Quit Whining Shanna!!

A nice person named Tricia commented on my blog. So I went and checked hers out (see the link on the right). She is suffering from brain cancer and is riding her bike and trying to live life to its fullest while waiting for a cure. Since I haven't worked in oncology for a few years I seemed to have forgotten how many amazing people live (and die) with this truly horrific disease. Thanks Tricia for reminding me how lucky I am to have my health! Sloggy streets, gray skies and the family and life stresses of every day life are nothing to whine about. I am blessed to have the health to get on my spin bike and work hard for 2 hours. I have a good job that allows me time off to play and very supportive family and friends that are there to cheer me on. Like Tricia, I want to live mindfully- cancer or not.

Uuuugh!

With only a few weeks until my first road race of the season I thought I'd better get in some serious training. Obviously the roads are not cooperating today so I hit the gym for my own private ride. For the first hour I did hill repeats with Chris Carmichael and for my second hour I did my own private spin class. As I watched the snow fall outside the spin room window, I realized how much I'd rather be outside riding on the snow with my tires slipping around and my heart rate high from pure adrenaline than riding indoors.

I'm trying to see the weather as a good thing. I makes me appreciate when I can throw on some lycra and head out my front door for a nice ride up Rose Canyon. Can't wait for spring!

Blast From the Past!

No, this isn't a really old picture. It was 80's night at the Cross party. Good thing I still remember how to do "Big Hair"!

Yesterday was our last cross race and party. Congrats to Ashley for her Silver Medal in the State Championships. Sam finished the season 3rd overall in the Men's 35+ A field and I was pretty happy finishing 5th in the women's B. I can't wait to do it again next year.

Looking ahead. . .

I'm so excited for 2008! I posted my races on the right. (I totally stole that from Black Chick on a Bike but what can I say? She's pretty cool!) Besides, I think it helps if I have my season planned out. It gives me something to work for in spin class.

So, things to look forward to in 2008. . .

*A new team- Go Ski Utah!

*Having other Women Cat 4 on my team! (I got my friend Kara to sign up for Ski Utah Cycling too. She's never raced but she is so athletic and fearless that I know she'll kick butt!)

*Racing all of those races instead of officiating them. (Although everyone that races should have their turn at officiating because it is dang hard work! Thanks Missy, Holly, and Richard and all the other officials for your tireless efforts so we can race bikes!)

*Trying some mountain bike racing even though I suck. (Sucking at things doesn't usually stop me, after all I did cyclocross and did all right!) Although, my road races may win out over MTB races- sorry Sam.

*Riding hard, having fun, seeing the world and making new friends . . . ahhhhh, bike love!

Happy New Year!!

Pipeline trail overlook.

Sam running down Pipeline trail.

We rang in the New Year with a nice snowshoe hike up Rattlesnake Gulch and along pipeline to the overlook. My new snowshoes that Sam got me are awesome. What a beautiful day!

A New Team for a New Year

Notice the new link to the right. Ski Utah will be my new cycling team for 2008! I looked at some other teams, including ones that would help me pay for my races, but decided on Ski Utah (formerly VMG). Brandi (Black chick on a bike) raced for them last year and was very happy. She said there are lots of great women to race with and to learn from. So I'll be paying for my own kit and race entry fees but it will be worth it to have teammates out on the road with me!

Merry Christmas!!

The kids had a great time Christmas Eve opening presents but the most fun is just being with family.

Here is a sweet video of Isabelle on Christmas Eve. She dressed up in her new Dora dress up clothes and had fun playing with her new interactive baby.