My life feels so busy lately. Similar to how the squirrels (whose bellies drag on the ground they're so fat!) in my neighborhood are frantically scrounging up food for the cold winter ahead, I feel an urgency to get things done before winter settles in. My own honey-do list is long.
This morning I cleaned the gutters, which always reminds me of a few autumns ago when I woke up to a house nearly flooded thanks to some full gutters. Ryan and I hadn't cleaned them - ever.
He was off at work and it was 50 degrees and raining so hard that day. I got to wrestle my collapsible 25 foot ladder up the side of my house. My next door neighbor Jo came over and we saved the homestead together, laughing at how deferred maintenance always kicks you in the ass. Every time I mention the gutters we both giggle.
It has been absolutely gorgeous out lately. Very chilly in the mornings but by the afternoon the sun's warmth wakens me and I can't help but notice the brilliant fall colors pop against a light blue sky.
Lately I've been really appreciating living in the moment with complete clarity. I feel more myself then I have in a long, long time. And I feel like sharing it with everyone I know with the urgency of a belly dragging squirrel.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Update!
Has the suspense built enough yet? Are you wondering what the big news is? Are you checking this everyday? Good.
I'm still not going to tell you yet. Just kidding!
So track camp went super good. One of the riders, Megan Hottman from golden, Colorado asked if i would like to ride the team pursuit with her at the upcoming world cups on her track trade team. Gulp! Um, absolutely! So come december we're headed to Melbourne, australia shortly followed by Cali, Colombia and lastly to manchester, uk.
There you have it. That's my big news. So the last few days have been filled with making that travel and dream a reality. Know anyone in Colombia or the uk?
I'm still not going to tell you yet. Just kidding!
So track camp went super good. One of the riders, Megan Hottman from golden, Colorado asked if i would like to ride the team pursuit with her at the upcoming world cups on her track trade team. Gulp! Um, absolutely! So come december we're headed to Melbourne, australia shortly followed by Cali, Colombia and lastly to manchester, uk.
There you have it. That's my big news. So the last few days have been filled with making that travel and dream a reality. Know anyone in Colombia or the uk?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Despite going to bed close to midnight, my internal clock has been reset apparently to 6am. Ouch. I'm still laying in bed but my mind won't shut off and I already miss the routine of getting up and heading out to the track.
So what's next on the agenda? A little bit of down time when i return home. Some snuggle time with the pooch, good cooking, great coffee, reconnection with friends and hopefully some more mushroom picking. Oh, and I can't forget - more dream chasing.
So what's next on the agenda? A little bit of down time when i return home. Some snuggle time with the pooch, good cooking, great coffee, reconnection with friends and hopefully some more mushroom picking. Oh, and I can't forget - more dream chasing.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
And, I'm spent.
It's nearly five o'clock and a nap at this time would be disastrous. But my body is pretty tired from the fifth early morning start in a row with progressively harder efforts. Yesterday's billion standing starts and timing drills took a little more out of the system then I thought even though we were under geared. (ha! If you consider a 94" under geared...)
On tap for today was three 3k efforts, two standing and one flying. Translation: two from a stand still, which in turn puts a lot of load on the legs, and another with using the banking to ease the acceleration and in theory go 5 seconds faster then the standing efforts since you eliminate the start. I got to lead all three efforts and one thing i noticed was that the flying effort seemed to take more out of me then the standing starts. Maybe that's because the wind up taxes you a little bit more? Or maybe because we were on a 18.5 schedule and shooting for a 3:43. We managed to hit a 3:42, which is not bad at all! We were all pretty pleased with the effort, that's for sure.
After the track workout we headed out to paolos verdes to get some endurance training in. And there, on the climb behind k-Mac, I hit my limit. That girl is a born climber yo! She dances on those pedals and just floats up the hill, chatting away and loving every minute if it. It's amazing to surround yourself with such great talent.
All in all the week has been great. I have learned a lot, and really value the time and energy USA cycling has put into the development camps.
Some big news is developing, and i will share more when it's appropriate.
On tap for today was three 3k efforts, two standing and one flying. Translation: two from a stand still, which in turn puts a lot of load on the legs, and another with using the banking to ease the acceleration and in theory go 5 seconds faster then the standing efforts since you eliminate the start. I got to lead all three efforts and one thing i noticed was that the flying effort seemed to take more out of me then the standing starts. Maybe that's because the wind up taxes you a little bit more? Or maybe because we were on a 18.5 schedule and shooting for a 3:43. We managed to hit a 3:42, which is not bad at all! We were all pretty pleased with the effort, that's for sure.
After the track workout we headed out to paolos verdes to get some endurance training in. And there, on the climb behind k-Mac, I hit my limit. That girl is a born climber yo! She dances on those pedals and just floats up the hill, chatting away and loving every minute if it. It's amazing to surround yourself with such great talent.
All in all the week has been great. I have learned a lot, and really value the time and energy USA cycling has put into the development camps.
Some big news is developing, and i will share more when it's appropriate.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I took an ice bath tonight if that gives you any indication of how hard today was. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I'm starting to seriously consider getting an ice maker for my house. I know I'd only use it primarily in the summer months, I think. But it sure would save me the time and hassle of running to the corner market and dropping $10 a hit. Come to think of it though, that's a lot of runs to the store to combat the $300 plus price tags those puppies have. Nah, I think i'll just continue making a dash to darn good.
I highly recommend wading in wool socks and under-roos. That little extra clothing makes a world of difference! Don't question the logic, just do it. :)
Seriously though today was filled with lots of team pursuit drills and figuring out timing. I was sandwiched between what felt like two extremes, a fast person and a not so fast person. My job was to reign it in and funny how my lap times showed me being the slowest as a result. It's amazing how the times are somewhat of a lag time and that you're effort on the track is directly related to the teams. When things sync up and exchanges are dialed in then it's a perfect graceful feeling. Anything short of that leaves you gasping for air, legs screaming, heart pounding, arggh feeling. It's pretty rad, this pursuit of excellence.
I highly recommend wading in wool socks and under-roos. That little extra clothing makes a world of difference! Don't question the logic, just do it. :)
Seriously though today was filled with lots of team pursuit drills and figuring out timing. I was sandwiched between what felt like two extremes, a fast person and a not so fast person. My job was to reign it in and funny how my lap times showed me being the slowest as a result. It's amazing how the times are somewhat of a lag time and that you're effort on the track is directly related to the teams. When things sync up and exchanges are dialed in then it's a perfect graceful feeling. Anything short of that leaves you gasping for air, legs screaming, heart pounding, arggh feeling. It's pretty rad, this pursuit of excellence.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Day one - track camp
The 6:15 wake up call this morning came a little earlier then wanted, as they always do. But I eagerly jumped out of bed, put the water on for some via coffee and got ready to go. I packed my to go bag the night before so the morning agenda included waking up, drinking some java and catching up on some blogs. There's something about reading about other people's lives and experiences that is truly inspiring. Speaking of which, if you know of any blogs out there that you hit regularly and would like to share, please do!
I digress...
We arrived at the track at 7:30 for our first early morning meeting before the serious work starts at 9am. Benjamin Sharp does a great job of covering the basics (sprinters line, being predictable, communication, no mans land, where warm up starts and ends, etc) and it was nice to get a refresher and make sure we're all on the same page.
On tap for today was three flying efforts - a 1500, 1000m, and 500m. They were all done individually and are used as a baseline test to find out what tools we have to begin with and where to take things. It's also a great indicator of what your strengths are... Such as do you go out hot and then fade? Or are you a steady sister who can just churn away even splits all day long? The nice thing about the track is that you get instant feedback. Go too fast and you pay dearly for it. Go too slow and you have something left in the tank. And the timer never lies.
So what did the timer say? Good things, all very good things. When I spoke with Jennie later that night and relayed my times she said that I shouldn't act so surprised. But I still have this pinch me, I must be dreaming residue left over from nationals. I guess the moral of the story is get used to being fast because I am fast!
After our track session we headed out for a road ride around p.v.. Unfortunately the LA area is not known for its road riding...as there is only one ride. And the locals in the area seriously hate cyclists. Riding single file in some areas is absolutely necessary if you want to get home in one piece. But having a big group of 11 meant we could ride two abreast the entire way back to the velodrome and take an entire lane to ourselves. I must say, that recovery drink has never tasted so good. And getting out of the chamois after six hours felt great. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tomorrow we do a little early morning spin followed by some team drills, which should be good I look forward to figuring out some pacing methods, that's for sure!
I digress...
We arrived at the track at 7:30 for our first early morning meeting before the serious work starts at 9am. Benjamin Sharp does a great job of covering the basics (sprinters line, being predictable, communication, no mans land, where warm up starts and ends, etc) and it was nice to get a refresher and make sure we're all on the same page.
On tap for today was three flying efforts - a 1500, 1000m, and 500m. They were all done individually and are used as a baseline test to find out what tools we have to begin with and where to take things. It's also a great indicator of what your strengths are... Such as do you go out hot and then fade? Or are you a steady sister who can just churn away even splits all day long? The nice thing about the track is that you get instant feedback. Go too fast and you pay dearly for it. Go too slow and you have something left in the tank. And the timer never lies.
So what did the timer say? Good things, all very good things. When I spoke with Jennie later that night and relayed my times she said that I shouldn't act so surprised. But I still have this pinch me, I must be dreaming residue left over from nationals. I guess the moral of the story is get used to being fast because I am fast!
After our track session we headed out for a road ride around p.v.. Unfortunately the LA area is not known for its road riding...as there is only one ride. And the locals in the area seriously hate cyclists. Riding single file in some areas is absolutely necessary if you want to get home in one piece. But having a big group of 11 meant we could ride two abreast the entire way back to the velodrome and take an entire lane to ourselves. I must say, that recovery drink has never tasted so good. And getting out of the chamois after six hours felt great. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tomorrow we do a little early morning spin followed by some team drills, which should be good I look forward to figuring out some pacing methods, that's for sure!
Friday, October 08, 2010
NW Harvest
So what does one do between Nationals and team pursuit camp? Go mushroom foraging, of course!
Chanterelle mushrooms are amazing. And right now they litter the forest floor in the Pacific Northwest. Foraging for them is like treasure hunting in the forest. The flavor and texture of them is amazing. The ones Chris and I have been finding right by his house are about 6 inches long and big old 'shrooms.
A little research on the fungi reveals they love to pop up near Douglas Firs and in just the right temperate zones. You pull them out of their holes by the root as cutting them can lead to disease and damage future re-growth. They are super fun to find and taste unreal. Later today I'm making some chanterelle mushroom corn chowder. Yum!
Chanterelle mushrooms are amazing. And right now they litter the forest floor in the Pacific Northwest. Foraging for them is like treasure hunting in the forest. The flavor and texture of them is amazing. The ones Chris and I have been finding right by his house are about 6 inches long and big old 'shrooms.
A little research on the fungi reveals they love to pop up near Douglas Firs and in just the right temperate zones. You pull them out of their holes by the root as cutting them can lead to disease and damage future re-growth. They are super fun to find and taste unreal. Later today I'm making some chanterelle mushroom corn chowder. Yum!
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Race Report
As written for my team:
I have been quietly sitting in my house for nearly the entire day,
soaking up the fantastic memories and good times had down in LA this
past week. And it's no wonder I can no longer get off my duff as
according to my calculations I logged in well over 675 laps on the
steep bankings of the ADT Event Center velodrome. That's just shy of
175 kilometers of fixed gear action.
The international omnium started things off. This year USA cycling
opted to mimic the UCI international omnium, which meant the races
were a lot longer. At the world cup level all of the events are held
in one long session, with a minimum of 30 minutes for recovery between
races. At elite nationals, however, they split the event into a total
of three sessions, with the flying lap and 80 lap points race in the
first session, an elimination (miss and out) and 3k pursuit in the
second session, followed the next morning by a 40 lap scratch race and
500 meter time trial. The overall winner is determined by whoever has
the lowest cumulative points, with first place receiving one point,
second two points, and so on. I had decided early this season to make
the omnium my focus for nationals, as I seem to do well at several
events. That meant working long and hard at getting my overall speed
up since my aeorbic engine is fairly large. Gone were the multiple
pursuit style efforts and instead were replaced with sprint workouts
with maximum power output and maximum recovery. This new approach was
some what foreign to me as only doing four 200 meter efforts for the
day compared to six two to three kilometers in training was the
previous norm. If I lost you in that description then the best analogy
I can come up with is like being used to drinking a double big gulp
and then switching to a Dixie cup.
Needless to say, I was a little nervous going into the racing with a
different set of tools this year but after my first effort of doing a
flying lap and placing third, well nobody could steal my new found
confidence. The points race could have gone better... But with the
likes of world champion Sarah Hammer in the field who easily lapped
the field after the first sprint, well I did the best I could and
placed 7th. Thankfully my competitors who placed well in the points
race were further down the totem pole from the flying Lap and I
managed to hold onto fourh place.
Between sessions I went back to the hotel and had an ice bath. It was
113 that day in LA and the velodrome, although temperature controlled,
was still blazing hot. Next up was the elimlnation race and I was
struggling for position the entire time. Fifth place in the omnium
standings luckily was called out the time before and sixth place was
called out just after me. That left me narrowly in fourth place, with
only a point separating me from my nearby competitors. With placement
at each event critical to overall placement, it's super important to
brush off less then desired results and go into the next race with a
can do attitude. Luckily the pursuit was up next and although I didn't
work specifically on that event this year, I was able to rely on my
previous year's devotion to it to carry me through. I was paired
against Colleen, who was in third, and also provided a nice carrot for
me to chase. I rolled at four minute even pursuit - certainly not my
fastest time but good enough to put me into fifth, still holding onto
fourth in the overall.
That night I envisioned the scratch race and putting in a perfect
finish. I played the race out over and over in my head, knowing that
my new found speed would be useful the following day. And guess what?
It played out exactly as I envisioned. Sarah Hammer lapped the field,
leaving the other placements up to a field sprint. With two laps to
go, I had perfect positioning near the front and sensed Cari Higgins's
attack from the outside coming. We flew to the finish line and my
closest competitors in the omnium were much further back. This move
proved to be the move that put me into third. We still had one more
event to go, the 500m time trial, again I felt confident and ready.
Sitting down in a chair near bike check, i could feel my entire body
shake from nerves. There I was, getting ready for the final event with
a podium position well within my reach. I had a fantastic start out of
the starting block, was still getting on top of my gear going into
corners three and four before realizing i should be in my aero bars.
Tela commented later that it looked like I was going to crash myself
out and i'm sure that wiggle cost me a valuable fraction of a second
but I ended up getting fifth in that event and placed third overall!
Oh man, what a feeling.
The podium presentation was surreal. I had done it. I made the
elevated USA cycling podium with some serious competition. During the
ceremony Cari said how proud she was of me for earning my spot, as did
Sarah. Wow. And the medals this year are pretty big! So was my smile.
And that was just the end of day two of five for the week! I still had
three more events to race in.
Friday morning after warming up, some of the fastest ladies of the
U.S. lined up for the 40 lap scratch race. Sarah Hammer had left the
previous day to train in Colorado and Higgins decided to sit the
scratch race out to race the individual pursuit. Jennie Reed, however,
decided to line up and have a gander at her first appearance at an
elite nationals endurance title. The race was animated in the
beginning and I was attentive in not letting any dangerous combination
of riders go up the track. The field was not going to let anything go
either so when Heather Alberts attacked with ten laps to go, and no
one really chased at first, it was time to get things moving. Chasing
her back within reach was perfectly timed, as I found myself in the
front of the group with 2.5 laps to go and Jennie on my outside hip.
It was time to ramp up the speed and prevent anyone from coming up and
over. With a lap to go, Jennie razored my outside, with Colleen glued
to her wheel and charging around me. I dug super deep and pushed as
hard as possible to come across the line for third. Another podium!
Are you kidding me? Somebody pinch me please!
Saturday's marathon session started for me in the afternoon with a 40
lap points race qualifier. With 10 spots up for grabs out of a 13
person field, the goal was to sit in after obtaining some points in
the first two sprints. Then we had a four hour wait before the 100 lap
final. Not realizing how long of a wait we'd have, I didn't fuel
myself properly. And we all know what that means - BONK! Midway
through the race, a huge crash happened directly in front of me
tangling five girls up and neutralizing the race. One of the girls was
hauled away in a stretcher and we had about a twenty minute delay
before resuming the race. I contested another sprint but just didn't
have the fight left in me. I ended up 7th.
That night I was kicking myself for sabotaging my performance by
something so important and basic. I was more then eager to go back the
following day and represent in the Madison. There was just one major
problem - my madison partner had gone down in the points race and was
nursing a mild concussion. But she was ready to go the next day,
determined and ready to get a jersey and title. In one of our first
exchanges, all hell broke loose and we collided, sending Val down the
to the apron and me chasing on to the back of the field. Val certainly
gets the toughest cookie award because she was back up and ready to go
two laps later. We then contested every 20 lap sprint out of 100 laps
and placed second in each one. The strong duo of Higgins and Reed
proved impossible to beat though and try as we did to make something
happen - they were not going to go down without a fight. We ended up
second and happy to be a part of history in the making with the first
ever USA cycling elite woman's Madison. It was a great way to round
out the week.
After logging a few hours on my couch this week, I'm headed back down
to LA to participate in a team pursuit camp. I'm very excited for the
opportunity and look forward to sharing my knowledge with others upon
my return. Thanks for all of the encouraging words and here's to
making the training count this winter toward winning a jersey next
year!
I have been quietly sitting in my house for nearly the entire day,
soaking up the fantastic memories and good times had down in LA this
past week. And it's no wonder I can no longer get off my duff as
according to my calculations I logged in well over 675 laps on the
steep bankings of the ADT Event Center velodrome. That's just shy of
175 kilometers of fixed gear action.
The international omnium started things off. This year USA cycling
opted to mimic the UCI international omnium, which meant the races
were a lot longer. At the world cup level all of the events are held
in one long session, with a minimum of 30 minutes for recovery between
races. At elite nationals, however, they split the event into a total
of three sessions, with the flying lap and 80 lap points race in the
first session, an elimination (miss and out) and 3k pursuit in the
second session, followed the next morning by a 40 lap scratch race and
500 meter time trial. The overall winner is determined by whoever has
the lowest cumulative points, with first place receiving one point,
second two points, and so on. I had decided early this season to make
the omnium my focus for nationals, as I seem to do well at several
events. That meant working long and hard at getting my overall speed
up since my aeorbic engine is fairly large. Gone were the multiple
pursuit style efforts and instead were replaced with sprint workouts
with maximum power output and maximum recovery. This new approach was
some what foreign to me as only doing four 200 meter efforts for the
day compared to six two to three kilometers in training was the
previous norm. If I lost you in that description then the best analogy
I can come up with is like being used to drinking a double big gulp
and then switching to a Dixie cup.
Needless to say, I was a little nervous going into the racing with a
different set of tools this year but after my first effort of doing a
flying lap and placing third, well nobody could steal my new found
confidence. The points race could have gone better... But with the
likes of world champion Sarah Hammer in the field who easily lapped
the field after the first sprint, well I did the best I could and
placed 7th. Thankfully my competitors who placed well in the points
race were further down the totem pole from the flying Lap and I
managed to hold onto fourh place.
Between sessions I went back to the hotel and had an ice bath. It was
113 that day in LA and the velodrome, although temperature controlled,
was still blazing hot. Next up was the elimlnation race and I was
struggling for position the entire time. Fifth place in the omnium
standings luckily was called out the time before and sixth place was
called out just after me. That left me narrowly in fourth place, with
only a point separating me from my nearby competitors. With placement
at each event critical to overall placement, it's super important to
brush off less then desired results and go into the next race with a
can do attitude. Luckily the pursuit was up next and although I didn't
work specifically on that event this year, I was able to rely on my
previous year's devotion to it to carry me through. I was paired
against Colleen, who was in third, and also provided a nice carrot for
me to chase. I rolled at four minute even pursuit - certainly not my
fastest time but good enough to put me into fifth, still holding onto
fourth in the overall.
That night I envisioned the scratch race and putting in a perfect
finish. I played the race out over and over in my head, knowing that
my new found speed would be useful the following day. And guess what?
It played out exactly as I envisioned. Sarah Hammer lapped the field,
leaving the other placements up to a field sprint. With two laps to
go, I had perfect positioning near the front and sensed Cari Higgins's
attack from the outside coming. We flew to the finish line and my
closest competitors in the omnium were much further back. This move
proved to be the move that put me into third. We still had one more
event to go, the 500m time trial, again I felt confident and ready.
Sitting down in a chair near bike check, i could feel my entire body
shake from nerves. There I was, getting ready for the final event with
a podium position well within my reach. I had a fantastic start out of
the starting block, was still getting on top of my gear going into
corners three and four before realizing i should be in my aero bars.
Tela commented later that it looked like I was going to crash myself
out and i'm sure that wiggle cost me a valuable fraction of a second
but I ended up getting fifth in that event and placed third overall!
Oh man, what a feeling.
The podium presentation was surreal. I had done it. I made the
elevated USA cycling podium with some serious competition. During the
ceremony Cari said how proud she was of me for earning my spot, as did
Sarah. Wow. And the medals this year are pretty big! So was my smile.
And that was just the end of day two of five for the week! I still had
three more events to race in.
Friday morning after warming up, some of the fastest ladies of the
U.S. lined up for the 40 lap scratch race. Sarah Hammer had left the
previous day to train in Colorado and Higgins decided to sit the
scratch race out to race the individual pursuit. Jennie Reed, however,
decided to line up and have a gander at her first appearance at an
elite nationals endurance title. The race was animated in the
beginning and I was attentive in not letting any dangerous combination
of riders go up the track. The field was not going to let anything go
either so when Heather Alberts attacked with ten laps to go, and no
one really chased at first, it was time to get things moving. Chasing
her back within reach was perfectly timed, as I found myself in the
front of the group with 2.5 laps to go and Jennie on my outside hip.
It was time to ramp up the speed and prevent anyone from coming up and
over. With a lap to go, Jennie razored my outside, with Colleen glued
to her wheel and charging around me. I dug super deep and pushed as
hard as possible to come across the line for third. Another podium!
Are you kidding me? Somebody pinch me please!
Saturday's marathon session started for me in the afternoon with a 40
lap points race qualifier. With 10 spots up for grabs out of a 13
person field, the goal was to sit in after obtaining some points in
the first two sprints. Then we had a four hour wait before the 100 lap
final. Not realizing how long of a wait we'd have, I didn't fuel
myself properly. And we all know what that means - BONK! Midway
through the race, a huge crash happened directly in front of me
tangling five girls up and neutralizing the race. One of the girls was
hauled away in a stretcher and we had about a twenty minute delay
before resuming the race. I contested another sprint but just didn't
have the fight left in me. I ended up 7th.
That night I was kicking myself for sabotaging my performance by
something so important and basic. I was more then eager to go back the
following day and represent in the Madison. There was just one major
problem - my madison partner had gone down in the points race and was
nursing a mild concussion. But she was ready to go the next day,
determined and ready to get a jersey and title. In one of our first
exchanges, all hell broke loose and we collided, sending Val down the
to the apron and me chasing on to the back of the field. Val certainly
gets the toughest cookie award because she was back up and ready to go
two laps later. We then contested every 20 lap sprint out of 100 laps
and placed second in each one. The strong duo of Higgins and Reed
proved impossible to beat though and try as we did to make something
happen - they were not going to go down without a fight. We ended up
second and happy to be a part of history in the making with the first
ever USA cycling elite woman's Madison. It was a great way to round
out the week.
After logging a few hours on my couch this week, I'm headed back down
to LA to participate in a team pursuit camp. I'm very excited for the
opportunity and look forward to sharing my knowledge with others upon
my return. Thanks for all of the encouraging words and here's to
making the training count this winter toward winning a jersey next
year!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Wow. A successful assault at USA elite track nationals this year. Jonesy's group was wildly successful thanks to her amazing coaching, careful preparation and attention to detail. Her timing was to a tee for each one of us girls and between the group we collected the following hardware:
Liz - two national titles. The 500m and team sprint. Along with a third place in the sprint tournament and kieirin.
Tela- fifth place in the sprint tournament, second in team sprint and 6th in the kierin.
Jennie- two national titles, one in the scratch race and the other in the women Madison.
Myself- a silver in the Madison, and two thirds in the international omnium and scratch race.
Not only did we represent marymoor in style, but we probably brought home more medals then on record. I'll have to look into that one.
Oh and i also get to mention dan harm was on the winning team pursuit team. His Ouch team is definitely on track for the upcoming world cup season starting this winter.
There were so many highlights, and a few blunders. But all in all the highlights far outweighed any shortcomings. To be part of history, especially in the first women national championship madison was truly an honor.
So what's up next? Well, I'm glad you asked. In a week and a half i head back down to LA for a team pursuit development camp and am really looking forward to the opportunity it will provide. But in the next few days, i get to enjoy some much deserved and needed time off.
A quick calculation of racing laps.... 100 Madison, 140 points race (heat and final)' 40 scratch race, 80 points race in omnium, 40 scratch race in omnium, 3 laps for 500m tt and flying lap, and 12 laps for the 3k pursuit. Not to mention five days of 40 lap warmups let's say 200 laps. That's 655 laps. Not to mention about three hours logged on the rollers. I am ever so thankful for those hardcore double days and hard efforts, as much as i may have resented them at the time. What a difference it made!
Boy i am sure thankful for the wonderful support network I ha built up around me. I feel like my success was due to so many people pulling for me in so many ways. From training partners, to borrowed equipment, to time off from work (thanks mom!), to my California car (thanks pops and Anita!), dog sitters, encouraging teammates, friends and family members, my fantastic and best coach in the business, ms. Jennie reed. And as corny as it may sound, my facebook fan club. Thanks for the comments everyone, it means a lot that you care!
Liz - two national titles. The 500m and team sprint. Along with a third place in the sprint tournament and kieirin.
Tela- fifth place in the sprint tournament, second in team sprint and 6th in the kierin.
Jennie- two national titles, one in the scratch race and the other in the women Madison.
Myself- a silver in the Madison, and two thirds in the international omnium and scratch race.
Not only did we represent marymoor in style, but we probably brought home more medals then on record. I'll have to look into that one.
Oh and i also get to mention dan harm was on the winning team pursuit team. His Ouch team is definitely on track for the upcoming world cup season starting this winter.
There were so many highlights, and a few blunders. But all in all the highlights far outweighed any shortcomings. To be part of history, especially in the first women national championship madison was truly an honor.
So what's up next? Well, I'm glad you asked. In a week and a half i head back down to LA for a team pursuit development camp and am really looking forward to the opportunity it will provide. But in the next few days, i get to enjoy some much deserved and needed time off.
A quick calculation of racing laps.... 100 Madison, 140 points race (heat and final)' 40 scratch race, 80 points race in omnium, 40 scratch race in omnium, 3 laps for 500m tt and flying lap, and 12 laps for the 3k pursuit. Not to mention five days of 40 lap warmups let's say 200 laps. That's 655 laps. Not to mention about three hours logged on the rollers. I am ever so thankful for those hardcore double days and hard efforts, as much as i may have resented them at the time. What a difference it made!
Boy i am sure thankful for the wonderful support network I ha built up around me. I feel like my success was due to so many people pulling for me in so many ways. From training partners, to borrowed equipment, to time off from work (thanks mom!), to my California car (thanks pops and Anita!), dog sitters, encouraging teammates, friends and family members, my fantastic and best coach in the business, ms. Jennie reed. And as corny as it may sound, my facebook fan club. Thanks for the comments everyone, it means a lot that you care!
A part of history...
This year marked the first year for the USA to hold an elite women's madison national championship. Last year's jaunt was an "exhibition" race and this year, thanks to 10 woman's teams signing up we had a real legit title to chase after. And try as Val and I did to beat team incredible (consisting of Jennie Reed and Cari Higgins), we just couldn't do it. But we did try and made it an aggressive and hard race!
More details and a race report to come...
More details and a race report to come...
Friday, October 01, 2010
Two for two
Little to my surprise, I did it again with the bronze this morning with a solid ride in a 40 lap scratch race. Jennie won it with colleen stuck fast to her hip. It was Strange race at times with lots of people trying to make something happen off the front of the race, to no avail. The most serious threat came with about six laps to go when heather albert launched solo off the front. Jennie and i timed the chase to perfection with me leading with a lap and a half to go. She stayed on my hip with Colleen stuck to her wheel and then we charged down the lane. She had such speed coming in front of me that it was all I could do to spin my legs off. Thank goodness for that big gear I was in!
The best part about going into the scratch race after that fantastic race and finish yesterday was that there was no pressure. No pressure to preform - just the ability to race my bike and see what i could do. Crazy as it may sound too, being on the podium after such a short race felt strange. I didn't have the long hard battle I had before getting up there... The long hard fought battle of the day before. It still felt wonderful, don't get me wrong. But it felt different. Maybe that's fatigue talking!
Probably one of the great highlights, though there have been many, was having ryan's dad and step mom up in the stands watching me. They saw my effort, they know how much I've been working and how more then anything i would have loved to have Ryan here to witness it. I know he was watching and cheering louder then anyone. That was for you Bubba.
The best part about going into the scratch race after that fantastic race and finish yesterday was that there was no pressure. No pressure to preform - just the ability to race my bike and see what i could do. Crazy as it may sound too, being on the podium after such a short race felt strange. I didn't have the long hard battle I had before getting up there... The long hard fought battle of the day before. It still felt wonderful, don't get me wrong. But it felt different. Maybe that's fatigue talking!
Probably one of the great highlights, though there have been many, was having ryan's dad and step mom up in the stands watching me. They saw my effort, they know how much I've been working and how more then anything i would have loved to have Ryan here to witness it. I know he was watching and cheering louder then anyone. That was for you Bubba.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Cloud nine
Well, I did it. Third in the 2010 elite track nationals woman's omnium. It was a battle from start to finish but in the end i prevailed and am now basking in the glory. Sure it may not be a title, but it's my first legit solo podium and I am seriously just a wee bit excited.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Race day no. One
I am shivering as we speak from getting a twenty pound bag of ice and plunging in for fifteen minutes. BURRR!
But if it gives me some additional recovery the it's worth every agonizing shivering moment of it. Maybe next time I'll pick up two bags.
Oh this sport!
Now to the racing... It was a long day. We started with a flying lap and i placed 3rd with a 15.71, which in many ways has saved my butt in the overall. Next up this morning was a points race an 8 x 10 which was brutal. I placed 7th and that landed me into fourth. The second session had an elimination race and I just couldn't get in good position. Again i placed 7th. Then we had a 3k pursuit and try as i did for a 3:50 schedule, i just couldn't make it. But i tried my hardest and for not doing any any pursuit work - I'll take it! By the skin of my teeth I'm still sitting fourth with two events left. The scratch race first in the morning and then the 500m.
Wish me luck tomorrow morning! The work will be done in the early morning.
Peace out!
But if it gives me some additional recovery the it's worth every agonizing shivering moment of it. Maybe next time I'll pick up two bags.
Oh this sport!
Now to the racing... It was a long day. We started with a flying lap and i placed 3rd with a 15.71, which in many ways has saved my butt in the overall. Next up this morning was a points race an 8 x 10 which was brutal. I placed 7th and that landed me into fourth. The second session had an elimination race and I just couldn't get in good position. Again i placed 7th. Then we had a 3k pursuit and try as i did for a 3:50 schedule, i just couldn't make it. But i tried my hardest and for not doing any any pursuit work - I'll take it! By the skin of my teeth I'm still sitting fourth with two events left. The scratch race first in the morning and then the 500m.
Wish me luck tomorrow morning! The work will be done in the early morning.
Peace out!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Good Omens
I had an easy rest day today before the shenanigans begins tomorrow. The morning had a recovery ride in it and then a trip to the track to drop Tela off for her workout. I then headed to Casa de Tripez (Ryan's Dad and step mom's house in Torrance) to do a rental car switch-a-roo. They were so kind to lend me their Passat Wagon this week while I'm in town and scolded me for even renting a car at all! They are so good to me.
Upon returning to the track to pick Tela up, I picked up my registration packet for tomorrow and low and behold - my bib number for the week? Number one. Oh yeah! Pretty stoked about that one. Good omen? You bet.
I found Jennie on the infield who also arranged a massage with her go to guy Doug - and got a fantastic pre race rub. His magic fingers did wonders and I've been floating on a cloud ever since. I'm feeling good and ready for tomorrow's battle!
And you can be certain - that bib number will be framed. :) I'm number one! I'm number one!
Upon returning to the track to pick Tela up, I picked up my registration packet for tomorrow and low and behold - my bib number for the week? Number one. Oh yeah! Pretty stoked about that one. Good omen? You bet.
I found Jennie on the infield who also arranged a massage with her go to guy Doug - and got a fantastic pre race rub. His magic fingers did wonders and I've been floating on a cloud ever since. I'm feeling good and ready for tomorrow's battle!
And you can be certain - that bib number will be framed. :) I'm number one! I'm number one!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Updates
I'm resting between efforts at the track. This is my second time on the boards and I'm still hesitant on the top part of the track near the rail as the drop down to the apron seems miles away. I know that as the week progresses those insecurities will deminish but for now I take comfort in hauling ass up there.
The constant hum of tires on wood fill my ears as the likes of Sarah hammer, the dr. Kay men's pursuit squad, Canadian national team and Kevin mansker pedal in revolutions, just to name a few. (for those of you who don't know who I'm talking about these people are world class cyclists and hopefully their prowess will rub off while I sit here.)
Monique Sullivan (can) grinds a 103" gear while being paced by an electric motor at Mach speeds as they prep for the pan am games in india which. They leave for on thursday. Friends are starting to assemble on the infield in what I deem the pressure cooker and while remained camped there for the week.
My second effort calls... And gear changing. Just thought I would give you a quick glimpse of what goes on inside the velodrome. More to come.
Ps la just hit records temps... 113. It's hotter than balls here.
The constant hum of tires on wood fill my ears as the likes of Sarah hammer, the dr. Kay men's pursuit squad, Canadian national team and Kevin mansker pedal in revolutions, just to name a few. (for those of you who don't know who I'm talking about these people are world class cyclists and hopefully their prowess will rub off while I sit here.)
Monique Sullivan (can) grinds a 103" gear while being paced by an electric motor at Mach speeds as they prep for the pan am games in india which. They leave for on thursday. Friends are starting to assemble on the infield in what I deem the pressure cooker and while remained camped there for the week.
My second effort calls... And gear changing. Just thought I would give you a quick glimpse of what goes on inside the velodrome. More to come.
Ps la just hit records temps... 113. It's hotter than balls here.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Mummer musings
Last night at morton's steakhouse in Portland, a long table filled with family and a few friends sat around and each shared a highlight of their relationship with myo grandmother. Dinner took four hours as no one wanted the evening to end. My niece and nephew were passed out on their parent's laps as the adults continued telling story after story of the amazing memories they had with both of my grandparents. I am really glad I stuck around for this unforgetable and memorable time.
Some of those memories include:
She always had lipstick on her hamburger...
Truly a lady with long fingernails that are jewels, not tools.
Always laughing and had a great time where ever she went.
Kept up amazing correspondence with over 40 letters a month sent out for birthdays, holidays, etc.
Always dressed to the nine's.
Had a thing about fingernails apparently. She told me when I was little that if I didn't stop biting my nails I wouldn't have any friends. Turns out she canceled my aunts first party when she didn't stop biting hers.
Those are just a few....
Some of those memories include:
She always had lipstick on her hamburger...
Truly a lady with long fingernails that are jewels, not tools.
Always laughing and had a great time where ever she went.
Kept up amazing correspondence with over 40 letters a month sent out for birthdays, holidays, etc.
Always dressed to the nine's.
Had a thing about fingernails apparently. She told me when I was little that if I didn't stop biting my nails I wouldn't have any friends. Turns out she canceled my aunts first party when she didn't stop biting hers.
Those are just a few....
Friday, September 24, 2010
And we're off!
Day one of my mini-adventure...
It took me a little over three hours to pack last night for the next 10 days. In one bag were all of my skin suits, cycling paraphenila etc. In another was a bag full of things for the short but sweet trip down to Portland for my grandmother's memorial service. In a third bag I packed other clothing and grabbed four photo albums worth of memories to share with the family. And I can't forget the syran wrapped track bike in a cardboard box. At this point if I forgot anything I can certainly live without it.
I put in another solid two hour ride this morning from Tacoma to gig harbor and definitely felt yesterday's roller workout. The leaves are slowly changing to brilliant shades of red and yellows and I nearly have to pinch myself while cruising down a super smooth country road paralleling the Puget sound. I don't mind the little sputter of rain as I spin through what many would consider a rain forest. The pacific nw is an amazing place.
Now I wait on my little sister to pick me up and we head south to meet up with family we haven't seen in quite some time. It's too bad the only time we can find time these days to get together are only at life's major events. But at least we recongnize those and I'm looking forward to it and meet some of the newest family members for the first time.
It took me a little over three hours to pack last night for the next 10 days. In one bag were all of my skin suits, cycling paraphenila etc. In another was a bag full of things for the short but sweet trip down to Portland for my grandmother's memorial service. In a third bag I packed other clothing and grabbed four photo albums worth of memories to share with the family. And I can't forget the syran wrapped track bike in a cardboard box. At this point if I forgot anything I can certainly live without it.
I put in another solid two hour ride this morning from Tacoma to gig harbor and definitely felt yesterday's roller workout. The leaves are slowly changing to brilliant shades of red and yellows and I nearly have to pinch myself while cruising down a super smooth country road paralleling the Puget sound. I don't mind the little sputter of rain as I spin through what many would consider a rain forest. The pacific nw is an amazing place.
Now I wait on my little sister to pick me up and we head south to meet up with family we haven't seen in quite some time. It's too bad the only time we can find time these days to get together are only at life's major events. But at least we recongnize those and I'm looking forward to it and meet some of the newest family members for the first time.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Trust
When I woke up this morning and carefully listened for a pitter-pat of rain and didn't hear it, then glanced outside on my way to fill the kettle with water for coffee and saw a gray, dry sky I couldn't help but get my hopes up. I placed a couple of phone calls to schedule a much needed motor pace session and then called the coach to find out exactly what kind of workout I should do since my original plan changed and it might stay dry.
I also looked on the radar and grimaced at a dark green/orange/yellow blob that was moving up from the south. Denial is a wonderful thing. Maybe it will blow by? Maybe it'll just stop right there and not hit the area and douse the track with precipitation? Maybe that orange means sunshine?
I was only 1/4 of the way to Seward on my morning ride when the first sheet of rain hit, spitting at first and then becoming a constant drizzle. By the time I got home, my butt was soaked, shoes wet, rain coat donned and I came to terms that today would hold an insane roller workout.
It's hard not to panic when things don't go according to plan. Especially right before an event that you've waited all year to have a crack at again. Am I doing enough? Am I losing my fitness?
But tapering does just that. It creates a little voice in your head that is hard to ignore. Suddenly you have more time on your hands since somehow you had adapted to the insane double day workouts and 98" gear efforts. And now that workload is cut in half and race gear feels like a warm up gear. What were precious moments of down time become huge blocks of boredom and all your body wants to do is move. I have tackled those pesky chores since I've had more time - mow the lawn, wash the car, organize a closet, knock out a list of self-prescribed honey do's.
This is the time when you place the biggest trust in your coach and training plan. All of the hard work, the hours spent pedaling, the dedication to solid nutrition, the weight training, etc - your homework essentially - comes into play. You couldn't cram fitness in right before a major event - it has to be accumulated over time. And you have to trust that all of your hard work will come into play next week.
And now for that 3x10 minute high cadence workout.... my roller mat will look like I left it outside. :)
I also looked on the radar and grimaced at a dark green/orange/yellow blob that was moving up from the south. Denial is a wonderful thing. Maybe it will blow by? Maybe it'll just stop right there and not hit the area and douse the track with precipitation? Maybe that orange means sunshine?
I was only 1/4 of the way to Seward on my morning ride when the first sheet of rain hit, spitting at first and then becoming a constant drizzle. By the time I got home, my butt was soaked, shoes wet, rain coat donned and I came to terms that today would hold an insane roller workout.
It's hard not to panic when things don't go according to plan. Especially right before an event that you've waited all year to have a crack at again. Am I doing enough? Am I losing my fitness?
But tapering does just that. It creates a little voice in your head that is hard to ignore. Suddenly you have more time on your hands since somehow you had adapted to the insane double day workouts and 98" gear efforts. And now that workload is cut in half and race gear feels like a warm up gear. What were precious moments of down time become huge blocks of boredom and all your body wants to do is move. I have tackled those pesky chores since I've had more time - mow the lawn, wash the car, organize a closet, knock out a list of self-prescribed honey do's.
This is the time when you place the biggest trust in your coach and training plan. All of the hard work, the hours spent pedaling, the dedication to solid nutrition, the weight training, etc - your homework essentially - comes into play. You couldn't cram fitness in right before a major event - it has to be accumulated over time. And you have to trust that all of your hard work will come into play next week.
And now for that 3x10 minute high cadence workout.... my roller mat will look like I left it outside. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)