Valley of the Sun stage race

VOS was my first stage race. As a cat 3, I feel this is something I should have experienced by now, but there aren't too many options in the So Cal area, and getting 3 days off in a row isn't exactly easy either. My sister lives in Phoenix and she just had her first son, and my first nephew! What a great excuse for an extended vacation to the desert.

Kyle and I left after a fiasco of a Thursday and arrived into Phoenix pretty late. We had decent start times all weekend at around noon each day and Meg's place was conveniently located between all three locations.

The time trial kicked off the race on Friday. As a triathlete, this is something that I saw myself doing okay at, but I was also realistic. Kermit had been out of the house twice since September {a week before this race} and I had been riding twice weekly throughout the winter on Super Grover. Hopes were high, expectations were low. Negative self talk is an interesting beast when racing against the clock. I had looked at the times from last year and had an idea of where I wanted to average. The 30 second intervals kept the racers spread out through the course, but the girl before me was a no show - meaning no carrot ahead to keep me on track.

Time Trial

The course is a 14.4 mile, out and back mostly flat course. I choose to not bring a bottle, and being the spoiled triathlete, I was missing that straw in the dry air of AZ. I kept using the mantra "you can't take back that pedal stroke, so keep pushing" and kept my neck relaxed between my shoulders. I felt pretty steady throughout, yet had wished I pushed harder the last 3 miles, with it being a slightly negative grade. Ended up 7th on the stage, 1:30ish back on the leader. 193 average HR (Threshold from training camp) 23.2mph for 37:26.

All this time I was concerned about the time trial, and getting back on Kermit, I didn't even look at the distance for the road race, 62 miles, or that it was a combined race with the Pro1/2 field. Which actually included real international pros. Awesome.

Road Race

Got to the start and didn't even bother breaking out the trainer for warmups {or: we didn't leave enough time for that} and I warmed up on the ride to the start line. Super thanks to the dragon girls for the pre-race Coke.

The road race loops 3.8 times around a 16 mile triangle course and is in the middle of the desert. There is one 3.5k climb each loop, one road which is primarily flat/downhill, and 1 section of pure flat. It started off with a bang at 12:01 and I was sitting towards the rear of the pack for most of the race. Centerline rule was in effect and which made it hard to move up and not worth it. It wasn't a technical course by any means and the pavement was decent.

Back to the race. Lap 1, sat in, the climb approached, hung on as long as possible, followed a good consistent wheel and made it to the top, separated from the main pack but with about 9 girls. I started barking orders about working together, it'd get going, and then someone would attack {the chase group, odd} and f'up what we had going. We'd eventually reel her back in and I'd again bark orders. "Attacking the chase isn't going to help anyone, especially yourself. Work together and we'll get back on." Luckily we finally did, just before the first corner of the second lap.  Saw Shannon and explained how retarded I had to work to catch back on and how exhausted I was from that effort to hang on up the hill.

Loop 2, sat in, the climb approached, and again I followed a good consistent wheel at my absolute max threshold HR and power. Got to the top and we had about 8 girls together, but not working efficiently. I was again barking orders and the "Twenty-16" pro girls were the only ones helping to keep things smooth. It's amazing to me how you can be at least a Cat 3 and not know how to properly paceline. I hope they learned something and didn't take my barking voice the wrong way. However, this time we weren't so lucky and we never caught the pack.

Great, we had a group of dysfunctional pace liners going into loop 3, and I was seriously wondering how much longer I could take it, asking myself why I continue to punish my mind and body on my bike in the middle of the freakin desert. We passed dragon Erin who had a misfortunate flat and had to pull out. We made it to the flat section after corner 2 and we started to drop some stragglers. After a severe yelling by one of the pros to either get in the paceline and work, or get out, we had our group somewhat functioning. We arrived at the climb for the third time and I cannot believe I have to do this two more times. A functioning member of our group with a powertap {I spent some serious time focusing on that hub, begging myself to just hang on} dragged me up that entire climb. I was pushing 260+ and HR was above threshold. We got to the top and I looked back and no one was on my wheel. A half mile later and we had two of the pro1/2 girls catch back on and luckily for me, none of the Cat 3 girls made it with them! So we were 4 strong going onto the final lap.

I saw Shannon up ahead, alone, and mentioned to the girls working with me that she was my competitor. We were pacelining by her and she managed to grab onto the train, mentioning she cracked just before the top. After a couple rotations and switching the pattern, she cramped and had to sit up. Turned corner one for the final lap and I was starting to feel signs of fatigue.

Food: I had a Gu each of the two laps prior and had APX in both of my 24 oz bottles trying to conserve, drinking only half a bottle a lap. Luckily there was a feed zone on the climb, and even better, someone was giving out free water. Both laps 2 and 3, I grabbed a bottle and took a triathlete shower. Sorry to whomever was in the area for the nastiness that was coming off myself and my bike. I told Kyle the next day that I think I lost a part of my soul on my bike during the race. Poor Super Grover has never been so dirty from a single day of riding.

Back at it, the final lap on the flat section left me for dead, and it was all I had to turn the corner for the 4th time up that climb. It was nice to see the paceline work get dialed on the last lap, but that all ended once the road turned up. The Pro1/2 girls kicked it into high gear and Shannon and I were left to fend for ourselves. She was definitely the stronger of the two on the day> I sat on her wheel and tried twice to stand and attack, and both times was shutdown by my legs only moments after the attack. In the end, she out sprinted me and we both crossed the line utterly shattered in 4th and 5th place respectively, around 6min back on the main group. I was now 7:45 down on the leader but ended up moving to 5th in the general classification, thanks to the efforts of the functioning pace line chase group. We averaged 23+mph for 62 miles; the fastest I've ridden that distance ever and it included a longer yet less steep Torrey Pines climb, four times. Ouch. 183 average HR and 185 watts for 2:43.

Our poor souls for husbands were racing the Cat 3 men's race which had to tackle 4.8 laps and finished just shortly after we did, in the same family order. As we were riding back to the car, my butt cramped so badly, I couldn't pedal while sitting down. Not good.

Criterium
I have no idea how I got out of bed on Sunday. I've been battling some allergies/sickness since Tuesday and with the dry air and exercise induced asthma mixed in, along with a newborn baby sleeping schedule and ass cramp, I was a train wreck. Kyle's 40 min criterium started at 12:35 and mine directly followed at 1:20, so the relaxed morning was possible and much welcomed.  I had an okay 40ish min warmup on the trainer that my legs and butt didn't agree with it, but I knew it'd be worth it once the race started. Pre-race jitters were at a minimum as racing for the third day and the conservation of energy was imparitive.

I got to the line and was sitting third row after call-ups and stayed pretty much at the back of the pack for the entire 40 minutes. After the effort from the RR, my only tactic was to hang on and watch the show unfold; or suck wheel as hard as possible. I was in sheer survival mode, and as usual, wondering how the heck a)  I can hang on for any longer and b) are these ladies pulling the pack this strong?! At 12 min in, the string is just about to snap, and I'm just about to give up and pull out. I was forced to put in a major effort (600watts) on the long back straightaway, as the girl in front of me was getting gapped and I knew this was going to be a pivotal split in the group moment. {post-race, Shannon told me she cracked at this point}

Thank goodness for corners, or these girls would've ridden me off their wheels, had this been a drag race. I looked back and a LOT of people were dropped from that effort. I was continually hanging by a string on the back of the pack, choosing whatever line into the corner that looked the easiest; one that led to a consistent effort out of the corner, as standing was not an option for my legs.

"resting spots"

Three corners later and the pace finally let up. Thank my lucky stars! I was literally able to start swapping blood flow over to my brain, process what just happened and understand my surroundings. I was using my LASIK in search for 900 {cat3} numbers amongst the 600 {cat1/2} riders and after multiple scans I noticed only two others. They were both wearing bright green helmets and were easy to spot. Also I noticed the lap cards {thank you Jesus! 5 to go!} and started going between strategizing my plot to get those green girls, and fantasizing about winning outright. Fantasies are hilarious, especially when lacking oxygen. Somehow I snapped out of it, especially on those downright brutal straight segments, and found myself praying for corners. With 2 to go, I did my usual find a wheel and move up, but none of the girls around me looked like they were interested in that proposition. They were like me, verging on cracking and a finish would be considered a great feat. With one to go I went in search of the green girls' wheels and flew through the last corner launching myself wide {if you do this race, do NOT take this line} and stood up to sprint down the final drag over many large manhole rises in the pavement. Bumping my way down the road, wondering how I wasn't eating shit, passing those non-sprinting pack riders, I somehow got over the line. 195 power, 186 HR, 25.8mph for 41 minutes. Ouch.

We rolled around on our cool down lap and I was scanning for 900s and then it hit me. I think I won! 

It's pretty odd, mixing fields and not really sure how you ended up until the results are posted. I suppose it's a bit like triathlon where it's pretty rare to actually be the first across the line. 

Cat 3 criterium podium

I came to AZ without many expectations and after Saturday I was not expecting to podium on Sunday. Racing in the same stretch of road as Evelyn Stevens was an honor. Having Jax there to cheer me on was even better. 

Jax and I after the race

Drama

Ah, women's cycling. How you continue to grow is a mystery. Teammate Greg put it best, "women cyclists eat their young" {the established women can be pretty catty towards newcomers.} Back in AZ, it was reported in the head referee communique { http://www.wmrc.org/sites/default/files/2014VoSCommunique_3_0.pdf }

after the road race that a cat3 rider was pushed up the final climb by a cat1/2 rider, which is illegal. If he knew who it was, they would both have been disqualified. That same rider was dropped and lapped twice by the main field during the criterium, yet still rewarded 2nd in the GC based on time alone. I did not see the infraction, nor did I care to protest why she wasn't pulled from the crit after being lapped twice and thus not completing the same amount of distance in the crit as the main field {which included me}. They gave her the same finish time as the last lapped rider, moving her down one spot in the GC. 

Because Shannon got dropped and lapped once, I gained back my losses on the TT and RR and moved up to 4th in the GC.

Cat 3 GC overall podium

After the dust has settled and we are on our way back to the beach, I've had some time to reflect back. 

I have no intention to move up categories. The training required to hang with those ladies is insane, not to mention the natural talent required to try. Having a full time job and a love for potato chips leaves me content where I'm at. 

Combining categories isn't optimal. A local 1-3 race is okay but domestic or international pros change the game. We become spectators and that's only if we are able to hang on the back and our own race tactics go out the door. 

Racing is fun when you are a part of the action and not just drug along the course like cans behind a "Just-Married" corvette. 

When I was a Cat4, I only remember racing with the 1/2s once. Most of my races were 4 only or 3/4 combined, but scored separately. I went through phases of participation, from getting dropped, hanging on, having a chance to sprint, getting caught behind a crash, bridging gaps, chasing breaks and finally winning a race. Average speeds were between 21-23mph. Do-able. Sunday? 25.7mph with the cool down lap. 

Lately, there are more female races lumped together which gives women's racing a steep learning curve. And that's if you make it through your first experience. Having two separate races {3/4 and 1-3} gives the newbies a chance at experiencing being something other than a spectator. As a 4, I liked the combined 3/4 races better than the 4 only, because you got a change to lean from more experienced riders and they were usually slightly faster {and safer} than a 4 only race.  And now as a 3, I love the option to race twice! 

Stage races are fun, but exhausting and require organization and planning. A Sherpa is helpful, especially if said Sherpa isn't also a racer. But swapping race stores after an epic day is something I would not trade. Kyle is my perfect racer husband, even through it may not seem so in the chaos and crabbiness of pre-race rituals. He gives me the drive to dig deeper and perform as I do. 

On a final note, Phoenix is hot and dry. Luckily not so hot this weekend. It could've been worse. My sister and brother-in-law have an amazing new addition to their family and are wonderful parents already. Happiness and love to little Jax. I miss him already! 

Oh and we had some spare time between stages to work on a small Pinterest gift: a bench for their patio. Cushions will be crafted when I head back in a couple of weeks. 

Red Trolley race report

The first major So Cal race weekend has come and gone. My post-race reflections are usually more removed, but intense, large field racing deserves a somewhat immediate race report. The last three years I've had to work during Red Trolley and have had the Boulevard Saturday off. So I've survived the cold temps and the early wake ups and those freaking hills to struggle through an early season road race. Fun? Not so much, unless suffering through hills and cold on a bike is fun to you. Don't get me wrong, after finishing I was always happy. Happy to be done.

coming out of the last turn

Red Trolley 2014 was an interesting year for the women. They added a 3-4 field, but it wasn't separated. So the race was a 50 min combined field of 1-3 and 3-4, thus giving me {a cat 3} the choice of which event I wanted to enter. The course also was moved to the other side of the road to the Cyclovets course, which I've won on before {and doesn't include a "hill"}. The race was supposed to start at 3pm {apparently women cyclist don't watch the Super Bowl?} but was delayed due to a crash at the finish of the previous men's race. We all had a bit of an extended warmup on course, and Lynne, Sabine, Kim, Deanna and I discussed some tactics. All of which would've worked in a small 3-4 field, but combining the fields proved to change tactics to "hang on".

60 women were on the start line, which I believe is the largest race I've competed against. Brentwood usually has around 50ish, but I was stoked to get in the mix and I knew it was going to be fast from the start. The Skyflash/Holiday Rock/Zoca {for easier terms I'll refer to them as the dragons} had the largest team in the field with over 15 girls and jumped on the gas. Monster Media had maybe 5-8, SC Velo maybe 5, and a couple of other teams in the 3-5 range like us. The first 10 min of any crit for me are Hell. I'm constantly looking at the clock time on the computer and wondering how I'm going to survive 50 min if I'm dying at 4 min in. I was mid to back of pack for most of the beginning, but was noticing some sketchy riding, and didn't want to miss a break in the field if a surge were to happen. I found a wheel and motored up to the front where I sat-in {working much harder than I was in the back} for a lap or two and realized this was too much work and not worth the payoff. The wind on the backside was significant and it would take a monster TT'er of a girl to get a break and make it stick and she'd definitely need people to work with. At this point, I didn't see a break sticking, so I moved back to a more comfortable spot {sucking less wind and more wheel} mid-pack.

this is a more realistic face.

not sure where the smile came from.
i swear i was sucking air the entire race

The rest of the race for me was about energy conservation. I would take the downhill corner fast and if I saw a wheel, move up through the pack or on the side. I'd try and take the last corner wide and conserve energy pedaling through and trying not to brake. And on the start/finish stretch I'd go into energy conservation mode. Not worrying about primes or trying any energy sucking move-up tactics, I tucked in and hung on to the wheel in front of me. It was a tail wind section, but it would usually get strung out and I had no interest in working through this section. I'd drink {APX} at the end of the start/finish stretch at the top of the hill and then settle back in on the downhill looking for that perfect line to move up.

I had planned to take a gel at 25-30 min in, thinking it was going to be a 50min race, but at this point they put out the lap cards {6 to go} and I was pissed this wasn't announced ahead of time {shortened race, but I should've known with the crash and all}. If I eat one now, I'll puke it out at the finish. Okay, no Gu today, as I sucked down more APX. After the lap cards come out there is always a sudden rush of people making extra efforts to get to the front and the front gets bunched and then surges. I sat in, near the back of the dwindled field and asked Kim how she was doing {racing her 3rd crit against a women's pro field, sticking in like the badass Moment lady she is}, she responded in an almost sad, "I'm okay" mopey voice. I should've been more encouraging but mustered a stick in there, conserve energy response. Kim - get excited! {in an energy conserving way}

into the final turn on Erin's wheel

turning

I made my move with 2 to go and hopped on a outside wheel after the start/finish line and into the downhill. I nudged my way over into the strung out peleton and was probably sitting 10th. We stayed pretty much together for the next lap and went into the final lap. On the windy backside I was sitting 7th in a string of girls and was getting nervous about getting mobbed {and blocked in} from both sides, but no one wanted to do work! Then I saw some yellow off my left side and knew I needed to hop on that train. Dragon lady Jo was leading out Erin, and I grabbed her wheel. Jo made her effort up the incline and Erin was telling her to hang on. She peeled and Erin pulled me through the last corner, I'm sitting 2nd wheel.

at the apex looking through the corner

The sprint is long, but not that long, but I always go through this annoying debate in my head:

Which gear do I want to be in? {progress down the cassette, decide it's too hard, go back up a couple, and then back down 1} When should I go? Should I wait for someone to come around, jump on their wheel and then try and out sprint? Should I go now? Now?

Okay, Now! As I jumped and was standing, my front wheel hit a crack in the road and bumped it into a slight wobble, I managed to stay up and pedaled through it. Also, I think the lead out train behind me may have started their sprint a couple meters back, thus transitioning to more speed before me. The Monster Media girl who out sprinted me came up on my right side and I knew I didn't have it in me. It wasn't negative self doubt, it was one of those thoughts were I knew I was going to have to freaking work hard for second and I was absolutely thrilled I was in that spot. I tucked in, stayed standing for as long as I could and then sat down and spun as fast as I could and threw my bike over the line just before the InCycle girl came up on my inside.

I look pissed but I'm just so relieved I didn't get nipped at the line
by the girl to my left

I managed second in a Cat 1-3 field of women and was proud of where my sprint is at this early in the season. I have a lot of work to do to get stronger, especially when the races get longer or any hillier than Sunday. And we need to figure out how to better work together so I can help my teammates across the line too!

Cat 1-3 podium

Me, Kim, and Deanna

Kyle raced and in his usual fashion; he worked hard to bridge the gap on what looked like a solid group. By the time he got there the group was having a meltdown and they unfortunately got caught with not enough time to recover. But he stayed up, and worked smart throughout the race staying near the front.

Sherpa love before the race

yeah, he's pretty badass

Not sure what's next. Work schedule is dictating the racing schedule {yes even a bike shop employee doesn't get to ride all the time - someone has to work the weekends!} and my sister is having her first baby TOMORROW! I'm so excited to be an auntie!! Kyle and I are planning on visiting the new little man in Phoenix in two weeks, and the Valley of the Sun stage race happens to fall on that weekend and I'm also heading out there in March when my mom comes back to visit again. 

Training Camp {or} the most difficult day on my bike

The Moment Bicycles crew headed out to Fallbrook this year for our annual training camp. Three days of sufferfesting, team bonding and well, riding bikes! Vince and I drove out on Friday after work for the fun filled weekend.

Saturday
This year our coach came out for morning #1 for a baseline threshold testing session on the trainers. We had two groups sweat out and suffer through a 20 min all out effort. I had done this test on Fiesta Island last summer right after I got my power meter while training for Tahoe. And unfortunately {yet not surprisingly} I haven't gotten any faster or fitter. My HR was higher and the power was lower. Weight has maintained relatively similar, so watts/kg have sadly decreased. Time to go back to work. {and yes, I realize the trainer vs road test isn't scientific and the heat of a stationary trainer vs 20mph breeze in your face may play a small factor. still:}

July 6, 2013: 20min power average: 203; heart rate: 186
Jan 18, 2014: 20 min power average: 193; heart rate: 194

Pat Jak with the first crew.

Back at camp we had a quick lunch and headed out for our afternoon ride. And with it being the first road ride of the camp, the boys decided to turn the recovery ride into manhood measuring contest. And that quick lunch? Let's just say it wasn't sitting quite right. I was almost doubling over in stomach cramps. I struggled for 35 miles until we stopped at a fruit stand and Judd made me untangle myself from the fetal position I was assuming and stretch my stomach. After some much needed cold water I was feeling better. The rest of the ride was significantly more pleasant, being careful to not make any huge efforts in case my stomach decided to turn on me again. And btw - even with the threshold testing and the second ride stomach cramps, this wasn't nearly the hardest day on my bike.

JT, CK and Kyle

Props to Gabe for grilling the meat both evenings and to the ladies for the prep work on everything else! We had a skills lecture by JT and Dean and headed to bed with the Sunday ride looming.

Sunday
On paper, the Sunday ride looked manageable. On Strava, it wasn't that impressive. Uh, what we experienced for me was the hardest {yet still manageable} day I've had on my bike. Yes, harder than my suffering at St. George IM. Harder than the hamstring issues and cold weather of Lake Tahoe IM. Harder than my first century {102 miles, 10k climbing}. And this ride was only 90 miles and only 9k of climbing. If you ride with power and understand TSS, what's the highest "score" you've seen? Try 398.

The starting crew!

I really love {hate} when a ride starts with descending. I'm just dreading climbing out of this pit of despair later on. The first 20 miles was pretty moderate, rollers and some sustained climbs. Every time a somewhat steep roller came, we'd all wonder if "it" was here yet. As we turned onto Los Gatos at mile 23 our answer finally came.

Holy up. I don't think I've ever been so shocked by the upcoming terrain. Even Via Capri at mile 100 looked easier than this road ahead. We all rolled out sporadically and I was mid-pack. Just a reminder, I ride with a compact crank and an 11-28 cassette. About halfway up the first pitch I see walkers already. I keep telling myself I will not walk. I start to try "paperboy'ing" but don't see the benefit. It gets steeper. I am fully out of the saddle, leaning as far forward over my bars, right at a 20-30 cadence. I'm barely moving and my HR is off the charts. Paperboy left, right, left and I nearly fall off my bike down the hill. I freak out, take two pedal strokes and jump off my bike faster than ever. I've succumb to walking. Which wasn't any easier! Holy calf workout! There was a "break" in the climb; a maybe 20ft section that seemed flat, but was probably still 10%. Perspectives change after riding {and walking} up a 20%+ road. There were 2 guys heading down, taking a break to cool their brakes and other Moment riders "death marching" up behind me. After gathering myself and lowering my HR I decided I would try and hop back on. It only took 4 tries and a near fall to get clipped in. This time there was a fire in my eyes. I will not let this section beat me. My hands were sweating, my heart racing, and those cranks were turning at the lowest cadence I've ever experienced. I saw the top, and a light at the end of this ridiculous cliff that I can't believe a civil engineer decided to create and then pave. Jeremy captured this great shot {maybe with a bit of a camera tilt} as I was cresting the hill. WOW.

Terry took his shoes off to walk the hill.
What are you, a drunk girl dancing
at the club? Nice "heels!"

After everyone swapped stores of their epic tales up this climb we all realized we were only 24 miles into a 90 mile ride. WOW. And then, the Moment van crested the hill and we were all saved by the awesome SAG support of teammate Kim and Terry's wife, Paula. {Can't say enough awesome stuff about these two ladies who were the queen's of the day. Wow}

The amazing Paula and Kim

Onward. I think I was still in shock for the next section, as I don't remember much besides these signs:

Not recommended for cyclists
No outlet
18% Grade  {wtf? I thought we were done with that crap!}

We turned onto the Cleveland National Forest "truck trail" and descended for a while, but it wasn't the nice sweeping fast descents of East County that I've come to love. It was basically the most off-roading, cyclocross style, pothole avoidance, technical, finger cramping, sandy shit paved road I've ever been on. {now those signs make sense.} After again descending into the pit of despair, it was apparently time to climb again. And this eventually became one of those never ending consistent pitch climbs. You turn the corner to think you are about to crest, and look up to see exactly the same thing. Again and again. Check it out on Strava. A 10 mile, 3600 ft, 1 hour long climb. On that same shit paved road. I was mostly alone, although I started with Terry, then hung onto Greg's wheel for a while then we caught Jimmy only to have those two gap me a bit. About halfway through I was on my own. And you know what, I was actually smiling. It was a gorgeous day, on my bike, in a beautiful place I'd never been. I finally made it to the top and gave an audible "woot!" and headed forward to find the others.

Oh and we are only half way done. SAG van found us again and after a quick water refill and sunscreen application we were back on the road, descending, finally. After reaching Riverside we had a long, flat section interrupted by only the 3rd flat of the day {and that's saying a lot for this crew and these roads.} We made a right turn and the grade started to increase. I think this was one of my lowest moments, but one of those where I dug DEEP and told myself to just hang onto the wheel in front of me. I was fading fast and the sun was falling fast. We had a huge headwind and whoever was driving the pace up front was working MUCH harder than me. It was only a 1.5 mile climb at 5% but that may have been the breakthrough of the camp for me, that or the Coke at the top. Much needed fuel {caffeine!} for the next 25 miles. I will make this. I will not accept a ride in the van.

The rest of the ride was pretty rad. Most of us were getting a bit slap happy by this point, so why not hurl ourselves back down that 20% Los Gatos hill? It is amazing how strong gravity is. A slight let up on the brakes and you feel a sudden rush in acceleration. The hill definitely toys with your mind - when can I just let go and ride free to the bottom? Weeeeeeeeeeee!

Kristian "Sex Panther" and Gabe

We regrouped and the rest of the ride was a slugfest of rollers, even one where I felt a slight G! The diminished group I was with was working hard and having fun. Attacks, pushes, and fun winding roads led us back to the house, hungry and satisfied.

Food. Chatter. Sleep.

Monday
We cleaned and packed up in the morning and headed out to the San Luis Rey road race practice. I've never done this race and not sure I have any business slugging my butt up that climb. It was a fast day with some new blood that hadn't been destroyed by the days prior. We did 3 laps and rode much faster than I thought my body was capable of that day. And that's what camp is about. Finding new limits.

Finding shade after SLR practice

Last week was kind of a blur. Lot of work and not a lot of working out. Thursday morning I attempted to head to the velodrome, but the track was wet and the fog was insane {with no chance of the sun burning it off soon} so I headed to work early to catch up. I rode Sunday with the shop and yesterday out at GWL + Descanso with Julie and Nikki. This weekend is my first race of the year, the Red Trolly Criterium and I'm looking forward to getting Super Grover out for his first test of the season. Ready or not, it's here.

foggy and slippery at the track

#Dirty30

2014 // A new year // A new decade // The same {old} me.

I spent most of my 20s in search of the next adventure. I became a college graduate and a conference champion, a corporate employee freed by a local bike shop. My competitive drive died a little through the zen of rock climbing. I moved across country with no real plan and have somehow stayed for over half the decade. A summer camp in Maine brought me to the love of my life only to be reunited {and married!} in my favorite city. Swimming eventually led to triathlon which introduced me to Felty {'07-'09}, Kermit, Cookie Monster {'09-'12}, Super Grover and Animal. The competitive drive was reignited and I became an Ironman and a state champion. There it is, my 20s, in a cute little paragraph.

I was too busy having fun to fear turning 30. That is until I turned 29. I'm not sure what happened in 2013 but I started dreading my birthday. Maybe it was USAT telling me I was already 30 and rubbing it in my face by writing it on my leg. Maybe it was kicking off the new year with the sprained ankle on Jan 1. Or the issues that arose in that dang left foot thereafter. Maybe it was the bought of Crohns before Oceanside, or the tonsillectomy following. Or even Kermit's return to Canada for repairs. Motivation lacked, self doubt arose and I barely crossed the finish line at IM Lake Tahoe with a bum hamstring as a fake 30 year old. How can I survive as a real one?

The off season came and the birthday drew closer. I knew I needed something big to kick off this decade. Inspiration arose after a healthy beating on the tidepool hill by a couple of teammates. Why not do 30?

Thus the #Dirty30 ride was born. 30 tidepool repeats at the Cabrillo National Monument, my favorite place in San Diego. It was on this hill that I met my future boss and it was at that lighthouse that my future husband proposed. And a surprising amount of {slightly crazy} friends signed up for some aging celebration. Kyle brought the sag wagon and we took a couple Coke and pb&j breaks but pretty much got it done. Manny surprised me and showed up with his camera and amazing skills and got some great shots of the day.

early morning crew!

wee!

still smiling {a push from Gabe will do that}

The real QOM - Sonja pushing the pace all day

the LAST one!

pretty awesome elevation profile. 

And in under 5 hours, 6 of us completed the {60 mile \ 9,000ft+} challenge. It was more than awesome to have so many great friends and riding partners join in for 1 or all. I managed to keep a smile on for most of the day, enjoying the sunshine and the ocean views, realizing that turning 30 isn't so bad after all. Kyle summed it up with a video of the day.

And a surprise present! A '69 Vespa! It's a little red Italian 49cc scooter and I cannot wait to drive it! {needs CA plates/registration and I need to pass the motorcycle permit/license test} Apparently I was a good girl in the last of my 20s, and have an even brighter future in my 30s.

Here's to another amazing decade of adventure searching with my friends, my family, and most of all, my man.

winter wonderland

While it seems like the entire country was fully frozen in the Polar Vortex {via FB newsfeed reporting} it's been a pretty great last two months here in sunny San Diego. We've had our driest winter since I've been here with almost NO rain and mild temperatures. Which makes it pretty hard to have excuses for not getting out of bed in the morning.

tidepools. 

Kyle returned from his trip to Germany and I had the entire Thanksgiving weekend off...only to acquire the horrible cold/cough/sinus crap that was going around. 14 days of misery. I had planned for an epic weekend of riding. I had a delusional "I'm not sick!" moment, and got up Palomar on Thursday before dinner and that was about it. I may have managed the Sunday team ride but it wasn't pretty.

tademania in OB at the {kinda shabby} Christmas Tree!

Kyle's work holiday party. A non-spandex affair. 

Christmas was just the two of us. Kyle surprised me with a new track bike!! A Felt TK2; and in sticking with the muppets theme, I've named him Animal. If you search #newbike on Christmas morning via social media, it's pretty awesome. Just a bunch of kids stoked at what lies "under" the tree. Freedom. Speed. Fresh air. Endorphins. Bling. In my 30 years, I've been a nice enough girl to wake up to a new bike 3 times. And it's just as great as the first, except I don't have to wear a jacket or wait till the snow melts to ride. 

Frank Oz has stated that Animal's character can be summed up in five words: sex, sleep, food, drums, and pain. Animal's vocabulary is generally limited to guttural shouts and monosyllabic grunts, often repeating a few simple phrases. During performances, Animal is usually chained to the drum set, as his musical outbursts are extremely violent.

Yeah, that pretty much sums up track racing. Pain, grunts and simple phrases.

Super Grover has been out riding 2-3x a week and that's pretty much the extent of the exercise besides the random tandem dinner adventures. I was busy with Christmas mailings and sewing up a storm {our living room was a crafting disaster zone} prepping gifts and baby stuff for my sister's shower.

bibs. burp cloths. diaper clutch. crafting fun!

We headed to the frozen tundra and narrowly missed the Polar Vortex although I'm still wondering what the difference is... We were in MN for 6 days and it was below zero the entire time while in Grand Rapids. Not exaggerating. Frozen nostrils. Okay, so I grew up with this weather and to me, it's not news worthy. You put on a jacket. After living in CA for almost 6 years, to say I've acclimated is an understatement. Yes the roots of my upbringing have long since forgotten the winter freeze. "Cute" down jackets {worn in 60 degrees} and Uggs have taken over for the Columbia jackets and Sorel boots. To prepare, I used the next best method, the layering technique. Not the cami under a thin long sleeve layering. But the base layer, Patagonia capilene, fleece pullover, fleece jacket, down jacket, Gortex wind layer method. 

Viv = he's not known for his speed, but his skill {and non-Gordon luck} prevailed. 

Although the trip was cold, and traveling blows {I do NOT recommend Dollar Rent-a-Car service} we had a great time {indoors} with my family. My sister is 8 months pregnant with my first nephew and we had a shower with my extended family. It was so great to visit with all of them! She is a very cute pregnant lady and I can't wait to meet Baby G and become an aunt again! We celebrated my 30th birthday followed by our Christmas gift exchange {a first with the b-day before xmas for me!} and my mom spoiled us! She even rented a hot tub and we braved the few cold steps on the deck to enjoy the crisp air in a tub of {quickly cooling} hot water! 

hot tub fun with kyle and brother robbers

Kyle was the family tournament champion winning the holiday cribbage classic, outright winner at bowling, and the tick card game champion, wining by one lousy point {over me}. New Years Eve was spent fondu'ing {so yummy} and playing cards. I even got to go ice skating, however I opted for the nice indoor rink. We took in a GR high school hockey game {we won!} and ate at my favorite local pizza joint, Sammy's. We didn't freeze or slide off the icy roads. We didn't just survive our trip up north, and for once, we feel we had the perfect amount of time spent on vacation.

Breakfast w/Grandpa G before we left. He's pretty rad.

kiddos! kyle, meg, rob, me, and rob's gf {also Meg} before tundra departure.

So we are back to reality. 70 degrees and sunny so we can't really complain. Work has been great, and it's still ridiculously busy for "winter" - but again, the nice weather tends to help business at a local bike shop. Since it deserves it's own post, next up is my #Dirty30 adventure nd what riding into this fabulous decade really means to me.

"So what's next?"

Since most people are past asking us "when are you having kids?"{we aren't} - that question has now been transformed to "what's your next race?"

My enthusiastic reply: "Nothing!"

So what if I don't want to be defined by kids or races? I know we are all looking forward, moving on, training to be better/faster/stronger. Which is why the off season is so neglected by most in the endurance world. {or baby making world for that matter.} But we all need time to heal, mentally and physically.

you can't have a rainbow without a little rain.

Ironman takes a toll. I have no idea how people do multiple a year, year after year, and still maintain a balanced life. See, I'm not someone who can go half-assed into something {so much for balance}. I am an athlete, yes and a competitor. So when I sign up to compete, I go into that season with purpose. And with a finish line. What happens beyond that line isn't more regimented swim/bike/run. It's sleeping in, hanging out at our local favorite spots later than usual, teaching swim lessons, and relaxing!

Technique coaching for TCSD!

As I've said before, there are no A, B, C racing labels for me. I go into every race with the intention to RACE. Yes, my coach may alter my training plans leading up to and following a mid-season race, but that doesn't mean I take it easy. Tahoe was an end of season race, so I had the luxury of taper-time before. As a swimmer, we had many meets during our season, and I raced every one of them to my best ability at that time. And when that off-season came, I gladly took it off. After my collegiate senior season, I took off years from competing.

And then I moved to San Diego and my competitive drive could no longer be suppressed. I was welcomed into the so-called endurance capital of the nation. The land of sunny, 70 degree days. The weather doesn't take an off-season here, so why should we?

Because it's unhealthy to be so healthy all the time!

a cloudless morning out at the tidepool repeats.

Post Tahoe hasn't been quite the fall from the endurance planet as St. George was. I got an entry to the Tiki Swim for being a 5+ year volunteer for the JCC TCSD swim program, which was a week post IM. I froze my little butt off but had fun jumping back into the ocean again. A week later I had a crazy idea to race Bonelli Tri cause Kyle had a cyclocross race 20 min away immediately following and Jeremy hooked us up with a place to stay. After struggling through that race, my body was screaming for time off. I was intent on riding the wave of fitness as far as possible until it brought me crashing to the beach.

Bonelli triathlon. fun swim/bike, not so fun run. 

I've continued my PT as that nagging hamstring that cramped so badly on the bike in Tahoe has been pulling at my knee. Freaking left side of my body continually failing me. Gotta love the healing hands at Function Smart {UCPT}.

left leg love: ionto, ultra sound/stim, compression boots

Kyle and I celebrated our three year anniversary with a {free} trip to Sea World and dinner at our favorite fancy local spot, 3rd Corner. {never a disappointment!} I got him a "to be made" custom leather belt from the local leather store in OB; can't wait to see the finished product.

3rd anniversary tandem to 3rd Corner

Kyle is off to Germany for work training for the month. Such is the life of a Navy wife. Don't feel bad for me, however, he's the one freezing his little booty off in the woods. I have a plenty on my calendar to keep me busy. I went to see the play, "The Last Goodbye" with Sara and Arlette on Sunday night at The Globe in Balboa Park, which was excellent by the way. Mom is stopping by for a quick visit this weekend and I'm headed to Portland with Erin to see Erin M the weekend before his return!

Love this new Fizik tape. A preview of what's to come in 2014!

I've been back on my {road} bike and I've made it out to the Tues/Thurs Moment tidepools ride now, almost enough to call it regular. It's been over a month since that frozen day in Tahoe and I still don't have a finish line on my horizon, and I'm okay with that! Looking forward to a full road racing season with the awesome ladies of the Moment Race Team. {Join! Join! email me for deets, 16 women so far!} For now, it's just unstructured, power meter-less, local rides. But who am I kidding, the Strava is still turned on. You can't turn off the competitor inside. :)

As you can tell, I have a slight obsession with the app Over.
Photo credit to Nordica

Click on this photo and check out those rain drops!