bend was I ready to start racing.
The Cat 1/2/3’s raced with us but kept the speed lower than previous crits, letting us draft off of them on non-sprint labs, even dropping back to coach us along the way. As true competitors they would sprint for the points then regroup. Heck I was content to just to be able to hang with them. The first couple of laps we stayed together as a large group. Lap three (sprint lap) broke the group apart. Luckily I was able to stick with the lead group. After lap 4 I was happy I was still with them and praying that I could stick on for a few more laps. Lap 5 and 6 I was starting to feel the pain. Thanks to the Flanders ladies they wouldn’t let me drop by pulling me back up to the group on the downhill. Laps 6-12 was all about sticking with the breakaway group and getting over the hill then trying to bring back the heart rate. In my case, catching my breath. I was so pleased that I was able to stick with the group the entire crit—a far cry from the first Opus crit. I placed 4th in the cat 4 division and 7th overall. Now I wait to see where I stand in the MWCMR series results—should be out later this week.
During the race the Flanders ladies were giving tips telling me which gear to be in, when to jump, etc. Since talking was not an option I either gave them a head nod or just did what they told me to do to let them know that I was listening. After the race on the cool down lap I was able to talk with them about how I could improve. They are so full of racing knowledge and so willing to tell you anything to help improve your skills.
Tonight I’m going to try out the TT bars I’m barrowing from Bill to see if I’ll use them this weekend. During spin class I always drop to the TT position, but being outdoors is a whole new beast. You can’t really fall off a spin bike—although I almost have—but not in the TT position.
Going into the race I was a mix of emotions. Happy to be racing against my peer racers, but nervous as I always am before they say “Go”. Once we start rolling I’m fine. Instead of 9 labs they bumped us up to 12 labs this time. I had a bit of problem starting. I couldn’t get into my cleats fast enough and I was in the wrong gear! Not until I was ½ way around the first bend was I ready to start racing.
The Cat 1/2/3’s raced with us but kept the speed lower than previous crits, letting us draft off of them on non-sprint labs, even dropping back to coach us along the way. As true competitors they would sprint for the points then regroup. Heck I was content to just to be able to hang with them. The first couple of laps we stayed together as a large group. Lap three (sprint lap) broke the group apart. Luckily I was able to stick with the lead group. After lap 4 I was happy I was still with them and praying that I could stick on for a few more laps. Lap 5 and 6 I was starting to feel the pain. Thanks to the Flanders ladies they wouldn’t let me drop by pulling me back up to the group on the downhill. Laps 6-12 was all about sticking with the breakaway group and getting over the hill then trying to bring back the heart rate. In my case, catching my breath. I was so pleased that I was able to stick with the group the entire crit—a far cry from the first Opus crit. I placed 4th in the cat 4 division and 7th overall. Now I wait to see where I stand in the MWCMR series results—should be out later this week.
During the race the Flanders ladies were giving tips telling me which gear to be in, when to jump, etc. Since talking was not an option I either gave them a head nod or just did what they told me to do to let them know that I was listening. After the race on the cool down lap I was able to talk with them about how I could improve. They are so full of racing knowledge and so willing to tell you anything to help improve your skills.
Tonight I’m going to try out the TT bars I’m barrowing from Bill to see if I’ll use them this weekend. During spin class I always drop to the TT position, but being outdoors is a whole new beast. You can’t really fall off a spin bike—although I almost have—but not in the TT position.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Nervous as hell
The duathlon is only four days away and I need another MONTH before I feel ready for this thing. I keep telling myself I’ll survive the first run, I'll rock the bike, but after my performance on last week’s brick run with the girls, someone on a motorized wheelchair could pass me on the second run. Advice or tips for transitioning is more than welcome.
I didn’t get in the training that I said I would do in my previous blog. Wednesday I got up early to run 5 miles at the gym, I came home grabbed my stuff and rode 5.5 miles to work. After work I rode home and then met up with Jackie Carlson for a causal ride in the Medina area. Jackie is a fun and accomplished athlete. She is a strong cat 4 road racer and elite mountain biker. She does psychocross and triathlons for fun and was previously on the US Ski Team for six years. We met up with the MGC group for a little Hammerfest. My quads were screaming the entire time! Jackie kept saying “Dude, they were going fast.” but she didn’t have a problem hanging on. She is a smart rider she stayed second wheel the entire time and gave them a good run for their money at times.
Thursday I was exhausted. I slept in and did the Thursday night ladies ride. This year there is fire in our legs! We averaged 17.3 on rolling hills. Including slowing or stopping to regroup. Part 2 was going to be a short 1 mile run that became a 2 mile run. ½ way I let them go and went my own very slow pace.
Friday-Sunday I was with the parents in ND. I brought my shoes to run, but forgot everything else (clothes, iPod, energy). For some odd reason, no matter my best intentions—whenever I enter that town my healthy lifestyle goes out the door. Needless to say aside from cleaning, fetching whatever my parents requested, or climbing on top of the roof to clean an empty drier vent (I know). That was about all the calorie burning activity I did.
Monday morning I was back to myself. I got up early to run. It was the perfect medication to cure me from my lazy weekend and to get my mind off a situation that plagued my weekend. Sun was up, everything seems to be getting their vibrant color back. The temp was perfect, no cars, and you could smell the lilac trees. I could have ran another hour if I had the time.
Tonight is the Final Opus crit. This one should be nice for us women. They have asked the Cat 1/2/3 to race with the men so us Cat 4’s can have this one for ourselves. I have a feeling Jackie will put the hurt in us. Emails have been swirling about how we are not welcome back next year to this venue due to inconsiderate racers. It’s a nice course—crits are scary for beginners, but the Opus crits made it easier to learn how to race without the tight corners.
What’s next after Opus and the Apple? MTB (riding no racing—need to develop handling skills first, and courage), some serious TT training, and some more crits. Check the left navigation column for upcoming races.
I didn’t get in the training that I said I would do in my previous blog. Wednesday I got up early to run 5 miles at the gym, I came home grabbed my stuff and rode 5.5 miles to work. After work I rode home and then met up with Jackie Carlson for a causal ride in the Medina area. Jackie is a fun and accomplished athlete. She is a strong cat 4 road racer and elite mountain biker. She does psychocross and triathlons for fun and was previously on the US Ski Team for six years. We met up with the MGC group for a little Hammerfest. My quads were screaming the entire time! Jackie kept saying “Dude, they were going fast.” but she didn’t have a problem hanging on. She is a smart rider she stayed second wheel the entire time and gave them a good run for their money at times.
Thursday I was exhausted. I slept in and did the Thursday night ladies ride. This year there is fire in our legs! We averaged 17.3 on rolling hills. Including slowing or stopping to regroup. Part 2 was going to be a short 1 mile run that became a 2 mile run. ½ way I let them go and went my own very slow pace.
Friday-Sunday I was with the parents in ND. I brought my shoes to run, but forgot everything else (clothes, iPod, energy). For some odd reason, no matter my best intentions—whenever I enter that town my healthy lifestyle goes out the door. Needless to say aside from cleaning, fetching whatever my parents requested, or climbing on top of the roof to clean an empty drier vent (I know). That was about all the calorie burning activity I did.
Monday morning I was back to myself. I got up early to run. It was the perfect medication to cure me from my lazy weekend and to get my mind off a situation that plagued my weekend. Sun was up, everything seems to be getting their vibrant color back. The temp was perfect, no cars, and you could smell the lilac trees. I could have ran another hour if I had the time.
Tonight is the Final Opus crit. This one should be nice for us women. They have asked the Cat 1/2/3 to race with the men so us Cat 4’s can have this one for ourselves. I have a feeling Jackie will put the hurt in us. Emails have been swirling about how we are not welcome back next year to this venue due to inconsiderate racers. It’s a nice course—crits are scary for beginners, but the Opus crits made it easier to learn how to race without the tight corners.
What’s next after Opus and the Apple? MTB (riding no racing—need to develop handling skills first, and courage), some serious TT training, and some more crits. Check the left navigation column for upcoming races.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
This is starting getting to become fun!
Last night I did the Opus crit. Each time I do this crit it seems to get easier and easier—thank god! I was able to stick with the main pack for about 5 out of the 9 laps. The remaining laps I hugged the wheel of three other women. I don’t think they appreciated the fact that I didn’t contribute to pulling, but luckily one of the girls I’ve been able to form a friendship with so she was willing to let me ride behind her. I got 8th out of 12. Next week’s race will be fun. It will be a cat 4 only race…so if you see Holly help me encourage her to do the race.
I finally started to ramp up my training for my duathlon today. For the next five days I will be waking up early to run for an hour. Each day the speed will increase. In addition to the running, for the next three days I will be riding between 30-40 miles per day. Then on Monday I will start to tapper until the du (Saturday).
I finally started to ramp up my training for my duathlon today. For the next five days I will be waking up early to run for an hour. Each day the speed will increase. In addition to the running, for the next three days I will be riding between 30-40 miles per day. Then on Monday I will start to tapper until the du (Saturday).
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Valley Girls
This story needs to be blogged about...
A couple of valley girls came into the shop (my PT job) to look for spin shoes. They stuck out alike a sore thumb. Everything about them was fake—hair, boobs, nails—and expensive—Bebe clothes, Dolce and Gabbana purse. I guess who am I to talk—my cycling clothes are not cheap and I have my eye on a bike that costs a couple thousand dollars.
I looked back at one of the guys and asked if he wanted to take this one—he can’t handle talking to attractive girls. His face turned red, he grabbed the phone and walked around the back looking like he was busy while telling me that I should take it. It was so funny to watch him.
We didn’t have any shoes that they liked (didn’t match their workout outfits) so they left. I told the guys they couldn’t afford those girls.
A few hours later they called and asked for me. They came back to look at the shoes again. They found a pair that worked (they would have to get new outfits), but we didn’t have their size. By now this was just pure humor to me! I asked them which spin class do they attend. One girl said the 9am or the 12pm class at MG Lifetime (the same studio I go to)—Must be nice to not have to work when you are 23 years old. The one looking for the shoes said that she has never been to a class before but she needs the shoes before she could go to the class. I almost lost it, it was so hard to keep a straight face—where did these girls come from? I guess I missed that sign on the door that you need cycling shoes to attend the class. They left in their Range Rover.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Bricks
Bricks= training on two disciplines during the same workout, one after the other with minimal or no interruption in between, just as you would do in a race.
Just so we are clear.
Yesterday I met up with the MGC Ladies Thursday night ride. We had a good turnout. Six women, six road bikes. This meant we were able to work as a group on various group techniques while keeping the group at a higher than average speed. We went out to Fletcher and rode the TT route (next time we will race—with arrow bars!). Two of us instructed the group about drafting and a how to do a rotating paceline. A few of the women caught on…a few still need practice. All-in-all, it was fun. Our average speed was 17 mph—not bad for this group so early in the year.
Once we got back to the shop Laurie, Erika, and I put on our running shoes. I was pushing for ½ a mile (I’m still not 100% back to normal). Erika wanted 5 miles. We negotiated with 20 minutes about 1.75 miles.
It was good to see where I’m at since I haven’t ran in about 2 weeks. Due to the bike racing, I was taking 2 days off before the race with a recovery ride the next day. That doesn’t leave much room for anything else. Now that there is a break for a few weeks, on the bike racing schedule (aside for two more Opus crits), I will start focusing on running and brick training…The Apple Duathlon is around the corner.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Rider Down
My plans:
Tuesday: Race Opus—plans changed so I was going to run a few miles at the gym after watching the 1/2/3 men race at Opus.
Wednesday: Ride to work, then meet a group for a ride in the Medina area
What actually happened:
Tuesday: Went to watch the men 1/2/3 race at Opus and drop off some stuff with a fellow Cat 4 rider. Out of nowhere got viciously ill while watching the race. Almost didn’t make it home…had to make a midcourse stop. Went to bed as soon as I got home.
Wednesday: Called in sick to work (first time in 8 years). Watched Days of Our Lives—boring. Watched Dr. Phil—Men who have inflated egos—funny! Texted a friend all day. Bitched about not being able to be outside while the weather was the best it has been since—last year. Got two phone calls wounding if I was going on a ride.
Thursday: Went back to work and saw that the gas prices just went up AGAIN…confirming I’m selling the Jeep for a smaller car.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Stone Arch
I made a commitment to do the Stone Arch ride on Sunday. Maybe not the best idea as a recovery ride.
Mike B, Diamond Dave, Jorge and myself headed out. Keeping in mind the news article from last week and the emails about representing the club name—we were more diligent to come to a (rolling) stop then just fly through the stop signs and made sure the cars were aware we were passing them with a friendly wave. One lady didn’t seem to care how careful we were—she honked her horn at us then turned around to make sure we knew that we where pissing her off. I would have to say, she hasn’t seen the gym or has owned a bike in several years. I know—that was mean, but those people really tick me off. My theory continues, she was in a big SUV.
This time Mike didn’t take me out—but there was no messing around at the gas station. I wasn’t even close to being ready to leave and they were gone.
I felt great and did the hills with ease. What a great Sunday morning ride. I’m really starting to like that route.
Thanks again Jorge for the hat!
Mike B, Diamond Dave, Jorge and myself headed out. Keeping in mind the news article from last week and the emails about representing the club name—we were more diligent to come to a (rolling) stop then just fly through the stop signs and made sure the cars were aware we were passing them with a friendly wave. One lady didn’t seem to care how careful we were—she honked her horn at us then turned around to make sure we knew that we where pissing her off. I would have to say, she hasn’t seen the gym or has owned a bike in several years. I know—that was mean, but those people really tick me off. My theory continues, she was in a big SUV.
This time Mike didn’t take me out—but there was no messing around at the gas station. I wasn’t even close to being ready to leave and they were gone.
I felt great and did the hills with ease. What a great Sunday morning ride. I’m really starting to like that route.
Thanks again Jorge for the hat!
Marty Road Race
I don’t know if standing outside trying to will some heat in your fingers while pinning on your number is just part of the insanity of bike racing.
I started this time with every possible piece of warm clothing I owned (not much), went for a test ride then started to peal a few layers off until I seemed comfortable. We rolled out at a easy 8 mph. Us newbie’s have no idea what we are doing and what we are getting ourselves into but at 8 mph you can’t go wrong.
About a mile down the road on a hill with 20+ cross winds there was an attack. I stayed with the group through a few of those attacks, but the wind was a killer. The field broke quickly and into several pieces. I picked up two girls and told them the only way we were going to get through this was to work together. There were no quos—just what do we need to do. After the first turn, into head winds, we found another set of three girls. I pulled up and as a piece offering said I would work with them. I moved to the front to prove that I wasn’t a treat and pulled for a bit. We still had 2.75 loops left of that crap! Everyone was very cooperative, no one was jumpy, no one was attacking. As a group, we thought we could catch up to the five in front of us.
We made the third turn—relief!—tailwind. Leading the charge, I crested the first hill to see in the far distance “the hill”. Where in god’s holy name (yes I’m going there) did this hill come from out in the middle of flat farmland!? I saw the map before we started—yes that is about all the preparation I had for this course—and heard about some rollers, but they underestimated that statement. Thank god! In my opinion, I would rather not know (Moto: Ignorance is bliss).
Climbing to the top there were a couple of false flats. It seemed to go on like the High Bridge in St. Paul, but much steeper. I was happy with my performance on the hill, we all broke apart. I passed a couple of girls on the climb so I felt good about my current situation. We flew down the backside and took the 4th turn. This was a great stretch. New roads, winds were still pushing us. We all regrouped—except one girl who took a flyer, but we knew we would catch her in the cross winds. I chuckled to myself, you would have never thought we were in a race. There was so much chatting (and NO I wasn’t talking) you would have thought we were on a group ride not in the middle of a race.
Lap 2 was the same as lap 1. We caught up to one of the five girls in the first break away. There was an attempt to do a double rotating line to move the group faster through the headwinds, but I was surprised that only two of us knew what we were supposed to do. The group was chaotic during this point so we just went back to our original process. I’ve never had this happen to me before but a wind gust was so strong it pushed us backwards. Defiantly a moment of reality to know we are not as powerful as we think.
Lap 3 was an easy roll. The group as a whole kept it slow during the cross and head winds. The first little hill was a easy climb—then the attacks came. For the next three or four miles it was an all out sprint—thank god for tailwinds. I stayed third wheel, I figured I would get that position since the other two girls looked good the previous two laps. The entire time I was worried I would get caught—I almost did. I placed 7th out of 14. The points I was able to get pushed me up to 2nd position in the Women’s Cycling Made Real series—but holding this position probably won’t last long.
It was fun to chat with the ladies after the race. You feel a sense of a bond when we all suffered together for 36 miles.
Friday, May 2, 2008
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