About every three weeks I head to the Boulder public library. It coincides with due dates and if I'm on top of it - I put a couple of titles on hold. I also browse the new non-fiction section like a kid in the candy shop. Scanning across the hundreds of titles, my eyes fixed on "Live Simply." The book cover was a simple design, complimented by the chapter titles: declutter, organize, spend less and live more.
Live more by spending and doing less? Yes, please.
One of my favorite things about going to the library is the drive home - I devour as much as I can at each stop light, trying to squeeze a few more words in before my eyes are focused back on the road. Tonight's traffic along 63rd meant seeing how much I could read before hitting the accelerator.
More to come on doing less and living more.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
Tuesday, November 08, 2016
Formal vs. informal pantsuits
My pantsuit isn't that formal. Instead, it's jeans with a flannel shirt and a puffy vest.
I started reading a copy of "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg this week and it couldn't have come at a better time. Today is a big, big deal. It is the day the first female president could be named to the oval office.
And when (not if) she makes her acceptance speech, it will be for all women. Even if they didn't vote for her. It shows that women belong in leadership positions. It shows that the gender stereotypes preventing women from getting top level jobs in corporate America now have a first - someone who paved the way.
I've always been ambitious. There's a fire inside of me that burns brightly. My sophomore year of high school, I ran a campaign to become the class president and lost. I figured it was my lack of skills or popularity and that the other candidate was way more qualified than I. I didn't figure gender was part of the equation. A man won.
I worked at a flooring company and because of my strong persuasive skills and competency, was moved into a sales position and then glossed over for a managerial position when an opening came up. They gave it to a man.
I applied for an executive director position and I was more than qualified for the position. My interviews went well. I was ambitious and eager to make things happen within the organization and deflated when it was given to a man. A man who told me later that if the organization blew up and they were unable to pay him, I could take the job for less pay. Um, thanks?
So now the fire is raging inside of me. Now I'm inspired to stand up more, to exude more confidence, to put my name in the hat and not worry about judgement and whether or not I'm liked. I'm not afraid of the backlash for debunking gender stereotypes. I'm more than happy to continue paving the way so that other women have the opportunity to be bold and become the leaders they want to be.
I think that's why I was drawn to boxing in the first place. It was something women were told they couldn't and shouldn't do. But we did it any way. And as it turns out, we were good and it was empowering. Being part of the first women's world championship was surreal. I knew I belonged.
Then there was the madison on the track. Again - women were told we couldn't and shouldn't participate. I remember a colleague on a volunteer organization said I was crazy for thinking women would be interested in doing the madison. That year we had six women's teams compete. The following year we had 10 teams at a national caliber race, outnumbering the men. I love a challenge and I love proving a stereotype wrong.
So when a woman stands atop a podium in her pantsuit - it's for all women everywhere who aspire to step into leadership roles. Be bold. Be loud. Be yourself. Be the change you want to see in the world. And wear whatever type of pantsuit you want.
I started reading a copy of "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg this week and it couldn't have come at a better time. Today is a big, big deal. It is the day the first female president could be named to the oval office.
And when (not if) she makes her acceptance speech, it will be for all women. Even if they didn't vote for her. It shows that women belong in leadership positions. It shows that the gender stereotypes preventing women from getting top level jobs in corporate America now have a first - someone who paved the way.
I've always been ambitious. There's a fire inside of me that burns brightly. My sophomore year of high school, I ran a campaign to become the class president and lost. I figured it was my lack of skills or popularity and that the other candidate was way more qualified than I. I didn't figure gender was part of the equation. A man won.
I worked at a flooring company and because of my strong persuasive skills and competency, was moved into a sales position and then glossed over for a managerial position when an opening came up. They gave it to a man.
I applied for an executive director position and I was more than qualified for the position. My interviews went well. I was ambitious and eager to make things happen within the organization and deflated when it was given to a man. A man who told me later that if the organization blew up and they were unable to pay him, I could take the job for less pay. Um, thanks?
So now the fire is raging inside of me. Now I'm inspired to stand up more, to exude more confidence, to put my name in the hat and not worry about judgement and whether or not I'm liked. I'm not afraid of the backlash for debunking gender stereotypes. I'm more than happy to continue paving the way so that other women have the opportunity to be bold and become the leaders they want to be.
I think that's why I was drawn to boxing in the first place. It was something women were told they couldn't and shouldn't do. But we did it any way. And as it turns out, we were good and it was empowering. Being part of the first women's world championship was surreal. I knew I belonged.
Then there was the madison on the track. Again - women were told we couldn't and shouldn't participate. I remember a colleague on a volunteer organization said I was crazy for thinking women would be interested in doing the madison. That year we had six women's teams compete. The following year we had 10 teams at a national caliber race, outnumbering the men. I love a challenge and I love proving a stereotype wrong.
So when a woman stands atop a podium in her pantsuit - it's for all women everywhere who aspire to step into leadership roles. Be bold. Be loud. Be yourself. Be the change you want to see in the world. And wear whatever type of pantsuit you want.
Monday, November 07, 2016
Cheerleaders and Support Bras.
I'm sure we've all collected dozens of moments when the right person said the right thing at the right time. These moments help define and shape you as a human being over the years. I've collected a few myself and wanted to share them with you.
Thank you, Austin, for giving me the following words of encouragement after doing poorly on an exam in college.
"Don't worry Jen. You just have to figure out how to study. One day everything will just click."
Replace study with anything you're struggling with (love, work, make money, etc.). One day everything does just click. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't give up. In the meantime, enjoy the process and the journey it takes to get there. And surround yourself with positive people who encourage you every step of the way.
Thank you, Kym for encouraging me to get into coaching.
"Have you ever considered coaching? You'd be amazing at it."
Funny - at the time I wasn't ready to hear the message. I ran into Kym at the Coaching Summit this past weekend and we had a good laugh about my refusal to acknowledge the teacher in me. I got to publicly thank her for the encouragement she gave me so many years ago.
Thank you, Mom for believing in me even when I had my doubts. I've put you through the wringer and you've always been my number one fan.
I called her crying after a track race my first year when I quit for the first time because I had no idea what I was doing. It was a post-Olympic year and the track scene in Portland, Oregon was flooded with strong contenders. During a points race, I was spit out the back and ended up quitting because I didn't know if I should keep going.
"Jennifer, look at who you're competing against! These are Olympians. They've been racing for a long time. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back in there."
That pep talk would fuel my motivation to get back on track every time I encountered failure. And trust me, that happened and still happens a lot.
Thank you, Leslie for seeing the light inside of me and making it grow brighter.
"I see something rare inside of you. You've got something kid that shines brightly. Cultivate it."
Leslie pulled me aside during a Coaching Training Institute seminar and practically whispered in my ear and it fueled my fire. And while I don't know exactly what that means or how it will apply - it sparked a sense of curiosity inside of me to be on the look out for how this applies to life.
I cherish those moments of clarity and unexpected impact. My goal is to reciprocate those messages of inspiration to others in the way they were passed onto me.
Who are the people in your life that have motivated you?
Thank you, Austin, for giving me the following words of encouragement after doing poorly on an exam in college.
"Don't worry Jen. You just have to figure out how to study. One day everything will just click."
Replace study with anything you're struggling with (love, work, make money, etc.). One day everything does just click. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't give up. In the meantime, enjoy the process and the journey it takes to get there. And surround yourself with positive people who encourage you every step of the way.
Thank you, Kym for encouraging me to get into coaching.
"Have you ever considered coaching? You'd be amazing at it."
Funny - at the time I wasn't ready to hear the message. I ran into Kym at the Coaching Summit this past weekend and we had a good laugh about my refusal to acknowledge the teacher in me. I got to publicly thank her for the encouragement she gave me so many years ago.
Thank you, Mom for believing in me even when I had my doubts. I've put you through the wringer and you've always been my number one fan.
I called her crying after a track race my first year when I quit for the first time because I had no idea what I was doing. It was a post-Olympic year and the track scene in Portland, Oregon was flooded with strong contenders. During a points race, I was spit out the back and ended up quitting because I didn't know if I should keep going.
"Jennifer, look at who you're competing against! These are Olympians. They've been racing for a long time. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back in there."
That pep talk would fuel my motivation to get back on track every time I encountered failure. And trust me, that happened and still happens a lot.
Thank you, Leslie for seeing the light inside of me and making it grow brighter.
"I see something rare inside of you. You've got something kid that shines brightly. Cultivate it."
Leslie pulled me aside during a Coaching Training Institute seminar and practically whispered in my ear and it fueled my fire. And while I don't know exactly what that means or how it will apply - it sparked a sense of curiosity inside of me to be on the look out for how this applies to life.
I cherish those moments of clarity and unexpected impact. My goal is to reciprocate those messages of inspiration to others in the way they were passed onto me.
Who are the people in your life that have motivated you?
Sunday, November 06, 2016
The Things We Think But Do Not Say
This short interruption brought to you by a full weekend spent in Colorado Springs at the USA Cycling Coaching Summit....
Ben and I left Boulder early Friday morning to beat traffic. Kevin, my old boss and director of coaching education, gave a short welcome speech before ushering on the keynote speaker, Aaron McHugh. Aaron's recent book, "Fire Your Boss" talks about the internal journey we're all on and figuring out why you do what you do. Is it for money or are you in it because you believe in what you're doing? When's the last time you examined what you're doing and asked yourself why you're doing it?
Aaron's speech resonated with a lot of people. 150 coaches listened in - some here to expand their knowledge, some to reconnect with colleagues, and some just starting their coaching careers. His speech tied into what Alison and I were prepared to talk about later that afternoon during our presentation on Building the Business and not being afraid of failing, and failing often. That's where you learn the most.
In the waning moments before we were due to present, I panicked. It's one thing to give a speech to an audience who you don't know. It's another to stand in front of a room of your professional peers and describe how you've done things, how a turn of events landed you on stage. And while a little seed of doubt sits on your shoulder whispering in your ear, "what makes you so special?" the other shoulder sits a cheerleader..."YES! YOU BELONG HERE! LEAD!!"
I only listened to my seed of doubt once on stage and it made me buckle temporarily under pressure. I swallowed, reached for my notes and continued on, quickly forgetting my temporary glitch. Regaining composure, I started speaking from the heart and let those fears fly out the window.
I love public speaking as much as it scares me. Standing in front of an audience, delivering a message and being completely vulnerable is deeply satisfying. My hope is the message I convey while I have their attention eases their pain, helps them along in their journey and allows a deeper understanding. And it's also my fear that they don't get it. But I can't control that. As long as it touches one person, I've done my job.
As corny as this may sound (hey seed of doubt - who invited you here?), standing on stage is my one of my callings. I've known that but haven't owned it since I first discovered the thrill of having a scheduled poem reading in grade school, the anxiety that came with it in the moments before speaking and the complete relief after the performance. I know I have a ways to go to polish my delivery, to find my voice, to really hone the craft - but like writing, it's in my soul. The more I do it, the more I want to do it.
So bring on the weekly attendance at Toastmasters. Bring on signing up for more opportunities and delivering more messages. I'm practicing. I dream of being a paid professional speaker. And these baby steps are bringing me closer to that reality.
Ben and I left Boulder early Friday morning to beat traffic. Kevin, my old boss and director of coaching education, gave a short welcome speech before ushering on the keynote speaker, Aaron McHugh. Aaron's recent book, "Fire Your Boss" talks about the internal journey we're all on and figuring out why you do what you do. Is it for money or are you in it because you believe in what you're doing? When's the last time you examined what you're doing and asked yourself why you're doing it?
Aaron's speech resonated with a lot of people. 150 coaches listened in - some here to expand their knowledge, some to reconnect with colleagues, and some just starting their coaching careers. His speech tied into what Alison and I were prepared to talk about later that afternoon during our presentation on Building the Business and not being afraid of failing, and failing often. That's where you learn the most.
In the waning moments before we were due to present, I panicked. It's one thing to give a speech to an audience who you don't know. It's another to stand in front of a room of your professional peers and describe how you've done things, how a turn of events landed you on stage. And while a little seed of doubt sits on your shoulder whispering in your ear, "what makes you so special?" the other shoulder sits a cheerleader..."YES! YOU BELONG HERE! LEAD!!"
I only listened to my seed of doubt once on stage and it made me buckle temporarily under pressure. I swallowed, reached for my notes and continued on, quickly forgetting my temporary glitch. Regaining composure, I started speaking from the heart and let those fears fly out the window.
I love public speaking as much as it scares me. Standing in front of an audience, delivering a message and being completely vulnerable is deeply satisfying. My hope is the message I convey while I have their attention eases their pain, helps them along in their journey and allows a deeper understanding. And it's also my fear that they don't get it. But I can't control that. As long as it touches one person, I've done my job.
As corny as this may sound (hey seed of doubt - who invited you here?), standing on stage is my one of my callings. I've known that but haven't owned it since I first discovered the thrill of having a scheduled poem reading in grade school, the anxiety that came with it in the moments before speaking and the complete relief after the performance. I know I have a ways to go to polish my delivery, to find my voice, to really hone the craft - but like writing, it's in my soul. The more I do it, the more I want to do it.
So bring on the weekly attendance at Toastmasters. Bring on signing up for more opportunities and delivering more messages. I'm practicing. I dream of being a paid professional speaker. And these baby steps are bringing me closer to that reality.
Thursday, November 03, 2016
Champions are made in the off season.
It's the end of the 9th inning and the Cubs and Cleveland Indians are tied 6 - 6. A heavy rain shower fills the stadium and the grounds crew hustles to unfold a gigantic tarp that spans the infield. The commentators now have to fill 15 minutes worth of air time until the World Series commences for a 10th inning and a new champion is crowned.
Speculation, opinions, "back when I played" stories fill the air time. And one comment strikes a chord in how baseball can relate to cycling: "this is when you see who worked in the off season."
Indeed.
In those moments when you know no one is watching, do you complete the full effort? Do you continue to practice with focus and intent? Or do you blow off a workout, claiming that it's the off season and you don't need to push it right now.
Games, competitions, races are won and lost in the off season.
Yes, it's tempting to cut a ride short because the weather is challenging. Yes, it's tempting to drink more beers while watching the world series and eat bar food. But just remember - a champion is made a day at a time. It's a culmination of all of those little steps that separates winning from losing.
And racing is won in the off season.
Speculation, opinions, "back when I played" stories fill the air time. And one comment strikes a chord in how baseball can relate to cycling: "this is when you see who worked in the off season."
Indeed.
In those moments when you know no one is watching, do you complete the full effort? Do you continue to practice with focus and intent? Or do you blow off a workout, claiming that it's the off season and you don't need to push it right now.
Games, competitions, races are won and lost in the off season.
Yes, it's tempting to cut a ride short because the weather is challenging. Yes, it's tempting to drink more beers while watching the world series and eat bar food. But just remember - a champion is made a day at a time. It's a culmination of all of those little steps that separates winning from losing.
And racing is won in the off season.
 |
| Photo: Chicago Tribune |
Wednesday, November 02, 2016
Green Clean
I could tell something was amiss when Moonli started sneezing. Those who know the Moon-dog are familiar with his sneezes that fling snot up the walls and if you have a pair of nice pants on - forget getting two wearings out of them. If you come out of our house without snot then you didn't get a proper greeting.
But this was different. He wouldn't stop sneezing.
As soon as I left my office, I found out why. The bathrooms all smelled of chemicals.
Years ago, while cleaning the basement toilet in Seattle, I came across an abandoned bottle of toilet bowl cleaner. The moment I squirted it into the bowl, my nose immediately burned and I started sneezing. The same kind of sneezes I just witnessed Moonli having.
So, how bad are household cleaners? And will using them increase your chances of getting cancer? What household cleaners are safe?
You can read more here and here.
Did you know you can clean your home with water, baking soda, white vinegar, club soda, and lemon juice? Yes, I'm getting hippie on you.
For more information and resources on green cleaning, click here.
Do you have any green cleaning tips? Please share!
But this was different. He wouldn't stop sneezing.
As soon as I left my office, I found out why. The bathrooms all smelled of chemicals.
Years ago, while cleaning the basement toilet in Seattle, I came across an abandoned bottle of toilet bowl cleaner. The moment I squirted it into the bowl, my nose immediately burned and I started sneezing. The same kind of sneezes I just witnessed Moonli having.
So, how bad are household cleaners? And will using them increase your chances of getting cancer? What household cleaners are safe?
You can read more here and here.
Did you know you can clean your home with water, baking soda, white vinegar, club soda, and lemon juice? Yes, I'm getting hippie on you.
For more information and resources on green cleaning, click here.
Do you have any green cleaning tips? Please share!
Tuesday, November 01, 2016
Liquid Courage Can Fuel Love
The hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant, in a booth big enough to seat eight. A waiter dropped off two large glasses of ice water and then asked us what we'd like to drink and both ordered tall beers.
We had some time to kill before the midnight show. I had already invited myself on Ben's Christmas vacation and he had agreed. Vulnerabilities aside and in B.J.'s while waiting for the opening night of Jack Ass in 3-D, is where the connection really happened.
"I don't want to seem like a stalker," he started. "But I read your blog. I went back to the beginning and read everything."
My mind raced back, thankful I hadn't posted anything crazy. But also hyper aware that what I did post was my truth. That's the thing about writing and exposing it to the world - it will be judged. And somewhere between typing those letters on the screen and hitting the publish button, you have to decide for yourself if you're okay with what ever may happen afterward.
I took a big gulp of my IPA.
"What became so apparent was just how much love you had for Ryan," he continued. "I'm envious of the love you showed for him."
Who are you? I thought. Where did you come from? I stopped asking questions and committed then and there to love him.
Somewhere in the depths of my soul, I knew that the key to loving Ben was figuring out how best to love myself. Because all relationships start within. And though my heart was broken from the loss of Ryan, figuring out how best to pick up the pieces and love myself would be reflected in the relationship I'd build with Ben.
We had some time to kill before the midnight show. I had already invited myself on Ben's Christmas vacation and he had agreed. Vulnerabilities aside and in B.J.'s while waiting for the opening night of Jack Ass in 3-D, is where the connection really happened.
"I don't want to seem like a stalker," he started. "But I read your blog. I went back to the beginning and read everything."
My mind raced back, thankful I hadn't posted anything crazy. But also hyper aware that what I did post was my truth. That's the thing about writing and exposing it to the world - it will be judged. And somewhere between typing those letters on the screen and hitting the publish button, you have to decide for yourself if you're okay with what ever may happen afterward.
I took a big gulp of my IPA.
"What became so apparent was just how much love you had for Ryan," he continued. "I'm envious of the love you showed for him."
Who are you? I thought. Where did you come from? I stopped asking questions and committed then and there to love him.
Somewhere in the depths of my soul, I knew that the key to loving Ben was figuring out how best to love myself. Because all relationships start within. And though my heart was broken from the loss of Ryan, figuring out how best to pick up the pieces and love myself would be reflected in the relationship I'd build with Ben.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Makiah the Wonder Dog
I don't want to admit the day is coming.
Last night while Ben and I were devouring our cornish game hens with lip smacking intensity, Makiah started whimpering. I looked down and she was stuck under my chair, unable to get up. Her front legs sprawled out, her yelp jolted panic through my body and I levitated off my chair, moving it from on top of her. I bent down and gently petted her so she didn't freak out and then she got up, shook things off and walked away like nothing happened.
Not yet. Her day isn't here yet.
Last night while Ben and I were devouring our cornish game hens with lip smacking intensity, Makiah started whimpering. I looked down and she was stuck under my chair, unable to get up. Her front legs sprawled out, her yelp jolted panic through my body and I levitated off my chair, moving it from on top of her. I bent down and gently petted her so she didn't freak out and then she got up, shook things off and walked away like nothing happened.
Not yet. Her day isn't here yet.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Vampire Weekend
They're collecting dust in our basement, the hundred or so CD's I managed to hold onto from a previous lifetime. They're neatly stacked in a couple of bright orange U-Haul wrapping paper boxes. Artists and songs that instantly transport me to another time and space. A time when Ryan was still alive. A time when I still lived in Seattle. A time when things were different.
Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I'll come across Vampire Weekend. I think it's track 8. A pop album from a new band in 2008 that made a sudden impact. We had a bootlegged copy that would get stuck in our red VW Golf.
When I turned on the car for the first time after learning that Ryan died, this song came blaring to life on the speakers. We had traveled over the North Cascades Highway to retrieve the car parked at the side of the road next to Goat Wall. I didn't want the song to end. I didn't want time to continue to march on. I wanted to hit pause and savor every moment from the minute I found out the news. Every minute that passed meant I was further from my memories of Ryan, further from what had been.
That's what grief did to me. It made me want to stop everything, to absorb every last detail about life and lock it in.
It's been over 8 years since then. And music still transports me. And I've learned not to cling to every moment but to appreciate them for what they are - a reminder to live each day to the fullest.
Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I'll come across Vampire Weekend. I think it's track 8. A pop album from a new band in 2008 that made a sudden impact. We had a bootlegged copy that would get stuck in our red VW Golf.
When I turned on the car for the first time after learning that Ryan died, this song came blaring to life on the speakers. We had traveled over the North Cascades Highway to retrieve the car parked at the side of the road next to Goat Wall. I didn't want the song to end. I didn't want time to continue to march on. I wanted to hit pause and savor every moment from the minute I found out the news. Every minute that passed meant I was further from my memories of Ryan, further from what had been.
That's what grief did to me. It made me want to stop everything, to absorb every last detail about life and lock it in.
It's been over 8 years since then. And music still transports me. And I've learned not to cling to every moment but to appreciate them for what they are - a reminder to live each day to the fullest.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Bathing Suits vs Puffy Jacket Sales
It's been 80 degrees the past week. Sure it's chilly in the mornings but nowhere close to freezing. Since they've been keeping track of weather patterns in the Denver area, we've only had 19 other October's where it hasn't snowed by now. Today the sky is various shades of grey yet the temperature outside read 67 at 7:30am. Last I checked it was late, late October.
I wonder how the lack of cold weather affects clothing sales. We've notice our Tucson camp has few entrants - probably because everyone is riding this wave of warm weather as long as possible before waving the white flag to the cold winter weather. I just erased the 14th email from Patagonia about cold weather jackets with mega sales. Puffy jackets are the farthest thing from my mind.
All that to say - know your audience. Know what environmental factors are influencing your targeted audience. Adjust your message, adjust what you're selling. Get creative about what you're offering here and now and see what resonates.
I wonder how bathing suit and outdoor furniture sales in Colorado are doing? Why not boast a closeout sale and take advantage of this lingering warm weather?
I wonder how the lack of cold weather affects clothing sales. We've notice our Tucson camp has few entrants - probably because everyone is riding this wave of warm weather as long as possible before waving the white flag to the cold winter weather. I just erased the 14th email from Patagonia about cold weather jackets with mega sales. Puffy jackets are the farthest thing from my mind.
All that to say - know your audience. Know what environmental factors are influencing your targeted audience. Adjust your message, adjust what you're selling. Get creative about what you're offering here and now and see what resonates.
I wonder how bathing suit and outdoor furniture sales in Colorado are doing? Why not boast a closeout sale and take advantage of this lingering warm weather?
 |
| Dolly down! All that's missing - a swim suit. |
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Periodization in theory and put into practice
TrainingPeaks has some great tools. One of which is the Annual Training Plan. It allows you to put in your average training hours, mark whether you're strong or weak right now, enter in your upcoming races and categorize them into A, B or C priority.
What I've notice is that most of my athletes are doing too much. They're logging serious hours on the bike and not allowing their bodies to recover from the season. Instead of taking down time now, they're increasing their hours. Perhaps it's based on fear that if they rest now they will be giving up some of their hard earned fitness. Maybe the weather is going to be questionable in the coming months. But if this periodization theory is correct - then what they're doing now may be shooting themselves in the foot later.
In some cases, these athletes don't know what it would feel like to be rested for an event. They are chronically fatigued. And while over-reaching is certainly part of the adaptation process, over-training becomes very plausible and realistic for a few.
So how do you convince someone that resting now will make them stronger later? What if they're so used to pushing their bodies throughout the year that they're unwilling to risk going easy now in order to go super fast later? Are we setting ourselves up for mediocrity by pounding ourselves into submission?
I get to have some down to earth phone calls with athletes this week as we plan for the race season to come. One of the hardest parts of coaching is marrying theory with practice and getting your athletes to be on the same page.
What I've notice is that most of my athletes are doing too much. They're logging serious hours on the bike and not allowing their bodies to recover from the season. Instead of taking down time now, they're increasing their hours. Perhaps it's based on fear that if they rest now they will be giving up some of their hard earned fitness. Maybe the weather is going to be questionable in the coming months. But if this periodization theory is correct - then what they're doing now may be shooting themselves in the foot later.
In some cases, these athletes don't know what it would feel like to be rested for an event. They are chronically fatigued. And while over-reaching is certainly part of the adaptation process, over-training becomes very plausible and realistic for a few.
So how do you convince someone that resting now will make them stronger later? What if they're so used to pushing their bodies throughout the year that they're unwilling to risk going easy now in order to go super fast later? Are we setting ourselves up for mediocrity by pounding ourselves into submission?
I get to have some down to earth phone calls with athletes this week as we plan for the race season to come. One of the hardest parts of coaching is marrying theory with practice and getting your athletes to be on the same page.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Vulnerability
We're all wired differently. Yesterday a woman told me she had anxiety every time she comes to the gym by herself. Even if there are only a few people in the place. She nervously laughed about it - knowing that no one at the gym is judging her. Especially in Gunbarrel. It's not that sort of gym.
Yet we still hesitate to do things that are outside of our comfort zones.
Why is that? Why do we shy away from vulnerability?
I rarely have fear doing something on my own. Going to the gym, riding solo, going to a party alone, spending time with myself - no problem. But getting my thoughts and words out into the world? Petrified.
Often our greatest work is in that space between comfort and vulnerability. Dare to be great.
Yet we still hesitate to do things that are outside of our comfort zones.
Why is that? Why do we shy away from vulnerability?
I rarely have fear doing something on my own. Going to the gym, riding solo, going to a party alone, spending time with myself - no problem. But getting my thoughts and words out into the world? Petrified.
Often our greatest work is in that space between comfort and vulnerability. Dare to be great.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Holding your Feet to the Fire
What are you most afraid of but do anyway?
As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm afraid of public speaking. I have an upcoming presentation in front of 100+ of my coaching peers and I get sweaty palms just thinking about it.
Is it because I'm afraid of how they might judge me? What if I reframe it so that I look at it as an opportunity to share and teach them something I'm passionate about? That no matter what - I value what I do and am excited at the opportunity to share.
Suddenly that takes the fear and sweaty palms out of the equation.
I challenge you to hold your feet to the fire. To recognize something that scares you and to hold yourself in that uncomfortable space for just a little longer than usual to see what comes of it. Beauty unfolds when we stretch and reach and grow.
As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm afraid of public speaking. I have an upcoming presentation in front of 100+ of my coaching peers and I get sweaty palms just thinking about it.
Is it because I'm afraid of how they might judge me? What if I reframe it so that I look at it as an opportunity to share and teach them something I'm passionate about? That no matter what - I value what I do and am excited at the opportunity to share.
Suddenly that takes the fear and sweaty palms out of the equation.
I challenge you to hold your feet to the fire. To recognize something that scares you and to hold yourself in that uncomfortable space for just a little longer than usual to see what comes of it. Beauty unfolds when we stretch and reach and grow.
Holding your Feet to the Fire
What are you most afraid of but do anyway?
As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm afraid of public speaking. I have an upcoming presentation in front of 100+ of my coaching peers and I get sweaty palms just thinking about it.
Is it because I'm afraid of how they might judge me? What if I reframe it so that I look at it as an opportunity to share and teach them something I'm passionate about? That no matter what - I value what I do and am excited at the opportunity to share.
Suddenly that takes the fear and sweaty palms out of the equation.
I challenge you to hold your feet to the fire. To recognize something that scares you and to hold yourself in that uncomfortable space for just a little longer than usual to see what comes of it. Beauty unfolds when we stretch and reach and grow.
As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm afraid of public speaking. I have an upcoming presentation in front of 100+ of my coaching peers and I get sweaty palms just thinking about it.
Is it because I'm afraid of how they might judge me? What if I reframe it so that I look at it as an opportunity to share and teach them something I'm passionate about? That no matter what - I value what I do and am excited at the opportunity to share.
Suddenly that takes the fear and sweaty palms out of the equation.
I challenge you to hold your feet to the fire. To recognize something that scares you and to hold yourself in that uncomfortable space for just a little longer than usual to see what comes of it. Beauty unfolds when we stretch and reach and grow.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
And DONE.
It's the end of a four day block of coaching/riding with our ALP Cycles Athletes and I'm cooked. We completed our camp at 3pm and I came home and promptly took a nap - passing out on the couch and enjoying the silence of our house after several days of extroversion.
Don't get me wrong - I really like being around other people. I am a hermit most days of the month at our house in the Gunbarrel neighborhood, barely inside of the Boulder City limits. The only sounds I usually hear mid-week are the tapping of my key board and Moonli's breathing while I write training plans, keeping up on my athletes, writing in my book, etc. And it's really nice to have a break from the routine.
But it's also nice to be home.
Tomorrow I get back into the routine and catching up on some neglected items this previous week from being on the go since Thursday. Here's to doing things outside of your comfort zone and interrupting the usual!
Don't get me wrong - I really like being around other people. I am a hermit most days of the month at our house in the Gunbarrel neighborhood, barely inside of the Boulder City limits. The only sounds I usually hear mid-week are the tapping of my key board and Moonli's breathing while I write training plans, keeping up on my athletes, writing in my book, etc. And it's really nice to have a break from the routine.
But it's also nice to be home.
Tomorrow I get back into the routine and catching up on some neglected items this previous week from being on the go since Thursday. Here's to doing things outside of your comfort zone and interrupting the usual!
Friday, October 21, 2016
Aligning Your Energy
Make sure to surround yourself with people who think like you. For me that means those that laugh, have a good time, don't let the little things bog them down and making the most of every opportunity they're given.
Sometimes we're challenged by those who come into our lives and it can be a mystery as to why they're there. Stick with it though - you never know what valuable lessons you can learn from those people who waltz into your life.
Sometimes we're challenged by those who come into our lives and it can be a mystery as to why they're there. Stick with it though - you never know what valuable lessons you can learn from those people who waltz into your life.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Riding blind
I knew the lead group pulled away even though I can't see them. I couldn't hear the whirl of their rear wheels, the galloping of their bikes and heavy breathing. I't wasn't until we rounded a corner that my suspicions are confirmed and they were 50 yards in front of us and growing. The view from the back of the tandem is limited - mostly of Ben's butt and back and if I'm not bleeding out my eyeballs trying to push as hard as possible, I occasionally glance around.
I feel a sense of shame when I know we're no longer with them. The competitor in me longs to be - so I keep pushing. I don't give up. I keep my head down, focused on the pain and continue to strive for more power. If I had been on my own bike, I'd likely have given up long ago - but on the tandem, I keep pushing.
That's the strength and beauty of riding the tandem. The knowledge that your partner is reliant on your effort. I will fight to the very end for Benjamin. And I love that even if that's not enough, even if we fall off the lead group and have to chase like hell, he's there for me.
It's funny how self-doubt and criticism seats in when you least expect it. How I genuinely felt let down we couldn't keep pace with guys whose power output is double, if not triple, what I can do. Even when you combine our power and Ben's strength - it's still not enough. I'm the weak link. Ben made a comment about having a guy on the back and how fast they would go and a sense of panic sets in - I don't want to be replaced. I know that's irrational but the doubt starts as a seed and from that continues to grow.
Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for your partner? That you're letting them down not rising to their hopes and expectations? And do you let that little demon of debt snowball into other parts of your life?
Me neither. Ha! (Just kidding.)
It takes courage to bring up what makes us vulnerable. To have those conversations - with our self and others - so that you end up giving voice to the monsters, which in turn shrinks the power they have over you.
Ask the questions. Bring up the subjects that seem silly and petty. Even if it's from the back of a tandem where you can't see much.
I feel a sense of shame when I know we're no longer with them. The competitor in me longs to be - so I keep pushing. I don't give up. I keep my head down, focused on the pain and continue to strive for more power. If I had been on my own bike, I'd likely have given up long ago - but on the tandem, I keep pushing.
That's the strength and beauty of riding the tandem. The knowledge that your partner is reliant on your effort. I will fight to the very end for Benjamin. And I love that even if that's not enough, even if we fall off the lead group and have to chase like hell, he's there for me.
It's funny how self-doubt and criticism seats in when you least expect it. How I genuinely felt let down we couldn't keep pace with guys whose power output is double, if not triple, what I can do. Even when you combine our power and Ben's strength - it's still not enough. I'm the weak link. Ben made a comment about having a guy on the back and how fast they would go and a sense of panic sets in - I don't want to be replaced. I know that's irrational but the doubt starts as a seed and from that continues to grow.
Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for your partner? That you're letting them down not rising to their hopes and expectations? And do you let that little demon of debt snowball into other parts of your life?
Me neither. Ha! (Just kidding.)
It takes courage to bring up what makes us vulnerable. To have those conversations - with our self and others - so that you end up giving voice to the monsters, which in turn shrinks the power they have over you.
Ask the questions. Bring up the subjects that seem silly and petty. Even if it's from the back of a tandem where you can't see much.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tandem Training - Tour de Tucson
We're prepping for the Tour de Tucson - a 110 mile jaunt through the mostly flat portions of Tucson in November. Last year we stepped onto the scene as newcomers and won the mixed tandem division - camelback clad and all - beating Travis McCabe and Norene. Norene has held the tandem title for the past 10(?) years and usually partners up with her husband Paul, but injury prevented him from racing. Thanks to social media - we know Norene and Paul have been training... gulp.
Due to our inexperience at "The Tour" (as the locals call it and not to be confused with the Tour de France), we stared way back in the first corral and fought our way to the front in the first 6 miles having to dismount in the first sandy wash section and then fight our way back onto the chasing group.
It was SO much FUN!!!!
It was our somewhat maiden voyage on the tandem last year and since then we've logged 50+ hours in the saddle together, dialing in our standing, sprinting and tucking techniques. We'll be duking it out again in about a month from now. Oh and because of our placement last year, we get to start at the front of the corral.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Back to it...
I know, I know. I've said it before to myself at least a hundred times. I NEED to get back to regular blogging. And after listening to an inspiring conversation between Marie Forleo and Seth Godin (two of my favorite change agents) - I'm ready. Let's do this.
It doesn't have to be pretty or perfect. But what it be me. 100%. Vulnerable, strong, passionate.
I've been practicing since we last met. My shelves are lined with hand written Moleskin journals. I've collected thoughts, observations, opinions, perspectives - you name it. Yet something prevented me from sharing them. I started becoming a very private person. Or on second thought, was it a sense of self-doubt?
Either way, I'm getting my voice back out there. I want to leverage this platform that grew undoubtedly bigger than we could have imagined. And while my posts may no longer be about cycling or grief, they will be about the real live connections that I share with people, with the world in which I live.
Let's do this.
It doesn't have to be pretty or perfect. But what it be me. 100%. Vulnerable, strong, passionate.
I've been practicing since we last met. My shelves are lined with hand written Moleskin journals. I've collected thoughts, observations, opinions, perspectives - you name it. Yet something prevented me from sharing them. I started becoming a very private person. Or on second thought, was it a sense of self-doubt?
Either way, I'm getting my voice back out there. I want to leverage this platform that grew undoubtedly bigger than we could have imagined. And while my posts may no longer be about cycling or grief, they will be about the real live connections that I share with people, with the world in which I live.
Let's do this.
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