I had decided over a week ago that I was not going to be racing at Hillsboro, but rather support my team by doing whatever needed to be done no matter how small or insignificant it seemed. I enjoyed it, too. I ran small errands, gave people directions, helped folks get signed in, drove a wheel truck, and helped with the tearing down process afterwards. All of it a pleasure.
So, why am I writing to tell you this? The entire time I was at the race on Saturday, I felt as though I was fighting my body's desire to swing a leg over a bike and turn some pedals in competition. I was revved up and ready to roll. I'm sure some of you have been in that situation, too. The clicking of the gears and the spinning of the wheels and racers pulling on their kits with the emotion of matadors preparing for a bull fight. All of the pre-race hype was present, except on Saturday, it wasn't for me. My mind accepted it, but my body didn't.
Fast forward to Saturday night. I got home and was exhausted from the day, but my body wouldn't relax. I didn't think I'd sleep well Saturday night and actually resorted to a prescription sleep aid. It worked, but when I awoke Sunday morning, I could tell my body was on edge. Luckily, I was scheduled for a 30 minute time trial later that afternoon. After church, I suited up for the cool, rainy weather...in shorts, a short sleeve jersey, a thin wind jacket, and gobs of Qoleum embrocation on my legs because of my 'pledge to ignore the cold/wet weather.' It was time for someone to pay and that someone was me. Unleash the hounds!!
After a 20 minute warm-up, I punched the Garmin and began my TT. I was cranking along at a nice clip and actually thought to myself I need to back off a little bit in order to not burn out too early. I reeled myself back in a little and settled on a pace I knew I could keep going for the entire 30 minutes. I felt good and hammered the miles out. The end result? I increased my average speed by almost 2mph from last month's TT.
And today...my legs hurt. I think the price was right.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Foo Fighters & Rush
A buddy (and fellow concert tag-a-long) sent me a note last week referencing this video. It seems two of my favorite groups found their way on stage together and jammed a little bit. While the video quality isn't all that good, the idea of these guys jamming together is quite cool. Here's the story from the website:
"According to the Sun Media, RUSH singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson surprised the crowd by showing up about an hour into the FOO FIGHTERS' two-hour-and-10-minute performance to play with drummer Taylor Hawkins during his drum solo and the three musicans then played "YYZ", a spiralling progressive-rock instrumental from RUSH's 1981 album "Moving Pictures".
The Toronto prog-rockers injected some much-needed energy and excitement into the proceedings and Hawkins even had a hug for Lee afterwards.
"Rush! Rush!" screamed FOO FIGHTERS leader Dave Grohl in amazement as the two musicians walked off stage.
"You've got nuts the size of grapefruits," said Grohl to Hawkins after he played with Lee and Lifeson.
The members of the two bands know each other through Nick Raskulinecz, a U.S. record producer who has worked with both groups, most recently on RUSH's "Snakes & Arrows" album in 2007.
"">
"According to the Sun Media, RUSH singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson surprised the crowd by showing up about an hour into the FOO FIGHTERS' two-hour-and-10-minute performance to play with drummer Taylor Hawkins during his drum solo and the three musicans then played "YYZ", a spiralling progressive-rock instrumental from RUSH's 1981 album "Moving Pictures".
The Toronto prog-rockers injected some much-needed energy and excitement into the proceedings and Hawkins even had a hug for Lee afterwards.
"Rush! Rush!" screamed FOO FIGHTERS leader Dave Grohl in amazement as the two musicians walked off stage.
"You've got nuts the size of grapefruits," said Grohl to Hawkins after he played with Lee and Lifeson.
The members of the two bands know each other through Nick Raskulinecz, a U.S. record producer who has worked with both groups, most recently on RUSH's "Snakes & Arrows" album in 2007.
"">
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Hillsboro-Roubaix
I was extremely proud of my ICCC teammates and the work they put in for yesterday's race. The crowds were the largest ever. In fact, 504 racers rolled out during all of the classes of racing, that's huge! The acts of servanthood were plentiful and Lord I'm sure was pleased with the efforts.
I drove the wheel truck for the Women's 4 race along with my 10 year old son, and a friend from work who along watching her boyfriend mix it up in the Men's 3/4 race. I think both of them really enjoyed watching a race unfold from the perspective of the road. I really missed being in the saddle and turning some pedals in competition, but it was great to serve the Lord and the other racers.
Rich Pierce put on a great race and on all accounts, I'd say it was a great success. Here is the master himself announcing the winners at the end of the race.
Well done, friend!
I drove the wheel truck for the Women's 4 race along with my 10 year old son, and a friend from work who along watching her boyfriend mix it up in the Men's 3/4 race. I think both of them really enjoyed watching a race unfold from the perspective of the road. I really missed being in the saddle and turning some pedals in competition, but it was great to serve the Lord and the other racers.
Rich Pierce put on a great race and on all accounts, I'd say it was a great success. Here is the master himself announcing the winners at the end of the race.
Well done, friend!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Natural Balance Restoration Process
One week ago I looked like this:
Yesterday, I looked like this:
What is it about taking vacations that's good for your heart, mind, and soul while you're gone, but a ruthless attack of work, problems, and life when you get back. Seems like ever since my return to work on Monday I've been in one long meeting or being running around getting things done for the house or the family. Must be a "natural balance restoration process." Sounds like something we'll see a commercial for soon.
"Did you recently return from a long vacation and are now confronted with chaotic days, endless emails, tight deadlines, and family needs? Maybe you need to talk with your doctor to see if you suffer from Natural Balance Restoration Process, or NBRP."
Yesterday, I looked like this:
What is it about taking vacations that's good for your heart, mind, and soul while you're gone, but a ruthless attack of work, problems, and life when you get back. Seems like ever since my return to work on Monday I've been in one long meeting or being running around getting things done for the house or the family. Must be a "natural balance restoration process." Sounds like something we'll see a commercial for soon.
"Did you recently return from a long vacation and are now confronted with chaotic days, endless emails, tight deadlines, and family needs? Maybe you need to talk with your doctor to see if you suffer from Natural Balance Restoration Process, or NBRP."
Sunday, March 23, 2008
I pledge...
from this day forth to banish the winter weather (or at least fail to recognize it's existence) by no longer wearing:
- arm warmers
- leg warmers
- tights
- knickers
- skull caps
- beanies
- ear warmers
- winter gloves
I will only permit the use of a Belgian embrocation lotion and a windjacket or windvest. It's time to toughen up and show this weather who's boss. In like a lion and out like a lamb...hey, that reminds me of something. Enjoy!
Chevy Chase:
Last week we made the comment that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Now here to reply is our chief meteorologist, John Belushi, with a seasonal report.
John Belushi:
Thank you Chevy. Well, another winter is almost over and March true to form has come in like a lion, and hopefully will go out like a lamb. At least that's how March works here in the United States. But did you know that March behaves differently in other countries? In Norway, for example, March comes in like a polar bear and goes out like a walrus. Or, take the case of Honduras where March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a salt marsh harvest mouse. Let's compare this to the Maldive Islands where March comes in like a wildebeest and goes out like an ant. A tiny, little ant about this big. [holds thumb and index fingers a small distance apart]
Unlike the Malay Peninsula where March comes in like a worm-eating fernbird and goes out like a worm-eating fernbird. In fact, their whole year is like a worm-eating fernbird. Or consider the Republic of South Africa where March comes in like a lion and goes out like a different lion. Like one has a mane, and one doesn't have a mane. Or in certain parts of South America where March swims in like a sea otter, and then it slithers out like a giant anaconda. There you can buy land real cheap, you know. And there's a country where March hops in like a kangaroo, and stays a kangaroo for a while, and then it becomes a slightly smaller kangaroo. Then, then, then for a couple of days it's sort of a cross between a, a frilled lizard and a common house cat.
[Chevy Chase tries to interrupt him]
Wait wait wait wait. Then it changes back into a smaller kangaroo, and then it goes out like a, like a wild dingo. Now, now, and it's not Australia! Now, now, you'd think it would be Australia, but it's not!
[Chevy Chase tries to interrupt him]
Now look, pal! I know a country where March comes in like an emu and goes out like a tapir. And they don't even know what it means! All right? Now listen, there are nine different countries, where March comes in like a frog, and goes out like a golden retriever. But that- that's not the weird part! No, no, the weird part is, is the frog. The frog- The weird part is-
[has seizure and falls off chair]
- arm warmers
- leg warmers
- tights
- knickers
- skull caps
- beanies
- ear warmers
- winter gloves
I will only permit the use of a Belgian embrocation lotion and a windjacket or windvest. It's time to toughen up and show this weather who's boss. In like a lion and out like a lamb...hey, that reminds me of something. Enjoy!
Chevy Chase:
Last week we made the comment that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Now here to reply is our chief meteorologist, John Belushi, with a seasonal report.
John Belushi:
Thank you Chevy. Well, another winter is almost over and March true to form has come in like a lion, and hopefully will go out like a lamb. At least that's how March works here in the United States. But did you know that March behaves differently in other countries? In Norway, for example, March comes in like a polar bear and goes out like a walrus. Or, take the case of Honduras where March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a salt marsh harvest mouse. Let's compare this to the Maldive Islands where March comes in like a wildebeest and goes out like an ant. A tiny, little ant about this big. [holds thumb and index fingers a small distance apart]
Unlike the Malay Peninsula where March comes in like a worm-eating fernbird and goes out like a worm-eating fernbird. In fact, their whole year is like a worm-eating fernbird. Or consider the Republic of South Africa where March comes in like a lion and goes out like a different lion. Like one has a mane, and one doesn't have a mane. Or in certain parts of South America where March swims in like a sea otter, and then it slithers out like a giant anaconda. There you can buy land real cheap, you know. And there's a country where March hops in like a kangaroo, and stays a kangaroo for a while, and then it becomes a slightly smaller kangaroo. Then, then, then for a couple of days it's sort of a cross between a, a frilled lizard and a common house cat.
[Chevy Chase tries to interrupt him]
Wait wait wait wait. Then it changes back into a smaller kangaroo, and then it goes out like a, like a wild dingo. Now, now, and it's not Australia! Now, now, you'd think it would be Australia, but it's not!
[Chevy Chase tries to interrupt him]
Now look, pal! I know a country where March comes in like an emu and goes out like a tapir. And they don't even know what it means! All right? Now listen, there are nine different countries, where March comes in like a frog, and goes out like a golden retriever. But that- that's not the weird part! No, no, the weird part is, is the frog. The frog- The weird part is-
[has seizure and falls off chair]
Yep, we're in Missouri!
Yesterday, March 22, 2008. Sitting on sugar white sandy beach, warm sunshine, emerald green water, 75 degrees.
Today, March 23, 2008. Parking in my driveway, predominantly brownish green grass, cold, blustery wind, spitting snow, 40 degrees.
Yep, we're home. My tan will be gone before the Tuesday Night Worlds, and I'm already depressed. Waaaa, waaaa, waaaa!!!
Today, March 23, 2008. Parking in my driveway, predominantly brownish green grass, cold, blustery wind, spitting snow, 40 degrees.
Yep, we're home. My tan will be gone before the Tuesday Night Worlds, and I'm already depressed. Waaaa, waaaa, waaaa!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Chillin' and Trainin'
Day 5 of Spring Break and I'm on day three of training. Yeah, I missed the Lost Valley race, but truth be told, I missed none of it. I really don't like the layout and didn't much feel like heading back off-road. Today, was a structured workout of 5x5km time trial intervals and I knocked them silly. I hammered each and every one of them like they were a race.
Now, it's time for the family, friends, and dinner.
See you next week.
Now, it's time for the family, friends, and dinner.
See you next week.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Who You Callin' a Sandbagger??
Last year, I began racing Beginner class in mountain bikes and had three podium finishes in 4 races. While I didn't think anything of it, I certainly heard plenty of 'sandbagger' comments coming from the crowd. This year, I joined the road racing ranks and won my first road race and if it weren't for the fact that everyone had already left when the prizes were handled out, it certainly would have been ripe for another chorus of the term, "sandbagger."
Well, I've hopefully addressed the critics so far this year. In mtb races, I now race Sport class and in the short term, the podium is safe. On the road, I felt much stronger but under USCF rules, I was required to race as a Cat 5. Based on a recent outing and some guidance from members of my team, I appealed the USCF and asked for an upgrade to Cat 4, and was granted my request this past Wednesday.
Well, I've hopefully addressed the critics so far this year. In mtb races, I now race Sport class and in the short term, the podium is safe. On the road, I felt much stronger but under USCF rules, I was required to race as a Cat 5. Based on a recent outing and some guidance from members of my team, I appealed the USCF and asked for an upgrade to Cat 4, and was granted my request this past Wednesday.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lookit Here Son, I Say Son...
The Tuesday Night World Championships begin this week and last week on our team's message board quite a discussion unfolded in regards to what level I should race. Most of my teammates offered very sound advice. Some even offered "while we're racing coaching" to me and a few of the newer crit racers. As their advice and memories unfolded, Scot Wallace dusted off this mighty pearl of wisdom authored two years ago by none other than Rich Pierce. Rich's idea was for the experience team members to take turns leading the new guys around the course, moving them up through the pack, etc. Basically, try to keep them in the top third most of the race.
As I read the post, I was crying with laughter at 1) the sight of this happening during a race, 2) the possibility of Rich describing this methodology to all of us 5 minutes before we rolled and our ability to remember AND execute it to perfection, and 3) this play being acted out by the cartoon characters I used to watch on Saturday mornings. In fact, here's what I envision when I think of Rich explaining it to the troops:
So without further adieu, I present to you the ICCC First Timers Guide to Crit Racing, or as Rich calls it, "The Pecking Order" :
"The Pecking Order"
The Hen: An experienced strong ICCCer who will lead the newbies near the front
The Chicks: Newbies
The Rooster: A very strong experienced ICCCer who sweeps the rear, looking for chicks to "rescue" and take back up to the front.
The Coyotes: Everyone who wants to scatter the flock
Act 1:
The Hen smoothly stays in the top 1/3 to 1/4 of the pack and the chicks ride with him till they get moved off wheels and start to fall back. No dramatic moves or accelerations. The Rooster hangs at the back, watching all the action.
Act 2:
Speed increases and chaos ensues. The Hen has lost some chicks. Chicks are everywhere throughout the pack. Coyotes are everywhere. Rooster is bringing 2 chicks up to the front, using about 3 laps to do so. When Rooster passes another experienced Hen, he says, "you're the new Rooster." Amazed at the instantaneous gender switch, the new Rooster falls back and patrols the rear. When old Rooster gets up to another hen nearer the front, he passes off the chicks and says, "You're the new Hen!"
Act 3:
The new Hen moves to the front with chicks in tow. Coyotes are scattering everywhere. When New Hen gets to the old Hen, he says, "Go sit on the nest! I am the new Hen!" Old hen sits in, just another chicken now. New Rooster finds some more chicks and starts to lead them up through the pack. He passes off Rooster status to another ICCCer who falls back, sacrificing his race completely. Some chicks are pooped and go off to rest under a bush, away from the coyotes who are still slashing around.
Act 4 - The final Pecking Order:
We are down to "laps". Everybody knows whether there are any chicks still in the pack. if we got them to last an extra 5, 10 minutes, and they gained experience, good. If some are left, and in contention, all remaining chickens gather around them and we hammer as a group. We probably shed some feathers along the way. If anybody is out of the top 20 as they climb the hill, they do not contest the sprint, but stay safe.
Now, a coyote is bad, right??
As I read the post, I was crying with laughter at 1) the sight of this happening during a race, 2) the possibility of Rich describing this methodology to all of us 5 minutes before we rolled and our ability to remember AND execute it to perfection, and 3) this play being acted out by the cartoon characters I used to watch on Saturday mornings. In fact, here's what I envision when I think of Rich explaining it to the troops:
So without further adieu, I present to you the ICCC First Timers Guide to Crit Racing, or as Rich calls it, "The Pecking Order" :
"The Pecking Order"
The Hen: An experienced strong ICCCer who will lead the newbies near the front
The Chicks: Newbies
The Rooster: A very strong experienced ICCCer who sweeps the rear, looking for chicks to "rescue" and take back up to the front.
The Coyotes: Everyone who wants to scatter the flock
Act 1:
The Hen smoothly stays in the top 1/3 to 1/4 of the pack and the chicks ride with him till they get moved off wheels and start to fall back. No dramatic moves or accelerations. The Rooster hangs at the back, watching all the action.
Act 2:
Speed increases and chaos ensues. The Hen has lost some chicks. Chicks are everywhere throughout the pack. Coyotes are everywhere. Rooster is bringing 2 chicks up to the front, using about 3 laps to do so. When Rooster passes another experienced Hen, he says, "you're the new Rooster." Amazed at the instantaneous gender switch, the new Rooster falls back and patrols the rear. When old Rooster gets up to another hen nearer the front, he passes off the chicks and says, "You're the new Hen!"
Act 3:
The new Hen moves to the front with chicks in tow. Coyotes are scattering everywhere. When New Hen gets to the old Hen, he says, "Go sit on the nest! I am the new Hen!" Old hen sits in, just another chicken now. New Rooster finds some more chicks and starts to lead them up through the pack. He passes off Rooster status to another ICCCer who falls back, sacrificing his race completely. Some chicks are pooped and go off to rest under a bush, away from the coyotes who are still slashing around.
Act 4 - The final Pecking Order:
We are down to "laps". Everybody knows whether there are any chicks still in the pack. if we got them to last an extra 5, 10 minutes, and they gained experience, good. If some are left, and in contention, all remaining chickens gather around them and we hammer as a group. We probably shed some feathers along the way. If anybody is out of the top 20 as they climb the hill, they do not contest the sprint, but stay safe.
Now, a coyote is bad, right??
Friday, March 07, 2008
Phat!
I'm now officially under 200 pounds. I weighed in this morning at 197 pounds and have been under 200 for most of this week. With the fluctuations in weight based on water retention, I delayed my joy until today, my rest day.
To give you some frames of reference here are a few heights/weights and waist sizes:
Graduated high school (25 years ago): 32 waist - 165 pounds/6'
Sophomore college: 36 waist - 200 pounds/6'2"
30th birthday: 38 waist - 225 pounds/6'2"
37th birthday: 42 waist - 260 pounds/6'2" (YIKES!!)
40th birthday: 40 waist - 245 pounds/6'2"
November 2007: 38 waist - 223 pounds/6'2"
Today: 34 waist - 197 pounds/6'2"
The other key thing to note here is that I've added considerable muscle in my legs and arms and without that, I think my weight would be a few pounds lower. God has given me a renewed life focus and getting into better shape and trying to be a good example for others is my thanksgiving to Him. It's been a tough journey and I'm not done yet. The last 10-15 pounds may be the hardest, but with God's help, I'll get there.
I also must thank my wife and children for being very encouraging and supportive during this time. My wife is amazing in her efforts to always have healthy food prepared for us and available as the first and second choices in the house. She's also a fantastic role model for me and the kids by working very hard on her exercise regimen. Our children have already started to follow suit by getting on the treadmill or exercising without being prompted by either of us. Thanks be to God for that!
To give you some frames of reference here are a few heights/weights and waist sizes:
Graduated high school (25 years ago): 32 waist - 165 pounds/6'
Sophomore college: 36 waist - 200 pounds/6'2"
30th birthday: 38 waist - 225 pounds/6'2"
37th birthday: 42 waist - 260 pounds/6'2" (YIKES!!)
40th birthday: 40 waist - 245 pounds/6'2"
November 2007: 38 waist - 223 pounds/6'2"
Today: 34 waist - 197 pounds/6'2"
The other key thing to note here is that I've added considerable muscle in my legs and arms and without that, I think my weight would be a few pounds lower. God has given me a renewed life focus and getting into better shape and trying to be a good example for others is my thanksgiving to Him. It's been a tough journey and I'm not done yet. The last 10-15 pounds may be the hardest, but with God's help, I'll get there.
I also must thank my wife and children for being very encouraging and supportive during this time. My wife is amazing in her efforts to always have healthy food prepared for us and available as the first and second choices in the house. She's also a fantastic role model for me and the kids by working very hard on her exercise regimen. Our children have already started to follow suit by getting on the treadmill or exercising without being prompted by either of us. Thanks be to God for that!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Can't beat 'em, join 'em!!
Pedaldork, Rusty and his family spent the weekend racing in 80 degree weather. Seems like Rusty and the boys have decided that Mom is a great racer and if they ever want a chance at keeping up with her they had better take up racing themselves. Congratulations to the entire family (yes, even you Rusty) for your accomplishments over the weekend! A strong Christian family who seemingly enjoys life together at every chance they get. I'm glad to see smiles on everyone's faces.
Current Musical Tastes
Right now there are a couple of bands I can't seem to get hear too much. The Foo Fighters and Evanesence. The Foo have been around a few years now, but until their most recent album I never paid them much attention. They were always sort of playing in the background and I lost them in the mix of everything grunge, post-grunge, emo, or alternative rock. I greatly respect Dave Grohl for soldiering on post-Cobain Nirvana and even swapping out the drum kit for a guitar. In my opinion, the Foo Fighters have reached a level of significance most of us would only dream about. The recent album: Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Graceis an album I put on and it feels as comfortable and unpretenious as a pair of faded jeans and a 20 year old sweatshirt. It feels right. Rough and tumble in the right places, but easy and mellow where it counts. The best news of all is that the FF's just announced a July 20th St. Louis concert, so count me in.
Evanesence on the otherhand is a lesson in progress for me. I 'discovered' them after hearing them as a part of 105.7 The Point's rotation. Now, the more I listen to their tracks on Rhapsody, the more entralled I become. Amy Lee's vocals seem to pierce right into your body and resonate in your head for hours. I'm in the process of learning a little more about the band and I have put more and more of their songs onto my mp3. I have already learned that they were often times labeled as a Christian band, but Amy Lee is quite put off by that label claiming that was her co-founder's belief not hers. Nevertheless, I'm hooked and will be blasting through some of their tracks over the next few weeks.
The Countdown Begins
Today, we got 9 inches of snow at the house. Yep, Sunday I was racing in shorts and today I'm walking around the house in jeans, a sweatshirt, and my favorite beanie. As I've lost my fat, I've lost my ability to cope with the cold weather. In fact, I've really grown to dislike it. I bundle up at the first hint of a cool breeze. Let me tell you this old man winter, your days and affect on me are numbered.
Next Thursday, we pack up the new MDX, point it southward, and head for the beach. That's right, Destin Florida awaits. Pleasant coastal breezes, sugar white sand, and the toasty rays of sunshine warming me to my core....and a cool tropical beverage on the off chance my core gets too warm. T-9 days and counting!!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Learning to Suffer
My formal training program is now entering its fourth month. In those four short months, I've lost 23 pounds, added considerable muscle, and conditioned my heart and lungs for some hard efforts on the bike. It's a good thing too, because our first NORBA mountain bike race of the year at St. Joe's State Park required everything a rider had just to finish. The course was up and down for 8 miles and it was full of every bit of terrain you wanted: rocks, roots, climbs, descents, flats, creeks, and mud...in good quantities.
Weather wise, we couldn't have ordered a more perfect day. Warm, sunny, and breezy. The high for the day was somewhere in the high 70's (record-nearing for March 2) but the morning was a little cool. I decided to wear shorts, a s/s jersey, a sleeveless baselayer, and a l/s under armour baselayer. Bad choice on the l/s baselayer. I was perfect for about 20 minutes and then I was a little warm during the climbs. Should have gone with the arm warmers, but being a cold weather sissy, I made the wrong decision. Lesson learned.
In the Sport class, we ended up with 21 racers. As we were called to the line, I took my spot on the front row towards the left and after the roll call we were racing. The uphill start on the paved road was nice, but just as soon as you entered the trail, you were met with two muddy areas. After that the course alternated between great surfaces and muddy bogs. As we sprinted into the race, I was 4th behind two guys from Peoria, and Zak Hafner, my ICCC teammate. Drew Black from Mesa was riding behind me. My heart was beating hard and I was focusing on the starting sections and keeping on the wheel ahead of me. As a part of my warm-ups, I rode the first 1-1 1/2 miles of the course, so I knew what to expect. Unfortunately, coming into one of the muddy right handers, I carried too much speed and washed out in the corner, and just like that a small handful of riders got around my wheel. I was now trying to get back into tempo and stay within sight of the riders as we twisted through the climbs.
Around mile 4, I was settling into my tempo along with a couple of other riders as we hammered through the flat parts of the course. I was just thinking this is the pace that I could ride the remainder of the race and I may be able to pick up some pace on the leaders. Just about that time I was preparing to roll through a double log crossing when I misjudged the distance to the second log and sent myself cartwheeling across the trail. I lay there for a second sort of disoriented, but knowing I had to get up and get rolling. I think I muttered something to the guys behind me that I was fine and quickly checked the bike and began rolling again. I remember feeling like my left leg and back seemed to take the brunt of the impact. As I continued racing, my body confirmed my memory as my back tightened with each pedal stroke and my leg felt as though it was been smacked with a hammer.
As we began climbing, I was passed by a few of the singlespeed guys who were flying. They really had no choice, but I wouldn't have 1-geared that course if you paid me. That was my only cheerful thought of the day. (At least I'm not dealing with the pain of one gear on this course!) I slogged through the uphills and the mud. Most of the mud was laying in the transitions between hills or at the start of the climbs, which really made gearing critical for the day.
As I completed the off-road part of my first lap, I began rolling down the paved road towards the start finish. I was taking inventory of my body thinking my back is killing me, my left thigh hurts like heck, and I'm hot. Maybe this isn't my day and I should just bag it. As I rolled through the starting line, I headed out for my next lap and caught another rider. I got around him and then I was solo again with some time to pray. I prayed to God and asked him to give me the strength to finish. I looked down to my top tube and was immediately focused. "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always." I knew I needed to keep pedaling, for God is my strength and He powered me through the day.
I was actually feeling a little better as I slogged through the course. Team Seagal's finest, Casey Ryback (Matt G) rolled up on me and we chatted for a moment as we crossed into the downhill sections of the course. I let him around me as he was singlespeeding, riding a little stronger overall, and looking for more wrists to snap. I started my creek crossing sections and again lost my focus and balled it up going around a tree and jamming my left thumb. The same thumb I messed up over a month ago. Now, I'm dealing with a tight lower back, bruised left leg, and a gimped up thumb. (A little repayment for avoid last week's carnage, perhaps??)
In my mind I was thinking, okay you lost the fast guys at the start, but you've also held off anyone else from passing you, so perhaps everyone is suffering like mad in this race. About that time, I caught a glimpse of my teammate, Zak up ahead. He was rolling through a muddy section, so I really couldn't tell he had been beaten by the course just yet. As I rolled onto his wheel, I talked with him a little and could tell he was physically worn out. I encouraged him and told him to get on my wheel for the climb. As I rolled to the top of the climb, I looked back to see him only half way up. I couldn't wait for him, so I kept marching forward.
The course was tricky because just when you thought you were done climbing, you were served with another upward tilt of the terrain. I attacked my last uphill and started to feel a lot better than I gutted it out. I cracked onto the final stretch of pavement and looked back to see no one within sight and sped for home. I was NEVER so pleased to cross a line as I was in this race. At the end, I was 14 minutes off the winning time and 8th place out of 21 riders. I'll take that for my debut into the Sport class. Congratulations to my friend, Drew Black, who held on for 2nd place. Well done, Drew. Back to back weeks of 2nd place. Your riding strong already.
I rolled to the car while thanking God for looking after me during another race. I know I mentioned how much more physically fit I am this year, but I have to say I feel more spiritually fit this year, too. I'm immensely thankful for the blessings God has given me and my family. He doesn't owe me anything, but yet day by day I'm amazed at how much He wants to give me and all He wants in return is my love and devotion. AWESOME.
I talked with my coach, Andy, last night and I told him this race helped me in two ways. One it let me know I still have to work very hard, but that I also learned to suffer. Learned to not quit, to deal with setbacks, and to build mental toughness. To take a quote from Ned Overend's book, "Mountain Bike Like a Champion," Attitude is Everything. "Finish each race. Otherwise, you shouldn't bother to go through all the preparation, travel, and expense. Lots of riders quit because they get too far behind the leaders or because the people whom they think they should be beating are beating them. So what? Keep riding. Even if I bonk and have to lie down beside the trail, I get up and finish."
Weather wise, we couldn't have ordered a more perfect day. Warm, sunny, and breezy. The high for the day was somewhere in the high 70's (record-nearing for March 2) but the morning was a little cool. I decided to wear shorts, a s/s jersey, a sleeveless baselayer, and a l/s under armour baselayer. Bad choice on the l/s baselayer. I was perfect for about 20 minutes and then I was a little warm during the climbs. Should have gone with the arm warmers, but being a cold weather sissy, I made the wrong decision. Lesson learned.
In the Sport class, we ended up with 21 racers. As we were called to the line, I took my spot on the front row towards the left and after the roll call we were racing. The uphill start on the paved road was nice, but just as soon as you entered the trail, you were met with two muddy areas. After that the course alternated between great surfaces and muddy bogs. As we sprinted into the race, I was 4th behind two guys from Peoria, and Zak Hafner, my ICCC teammate. Drew Black from Mesa was riding behind me. My heart was beating hard and I was focusing on the starting sections and keeping on the wheel ahead of me. As a part of my warm-ups, I rode the first 1-1 1/2 miles of the course, so I knew what to expect. Unfortunately, coming into one of the muddy right handers, I carried too much speed and washed out in the corner, and just like that a small handful of riders got around my wheel. I was now trying to get back into tempo and stay within sight of the riders as we twisted through the climbs.
Around mile 4, I was settling into my tempo along with a couple of other riders as we hammered through the flat parts of the course. I was just thinking this is the pace that I could ride the remainder of the race and I may be able to pick up some pace on the leaders. Just about that time I was preparing to roll through a double log crossing when I misjudged the distance to the second log and sent myself cartwheeling across the trail. I lay there for a second sort of disoriented, but knowing I had to get up and get rolling. I think I muttered something to the guys behind me that I was fine and quickly checked the bike and began rolling again. I remember feeling like my left leg and back seemed to take the brunt of the impact. As I continued racing, my body confirmed my memory as my back tightened with each pedal stroke and my leg felt as though it was been smacked with a hammer.
As we began climbing, I was passed by a few of the singlespeed guys who were flying. They really had no choice, but I wouldn't have 1-geared that course if you paid me. That was my only cheerful thought of the day. (At least I'm not dealing with the pain of one gear on this course!) I slogged through the uphills and the mud. Most of the mud was laying in the transitions between hills or at the start of the climbs, which really made gearing critical for the day.
As I completed the off-road part of my first lap, I began rolling down the paved road towards the start finish. I was taking inventory of my body thinking my back is killing me, my left thigh hurts like heck, and I'm hot. Maybe this isn't my day and I should just bag it. As I rolled through the starting line, I headed out for my next lap and caught another rider. I got around him and then I was solo again with some time to pray. I prayed to God and asked him to give me the strength to finish. I looked down to my top tube and was immediately focused. "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always." I knew I needed to keep pedaling, for God is my strength and He powered me through the day.
I was actually feeling a little better as I slogged through the course. Team Seagal's finest, Casey Ryback (Matt G) rolled up on me and we chatted for a moment as we crossed into the downhill sections of the course. I let him around me as he was singlespeeding, riding a little stronger overall, and looking for more wrists to snap. I started my creek crossing sections and again lost my focus and balled it up going around a tree and jamming my left thumb. The same thumb I messed up over a month ago. Now, I'm dealing with a tight lower back, bruised left leg, and a gimped up thumb. (A little repayment for avoid last week's carnage, perhaps??)
In my mind I was thinking, okay you lost the fast guys at the start, but you've also held off anyone else from passing you, so perhaps everyone is suffering like mad in this race. About that time, I caught a glimpse of my teammate, Zak up ahead. He was rolling through a muddy section, so I really couldn't tell he had been beaten by the course just yet. As I rolled onto his wheel, I talked with him a little and could tell he was physically worn out. I encouraged him and told him to get on my wheel for the climb. As I rolled to the top of the climb, I looked back to see him only half way up. I couldn't wait for him, so I kept marching forward.
The course was tricky because just when you thought you were done climbing, you were served with another upward tilt of the terrain. I attacked my last uphill and started to feel a lot better than I gutted it out. I cracked onto the final stretch of pavement and looked back to see no one within sight and sped for home. I was NEVER so pleased to cross a line as I was in this race. At the end, I was 14 minutes off the winning time and 8th place out of 21 riders. I'll take that for my debut into the Sport class. Congratulations to my friend, Drew Black, who held on for 2nd place. Well done, Drew. Back to back weeks of 2nd place. Your riding strong already.
I rolled to the car while thanking God for looking after me during another race. I know I mentioned how much more physically fit I am this year, but I have to say I feel more spiritually fit this year, too. I'm immensely thankful for the blessings God has given me and my family. He doesn't owe me anything, but yet day by day I'm amazed at how much He wants to give me and all He wants in return is my love and devotion. AWESOME.
I talked with my coach, Andy, last night and I told him this race helped me in two ways. One it let me know I still have to work very hard, but that I also learned to suffer. Learned to not quit, to deal with setbacks, and to build mental toughness. To take a quote from Ned Overend's book, "Mountain Bike Like a Champion," Attitude is Everything. "Finish each race. Otherwise, you shouldn't bother to go through all the preparation, travel, and expense. Lots of riders quit because they get too far behind the leaders or because the people whom they think they should be beating are beating them. So what? Keep riding. Even if I bonk and have to lie down beside the trail, I get up and finish."
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