Cough, cough. . . it's coming on

Here is another picture of Sam doing his tri last weekend. I mostly uploaded this lovely picture of my rear because it is keeping me from eating the pie that a drug rep brought in. Sam of course, looks cool as always.

This weekend is the Classic Desert Rampage mountain bike race in St. George. (Hence my suddenly feeling ill, I think I'm going to be unable to work tomorrow.) Since it is on my race list for the year I'm being held to it. Don't get me wrong. It is supposed to 70 degrees in St. George. Even a lousy mountain biker cannot pass that up. I don't know what happened, I used to be pretty decent. I think I just got a little wierd over the new bike set up last race. It was kind of like going from driving my Jeep to driving a Porsche. More power and handling than I knew what to do with. Oh well, I'm looking forward to giving it another try. Sunday we'll do a nice ride up Snow Canyon on the road bikes.

Looking back . . .

This was a team ride that we did in Phoenix. I was cooling down from my crit and the rest of the team was just getting warmed up for theirs. That is me up front on the right (with the weak ponytail.)


So I just emailed one of my best life long friends. You know the kind that knows your darkest secrets and has seen you at your worst and still loves you. I invited her to dinner. I was remembering the last time we went out for lunch. I seriously sat in Chili's and cried the entire lunch. It was less than a week since I'd had surgery to wire my elbow back together. My BF had told me he'd call after his mountain bike ride a few days before and I hadn't heard from him since. I was registered for all sorts of rides and races and I would miss them all because I could not ride my bike. To top things off I had tried to take my first shower alone that morning. I wasn't supposed to get my bandages wet but despite a lot of tape and plastic garbage bags and two hours of struggling I had soaked all of my dressings and would have to have my arm rebandaged and splinted.

So I look back on that bleak day and look at the picture above and realize that just like Saul Raisin told me in an email "things will get better, you just have to believe."

Weather, Powertap hopes, dieting and new quotes

Well, the "high wind advisory" is no longer in effect but instead has been replaced with a "high wind warning." AAaAaaAgh! What does it take to get a break from this weather? I've had two recovery days (in a row, unheard of for me I know.) I'm feeling good and I want to ride with my Ski Utah girls. (Sorry BG, I don't think I can bring myself to be called a bunny. Maybe a jack rabbit?) I guess riding in this wind would be a good workout. Except I need to change out my wheels from my American Classic to the Bontragers. The Bontragers suck in the wind. My rear hub (we think) is making some kind of noise. Sam was too trashed from his tri to look at it last night.

Speaking of wheels. I asked the guy at Canyon Bikes on Wasatch if American Classic does a powertap hub. He said no. Of course, due to my distrust of not just men but especially those in bike shops, I checked with American Classic myself. They DO a powertap wheel. However, there are no shops in Utah that deal with American Classic. (A certain bike shop in the Riverton area told me that my hub on my AC's was Campy and not Shimano. I called AC myself and they not only assured me that I had the right hub, they helped me put in on over the phone. See distrust statement above. I'm sure it doesn't help when I go to a shop dressed in my work suits. All they see is blonde, big boobed sucker that doesn't know anything about bikes.) So I've emailed AC and hopefully I can get myself a powertap on the wheels that I love. So sad to have cash in the bank and want a big ticket item and have such trouble getting it. One has to wonder if having a penis would help in these matters.

So this post has kind of turned into a bit of a tirade. Please forgive. I am trying to shed a few pounds before race season hits hard. It seems that at 1800 calories a day (I assure you this is a deficit) that I am eating enough only to take the edge off my hunger. I haven't weighed for a few days but it does seem my waist is getting smaller. Unfortunately this only serves to make my rear and breasts look bigger. I must remember that even at my lowest body fat percentage, I still bore no resemblance to an athlete of any kind let alone a cyclist. I really have one of those child bearing figures that would go well with long fake fingernails and big hair. Best for long days spent shopping at the mall. . . .

Which brings me to my final bit of verbage. I have added a new quote to the side. Like Kathy Sessler I too would prefer to be on my bike instead of in the mall. I like too how she talks about racing (not necessarily winning) as a big self-esteeem builder. I feel like every race is a win for me just because I have fought my couch potato genes and have gone out and done it. Hopefully with less weight and more training I can get some wins in too.

I have one more quote that I like too. I know lots of people that wont race because they're not in good enough shape or they need more time or training. Well, here you go, "Some people are professional trainers and do little racing. But you can make the greatest gains through competition. I never would have realized my potential if it weren't for racing. There's nothing like it to push you. It improves fitness and bike handling. You find yourself at speeds you would never attain in training." - Ned Overend

So with all that off my chest, I am going to go clean my house while casting evil looks out my window at wind that is currently slamming my rose bushes against the house.

BASH Triathalon

The start. 5 K run, 10 K bike and 7 K ski.

All of those trails way out there were either bike run or skied by the racers.

One of the few people actually riding his bike. For most of the competitors it was a hike a bike.

Sam took 1st in his age division and 5th overall. Finishing middle of the pack in the run, he made up lots of time on the bike. After the bike he was 3rd overall going into the ski. He lost two places on the ski because he was on much slower traditional skis and everyone else was on skate skis.

Way to go Sam!

More pics from VOS

Off the front in typical Ski Utah fashion.

Brandi is getting those action shots. (Can't wait to see them!)

Jamie's looking cool as always.

Tomorrow will be a very different day from the one above. Tomorrow I'm going to go cheer on Sam as he does his BAM Triathalon. A snow run, snow bike and a cross country ski. I'm happy to just watch this one. No more riding my bike on snow this season for me, well at least until Cross season begins. Then bring it on!

Valley of the Sun Stage 3 Criterium

Finally, the Sun! Sunday was a great day. Heading to the crit I felt more excited than scared thanks to a fun road race. The crit went well. I was able to stay in the pack until a Prime lap. After dropping from the main field I hung onto a couple of other wheels for the rest of the race. The big thing for me was that I had fun. I wasn't scared at all. I didn't think once about crashing. I loved being in the pack, working hard, and flying through corners. I stayed in my drops and was very comfortable. Physically I was not up to the challenge. I worked hard but couldn't hang. That is okay. I know how to get my body back in shape- especially now I feel my mental game is back. I can't wait for RMR!

I was sad when my race was over. I wanted to do it again. I enjoyed the rest of the day watching the other races, feeling the sun and having a few beers. Ski Utah performed well with Chase gettng 6th in the Men's 3 GC and Laura taking 6th in the Women's 3. The men's 3 crit was especially fun with all of our team out there working hard and looking great! The highlight of the day was Patrick sprinting for the finish and winning the crit on a bike that he had broken the day before.

We stuck around and watched the pros race. It was an awesome crit. Rock racing showed everyone how its done by pulling all 8 men to the front in the final 3 laps and setting up Klinger for the win.

I ended up finishing 22 out of 28 in the GC. Not spectacular results but I feel like I've accomplished so much. I feel like I have overcome my fears about crashing. Of course I know that crashing is always a possibility but it is no longer plaguing me to ride scared. I am excited about racing again and now have the drive I need to train hard for a successful season.

Stage 2 of Valley of the Sun

Today was a good day for me. Not because I did very well but because I felt better mentally than I have in a long time. I had so much fun when we were racing in the flats with the pack. I just enjoyed the momentum of the peleton and I was so caught up in the race that I didn't think once about crashing! Racing was fun again. My teammate Jamie was feeling spunky and went off the front and I had fun blocking her. I also pulled her for a while so she could rest before the climb. I wasn't worried about me- I knew I'd be shelled off the back when the going got steep. Jamie ended up finishing somewhere in the middle of the pack and I pulled it out and there were still about 5 girls that finished after me so at least I wasn't last.

We don't have any official results yet. We think Chase is still doing well in the GC. Laura managed to pull a "Ski Utah" and finish 3rd in the Women's 1/2 category. Unfortunately, Patrick crashed. He's okay and managed to chase back up to the pack and finish but his frame is cracked and his SRM is ruined. Ouch! The pic above is of Scott Patten. He had to go 89 miles today plus another 5 to get back to the car.

Tomorrow is the final stage- the downtown crit. The weather is supposed to get into the 70s. Check out BG's blog to get her take on things and also watch the Ski Utah website for new pics.

Valley of the Sun my @%$!!

The team warms up for a cold, wet time trial.

Our Sognier Brandi isn't very happy about the weather!

Miss Brandi is going to have to update you all our times. Chase is doing the best, currently 7th in Men's Cat 3. Jaime is doing the next best at 17th in the Women's 4. I'm not so sure about the rest. I know I'm 2 minutes behind Jamie in 25th place. Shane was doing well until a flat put him in last and everyone else is sitting in the 20's? I guess we can't feel too bad since we left roads that were not fit to drive on let alone ride bikes on!

Right now it is about 45 degrees and it has rained most of the day. I just have to remember that it is still 20 degrees warmer here than in Salt Lake and tomorrow it is supposed to be in the high 60's for the road race.

Check out BGs blog later for all of the updates. (She is currently chopping mangos for our salsa!)

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day! I had to take a picture of my beautiful roses my sweetie gave me so I can still see them when I go to Phoenix this weekend. I'll miss you baby! I want to see some sweet helmet cam footage when I get home. XOXOXOX!

Can't Sleep

I leave Thursday for Phoenix. I'm a litle nervous about going down and staying with a bunch of people I don't know. Everyone seems really cool though. I'll be driving down with BG and I know we'll have fun! (I can use some girl time!) I'm also nervous because I know I am not in as good of shape as probably everyone else down there. But really for me this is more about my mental shape than physical. Last season was over for me almost as soon as it had begun. And even though I had cyclocross, it still seemed like a very long winter. So a few days in Phoenix will hopefully help the winter blahs. I also feel like I need to get out there and race and this time there will be no blue van there to give me an out if the going gets rough :(. I need to trust myself again on the bike, and especially in a race under pressure. I need to not cringe at every pothole and I need to stop imagining how it will take me down and put me out for another summer. I think the only cure for that is riding- my usual cure for everything.

So instead of blogging I should be writing my paper on Human Motivation (obviously I'm not the person to write about that since I am blogging instead). Or I should be doing my laundry or packing or even sleeping. Instead I am up and feeling hungry and guilty for leaving my kids to go race my bike- even though they have their own lives and mostly need me to fill the fridge.

I think I'll go clean my chain. . . .

I love my Bike!

Okay, this is supposed to be a post about cross country skiing. Today I met the Greens and the Evans at North Fork for a cross country ski. It was a beautiful, warm sunny day. There is so much snow up there. It is amazing. The portapotty that we used last time is buried so you can only see the top couple of feet. Thankfully they put out another one. It was like driving through a labryinth to get to the park.

Anyway, why I love my bike. . . REI didn't have my size ski to rent so they went one sizeBu up. Dumb idea! The skins didn't stick into the snow. The only way to go up any bit of a slope was to duck walk and take one step forward and two back. What a ridiculous way to travel! So in the time I traveled across the valley on my road bike yesterday is the same amount of time it took me to go only a few miles today walking like a retarded penguin.

But hey, I can't complain too much. It is always good to see my friends from up North and I enjoyed the sunshine and started working on my freckles for the summer.

Training ride- outside!

So happy to be riding and training outside! Of course yesterday when I was sitting inside my office I could see sunshine and today there was no sun to be seen. At least it was decently warm (sad that the 30's is decently warm.)

I taught my 7 am spin class and then met the team at 9th and 9th for a training ride out to Saltair. Once we hit the West side we divided into groups of 5 and 6 for 5 minute pulls at threshold. Brandi, Kris, Margaret, Hart and one more guy (sorry, I forgot your name) headed for the marina. Thanks to the guys that kept picking up the pace, we lost Kris and Brandi. Margaret and I figured we'd just meet up with them at the Marina.

After killing some time taking off our sweaty clothes and drying them on the hand dryer in the bathroom, Margaret and I decided it was time to head back. We headed up SR201 and it was tempting when we passed 3600 W to turn off and go home. The thought of a latte (and getting my car) kept me on the road all the way back to 9th and 9th. Overall I felt good all day. No nausea and I was able to keep my energy up, never feeling bonky. It was great getting to know Margaret. I wish I could take all of her 20 plus years of racing knowlege and download it into my brain.

I'm excited for future races and rides with my team. I am even more excited for Phoenix next week. My plan is to go down, ride my best and have fun! I think I'm most excited to not have to figure out what layers to wear. . . . mmmmm no armwarmers. . . heaven!

Valley of the Sun Stage Race

One week from tomorrow I'll be racing in my second stage race of the year. The Valley of the Sun Stage race takes place in Phoenix. As I look out my window the snow is blowing sideways across the field. The sky is white, the ground is white and the sun is hidden again. I can't wait to get away from the ice and snow. After last weeks Frozen Hog race I am excited to feel the pavement under my tires!

It is supposed to warm up this weekend (clear into the 40's) so I can at least get outside for a training ride with my team. Right now the highs in Phoenix are in the 70's! Bring on the Sunshine!!

New Pictures!

Click on the Zazoosh Photo Gallery at the right to see new pictures of both the Frozen Hog and the Sam Boyd Criterium. There weren't any of Sam's category at the crit.

Happy Birthday Stacey!

Happy Birthday Baby sister. Hard to believe Stacey is 30! It is so nice that she is catching up to me in age! She's in Vegas this weekend shopping and lucky her she is out of the snow!

Things I love about Stacey:

Sarcastic- funny as hell!

Passionate and true to the things she believes in.

Loves people and animals and treats everyone with respect.

Strong, smart, beautiful.

She always looks so put together even when she's wearing sweats she manages to make it look like it is an outfit.

Great fashion sense. I love to get her hand me downs.

Have a great birthday sis. I'm looking forward to the vegetarian dinner next week.

Frozen Hog Race Report

Often today I thought how much more efficient skis or snowshoes would have been. Most of the trail was only 2 feet wide. Off to either side of the trail was deep powder. At least crashing didn't hurt! The packed trail was pretty torn up by the time the expert class (thanks Sam)had gone through it. It was very much like trying to ride through the sand in Moab. If you could keep a straight line you could ride through but there were a lot of ruts pulling your tires in various directions. By the end of the first 3.2 mile lap my arms were so fatigued that I was crashing more than ever. Pulling myself out of the deep powder was taking too much time and it quickly became more efficient to run. As I was being lapped by the Expert field I noticed that they were running quite a bit too- and the foot race was on! Total I was out there for 2 hours and 40 minutes. That has to be the longest it has ever taken me to go 6.4 miles with a bike or not.

The good news is that I wasn't the last person out there. Also, thanks to a really small 30+ women's field I probably finished top 5. It was a beautiful day though and the graceful deer running across my path made it extra special. It was a good workout and a heck of a lot better than the alternative workout of 2 hours on a spin bike!

Sam did well, placing 4th in the Men's 30+ Expert field. To put it in perspective Sam lapped me on my first lap as he was finishing the race after 2 and his laps were half a mile longer. He would have preferred an icier course but he either did a better job of staying on his bike or he just runs a heck of a lot faster than me. I'm sure it was a combination of both.
Two weeks to Phoenix. I can't wait to feel the pavement under my Michelin Pros.