A few weeks ago I was invited to help with an IMKY weekend training camp hosted by Coach Troy Jacobson (of Spinervals) and locally by The Training Studio. I love being a part of tri camps and meeting new people, so I eagerly agreed! The weekend went something like this... You think you're shape? Think again!!
Friday was intros, lectures, and dinner. At dinner I got to know the campers and was able to get a feel for the caliber of athletes attending. The caliber: kick ass. There were some blazing campers!
Saturday was scheduled to be a long ride and t-run. We met at the Galt House at 6:00a and were welcomed with thunderstorms. After some quick thinking we reorganized the day, we met back at 9:00a and decided to do a long run instead. I led a group who was supposed to run between 8:00-8:30 miles... none of our splits were over 8:00 and the campers were talking away the whole time!
After the run we had rounded up a number of trainers and Troy led the campers through a killer trainer session. It's pretty cool that it worked out this way as the campers were able to experience the Spinerval smash-fest live and in person; a feature other camps can't reproduce! This involved several sets to failure, big-12, and isometric squats (yes, they had to hop off and squat post-long run!!).
Dinner that night was fan-freaking-tastic!! We all went to Fourth Street Live and ate at Fridays! Afterwards everyone was invited to have a few drinks at Fourth Street, but most, including myself, were satisfied with the amazing peanut butter chocolate chip pie and the sound of bedtime. I slept like a baby!
Sunday morning, 5:00a wake up call. We met again at 6:00a and this time we were welcomed by sunny skies!! Game on! Myself and Larry were in charge of the front pack of riders for our overdistance ride. Troy also joined the fun and showed us all that he can single handedly ride us under the table! This was one strong pack of riders!
In our group was: Larry, Troy, myself, 2 female campers, and 2 male campers. These girls were amazing cyclists and triathletes. We managed to hang with the boys until they dropped us on the second loop. Us girls clawed our way back to them on 42, and caught them before they left our aid station (which was, by the way, the greatest aid station ever!! There were cookies, homemade scones, the works!! The Training Studio crew were THE BOMB!!) and were able to hang on for dear life over the last 25 miles... into a killer headwind!
These campers climbed so strong and maintained a solid steady pace throughout the course of the day. I never once could let my guard down and cruise on the back of the pack. We worked, the whole time! It was awesome!
I was able to meet some very cool people this weekend! Coach Troy is so smart and I learned more than I ever expected. I will definitely sign up for another one of his camps! The Training Studio crew is such a tight knit family and I'm so thankful to be a part of it! I had a great weekend and I have a renewed sense of drive for the sport. Now if only I could feel my legs!
Hope you all had a great weekend! Train on!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
SERIOUSLY!?
I did my long ride today, and as I was out I got to thinking about my recovery and how I don't take it very seriously. I told myself that today I would go home to an ice bath and my super protein shake, I would stretch and foam roll and walk right by the cookies without touching a single one... but instead I found myself driving home well past the '30 minute window', purseless, with shattered glass throughout the car and no more passenger window.
Today started great. It was a small group ride that split off half way through and left me and my brother to log the miles solo. It wasn't too windy or hot, and I felt better than I thought I would. But then I turned onto 42 and got really confused. I think I'm generally a good person: I treat people how I want to be treated and I have strong values and I go to church every week (almost every week). So I couldn't figure out what I did to piss these a-holes off to the point where they felt the need to prove themselves. These dumbass drivers read a one-sided article about how they should consider cyclists an inconvenience and all of sudden they have to prove they're bigger. I get it!! You win! Not only are you bigger but you can blow my ass into smithereens!! But it never fails. Idiots in their Earthf***er 4000's feel the need to pass within inches and for what reason I have no idea.
Back on track... So my brother and I finish up, we load our bikes into his car and drive back to my car which was parked downtown (I left earlier from the rowhouse to get extra miles). I knew I had a t-run in store, but after taking our sweet time I reaaaally didn't feel like doing it. I threw my bike in my car, had a debate with myself, and decided to hell with it, throw on your shoes and move your arse.
There was this super shady dude at the bathrooms that kept fidgeting and pacing, both Sean and I noticed him but didn't think much too much of it. After I was off on my run I considered doubling back to my car but knew I would jump in and drive home, so I steered clear. 29 min and 43 sec later I made it back to my car to find a sweet little surprise from Mr. Shady himself. My passenger window was shattered and my purse was gone. No, I didn't leave it sitting there in the open for him to nab, but I did pull it out to grab my Garmin before the run so he knew where it was. Grrr!! Who does this guy think he is!?! People work so hard for what they have Ol' Stickyfingers somehow feels entitled to sidestep that minor detail.
I cancelled my cards and no charges had been attempted. When the cops came they said they're normally looking for cash. Do you want to no how much cash I had?? Four whole dollars. My cell phone was sitting in the drivers seat (now that was dumb on my part), my bike in the back untouched, and he goes through all that trouble for four bucks! I hope it was worth it.
It's been one of those days, but all in all, I'm healthy and have lost nothing more than material. I've got more to live for than to dwell on small potatoes... so bring it.
Today started great. It was a small group ride that split off half way through and left me and my brother to log the miles solo. It wasn't too windy or hot, and I felt better than I thought I would. But then I turned onto 42 and got really confused. I think I'm generally a good person: I treat people how I want to be treated and I have strong values and I go to church every week (almost every week). So I couldn't figure out what I did to piss these a-holes off to the point where they felt the need to prove themselves. These dumbass drivers read a one-sided article about how they should consider cyclists an inconvenience and all of sudden they have to prove they're bigger. I get it!! You win! Not only are you bigger but you can blow my ass into smithereens!! But it never fails. Idiots in their Earthf***er 4000's feel the need to pass within inches and for what reason I have no idea.
Back on track... So my brother and I finish up, we load our bikes into his car and drive back to my car which was parked downtown (I left earlier from the rowhouse to get extra miles). I knew I had a t-run in store, but after taking our sweet time I reaaaally didn't feel like doing it. I threw my bike in my car, had a debate with myself, and decided to hell with it, throw on your shoes and move your arse.
There was this super shady dude at the bathrooms that kept fidgeting and pacing, both Sean and I noticed him but didn't think much too much of it. After I was off on my run I considered doubling back to my car but knew I would jump in and drive home, so I steered clear. 29 min and 43 sec later I made it back to my car to find a sweet little surprise from Mr. Shady himself. My passenger window was shattered and my purse was gone. No, I didn't leave it sitting there in the open for him to nab, but I did pull it out to grab my Garmin before the run so he knew where it was. Grrr!! Who does this guy think he is!?! People work so hard for what they have Ol' Stickyfingers somehow feels entitled to sidestep that minor detail.
I cancelled my cards and no charges had been attempted. When the cops came they said they're normally looking for cash. Do you want to no how much cash I had?? Four whole dollars. My cell phone was sitting in the drivers seat (now that was dumb on my part), my bike in the back untouched, and he goes through all that trouble for four bucks! I hope it was worth it.
It's been one of those days, but all in all, I'm healthy and have lost nothing more than material. I've got more to live for than to dwell on small potatoes... so bring it.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Double Whammy
Today is Monday, and I feel like I've been hit by a bus. Saturday was the Muncie Half, and it was sooo much fun (more on that in a bit), but then I decided to go out with my besties who were in town for the night. Not a good idea. I was up for 24 hours straight. Sunday I woke up at 8:30a, drove home, ate, went back to bed, woke up at 5:00p, ate dinner, and was in bed at 10:00p. I was worthless, and today is no different. I've done nothing but sleep the last two days... and I'm still exhausted! Racing + night out with the girls = being hit by a bus might not be so bad compared to this.
OK, so Muncie...
I got up at 4:50a and left the hotel by 5:10a (efficiency). We decided to tour beautiful Indiana for a while before actually arriving at the race. This little detour took about an hour to get to the start!! Still plenty of time to get set up, warmed up, and stuffed in my wetsuit.
SWIM: I felt great in the water. It was super choppy from the wind but I just stayed the course and did my thing. I strolled out of the water in 35 min! This is where I like to complain about how hard I work only to get slower, but you know that's a lie.
BIKE: Onto my ride. The first 10 or so miles are protected and faaaast! It's hard not to fly on this part. It was so much fun to see the local OC or Training Studio jerseys all over the course. I never felt like I was working too hard, but whenever I checked my HRM it said 240. Hmmm. Anyways, I hit the turnaround a bit slower than I wanted so I picked it up the second half, or least I attempted to pick it up. The last 15 miles welcomed me with rain that felt like razors. So much for gaining lost time.
RUN: I started the run with some guy who talked me straight through the first five miles, it was awesome!! He told me all about his training, managing investments, life in Chicago. You name it, we talked about it. I hit the turn around a minute off my goal pace, maybe if I wasn't Chatty Cathy I could've focused more on the goal at hand. I said peace out to my new found friend and picked it up to try to salvage a race. Things were going great, but the hills on the last 1.5 miles slowed me down.
Overall, it was such a fun day! I have no complaints! I felt great the whole day, I smiled through most of it, and was encouraged by the many friends and teammates out on the course! Congrats to all the finishers!! It was a tough day with tough conditions, but it made that finish line all the more sweet.
I have now been awake for 5 hours, my longest streak since Saturday, so it's time for a nap. Good night.
OK, so Muncie...
I got up at 4:50a and left the hotel by 5:10a (efficiency). We decided to tour beautiful Indiana for a while before actually arriving at the race. This little detour took about an hour to get to the start!! Still plenty of time to get set up, warmed up, and stuffed in my wetsuit.
SWIM: I felt great in the water. It was super choppy from the wind but I just stayed the course and did my thing. I strolled out of the water in 35 min! This is where I like to complain about how hard I work only to get slower, but you know that's a lie.
BIKE: Onto my ride. The first 10 or so miles are protected and faaaast! It's hard not to fly on this part. It was so much fun to see the local OC or Training Studio jerseys all over the course. I never felt like I was working too hard, but whenever I checked my HRM it said 240. Hmmm. Anyways, I hit the turnaround a bit slower than I wanted so I picked it up the second half, or least I attempted to pick it up. The last 15 miles welcomed me with rain that felt like razors. So much for gaining lost time.
RUN: I started the run with some guy who talked me straight through the first five miles, it was awesome!! He told me all about his training, managing investments, life in Chicago. You name it, we talked about it. I hit the turn around a minute off my goal pace, maybe if I wasn't Chatty Cathy I could've focused more on the goal at hand. I said peace out to my new found friend and picked it up to try to salvage a race. Things were going great, but the hills on the last 1.5 miles slowed me down.
Overall, it was such a fun day! I have no complaints! I felt great the whole day, I smiled through most of it, and was encouraged by the many friends and teammates out on the course! Congrats to all the finishers!! It was a tough day with tough conditions, but it made that finish line all the more sweet.
I have now been awake for 5 hours, my longest streak since Saturday, so it's time for a nap. Good night.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Muncie Endurathon
I was originally scheduled to be on a plane bound for Providence, RI today to race the 70.3. But after some careful consideration I decided to nix those plans and go have some fun with good friends in the much more exciting town of Muncie, IN. Muncie is a fast, flat course with home-cooking at the finish line (crucial in deciding which races to do).
New Orleans was a crap race and I hated every minute of it. St. Croix was a fun race, as always, and a decent one compared to last year, but in no way was it the confidence boost I was looking for to know that the hard work was paying off. I needed to do a race for myself that was fun AND strong, so hopefully this weekend is my ticket. I'll be surrounded to by great friends, teammates, and family. And for the first time this year I'm excited to get out there!!
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will" - Gandhi. My will has been missing since early in the year, I'm looking forward to digging deep to find it. Bring on the pain, and good luck to everyone racing this weekend!!
New Orleans was a crap race and I hated every minute of it. St. Croix was a fun race, as always, and a decent one compared to last year, but in no way was it the confidence boost I was looking for to know that the hard work was paying off. I needed to do a race for myself that was fun AND strong, so hopefully this weekend is my ticket. I'll be surrounded to by great friends, teammates, and family. And for the first time this year I'm excited to get out there!!
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will" - Gandhi. My will has been missing since early in the year, I'm looking forward to digging deep to find it. Bring on the pain, and good luck to everyone racing this weekend!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Swimmin' like a rock
I love to complain about how bad of a swimmer I am. Every race I get out of the water baffled by the time on my watch. 'How can I be so slow when I work my arse off!?! Grr!!' - That's normally what runs through my head in T1. But, if I'm brutally honest I know exactly why those numbers don't diminish over time. The proof is in the pudding, and this week I've had my taste.
Guess how many times I made it to the pool in the past week? One time, and I didn't even get to swim, there was a meet going on... so zero times! I made it to the river for a few swims, the quarry, and I even got in the dirty ol' channel, but how many times did I get in the pool... goose egg. Long and slow seems to work just fine in my book, yet it I never fail to be perplexed that I can't swim fast in a race.
I love to throw up a lung when I ride and run, but for some reason I can't do it in the pool! How do you swimmers not rip your eyeballs out from the boredom? I know I need to suck it up and get it done, after all the only way to become a better swimmer is to, well, swim.
I have a race next week. My last two races were pretty uneventful, and this is a fast course, so I'm looking for a good confidence boost - just racing against myself and the clock. A swimmer friend told me he swims a bit everyday leading up to a race, so I'll try the strategy. Starting Monday (that's not an excuse to have the weekend off, that's because no pool in the city is open this weekend!) I'll swim everyday. It's a silly little goal, as that's only five days, but for me it's a toughy. So bring on the green hair and that sexy chlorine smell, I'm gonna learn to swim!
Guess how many times I made it to the pool in the past week? One time, and I didn't even get to swim, there was a meet going on... so zero times! I made it to the river for a few swims, the quarry, and I even got in the dirty ol' channel, but how many times did I get in the pool... goose egg. Long and slow seems to work just fine in my book, yet it I never fail to be perplexed that I can't swim fast in a race.
I love to throw up a lung when I ride and run, but for some reason I can't do it in the pool! How do you swimmers not rip your eyeballs out from the boredom? I know I need to suck it up and get it done, after all the only way to become a better swimmer is to, well, swim.
I have a race next week. My last two races were pretty uneventful, and this is a fast course, so I'm looking for a good confidence boost - just racing against myself and the clock. A swimmer friend told me he swims a bit everyday leading up to a race, so I'll try the strategy. Starting Monday (that's not an excuse to have the weekend off, that's because no pool in the city is open this weekend!) I'll swim everyday. It's a silly little goal, as that's only five days, but for me it's a toughy. So bring on the green hair and that sexy chlorine smell, I'm gonna learn to swim!
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