Endurance Junkie

January in a Nut-Shell

2012-02-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

January in the nut-shell

It's a been a busy few weeks.

School-week 5 is beginning that means the first round of exams begins. oh goody. Cycling product will start to arrive for the single leg protocol taking place

Training- high high volume with lower intensity. This past week I got in 22.5 hours.
Work-awesomeness

RAAM Bicycle Dreams movie was pretty cool up in CLE Heights..The RAAM CLE seminar went well this past weekend. George Thomas-RAAM race director knows how to party like a rock star..

Life is Good.

January..Spring?

2012-01-23T18:21:00.001-05:00

Cleveland actually feels warm lately...Oh and the sun decided to make an appearance..1 hour later-crazy storm occurs...1 hour later the temperature drops by 20 degrees. Just crazy.

January has been hectic and busy but good by all means.

Last weekend was the Run for Regis trail half-marathon which turned into a 8 mile chill jog + 5 mile hike after a mild ankle sprain. Quite an enjoyable day with friends :)

Some serious time has been spent in the gym and on the bike indoor and outdoors!

This Thursday Bicycle Dreams makes its way to Cleveland Heights for a viewing that benefits local youth programs...February 3-4 is the CLE RAAM Seminar....and I am assisting in an attempt to find 36 cyclist to assist with the Cleveland Marathon hand cycle & wheel chair division. If anyone has questions, send me an email at sharpe1@kent.edu

The first race of the year appears to be Barry-Roubaix in MI...Unfortunately I won't be at Calvin's Challenge this year...I technically 'walk' that day for graduation.

That's it for now.

Trainer Time

2012-01-06T22:13:00.001-05:00

Trainer Time!

Map My Workout

2012-01-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

For 2012 I am trying to give map my workout/garmin uploads another chance...I hope syncing the calendar with my upcoming workouts with my normal calendar agenda makes things easy. Time will tell

The RAAM countdown is T-minus 170 something days. Let the training and lack-of-free-time & a social-life-begin! In all honestly I love it but like anything it can have its challenges.

New Years day was a good start to the year. Monday was a rest day given the heavy week of hours the week prior. Tuesday began with a gym workout including sub-max lower body lifting, core strength work, and some plyometrics. Finished the workout with some work on the bike (trainer) for a hour. The kicker is leg press left my with a sore ass!

Wednesday I took advantage of the day off and began with a pilates workout at Bodywave Pilates. At noon I went to Ray's Indoor MTB for a few more hours of fun...In the evening I met up with a friend for one fun zumba class-throw in some shoulder, bicep, and triceps work-I feel like I earned my nap today.

Today was a long but steady trainer ride. 4 hours later...and some oatmeal with peanut butter, cous cous, sweet potato, 2 gu chomp packets.....and made one bad ass chicken sausage stir fry for dinner.

I haven't posted any videos lately...Check out the Lifecycle Video. Makes you enjoy getting lost a little

Tomorrow the plan is to get in 1:30-2:30 on the trainer...Gotta love snow-though hopefully I'll get an early start at the gym-lower body lifting, core strength, and some TRX

Starting the New Year Right

2012-01-02T20:51:00.002-05:00

Started January 1st with a 4 mile road run in CVNP and continued with a 40 miles on the bike-unfortunately on the trainer. I wussed out with the high wind advisory & decided watching a movie was the way to go.

Preparation for RAAM is on the right track. I am even keeping a trip to New Mexico in the cards in May for GIRO. Why not? I can't think of a better way to spend undergrad graduation.

School starts back up next Monday...In rush to take the ACSM & GRE to get it out the way.

...Maybe I'll even put my laptop away to hop on the trainer tonight...I have a lot of work to keep up with last years mileage!

Happy New Year People

Sara

Year In Review

2011-12-30T01:31:00.002-05:00

Every year since age four my parents write a Christmas card to family and friends. This is my version. Not one to send snail mail and since I start this whole thing to keep in touch with friends and family before facebook was practically existed here is my year in review. Typos runons n all.

The older I get it seems like time somehow manages to fly by a little faster each year...
2011 didn't disappoint and was quite eventful...Started with a broken nose where I skillfully deviated my own septum~takes mad skillz people..school, volunteering and RAAM training took over what was left of my average college lifestyle...Dude: "Yo you drinkin tonight?!" Me: "Ah...na sorry. I have a 6am training ride.< insert ( awkward silence via phone call or convo in person )... Me: Then I will drink my protein drink." What took over was RAAM. I am still trying to come up with a funny acronym for it. It cannot be summed up in a word-sentence-paragraph-anything that is, unless you experience it yourself. I was excited for the cause-doing something I enjoy for something meaningful and made a positive impact to others. Along the way I guess I hoped to find out why I want to do such things. It leaves you feeling chewed up and spit out -yet- wanting more of it. I spent the the remaining part of the summer like most people working & the day-to-day activities and burying myself on the bike for two months.Then mid-October hit... " I knew I was in the best shape ever once I was out of shape." I guess I new found love of microbrews has not exactly helped me there...School and work were first. It still astounds me though how if you truly give your body a rest just how well you bounce back & everything somehow comes full circle. Started the year with a fracture and I had x-rays to show I injured my wrist..I blame my "Sports ADD" for that which I apparently broke two year ago-unknowingly. When things are taken away from you or jeopardized that's when you know what's important. If you know me well, ya know my crazy dog Bella is my sidekick. Christmas was put into perspective when she began ill starting destroying a 5 hour energy drink and Advil...wanted to copy me? Anyway she like many of my dogs growing up through the years has multiple lives and bounced back and is doing fine now. Even my hazmat-gonna check the hep-bumper stickers holding it together car is still kickin. I even managed to temporarily break my driver's side door yesterday.
As 2012 approaches-it has a lot to live up to~B.S in Exercise Science @ KSU~RAAM 2012~new car?~GRAD SCHOOL-big bro getting married, I am ready and looking forward to it.

You may have caught on in my earlier December posts that I was closing in on 19k for all outdoor and indoor riding this year. A quite meaningless accomplishment to most but to me I'm pretty happy. Finished this evening-unfortunately on the trainer-it was one of the better trainer rides I've had to my surprise.

Hope the holidays have treated all of you well. I wish you a safe and healthy new year.

Sara

Bmx Video-Redline Cup-Weekly Workouts

2011-12-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

Drew Bezanson on Vimeo is a great watch. It makes me feel like my trips to Ray's MTB Park pretty weak after watching this!

Since we're talking BMX...ABA BMX has released the lineup for Redline Cup
I am attempting to add these race to the schedule-
February 19: Dayton Indoor BMX (Dayton, OH)
April 15: 4130 BMX Park (Canton, OH)
May 27: Hazelton City View BMX (Hazelton, PA)
July 15: Lebanon BMX (Lebanon, PA)
July 21: Winchester (Winchester, VA)*

Back to those weekly workouts..
Monday I got in a great gym workout in the morning hours. Solid 3 hours between cross-training, intervals on a spin bike, running intervals, and some upper body lifting.
Tuesday began with 1hr gym session. Once I got out of work, I was extremely fatigued. Ended up skipping the SBR Ride+Workout Spin to chill and rest.

Wednesday (today) I was a high intensity spin class followed by a weight session~ 2.5hrs
Mileage is up to 18,669 miles. 331 TO GO
This weekend I have more long rides planned:
Friday 11am-4pm in CVNP
Sunday 9am-2/3pm in CVNP

Misery loves company. If you like a slow numbing pain of winter rides, come join the fun.

Above is an example of bike hoarding...Left to right (1) Cervelo S3 road bike (2) Intense XL Expert BMX race bike (3) Single Speed Park Shamrock MTB (4) Gary Fisher HiFi 65 Deluxe (5) Motobecane Fantom CX. Missing: old school antique rides and my trust rusty Raleigh Cadent 1.0 "the winter road ride."

Bikes in the Heighs- Blog Post

2011-12-12T16:34:00.003-05:00

Came across this article written by the Cleveland Heights Bike Coalition. I found it interesting and well sited so I thought I would share.

Enjoy

Cycling for the Environment

By Coalition | Published: November 21, 2011

If we were to decrease car trips by just 50%, we could save more than 1100 lives, thousands of hospital admissions, and about $7 billion dollars in health care costs (NPR Health). All just from simply not driving on trips that are within short distances (2 miles). This was one of the “take home messages” of a lecture that was given by Dr. Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, Professor & Director of Global Environmental Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
this past Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the Natural History Museum. As a lead author for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he offered insights into the connection between climate change, its consequences and how an environmental friendly behavior can benefit the health of each individual.
Climate change and it’s associated dangers such as more extreme weather patterns including increased flooding and hotter and longer heat waves, increased crop failure, and the re-emergence of certain diseases we thought we had conquered (such as Malaria and Tuberculosis) are a scary and an ever more present reality . In Cleveland, we are not in a ‘danger’ area, yet we have seen a past year of record rain fall, as it flooded our outdated storm water/sewer infrastructure and poured dangerous bacteria into our lake. Climate Change doesn’t necessarily mean hotter temperatures, but rather more extreme weather conditions which will stress our already existing infrastructure.
Dr. Patz, though, stressed the opportunities available for a bleak future. Always, climate change is described by it’s detrimental effects, but also the stress on society and the economy any kind of regulations might have. But, we have yet to look at the public health benefits of changing our habits and improving our environments. After Dr. Patz had brought us together to see our collective depressing future, he showed an uplifting plan, to both combat climate change and also change ourselves in the process from the land of the obese, to the land of the clean skies and clean lungs.
There are a few simple things we can do in our daily life to combat climate change, and also increase the livability of our environments. The idea of the 2 Mile Challenge has been gaining attention in recent years (that trips under 2 miles should be made by bike, or foot, or public transportation). This simple change in our daily lives would help to combat not only obesity and improve personal health, but it would also improve the air quality and lessen green house gas emissions in our cities.

So as biker’s probably we already try to make short trips by bike or by walking. What else can we do? Encourage city officials to implement complete streets, which will help biker’s and pedestrians feel safer in their travels and will help to make car drivers more aware of other forms of transportation. And you can attend Bike Coalition Events to help create a strong, vibrant community of bikers. Even if we just make bike trips in the summer months, we can still dramatically increase our own health benefits, and our fellow citizens health. Also, check out our list of maps to aid you in your local bike trips

More lectures on climate change being curated by ‘Green City Blue Lake’ for the Natural History Museum in the upcoming weeks.

Winter Break. The Hunt Continues

2011-12-11T13:58:00.001-05:00

Friday began my unofficial start to winter break...Still one more online final to finish technically.
That means the next 4 weeks is all about getting in some miles, working, the holidays, and catching up on certifications that will expire in the spring.

I got a good start today. Registered to sign-up and take the GRE one last time in January and taking care of a few more certifications.

Pretty busy weekend celebrating an early Christmas...Lucky for me I was able to get in out to enjoy the sunshine. Got in 101 Saturday and 44 on Sunday.

18,494 + 145 = 18,639 ...getting close!

Now to the gym

The hunt for 19,000

2011-12-07T23:36:00.001-05:00

Alright so as I should have been studying in the past few days I've tallied up my mileage to date since January 1st...
Road miles-10,184~
Trainer/Spin miles-8,245~ + 65miles

Total = 18,494

19,000-18,494 leaves 506 miles to go in 23 days.

If I teach a 1hr long spin, I generally consider it as 15mile workout factoring in the warm-up/cool-down..*I was asked after my last post. I try to factor in HR zone with precieved effort as the real indicator.

It's funny how something so small helps to motivate-

Workouts:
Mon Dec 5: evening spin class/light strength workout
Tue Dec 6: SBR spin workout class
Wed Dec 7: taught 3 spin classes.
...Thursday is a rest day

Long rides planned for Saturday and Sunday. Get ahold of me if you wanna join.
4-6 hours at a chill pace

SBR-Barry Roubaix-PAC Tour

2011-12-06T10:36:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday was the Snakebite Racing holiday party...great evening catching up with friends, food, and a year in review...Getting ready for next season!

A few months ago, Cassie told me about the McSweeney Scholarship opportunity. The scholarship covers training for a week in Northern Arizona in the PAC Tour. Keep it in mind for next season!

Recently added to my race schedule is the Barry Roubaix in late March up in good ole Michigan.
I had planned on attending last year but life happens and I did not make it. This year- it's a must!

...My friend Pam posted how her bikes are taking over...Check out her Blog on the list. good stuff
I might need to do my own spin off....What's happens when there's six bikes in a one bedroom apartment...

Not sure if I should be excitement or embarrassed- I reached 10,184~ miles on the road to date this year. Indoor on either the trainer/spin bike I rode an estimated 8,245~ miles to date for a grand total of 18, 429 MILES. Just 571 miles to go in 24 days...I THINK I CAN for 19,000. Can my time be better spent?

I think it's safe to say I reached my real goal out driving between two cars.

I love how at the end of every semester...my blog posts increase. Funny how that works

Sara

Bicycle Dreams to Cleveland

2011-12-06T10:27:00.001-05:00

BICYCLE DREAMS, AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT RACE ACROSS AMERICA, COMING TO CLEVELAND ON JANUARY 26

Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America (RAAM), will premiere in Cleveland at:
Big Dog Theater in Cleveland Heights on Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m.

The screening is presented as a co-benefit for Cleveland Bikes and the Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition.

Bicycle Dreams also has been named one of the top 10 adventure films of all time by both The Matador Network and Playground Magazine, calling it the best bicycle film since “Breaking Away.”
Tickets will be $11 in advance and $15 at the door the night of the show. To purchase advance tickets, order online at www.imathlete.com/events/bicycledreams.
The Big Dog Theater is located on the second floor of the historic Centrum in the Coventry Village Arts District.

For more information on the film, go to www.bicycledreamsmovie.com or visit us on Facebook.
Media contact: Garry Harrington 603-209-5010 gharrington3165

I'll be speaking/ Q&A with other RAAM Veterans after the showing!

Back to Conditioning

2011-11-29T17:22:00.001-05:00

Mon Nov 28: Taught Spin/ Chest N Back Weight lifting/Strength Conditioning ~3 hr gym session
Tues Nov 29: Spin class/Strength/ Biceps,shoulders,triceps weight lifting ~ 2.5 hr gym session
Wed Nov 30: Taught Spin/lower body lifting/some plyometrics/Ray's MTB session ~5 hrs
Thur Dec 1: trainer session~2 hrs
Fri Dec 2: full body weight lifting session~90 mins

Long weekend rides start officially Sunday. I am riding 4-5 hours, 7am-12pm around the CVNP.
Next week long(er) rides are tentatively scheduled for Friday 1pm-5pm; Saturday 7/8am-12pm.
Ride On.

Recap

2011-11-28T15:19:00.001-05:00

Recap:
I didn't end up making it to the Fall Classic race...life happens.
Turkey Day became Turkey week...I only had one class all week and ended up working an extra shift and picked up a few spin classes to make up for it.
Yesterday I rode the Polar Express with my cousin Gracie. I am truly 21 going on 12.

Reality:
Bad things happen in threes. Nuff said.

Races:
RAAM-Race Across America I am officially riding again in a four person relay with Team H2ope again in June 2012.
The rest of my predicted race calendar is now changing along with it.

Riding:
Lots of spin classes, Rays MTB Park on Friday night, and 4 1/2 hours riding (2 rides) on Saturday.

That's it Folks.

Those Weekly Workouts

2011-11-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

Sunday-Park Riding at Ray's
Monday-OFF
Tuesday-Taught Spin AM/ Rode Spin PM
Wednesday-Taught Spin at noon; studying on the trainer in pm...It deserves a picture. Music stand rigged up to support a textbook...and I get workout in.
Thursday-Taught Spin AM + weight session in the afternoon (here soon)

The wrist is well. eh. I am attempting to type with a brace...Lasted about 30 second but hey-that's progress!

This Sunday is the Fall Classic hosted by the Cleveland West Road Runners Club in Strongsville Mill Steam Reservation. Registration is closed for the half marathon however the 5k might be open and volunteers are always needed. I'm excited to see teammates from Kent State Running Club-Grunt Girls-Snakebite Racing guys out there! My running is so-so. Sunday will be a training run not a race be any means. I am looking forward to hitting the road in that part of town again though...The 2007 Fall Classic was my first half marathon quite awhile ago.

With all this spinning I thought I list a few songs that had a good response lately...
Mix of climbing, intervals, jumps, some sprinting...ya name it
Usher-Yeah
Magnificent Tracers-Flagpole Sitta
Ozzy Osbourne-Crazy Train
Spider Bait- Black Betty
Salt-N-Peppa- Push It
Foghat- Slow Ride
John Cougar- Hurts So Good
Foo Fighters- Best of You
Martin Solveig- Hello
DMX- Party Up
Rihanna- We Found Love
Patrick Stump- This City
Eddie Money-Take Me Home Tonight
Linkin Park- Numb
Jimmy Eat World- Pain
C C Music Factory- Gonna Make You Sweat

Just Lacks Duct Tape

2011-11-15T09:30:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday night I was testing out a new BMX ride and feeling good. After about 1 1/2 hr into my riding I dropped into a jump section. Within 5 seconds everything went wrong. I thought it was common practice to sand down screws that are painted-it helps with threading.

The bars were once perpendicular to the top tube next to handlebars came lose at the stem of the bike moving forward completely parallel to the top tube. Trying to grab the rear brake on the right-my forearm went with it. I managed to not break my radius/scalphoid (metacarpal) but some caused some other issues.

Wrist brace + tape for awhile.

In better news the 2012 calendar is slowly being updated. The 331 guys already posted the full calendar with new venues. I put in hyperlinks under the calendar for references.

Ride On.

Iceman Awesomenss

2011-11-09T19:07:00.002-05:00

I had heard about the great Iceman Cometh mountain bike race in the past so when registration opened this past March, I jumped on the opportunity to have a little fun in Trasverse City, Michigan and took a risk on the possible weather outcomes this past weekend.

Everything was awesome. The weather couldn't have been better *though I should have dressed lighter* and well they just do it up bigger in Michigan. I haven't had the best experiences mountain biking off and on this season but after pre-riding the course on Friday but afterwards I was even more stoked to race Saturday. You could have seriously raced a cyclocross bike on this course.

The weekend was even better going up with Rick and Melissa, then catching up with teammates Pam, Nancy, and Jeff post-race. Emily-sorry I missed you when you shouted on Friday-wish I had looked at my phone sooner :) Long story short, this is one race that is on the calendar for next year.

This Monday began the end of off-season and back to conditioning...
Tuesday-park riding at Ray's
Wednesday-spin class

Difficult to tell-but I'm eating mac n' cheese on the left, rick, melissa, then Jeff on the right. Good time everybody.

The Weekend Warrior

2011-10-23T21:37:00.000-04:00

It was a busy weekend for a lot of friends and teammates this weekend!

The weekend started out strong with a pilot study performing a single leg protolcol in the lab Friday afternoon which I didn't think at first would be so challenging. I was walking like I had a stick up my &%% the rest of the day...

Saturday I went down to race myself. yeah. not a typo. in the women's state cx age group of 19-22. I gave myself a challenge after almost riding into a creek on a turn around a tree shortly after my second lap. To my surprise I finished without a major crash/fall/injury. It was a race within its self. The real race was the women's non-champ race with a granteed payout (aka gas $$) that was the real fun of the day. I will never be a front of the pack cyclcross racer and I'm cool with that. It's particularly entertaining though when there's a few of us women challenging eachother in the mid-to-back field :) Thanks to Ann and Jillan for some fun in the mud. You ladies really made me work and it was worth the drive to race ya!

For a number of reasons including...waking up early, brake light on in my car, gas money, 4 hours driving and the laundry lists of excuses continues I decided to early semi-local (30 minutes) and race Sunday at Euclid, part of the NEO CX Series. More fun in the mud and switched to the MTB after 1 interested lap.
Thanks to Mike for letting me borrow a Great Race Nutrition bottle to wash out the mud I ah swallowed.

Hope y'all had fun doing whatever you do.

Next up..Halloween CYCLOCROSS
I'll add some pictures soon of this past weekends events.

Weekly Workouts-CX-Iceman

2011-10-20T18:43:00.000-04:00

Weekly Workouts
Monday-AM run, spin class, strength training routinue
Tuesday- SBR Ride+Workout
Wednesday-5mi am run, senior ex class (lower body/abs), 9mi pm run, and evening spin class
Thursday-weights and strength training

This weekend I've signed up for the state cyclocross races in Columbus preparation for ICEMAN in 2 weeks...Rick, Melissa and I are pumped for ready for an awesome weekend in the beautiful T City, Michigan.
If I can manage to study for this dreaded Organic Chemistry Exam on Tuesday, then I will be racing both CX races Saturday and Sunday.

Want S' More

2011-10-17T18:24:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the first annual Grunt Girl Racing S'more 5k Race at Harry London Chocolates in Canton where the proceeds benefited a no-kill animal shelter. It was a success!! Over 200 runners showed up to run in my opinion the most well-organized first annual 5k event I've ever seen. Way to go Diana and Kate for putting this one together. Jen, Christa, Gabe, and myself were particular awesome in our s'more costumes..Great time guys!

4130 BMX Park grand opening was this weekend as well! I raced in my first ever indoor dirt bmx track race and I'm sure it won't be my last. Quite an experience...It's nice to try something new

Sunday morning I felt surprisingly accomplished after finishing the GRE Exam. I think I did well? I never know this those standard exams..Tricky

Last Monday was the official start of really training again. I enjoyed the time off but if I don't get off the couch I feel as if I will never stop watching The Kardashians Crap. Its eh entertaining enough to where I can't turn the channel and I can't get up but I HATE IT.

Last Week's Workouts:
Monday-gym session
Tuesday-Ride + Workout SBR Ride
Wednesday-gym and trainer workout
Thursday-Ray's MTB Park
Friday-7 miler on the trails CVNP
Saturday- S'more 5k, BMX Park, trails
Sunday-Sleep.

Monday (10/17)-5mi am run and this evening 8 miles (if I don't die) after my gym sessions spinning, upper body lifting and my strength training routine.

In other news I keep signing up for races..running races. Gonna see how long it takes before I seriously injury myself.

Tentative Schedule...Seeking Motivation

2011-10-03T12:22:00.001-04:00

Tentative 2011 Race Schedule

Sat Oct 15-16 4130 BMX Park Grand Opening
Sat Oct 15 S'more 5k
Sat  Oct 22 Ohio State Women 19-22 race
Sat Oct 22 Ohio State Women's 3/4 non-championchip race
Sun Oct 23 Ohio State Woemn's 3/4 championchip race
Sat Oct 29 Chagrin River Cyclocross (costume day)
Sun Nov 5 Iceman Cometh
Sun Nov 13 Wendy Park Cyclcross #2
Sun Nov 20 Fall Class Half Marathon
Sat Dec 3 Reindeer Run

Tentative 2012 Race Schedule
Sun Jan 15 Run For Regis 50k

Sun April 10 Tour of the Battenkill

Thurs July 7 The Bear 5 Miler
Fri     July 8 Metric Century Road Time Trial
Sat    July 9 Grandfather Mountain Marathon

July 28-29

This Sunday I went to go watch and help out Snakebite Racing with the cyclocross race. I gave into peer pressure and the promise of a beer if I 'raced'. Racing really consisted of carrying the bike almost as much as riding. I did enjoy it though...complete mud fest. It was worth the beer. Great job everyone

Once I recover from the crazy weekend, I am going to get on the training schedule...

Training?

2011-09-27T22:13:00.001-04:00

So I fell off the boat. the horse. however that saying goes.

I haven't been to the gym in awhile.

I rode my road bike to work and to campus maybe 4 miles total yesterday. I don't even remember when it rode it last....the psi of the tires..dare i say dropped down to 40?! Yeah, that bad.

Due to a minor hip injury, I have been cycling with the ksu running club..It's also easier to make sure people don't: get lost, run too far, play frogger with cars, and attempt to stay safe.

I didn't mind the time off though. I came off of hard training for ADR that didn't happen. Since then well, I've been a little 'lost'. It's pretty bad that I invest so much of myself into something such as training to the point where I don't know what to do now that my last big race of the year has disappeared.

Hopefully next week I can get things under control again and back into a rhythm...so begins the high-intensity workouts again. I have learned over and over again this year that endurance training will not transfer to high-intensity so naturally. It is challenging to accept however.

Anyway-I attempted to start looking at future races and even into next year. Hopefully that'll help me get back into 'it'.

Sara

Wendy CX

2011-09-19T19:51:00.000-04:00

This weekend plans changed and Adirondack didn't happen as hoped. Since I was in town I rode West Branch State Park on Saturday for some fun. On Sunday I made it up to Wendy Park-Whiskey Island for the NEO CX race by the afternoon.

I've never been to the Wendy Park race in past years..I have been missing out. Spin did an awesome job hosting the event, set up some sweet logs under the main tent, music was blasting, and there was beer! and whiskey!

Now I know why I always come back for more torture on the cx bike. Nothing better than it really.

Picture by M. Gala

I'll be racing more cross this year than I orginally thought. See ya out there.

ADR Around the Corner..

2011-08-26T22:28:00.000-04:00

September 16 is the beginning of the fun known as adirondack 540 in upstate NY. Training has been so-so as my work schedule sometimes feels like it might kill me. I even worked at all 3 part timers today...I'm able to ride around 15 hours a week making them count and my running has increased to about 7 hours a week. I haven't increased running mileage quite like I have recently and its taking its toll.

Sunday though we be my second running race of the year- Cleveland's West Road Runners Club 10k Interclub Challenge at Hinkley...KSU Running Club is representing,

Monday I start my final year here at Kent. By May I'll be ready to move out of the state...well at least I think. North Carolina sounds so good right now. I actually started studying before the first day of classes. It's weird how motivation can do that sometimes.

Manatoc is coming up soon too. I'll be riding as much as possible..soaking up time on 'forebidden trails'

That's All-

Nothin Too Excitin

2011-08-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

I get now ready to admit I am ready for school. I don't know if its the fact that I am starting my last year of school (senior-undergrad) at Kent State or that I am one year closer to moving.

Last weekends trip to App State was awesome and it was now my first choice be far. Everything about the town (Boone, NC), college, and program is amazing. I was totally blown away. I mean when I went to Colorado and i was expecting the typical 'colorado' town and then got to Greeley 'more like cow town' Colorado. I guess I didn't have overwhelming high expectations for Boone. Get this-people ACTUALLY like the college sport teams at Appalachian State...go figure...Kent-Hah!

The trip was exactly what I needed to get back into the swing of things. Motivation is a wonderful thing. I already have my notebooks, binders, and folders purchased, labeled, and of course organized courses by different colors. I even put in an order for my books today...The kicker: I even started reading a text book...for fun?! Ah.. I hope I feel the same way in 2+/15weeks of the fall semester!

I took a break off the bike for a few days. Felt pretty good. 1 session running and 1 session in the gym that's it. I needed it too. I never quite realize it until I'm tired as hell.

Yesterday my legs didn't know what was going on when 'attempted' intervals took place....Cheeze-its prior to riding well it wasn't my smartest decision ever either.

Yesterday began the 360/400 wk on a weak note. It started good with a morning gym workout that I'm feeling today with a short run. I had planned for 2-3hours out at West Branch but I wasn't thinking when I packed up my gear. No spare tubes = 15min ride, 20 min walk back to the car, 20 min drive home pissed off...at myself.

Tonight the plan is 4 hours followed by 1 hr strength & conditioning. Tomorrow morning I will probably want to kill myself with what I have planned.. 2mile run to gym-1hr -2mile run home- 2 hours on the bike...its an easy ride though? hah!!!!! Normally I would atleast break it up but theres only so much I can do. Knowing that the weekend is shot as I will be in Chicago.

The End.

Ain't Too Cool For School

2011-08-02T11:46:00.000-04:00

Things are going well these days...
This week I have been researching graduate programs for after next May and finishing up some scholarship forms for this fall semester. The new job at Tannery begins mid-August...I will also begin working in the Ex. Phys. Lab soon with some new equipment for sport performance and vascular studies.

Grad Schools
Thursday, August 4-Sunday, August 7- My Mom and I are making a trip down to North Carolina to visit Appalachian State. Their Exercise Science Graduate Program is rated among top in the country. If I get in-its my number one choice..Of course I am going to bring the Cervelo down with me...

Also on the list is Colorado State, University of Denver @ Boulder so far. Kent has a great program but I feel this overwhelming need to leave Ohio for a few years. I miss Colorado and Appalachian State has everything I want and need on paper.

Workouts
I took Tuesday off this week and not only did I rest but I slept...for 16 hours. For an insomniac well I was
thrilled.
Wednesday: 74miles
Thursday: strength/conditioning workout in the gym
Friday: I got to check out the Doppler equipment in the Ex Phys lab after work...Cool stuff.

My Body Tells Me No

2011-07-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

When you least expect it things turn around for the better. I guess I got enough fluids and rest after Saturday's ride and I was ready to tackle Sunday's ride...mentally. After a few miles of a spin warm-up, I wanted and knew I had to push it. If back-to-back centuries were easy-especially in the heat- people would do them all the time right?

So I listened to this: Young the Giant-My Body Tells Me No But I Don't Quit

Saturdays stats: 15+ major climbs in CVNP. I'll try to map it out later this week. I was ready to call it quits. Took a break...ran some errands. Then went back to redeem myself with a quick 15 more miles to steels corners and back. I was down and out for the count. 80.6mi + 15.2mi = 95.8 mi

Sunday: I got started riding at 9:50am. Took a break then met up with the guys around 11:15. Started strong with so-so legs then fatigue hit soon after.I slept in and met Cassie and Mike on the hike n bike as we went back through Kent then down to the out skirts of Hartville. We took Sandy Lake-Powermill-Summit eventually on the way home. We picked up the hike n bike at Judson to Truxell. Afterwards I made to Kent after a crazy route then went out to Lake Rockwell (northbound). After I hit 85miles my legs wanted to quit. Anyway-I hit the magic 100 mark with 104mi for the day.

I had planned to stop at the Hartville Cafe. Like usual I was 'just a little lost'. On any major rides these days I plan them around really really good food...More motivation. Like riding to the Labella Cupcakes in Lakewood or Michael Symon's great creation of B Spot Burgers which has a location in Strongsville. In Berea, Tree Hugger's Cafe always has me coming back for more. I have family in North Canton...stopping at Country Cones down the street for the best ice cream creations and coney dogs plus a country ride down makes it worth it. Everyone needs a little extrinsic motivation...mine just happens to be food. If you end up going on a 70+ mi ride-you should be able to eat whatever you want!

Last Weeks Workout:
July 18 Mon-3mi night run +gym workout + 15mi bike
July 19 Tues-128-130mi attempted Columbus route turned Kent-Wooster (ish)-Sville-Kent
July 20 Wed-1hr at Reagan on MTB
July 21 Thurs-hills day Everett-Oak Hill-Ira-Everett-Oak Hill-Ira-Everett-DIED ON OAK HILL...40 ish-no computer..battery died
July 22 Fri-2mi night run
July 23 Sat-80 climbs + 15 easy
July 24 Sun 104mi

393mi on bike/5mi running/1 gym workout

Monday: Today's workout at the gym was at a much slower pace.
Total upper body lifting, and core...Throw in some yard work afterwards and well...not so much of a rest day. Tomorrow's ride I think will be easier than first planned.

Weather is Tricky Sometimes

2011-07-23T22:12:00.000-04:00

TdF. Unless you live under rock you have seen/heard/talked about the Tour De France this year. I haven't watched this much television since recovering from an injury in the high school days...I am hooked.
Well today was the time trial stage. Good stuff. I'll leave it at that...I don't wanna spoil it

Weather is tricky sometimes. It changes things causing unforeseen events.

The 'plan' this week so to do back-to-back climbing days. Friday was supposed to be the warm-up but due to the weather, I switched Thursday and Friday workouts. My night running is improving. Once again by 4am I found myself awake and my legs stirring as I ran out into the darkness. There's something oddly peaceful about pitch black darkness. There is also no better way to wake up for work that begins at 6am.

Friday I bounced around town for odd end jobs but I found time of course for Christmas in July at the lovely Winking Lizard in Peninsula. I was told they were out of my beloved Christmas Ale...I went to meet up with some Grunt Girls but this was my motivation in stead of walking to my own fridge. Settled for a nice Belgium Ale in the end.

Saturday's weather/humidity totally and without a doubt kicked my arse. I got a later start than planned after the morning rain that passed by. Eventually I got out on the road. After 85-I had enough...I ended up doing some yardwork orginally planned on Monday to clear time for a quick ride possibly on Monday..Sunday will be the repeat and then some to ride hard when fatigued. I think the real challenge is mentally. Riding is always fun to me but some days I would rather be...sleeping...watching t.v. etc. So tomorrow well maybe one ear bud of music plus meeting up with Cassie and another dude for riding will help me find that motivation.

Next week I have an easier week....Throwing in some of my night runs too I'm sure
Monday I'll be in the gym
Tuesday toss up-Thorn MTB or easy ride on the west side through the parkway
Wednesday: Gym-MTB
Thursday: road ride
Friday: west side ride
Saturday: off
Sunday: evening ride

Part Time Work Equal Full Time Fun

2011-07-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

Well it's no secret I don't know how to sit still or really "take it easy". However after two months now of working part-time and one summer course behind me I am starting to get used to this lifestyle.

Today I planned this crazy route from Kent down to my future sister-in-law's place in Columbus. Sometimes it would be nice to actually GO somewhere when I have to put in a lot of miles. I like to explore and why not with 2 weekdays off in a row it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Unfortunately with the hours of storms last night several roads that were apart of my route were closed due to water, construction, or I simply took a wrong turn. After an additional 25 miles onto a planned 180 mile route and only between Wooster and Canton by 10:30am-I had to call it a day to turn around. With three major reroutes, one wrong turn, dodging sand/gravel/rocks washed up from the storm, and almost riding onto the Waterloo East 224 ramp it was a taste of RAAM all over again.

I wouldn't have made it down to Columbus till about 9pm if I actually stayed on pace. My parent's basement flooded too and well I had to go take care of that. Off to Strongsville I went! I gotta say I didn't exactly mind the change in route once I stopped at McD's for pancakes and a ice cone...Don't judge me.

Once in Strongsville -washed and dry on the kit before tackling the basement from hell..I even watched the full TDF today with an hour nap before hitting the road back to Kent today. My life is hard...I wasn't totally off on miles today either. Just under 130 miles today.

Heads up-I'm not sure how long Barr Rd has been under construction but I had an interesting ride on it before being to cut over to Snowville Rd on the way home.. Traffic was a little crazy with the Jimmy Buffet concert tonight. I don't think I've ever seen so many party buses in my life... I even met some cool people on the hike n bike on the way home.

Between now and mid-August I will do the planned Kent-Columbus route...Hopefully not solo this time. I will also buy a real map...By that I mean not one that has Ohio-WV...I couldn't read crap. Maybe I'll work on actually reading maps too...That would help I'm sure. If you want in-come join the cool kids and ride on the weekday....

Since well...I have another day off tomorrow....I think I might go down to Wooster from the Ville well that's just an idea. I was going to meet my mom in Amish country tomorrow via bike to buy cheese to my heart's desire. She's hooked on Amish made furniture so it works out well. If that doesn't happen I think I'll end up at Reagan Park for some much needed time on the mountain bike. It pathetic how little I have actually been on single track this season. I've hopped on the towpath quite a few times for some chill recovery rides but that just doesn't do it. Through in the next stage of the TDF and some chill time by the pool and its a good day.

Thursday I'll be off the bike but Friday-Sunday will be all kinds of fun. 250 miles. Moderate pace focusing on climbs, climbs, oh yeah and more climbs out of the CVNP. It'll be like my own version of the death ride. Cassie said she's in for some and Andre said he might join...It all starts Friday around 3pm. All repeat all weekend long! Sounds like fun right?

Okay so picture time. Alen snapped this one from the start of RAAM. I thought it was cool...George Thomas shaking Andre Husain's hand, Alex Galindo next to him, and I'm on the far left side with the bright sunglasses..

BMX in the future and Adirondack 540 is a GO

2011-07-15T16:51:00.001-04:00

Wednesday was good. A few miles of what I had planned but a good ride none the less.
Thursday evening I went out to the Akron BMX night at Derby Downs. I see a full face moto helmet and some fun on the 20" in the future

Friday in early morning I joined Cassie for a nice ride. Not too much but enough. Sure my legs feel it which is the point and to bury myself tomorrow at Vulture's Knob. I will learn how to ride even when I am fatigued as hell. Here's the plan for the course: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/41585484/?open_ive_done=1. We ended up riding in and out of Kent and eventually got on the hike n bike off of Hudson Rd for a nice ride. Probably next Thursday/Friday I'll try the route above.

Saturday I will stop at the Buckeye 50k to cheer my friends on before driving down to Wooster for some real fun for a hot afternoon mountain bike endurance race.

Adirondack 540. Its official. Andre and I are racing the 2-man team and want to break the record of 42H:34M set in 2009. Now its time to plan the logistics of that trip. Hopefully my professors wont be me being MIA for 2 days...

On a side note: The Kent State Running Club is getting back together starting Monday, August 15 at 6 PM at the student center. All undergraduate, graduate, staff and faculty are welcome. The group has runners of all ability levels and runs are modified depending on what the group decides to run. Email me at sharpe1@kent.edu if your in kent and would like to run. Also check out http://kentstaterunningclub.blogspot.com/.

I am also looking for old bikes to be donated to the Freedom House in Kent (http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/09/freedom_house_shelter_for_home.html). Cycling is a great way to keep them active and it also vital for transportation to and from work. If you have old bike parts, bikes, or time to donate to help out. Please email me at sharpe1@kent.edu. Instead to pitching that bike that is never used in the garage reuse and recycle it and put it to good use.

Training

2011-07-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Monday 11
Training for Adirondack 540-Gallop begins today. I have just 66 days to do work. The course profile of the race consists 7500ft of climbing in 1 lap alone.

Lucky for me the fall semester does not begin until August 29. Once week 2 rolls around I will be tapering. The timing could not be better as I have too much time on my hands right now in good ole Kent.

I even planned a route today to take me from Kent-Columbus then back the next day. I plan on doing it next Tuesday and Wednesday
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/40978336/?open_ive_done=1

I am still working on that transition on back to normal. My eating habits are crazy enough for its own TLC show...no new news that my sleep is well almost nonexistant so I started back up on my 'night' rides! I feel safer in Kent in the summer than during the traditional school year.

Information on the Ohio RAAM Qualifer is now online as well. October 7-9 will be a fun weekend indeed
http://www.raamchallenge.com/rs/index.php?N_webcat_id=286

This weeks plan so far
Monday, July 11
Monday: 15mi 'night' ride + yoga
Tuesday: 7am-10pm 40miles with Andrea and Diana in CVNP + evening jaunt on the bicycle
Wednesday: UB lifting & 4pm-9pm-80miles commute to GGR workout then home
Thursday: ..depends
Friday: 11am ride 50miler ride with Cassie towards Alliance

Saturday is 331 racing's Vultures Knob MTB Enduro race starting at 1pm. Beforehand I will be at the Boston Store cheering on my girls at the Buckeye 50k!

New Direction

2011-07-08T13:07:00.001-04:00

After devoting what seemed to be the last six months of my life to RAAM for training, fundraising, sending out so many Facebook blasts people blocked me from news feed (it's okay I might have too), conference calls, and so much more I did not know how what kind of impression I would have of endurance cycling.

Weeks later- and I don't think there is anything greater than it. I am more in love with cycling than ever before and ready for new challenges. So is Team Hope as we begin planning for 2012 RACE ACROSS AMERICA. No details yet but we will be coming back BIGGER, BETTER & UNCUT! ..eh (yep Southpark reference)

I will be focusing on endurance races for the remainder of the season following the TOV-Tour of the Valley and a few local MTB races. I will begin focusing on training for the Adirondack.

Adirondack is known for its solo 544mile 4-lap race on September 16-18.
They also have a 3-lap 408mi Gallop race which I plan to race. Option 2 Possibly joining one of my Team Hope teammates-Alex or Andre in a 2-person 544mi race,
The race takes place in NY around Lake Placid. The course profile screams torture and I cannot wait. http://www.adkultracycling.com/adk540/images/profile.jpg

I will pass on most of cyclocross season.

In early November I will be up in T-City for Iceman.

Mid-November there is a RAAM Qualifier endurance race in Daytona Beach-highly doubt it but it got my attention when Andre mentioned it.

That's all folks.

I'll be out at the races but most likely just cheering you on.
Now its TOUR OF THE VALLEY TIME!

Weekend OFF

2011-07-05T18:58:00.000-04:00

Weekend OFF
I had some plans for mountain biking, trail running, and going to the Twin Sizzler. I passed on it all and actually relaxed?
Easy ride in the valley...Drive-in movie...Kent Heritage Festival..Cleveland Indians game on the 4th. Doesn't get much better than that :)

The good thing is...rest helps the respiratory.

Training ride planned for tomorrow night.
TOV TT is a maybe-to-yes this upcoming Friday night...
Depending on how I feel I might do the road race on Saturday and criterium on Sunday.

Next weekend is the Vulture's Knob Enduro. I will probably be there on July 16.
The Lakewood Criterium is scheduled for July 30 for a mid-afternoon race.

2011-07-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

Now that RAAM is over I should be resting...that has never been an easy thing for me.

Luckily I am four days into a steroid and antibiotic to combat a respiratory issue. Breathing is getting better and I am coughing less. Too stubborn to sit and rest, I have gotten in two chill rides and two light sessions at the gym.
Yesterday The Strongsville Post, today The Sun Newspaper is interviewing Diana, Trish, Andre, and I about RAAM so we can bring awareness to Blue Planet Network and Drink Local Drink Tap-our cause for the 7 days, 21 hours, 31 minutes bike race.
This evening Trish and I are attending a benefit for Drink Local Drink Tap out at Pug Mahones in Lakewood. Here's some information about the event!

TO AFRICA we go for 1 month to FILM and get the water committee and last preplanned stages finished to GET THESE 700 students and 2,500 families water....Bring your love and smiles, have a drink, order some food and spend a few hours with us before we depart the first week of July! If you can’t make it, please considering donating at http://www.drinklocaldrinktap.org/ and sign up for email alerts at www.farflungtravels.com to follow us on our journey.

This weekend I plan on trying to take it easy-well kind of :)

Saturday: I might do a lap or two at West Branch to get back out on the mountain bike after moving most of my gear back to Kent.

Sunday: I will be training running easy with the Grunt Girls at Sunday Red lock trail head on Vaughn Rd.
Time: 8 a.m for an out and back on the Buckeye Trail

Monday: I plan on hanging out at the Medina Twin Sizzler and snapping some pictures

Race Across America Recap

2011-06-28T12:28:00.004-04:00

Race Across America Recap

The most challenging part of all was getting to the starting line

It is hard to believe that after months of training, fundraising and preparing for a epic race of a lifetime that it is now come to an end.

The logistics of such an event is unbelievable. Four racers, 15 crew members, and 4 vehicles racing from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland is no easy feat. At times it seemed as if Murphy's law would take place-everything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Team Hope overcame all obstacles to accomplish our goal. My inspiration was knowing that we can truly make a positive impact and bring awareness to such a great cause as St. Charles School in Uganda with Blue Planet Network and Drink Local Drink Tap. This kept me pedaling day and night.

The simple things are what mean the most to me. I did get to eat my burger and fries too!

I tried to take IN-N-OUT burger sauce home with me to Cleveland. I just found out it needs to be refrigerated.

Through Utah I was having trouble with my front derailleur while climbing. I flashed back to my younger days where I would ride up and down the street making noise with my clothes pin baseball card hitting the spokes.

Somewhere in the middle of the United States I convinced our chief Kat and navigator David to blast the XM Sirius Disney radio station. We rocked out to Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and Justin Beiber for hours.

My parents helped organize letters that friends and family had sent me. After shifts I would receive a letter or two. These always kept me smiling and laughing along the way.

While in Durango, Colorado my friend Patricia George from Pittsburgh was out there with her parents! Team H2Ope had a fan club following us :)

It was so nice to see you PG!

I can now add possums to the list of animals that are trying to hit me. I had one come out on the edge of the road while in Ohio sometime in the middle of the night.

On one of our last shifts together, my teammate David said, "If your not leaving on the edge, you are taking up too much space." He's right. Life is too short not to explore and push your limits.

At time station 52 while waiting, this gentlemen with his daughters walked up to me. He said my daughters were so excited to see a girl riding. I talked with Brooke, 4, and Grace, 6, about riding bicycles with training wheels, their friend who was also named Sara, and asked them if they want to Race Across America. Right now they want to make it around the block. I told them do not let obstacles hold you back.

None of this would be possible without our wonderful crew! Kat, Ociel, Katie, Emily, Trish, Diana, Josh, Bill, Alonso, David, Nick, Shell, and Ruben. Racing my bike was the easy part. If if was not for the crew members, this would not have been possible. It was also a pleasure to race with Alex and Andre. You all are simply the best!

Experiences are what make us who we are. I will never forget this adventure or the friends I made along the way. I will cherish it forever and I am more than ready for the next challenge down the road.

I got Trish, Diana, Josh to sign up as crew members which was the hardest job of all. Trish and Diana are like big sisters who always have my back. I do not know if I would have finished if it was not for you two ladies. Thank you for everything.

RAAM COUNTDOWN!

2011-06-06T22:14:00.000-04:00

Race Across America is around the corner...June 18th!
Most of the Cleveland crew is flying out to LAX next Tuesday, June 14

Training:
Training the past few weeks has been very successful minus my bumps and bruises from Saturday at Mohican. They're healing up well though. Liquid stitches ROCK!! Sunday I was out at the Girls With Sole LULA 5K which was awesome!!! It was so great to see so many people out for such a great cause.

Time flies when your having fun and super busy...I cannot believe the race is around the corner...
The taper is in full-force too. I had a shorter ride today as I ran into Jason, Monika, Nancy, Jeff, then Michelle, Craig and the rest of the Monday night Bonnie Park running crew and chatted.

This week:
Now it's time to finish sewing on my "L" and "R" on my gloves. It's fun being directionally challenged! This week I'll be shipping out my Raleigh road bike out to California and finishing packing for RAAM!

Sunday in June Ride:
Team H2Ope will have a table of sorts at the Sunday in June ride hosted by the Cleveland Touring Club. We will be raffling off a carbon Dash Saddle and some other items as well...It's crazy the last few months Sunday nights have been team conference call nights. It's weird to think that our last one is just days away!!

I am so stoked :) This week I am taking it easy with some intervals on Wednesday...I haven't backed off in awhile so it'll be odd having some free time not worrying when I am going to squeeze in training this week.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make our upcoming RAAM experience possible. If your thinking about it, know that it is quite an undertaking but I would not change the pre-race experience for anything. It has been wonderful to be apart something greater in the big picture. I know when I'm struggling a few days in that we are racing for Blue Planet Network to help St. Charles School children in Uganda.

If you wanna know where Team H2Ope is on the route or more about why/what/how/where check out our website http://www.theteamhope.com/ and blog (check the side for the link) we will be posting updates 24/7!

P.S. Congrats to everyone this weekend at the crazy amount of races all around Ohio! From seeing pictures of the Warrior Dash...I think I'll be signing up for the next one!

Crazy Weekend

2011-05-24T23:20:00.000-04:00

The Team Hope fundraiser was a success at Bilo's Bar & Grill this past Saturday night!
Thank you everyone for the support! It truly means a lot that and to our cause of safe drinking water and Blue Planet Network!

Sunday was an interesting day...
It started out normal. In the early evening Andre, Larry, Josh, Kat, and me met up for a RAAM practice run through as we practice signs and symbols with rolling day relays and stopped night relay exchanges.

On the way home, Josh and I were shocked when a deer hit my passenger's side door. Everything is okay...well I had a minor freak out and the deer lost 2 legs I think but the car, Josh and I were fine. Once again I forgot the venison. I could have eaten for months!

The parentals tried to put me into more shock with an early (next May) graduation present. I still feel like it is a bad April Fool's day joke. I don't think I'll believe once I see the bike.

Two days of a summer class camp then its back to the real world! I really love this class though. Its called Learning to Lead. I signed up thinking it will be an easy three credit hour course but I am really learning and taking away a lot from it...I also have had permission to ride the trails and access roads out here..I'm not letting the rain ruin my week! Wellll I did slide out on a wet foot bridge = nice cherry on a right leg. As my friend said, it makes me look hardcore! Hah.

Training this week:
Mon: 90mins of interval training last night on the trainer during the lightning show
Tues: 2- 1hour mtb rides, core/strength work
Tomorrow morning I am looking at a 6am wake up for 2.5 hr session on the trainer.

This upcoming week I am going with my parents down to Cinci to visit my best big brother! We don't get to spend time with each other with our schedules. Needless to say I am excited for a 2 day semi-vacation.

That's all folks.

Cleveland Half Marathon Recap

2011-05-15T19:57:00.000-04:00

Fun run day! I started out at a faster mile split than planned and by mile 3 I knew it was time to decide whether to run hard to suffer and back it off and enjoy the run today. I backed off the pace...took random pictures with people, gave tons of high-fives, started OH-IO chants, and loved the downhill into the final turn for the finish line!!

Congrats to all my friends who ran the 10k, half-marathon, and marathon and thanks to those who were out on the course cheering~!!!

Yay for a fun day :)

Procrastinating Studying for Finals Makes Me Wanna Blog..

2011-05-04T19:42:00.000-04:00

So Tuesday I thought about bailing on the Westlake Criterium. The only thing I really like in the rain is a nice long trail run. There's something so peaceful about it. I guess I feel one of nature for a brief moment...
Anyway I sucked it up and went since I needed a detour to Sville. I know I never would have road outside otherwise. Soooo...it was a tempo ride! I had no legs. I guess I was expecting a gradual warm. Not the case. I did come home and actually finished my intervals on the trainer though! Does that count?

Wednesday-The sun appeared today. I think next winter I am investing in one of those handy dandy sun lamps. My apartment was starting to feel like a dark cave of sorts. Anyway great ride that is after I gave it to some guy who had the nerve to cut me off at Willow & Rt. 59 in Kent. I was traveling straight he turned left INTO me. Nice guy. For once I was going to keep my mouth shut and avoid the exchange of words but this Redneck rolled down his window in his truck (IS IT JUST ME OR IT IS ALWAYS SOMEONE IN A GOD DAMN TRUCK). He started to stream ignorant things and cussing me out...To put it nicely, I flipped. I sprinted down his ass to Rt. 59 and Water and gave it to him. Great warm-up! I got my heart rate and the legs ready to go and everything..20 miler outside..Getting ready to go to lift at the gym. I'll finish it off with an uneventful evening of studying on the trainer. The End.

Two more finals. I looks like I'll survive to see yet another fun semester at Kent State.

Weekend Recap & Preview

2011-05-01T18:23:00.000-04:00

Thursday night was the Team H2Ope RAAM team fundraiser in Twinsburg at Panini's Bar & Grille. We had a respectable fundraiser and I wanted to thank everyone who came out to support our team's cause on behalf of Blue Planet Network. It seriously means a lot :) Basically YOU ROCK!!

This past Friday I went down with some friends [Andre, Cassie, and Larry] to Springfield, Ohio for Calvin's Challenge to race in the 12hr TT. Sometimes things don't workout well. I had some GI issues Saturday. Conclusion-I rode on an empty stomach for 101mi then went bought a gallon of Gatorade, passed out, and came back to life. I feel like I can ride through just about anything now...Not riding at the end allowed me to crew at the end for some riders who needed a little assistance.

Cassie, Andre, Larry, and myself shacked up. I cannot remember the last time I laughed that much. I will never think of monkeys, bats, and farm puzzles the same way ever again. I think that sums it up. Thanks guys for a great weekend.

Today I was late to the start of the Vulture's Knob downhill since it was on the way to a family function. Kind of disappoint because I wasn't even allowed to just ride it. I did just one lap of the knob before I had to spilt. My lil cuz had his baptism today. His older sister got her first 'big kid' 14" Tinkerbell bike. I cannot wait to see her riding.

Tonight I am hopping on my new trainer thanks to Kevin Kimmach! I never thought being on facebook 24/7 would ever benefit me. Thanks again Kevin, I really appreciate and it will go to good use!

Weekly Workouts:
Thursday- UB lifting, 1hr quick ride
Friday-rest day
Saturday-101miles
Sunday-VK 1 lap, UB lifting, 50mi recovery-ish ride

Preview:
This upcoming week I had more free time BUT I also need to study for finals Tuesday-Friday. Tuesday night is the beginning of the Westlake Worlds Series. I might make it out there... Thursday night I will at the Crooked River Trail Runners group run. This Friday I am debating about riding out to Erie, PA from Kent since I have a duathlon at Presisle Island Saturday morning-TBD. Andre mentioned it and it sounds like a good idea.

That's all folks

Weekly Workouts

2011-04-27T10:06:00.000-04:00

So I've been asked to go back to posting up my workouts. So here it is!

21 Thurs: LB lifting + strength training, CTCR Easter Egg Run-followed by 3-all out sprint with Lee to test the legs
22 Fri: UB lifting, Openers on the bike
23 Sat: warm-up, RATL, cool down + Hudson road ride + CVNP riding + towpath MTB = ~90miles
24 Sun: 105mi on the trainer-started at 3:50am I guess..It helps not sleeping sometimes. Impromptu yoga in the afternoon
25 Mon: 2hrs-UB lifting/strength training, fast 2mile run in search of the running club..I showed up late!
26 Tues: SBR Ride+Workout spin session
(Today) 27 Wed: 1hr quick ride, mixed UB + LB lifting, 6pm run club workout

This Saturday is Calvin's Challenge in Springfield, Ohio. I am anxious to get going.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T19:26:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone had a Happy Easter!
The weather seems like it is FINALLY breaking..
Got out for some good riding this weekend. I thought I was going to fail with my goal of 200 miles some of which on the mountain bike. I had a great ice bath.. I don't yell and scream as much as Lee and Gabe :)

School Front:
School is cool but the coolness is coming to an end in TWO WEEKS. I am thankful, very thankful.

RAAM:
There are 55 days left. Training is going. I even got the whole night riding thing down. This weekend's of riding I went through: 6 clif bars, 10 clif bloks, and 14 bottles. At least those are the wrappers found in my garbage pit of a car. I sucked at RATL but I felt cool riding on my teammates Zipps 303.

This week I felt like toads were out to kill me on the bike instead of rabbits...One day the deer will get all their friends to gang up on me...I say bring it

Thursday, April 28 8pm come out to support team h2ope!

2011-04-21T10:57:00.000-04:00

Thursday, April 21, 2011Shifting Gears and Saving Lives Fundraising Event

Next Thursday, April 28 at Twinsburg Panini's from 8pm-12am Team H2Ope will be hosting our Shifting Gears and Saving Lives fundraising event!

$10 tickets pre-sale or at the door includes all-you-can-eat!

The 50/50 raffle that be will announced around 9:30-10pm.

A series of Chinese raffles will be taking place too! Here are some teasers...

(1) Barrel of Booze Barrel: over 150 dollars in liquor, beer, wine, and wine coolers! That's enough to go on a full week binge for you and all of your closest friends!

(2) Dinner at Blue Canyon Basket: Treat yourself well with some dine and wine!

(3) The College Package: AKA cheese whiz, ramen noodles, reddy whip, and some other awesome college/junk food necessities!

(4) Lotto ticket Package! Who doesn't love the chance to win the lottery?!?!?

(5) "Best Friends" Basket: My dogs are my kids..why not try to win them something special

(6) Children's Book Basket: perfect your the beginner reader in your life!

(7) Handy Dandy Basket: Perfect for the handy man in you..tools tools and more tools!!

(8) Uptown Girl Basket: Every girl needs a purse, hair styled, and nails done..

(9) Chiropractor Basket: Need your back cracked? Come on out and try to win a gift card for the best of the best here in Cleveland!

(10) Biker Dude Basket: Wanna represent Mellow Johnny's and work on those tan lines? Well we have you covered-Mellow Johnny's wool sweater and a tanning gift certificate

(11) Biker Chick Basket: Rock on a Pearl Izumi tri top, Fleet Feet Gift card, and other fun items!

(12) Food on the Go Basket: Do you like quick meals? Try win our Dairy Queen, Pizza, and sub basket!

THAT'S NOT IT.....More to come-but first our auction bidding items! These will take place just after the Chinese Raffle approx. 9:45pm

(1) Toronto Blue Jays Package: Are you a baseball and are looking for a fun weekend getaway to Canada?! Then raise your hand to bid

(2) Russian Standard Vovka: Do you want a chance to taste the best of the BEST RUSSIAN VOVKA that CANNOT be imported?? Here's your chance..and you thought Grey Goose was good.

(3)CAVS FANS EVERYWHERE: A 2010-2011 Cavs Team Autographed BASKETBALL-put those hands up and bid!

More teasers to come! It will be a great event as School Girl Crush takes the stage. Come out and support and great cause : ) Sara

Good Day

2011-04-13T10:22:00.001-04:00

Last night I was nominated for a volunteering award at Kent State University. I am shocked when I arrived to see my name listed really. I was awarded the Most Impactful Service Award and the Spirit of Service Award. I still do not know who nominated me for it. Thank you whoever you are. It was quite a honor and great to meet other like minded individuals who believed in service and giving back to the community.

Next Monday are the student organization awards-Kent State Runnin' Clubb!!

Now if I can only be motivated enough to finish this last paper...

This Sunday my teammate Larry and I are going to the Steel City Showdown Race in Pittsburgh to race on the bridges! Team Hope will have a tailgate booth selling coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and delicious baked goods where all the proceeds go to the Team H2Ope and Blue Planet Network for Race Across America!
We should be set up at 7AM so come out and say hi!

P.S. Acouple of my random bike parts are sellin'! I am just trying to get rid of em really for super super cheap. Email me if your interested in anything.

Team H2ope Video:
If you haven't a chance to watch our team video yet...Here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3T3f2Uu0vw&feature=player_embedded

April+School=Death Month

2011-04-11T17:34:00.000-04:00

April has been an interested month so far. I have been swamped with projects, papers, and everything possible it seems. Tonight I am hoping to finish up my 9th/10th papers which all have been due within a two week period of each other. I am so excited that I don't want to get started just quite yet...

The only thing that has kept me even more busy these past few weeks is preparing for RAAM!!
The team has been working hard as we approach 60 days left till the start. Saturday Andre, Larry and me went door-to-door asking businesses to donate items on behalf of our Twinsburg Fundraiser coming up on Thursday, April 28 from 8pm-12am.

I got out for my first trail ride on the shamrock bike on Sunday out at Quail Hollow for 4 quick laps before losing light. It felt great! I can't wait for the trails to dry out and get out there again...
This Sunday I will be at Steel City Showdown in Pittsburgh racing on some bridges which will be an awesome time indeed! Next Saturday I will race at Races At The Lake (RATL) then on Easter Sunday I am planning an epic emerald necklace loop ride starting at 7am.

I have decided to pass on Cohutta Big From 65 on April 30 because:
(1) I apparently need to relearn the US Map. I did not realize it was 11 hours away.
(2) Camping is fun but I do not want to feel like death before the race begins..
(3) Calvin's Challenge in Springfield, Ohio is the same day. This is a 12 hour challenge where my Team H2Ope teammates will get in some practice riding prior to RAAM.

After Calvin's it's out to Erie, PA for a duathlon!

That's it yo.

Back to School

2011-03-28T13:06:00.001-04:00

Of course I get sick once I start to hit the books again...
I ended up doing a gym workout Saturday night instead of the 5k road race and skipped the early morning trail run Sunday because I felt like sleeping in. I did go to Ray's Indoor MTB Park to test out the new ride and mess around on one of the dirt jumpers..Just a few things to change but it felt great to ride sick or not!

This weekend I know a lot of races were taking place from Barry in Michigan, Fools 25k/50k, and Mid-Ohio. I hope everyone had a good time!

This week it's all about school work. It always gets in the way of having fun. Hopefully I'll bounce back quick and I won't miss too many workouts...I should have taken it easier last week. Oh well.

By the way...Lee is a BEAST and set a new PR on the 50k Fools course!!! Great job yesterday and I wish I could have been there you cheer on you and the other Grunt Girls!

No Real Break on Spring Break

2011-03-24T23:08:00.000-04:00

I have never been good at taking it easy or slowing down. I only sat down and watched one television show over break. I spent the majority of the break getting in some killer workouts in between working on fundraising efforts for Team H2Ope for Race Across America. The last three days I have been spending hours going door-to-door to businesses in Strongsville asking for donations that can in turn be raffled off to benefit Blue Planet Network for the May 21 Bilo's Bar fundraiser. It has well worth the effort. Between Trish and myself we collected over $2000 worth in donations! The support in Strongsville has been over-whelming and I cannot thank the community and local businesses enough :)

I have a few more stops here in Strongsville in the morning before I make my way to Twinsburg to assist Larry, another Team H2Ope racer, in fundraising efforts in Hudson and Twinsburg for the April 28 fundraiser at Panini's in Twinsburg. We will be back at it on Saturday too.

Workouts:
Mon-delayed ride but I got it in and made it count
Tues-Snakebite Spin +TXR workout
Wed-am run + bike workout with some tempo work to help keep from freezing my butt off. Next time I will over dress. Killer wind in the evening. Ran into Michelle and Steve in Berea and chatted for some.
Thurs-track workout+cycling intervals+sub max weights then a cool down. I will sleep well.
Fri-early gym workout in the morning and probably a moderate ride in the early evening/trainer ride

I am thinking about running a 5k-10k this Saturday to change things up. I haven't been training for the distance but it just sounds fun. I was thinking about Mid-Ohio but I don't want to drive to Columbus to find out 1-it's a small women's field 2-I haven't finished a pile of homework for next week. Anyway, not sure on a run just yet. Saturday I will get in another 4 hours in probably splitting into 2 rides am/pm. Sunday is looking like a trail run day.

That's what going on these days. Oh if you are looking for some misc entry level road bike parts-see the tab at the top. I am trying to do some spring cleaning.

83 days till RAAM

Weekly Workouts

2011-03-20T10:20:00.000-04:00

March 14-20:
Monday-KSU Run Club Workout-4miles at moderate pace
Tuesday-Snakebite Racing: Ride + Workout-spinning class and TXR workout
Wednesday-45mi training ride west into the valley & back. 3 hill repeats up E. Boston Mills...Joined up with KSU Run Club afterwards shortly.
Thursday-Should have cross-trained but it was too nice not to ride outdoors. Super-slow 3hr ride
Friday-Rest Day
Saturday-GGR Trail run + RATL course ride

Sunday-This afternoon I need to get three hours-

In other news the hardtail mtb is built up! Pictures to come :)
I am going to make sure I take advantage of Spring Break...I'm passing on the Barry-Roubaix in Michigan. It's a little too expensive for me so I plan on putting in the miles through this week instead.

That's it y'all!!

Luck Of The Irish

2011-03-16T10:13:00.001-04:00

I was way too excited this past Saturday night when I met Marshall to pick up my newly painted awesome Leprechaun explosion on a MTB Frame. He was kind enough to paint it for me. I had a hard time at first when thinking about a design.

My Irish heritage has always meant a lot to me and I wanted to include it. Both my parents are my Irish descent and I like to joke saying that I had the luck of the Irish with past injuries.

The Irish Clover-
The clover itself is an unique symbol. The three leaves present the holy trinity that is at least how St. Patrick described it to the Irish Catholics prior to his death on March 17...

Ironically the frame was finished just in time for St. Patrick's. This frame replaces the attempted-stolen-broken-frame Kona. On the bottom tube I asked Marshall to put on 'Cant Break Me'. A little play on words there... I love riding and nothing is going to stop that...Even when my another bike was damaged.

Oh get this-night trail rides this Spring will be sweet..The white clovers glow in the dark. No losing me!!

That's it for now. I am hoping to have it built up by Sunday. Couple nice rides planned this week and next with it finally being my Spring Break. Riding towards the valley this afternoon. It looks to be a nice day outside.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

2011-03-15T16:26:00.000-04:00

When I volunteered for the BR100 last year I remember one of the female racers saying, ""I've learned everything that I need to know about myself today." I remember feeling it once before.

What does not kill you, makes you stronger...right? At least that's whats said quite often.
I often think back to my first marathon when I was eighteen years old. I was searching to find myself. I found an escape in running. Whether I was on the road or trail it was my time to escape and forget about the stresses of life. It was about me and the road or trail. As the days approached for the January Rock N Roll marathon 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona I partially tore my Left ACL again which first took place March 2008. I went through physical therapy turning away from surgery for the time being with a grade II tear. Somewhere between 8-12 days before (I cannot recall for sure-my notes aren't clear) my knee had clear issues. I remember flying out to Arizona and being in pain. The next day I attempted a 2 mile jog at my Uncle/Aunt house in Scottsdale. There's nothing quite like breaking down on that run and thinking how am I going to do this. I came so far just to give up now.

My point of my rant is through endurance events, you can learn everything you need to know about your self and more. I mean you can truly get to the core of who you are. I think that's why I keep coming back for more.

I did end up running and finishing the Rock N Roll marathon. My knee pays the price quite now when my running mileage starts to get high. However I do not regret it. During that marathon-I felt every emotion humanely possible. From numbness with a hand full of advil before the start, race rage where I singled out a guy who yelled "Your almost there" somewhere around mile 10, and realizing at mile 26 that damn I am also there help solidify this race defining moment in my life. I did it. From then on, I figured if I can do that, hell I can do anything I set my mind too.

I have always dreamt of riding my bicycle across the US. In 90-something days I get to experience it and finding myself all over again. Bring it RAAM.

Endurance athletes are said to always be 'running' away from something...I have yet to figure that out. One thing is for sure. Running and cycling will always remand my escape.

Can't Do Everything

2011-03-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

Sick and Stupid
Whenever I am starting to get sick, it usually happens to be at 'wrong' time. But is there a 'good' time to get sick?? I was smart this time though...Well kinda. I started coming down with some kind of bug last Wednesday after a good 7 miler run. Blah blah blah-took Thursday and Friday off. Then I was stupid. It's in my nature to be something like this I guess. I went to the OSU collegiate road race just West of Columbus this past Saturday....It just goes downhill from there. Well except for the 5% grade climb in the first HALF MILE OF THE START OF THE RACE...Anyone think this is a little strange?
The best part is that I thought the rain would come to an end when it misted as the start of the race approached. I changed my outerwear jacket. Just a minutes into the race, the rain came and arrived alright! There I was wearing NOT a waterproof jacket. I was soaked to the core then 44 cold miles later it was over. I curled up in a ball sitting in my car with the heat on full blast for 30 minutes. I had a lot of fun inspite of my stupidity. I rode with some girls from IU for the majority of it. After some thought I am sure this was coldest I have ever been on the bike. Some high gust winds with steady rain helped without a doubt..
Race Schedule
This past week I realistically tried to come up with a tentative race calendar. My problem is this: I like to do everything. But Ya Can't. Anyway I got real. Everything down till June is all about RAAM. I am going to do a few races building up till June but staying healthy and injury-free is key.

School
School is cool. Drugs are bad. They say stay in school...but for how long?
The question is...Masters VS. PH.D.
I have had some great advising appointments lately and the outlook is great. I was really worried my situation last semester would have really affect the overall outcome. I can't complain though. Things are great. I'll graduate with my Exercise Physiology degree in 4 years May 2012. I have even been told "Take whatever your heart desires as long as it is an upper-division course." ...My senior year could become interesting...

I'll even get a head start on graduate level courses through a bachelors-masters program here at Kent State. This summer in between everything else I will be studying for the GRE Exam and being the application progress for graduate programs in Exercise Physiology all over the country. In particular, I am looking at the University of Colorado at the Boulder campus, University of Northern Colorado (where I spent a semester), Penn State University, Delaware State University, and Kent State University. Ultimately I would like to specialize in human performance training and testing. I start to get stressed out when I think about it all...I need a GA (graduate assistant) position. If I am fortunate, maybe I will get an offer. I am already feeling burnout though. So do I take some "time off?" Will I ever go back if I do take time off?!?

I like school. School is cool. Especially if it is payed through a GA position....Oh I do I do hope I can gets me one!! (Typo on Purpose) Hah!

That's what going on these days. I thought it would be quite boring to write: Sleep. Eat. Training. School. Training. Eat. Sleep.Training. Eat. School.

P.S.: I promised myself to stop complaining about the weather for the rest of winter here in Cleveland. I mean c'mon it is not like it is a surprise anyway. Maybe I will just move in a year and be done with the grey skies and the constant rain or snow. Denver sounds good :)

No Leadville-Yes Iceman

2011-03-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

No Leadville Lottery
I got the 'We regret to inform you...." email this morning. Oh well-later there will be announced qualifying race somewhere in the Northeast region of the US.
Bright side-I registered for Iceman Cometh today! November 5 will be here in no time

Last weekend's Saturday long ride was interesting...95 miles was my limit. Good workout.

What's Goin On:
This evening I am spinning at "Ride & Workout" in Lakewood with Snakebite Racing crew and Wednesday evening I will go on an easy run with the KSU Run Club and hitting the weights afterwards. Thursday I will be doing a VO2 max test on the bike at Kent State as a demo for a cardio grad class. This Saturday is the road race at Ohio State for MWCCC. Those are the highlights..

Push It To The Limit Yo

2011-02-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

Interclub Social, First Century Ride this Upcoming Weekend, Midterms-The mid-semester buzz kill.
Interclub-Social Event: Mark your calendars! March 4
If you were 'on the fence' about attending-here is why to go.
1) If you are like me, your social life went downhill as winter came and races slowed almost to a stop. Come off the bike trainer in your dark basement. It is okay to socialize you don't need to be on a training ride or run to talk to people...
2) There is an activity taking place. Um-Bowling? Maybe you can count it as cross training to count for a workout.
3) If you have not heard of Girls With Sole-take some time and visit ww.girlswithsole.org. I am a supporter of Liz Ferro and the organization. Liz is an amazing women who founded the organization that brings fitness and wellness programs to girls who need them most right here in Cleveland. If you are looking for a great 5k to support-check out the Lulu 5k on June 5. This race benefits Girls With Sole. Liz-you are a rockstar. keep on keeping on!
4) I will be there! exciting right? Hah. Okay so maybe three really great reasons to attend the interclub social event.
It is asked for attendees to donate a few bucks towards GWS and consider it admission.
Remember- http://www.girlswithsole.org/

First Century Ride this Upcoming Weekend
Yes-I know you are thinking this is a typo but I really do have my first century (I've done a few 80+mile and 2-90mile rides so far) this weekend. Saturday I will be bringing the pain-I am praying the roads will be in good enough shape for an outdoor ride. If not-the bloody trainer it is. Saturday afternoon I am helping a friend move so I'll be sleeping well Saturday night.
Recovering ride planned for Sunday-

Midterms-The mid-semester buzz kill
Last week with classes was crazy with my hard drive crashing. This week-midterms are my enemy. I have a short answer essay tomorrow I am ready for it but....I should study more. But I find myself..writing my blog. I do not like big majors exams that decide my whole fate for a course. So I choose to ignore it the night before..Kinda. My review will start at 11:30pm. Such a life of a Kollege Sutdnet.

Positive side! NEXT WEEK I have lots of extra time for training! Yay!
Run on. Ride on.

Rays, Snow, & Races Around the Bend

2011-02-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was Women's weekend at Ray's Indoor MTB Park. My weekend started early Friday morning with a trip to Ray's there at 9am to begin a all day riding session.
Most of you know I am a college student and well I have one class on Friday. I sent a link to the event to my professor and he accepted it as an excused absence. What a great start of the weekend!
Rays MTB Park:
Friday 9:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 10-1pm
Sunday 4-?

Monday Cleveland got hit with another snow storm..probably 6 or so inches where I live. I am little disappointed because I was hoping to get outside this week riding...Roads most likely won't be clear till Thursday at the earliest.. Just looked up the forecast Thurs & Friday will have light snow showers. This weekend I WILL ride outdoors. I will be putting in 4+ hours in on the bike Saturday morning starting around 8-9 depending on the weather. If it is still bad-I might switch the ride to Sunday but I'll add on a hour for being a wuss about it.

Training this past week so pretty good considering...My computer's hard drive crashed late Monday night. I lost everything including 4 papers that we due this past week. So a few days later and a new hard drive, few less hours of sleep, coffee and a red bull later. I got it done. I even got in my workouts but had to shorten and modify them a little. Sunday morning I took my dogs out for the first 3 mile jog/hike of the year. They hung in there and fell asleep on the way home. So cute!

Races are around the corner here. The Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference (MWCCC) is starting. The closest race weekend is March 5/6 at OSU. It should be fun. I really would like to go up to Michigan for the Barry-Roubaix style road race. I'll see if it happens. I am on the fence about doing either 1) shamrock 15k 2) catch a leprechaun 15k march 6...Time will tell.

Team Hope looking for Crew Members

2011-02-17T12:17:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I am racing in RAAM this upcoming June as part of Team Hope. We are in search for crew members. I was wondering if you would not mind sending this email out to anyone you think might be interested in being a crew member! We will be racing in a 4-person team relay for Team Hope.

If you're not familiar with the event, it's a 3,000 mile non-stop bike race that climbs 100,000 vertical feet. We will be racing in a 4-person time trial cycling race from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland. Team Hope is doing the event on behalf of the Blue Planet Network. We are hoping to finish the event in 7 days! But we are in need of crew!!!

We're looking for anyone who likes to or has skills in:
• driving
• navigating
• athletic training
• medical (EMT, PA, nurse, doctor, massage therapist, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.)
• or just has a LOT of energy and has the willingness & dedication needed to commit to a crazy bike adventure!

The time commitment is:
• bi-weekly conference calls
• June 15-16 – Team meets in Oceanside
• June 18 – RAAM starts
• June 25 – Estimated arrival in Annapolis
• June 26 – Clean vehicles; attend Finisher's Banquet
• June 27 – Fly home

For information about the team, please go to theteamhope.com

To help get a better feel for what RAAM is like, check out these videos from Team Bandwidth. They finished 1st in the 4-person male, under 50 category.

Start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VhyFZm5oms
Day 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgWOPFvjabk
Day 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTU067P8hGQ
Day 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_xm6BbXfBk
Day 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSUa9VENf1w
Day 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16WETy0bqXk
Day 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrRIGHV9Bzg
Finish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jZI7GarCIM

If you have any questions, please email me at sharpe1@kent.edu and I will forward it to our crew chief and team leader.
Sara

Run for Your Heart Trail Challenge and Other News

2011-02-13T15:16:00.002-05:00

Weekly Workout Breakdown:
Mon 7: Track workout then finished w bike intervals/core work/UB lifting
Tues 8: Cross-training
Wed 9: bike workout @ Ohio Indoor Cycling 6-8pm
Thurs 10: 2.5hrs spin
Fri 11: weight training/core workout/1hr ride outside (pretty nice outside)
Sat 12: Feeling a little off-decided to take a rest day after all
Sun 13: 15k trail race then a ride this afternoon and core work

Today was the second annual Run for your Heart Trail Challenge 8k/15k. I raced the 15k trail race starting in the back with Christa. We both said, "I am going to race this" "This is just for training" "I have no expectations". Well after a slow start in the single track and my watch starting beeping because my heart rate was not at 100bpm yet, the interval run began! We spent the first 8k of the race passing in the deep snow on the sides of the trail. Once we hit 9k we got caught in a faster paced group and I was starting to feel it. I slowed down knowing THE CLIMB was approaching. The pack broke up and I was able to move up a little bit eventually settling in knowing I was going to hit my max. Just after the 7 mile marker, Gale who told me my place and then I through the HAMMER DOWN (I've been on this MC Hammer kick lately). In the last 2.2 miles approximately I averaged a heart rate of 185bpm running with this one women and made the pass after the 8 mile marker. My finish had to be funny to watch. I did the one thing you never really want to do. I looked back-like every few second just to check. The last 500 feet stretch to the snowy trail finish had me laughing. I joked before the start of the race saying I will do the "Chariots of Fire" run into the finish since it was videotaped. I did alright. My footing was horrible, just able to catch myself before falling. In the last 2.2mi, I moved up to places taking 4th female overall. I'm stoked. I honestly did not think I could bring it after taking too much time off running in the late fall/early winter. I love making progress!

This is a great event. I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it next year. Keep in mind that conditions change the terrain. I know many racers had to watch the footing of the semi-packed snow that was about a foot wide. By the way...Did anyone else just want to slide down on your butt on the downhill before the castle??? Next training ride in the North Chagrin Reservation-you'll know what I'll be doing!

The Grunt Girls rocked! GGR had a great turnout for both volunteers and racers and fun had by all! Volunteers really are the ones who help make it happen.

The Grunt Girls (and Guys!) always seem to be the first to arrive and last to leave. I love how races and training practices become social hour. Shot out to Lee and Christa for taking 1st and 2nd Female Overall in the 15k distance as well. Best of all, it benefited a great charity and all proceeds do directly to the Center of Families and Children in Cleveland and it was fun!!! I am totally feeling the post-run awesomeness!

I have pictures posted on Facebook! Check 'em out!

In other NEWS!

I recently joined Team Hope in a 4-person relay for Race Across America (RAAM).

Team H20pe is a group of passionate cyclists who have connected at various races, bike shops and charity rides. Andre Husain, Team Manager, had a dream of competing in The Race Across America (RAAM) and shared that with various riders he met along the way. Sharing his dream with others sparked excitement, and led to the formation of the team. The current members of Team H20pe include racers Andre Husain, Martin Lortin, Alex Galindo, Larry Smith, Sara Harper. We're also lucky to have an experienced RAAM veteran as our crew chief, Kathleen Espino.
As the dream evolved within the group, we found a common passion other than cycling. We have a deep desire to bring safe, clean drinking water to those in need. So, Team H20pe was created. Team H20pe is on mission to raise funds and awareness about the pressing need for clean, safe drinking water that over 1.1 billion people on the planet face today.
This is our first time competing in this cross continental journey called RAAM, an epic event that will cover 3,000 miles and climb over 100,000 feet. We will ride 350-500 miles per day racing from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis Maryland, 24 hours a day until we reach the finish line.
It's our team mission, along with our partner on this quest Blue Planet Network, to establish safe drinking water in a community this year and for years to come.

For more information, visit http://theteamhope.com/

I'm Going Mental

2011-02-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

2.5hours on the Trainer this evening. Afterwards-this is my thought process.
I'm going mental. The Superbowl Half-time show.
I ask why? I ruin everything that is good? I couldn't take it. No more.
Weekly Workout Breakdown:
Tues 2: UB lifting, core workout
Wed 3: 1 hr trainer ride, pull-up sets, core workout
Thurs 4: 2.5hr-trainer ride, core workout afterwards
Fri 5: Easy 30mins+2.5hr ride outside enjoying the sunshine!
Sat 6: XC Ski up @ Chaplin Forest, Pullups/Core Work
Sun 7: 2.5hr trainer ride, core work//UB lifting

Movin Along...Slowly

2011-02-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

Good week-Aced all three quizzes/exams and got all but one workout in that I planned.
I see improvements!

In three weeks or so I will start to add in speed workouts running. I took too much time off from running...Starting to regret it now-oh well.
Cycling front seems to be going well. Can't complain too much. I really shouldn't have missed that Thursday workout. Other than that-this weekend I either was training, eating, or writing/studying it seemed.

Here's the breakdown for this week:
24 Mon: Rest day
25 Tues: 1hr spin session, 1hr UB lifting
26 Wed: 4mi run in the AM
27 Thurs: Rest day-missed workout
28 Fri: Running intervals 45mins/UB lifting 45min/core work 30mins
29 Sat: Trail Run in CVNP with the Grunt Girls 90mins/90min MTB ride on the towpath-Kicked.My.Butt
30 Sun: Cycling-2hr20min outdoors + 40min spin on the trainer. Went to the gym to lift weights-Too tired. It actually must have been quite hilarious to watch. I had nothin' left! I only lasted 15mins then did a short core workout afterwards.
31 Mon: Rest Day
1 Tues: SNOWDAY!! Great Upper Body weight session and core workout.

Well, all day Saturday I have my a re-certification for CPR, AED, and First Aid that lasts till 4pm. Not leaving me a lot of time. I totally forgot that Sunday was SUPERBOWL Sunday-DUH. I could care less for professional Football but I do like those commericals!

Sunday hopefully I will have a nice, long ride through Cleveland. Snowboarding will once again have to be postponed. Next Sunday I am racing-well "running" I am NOT, IN NO WAY in racing shape, but it shall be fun. That's what it's all about! The Run with your Heart 15k in the North Chagrin Reservation is also for a great cause. I am excited!

Where's the Snowboard?
I guess that's just what happens...Some things are just more important than dodging trees while being strapped to a board. I now prefer to dodge trees while clipped into the pedals of a mountain bike. Oh how the times have changed. Snowboard excursion-Feb 26/27? Maybe. I am simply running out of time. I have two boards waxed and ready, they are totally being neglected.

February 18-20 is Women's Weekend at Ray's Indoor MTB Park. I can't wait. I should be quite the experience. I plan to ride all day Friday February 18. If you are going-let me know!

Pending Nose Job and Multi-tasking at its Best

2011-01-23T20:11:00.000-05:00

Nose Fracture-Good yet potential bad news. I'll say good. My ENT-Ear, Nose, Throat Doc-Steve (might sound informal but when you become a 'regular' to seems natural to call you by there first name) and along with xrays confirmed that I did indeed-um let's say-slightly messed up my nose when "attempting" to reset it. My nose is no longer straight thanks to the soccer ball and I can now add a deviated spectrum, bone spur, some cartilage damage (which appears minor) to the ever growing list of issues that is my nose including less than approx. 80% sensation AKA I can only smell one sense. I am dumbfounded to learn that I could screw it up even more
Do you have common sense? -No. Anyway the fracture is now healing rather quickly which leaves me with this: Wait roughly 6-9 weeks. After this point if the bone spur and deviated spectrum are still causing significant issues. I have to go in to have it re-broken. Sounds like good news, but then there is that anticipation of the fact that I might to go visit my favorite ENT Doc all knowing he is going to break-my nose-on purpose.
Someday once I stop all this foolish behavior, a nose job awaits. Maybe if I am lucky, I can beat the one last injury-prone record that is still held in my family. My dad someone had fractured his nose somewhere in the range of 10-13 times. Arguments arise when we try to trace exactly just HOW many times. 2 major nose injuries followed.

More successful than last week that's for sure. I was able to breathe better and made it a point to make the time for my workouts this week, only needing to skip Tuesday evening due to homework-what else.

17 Monday-MLK DAY-continuation of my weekend off
18 Tuesday-Skipped Workout
19-Wed-1hr spinning in the am/1hr UB lifting/30min Boxing-heavy bag/30min running intervals
20-Thurs-2hr endurance spin and MULTI-TASKING/5-8 rep pull ups
21-Friday-3mi am run/Lower Body lifting
22-Sat-7mi-ish? run up in the North Chagrin Reservation/1hr UB lifting-30min boxing-30min running intervals+core work
23-Sun-good 1hr session on the trainer followed by core and a PR on my favorite pull-up bar 31.5 BAM
*Multi-tasking: Listening to my ipod, semi-watching/reading subtitles on the tele/while reading 4 chapters for my reading assignment

I B Lazy

2011-01-19T10:16:00.000-05:00

So much for my no excuses...I woke up at 5am to ride the training from 5:20-6:20. Then I laid down for just a second. BAM slept till 9. I suck at life-missed my first class of the day and it was too late to actually go to the gym for class number 2. I gotta get it together!

The End.

Actual 2011 Race Calendar

2011-01-17T20:42:00.004-05:00

Okay so here it is. I had a general idea of what I wanted to focus on this year...Mountain biking, collegiate cycling, etc.
Races in blue-I am doing. Others well it depends. I find it so hard to plan a whole year.
Collegiate Race Schedule is in Red.

2011 Race Schedule
February

13 Heart Trail Race 15k Chagrin Falls, OH
26/27 Lindsey Wilson
March
5/6 Ohio State
12/13 Mizzou
26/27 Notre Dame
26 Barry-Roubaix RR Michigan
April
2 Michigan
3 Purdue
9 Jackson Laughs 25k Kent, OH
9/10 Michigan/Michigan State
16/17 Lindenwood (Regionals)
16 Mohican Wilderness MTB Race Loudonville, OH
16 Races at the Lake Monroe Falls, OH
17 Buzzard Dualthlon Hinckley, OH
23 Races at the Lake Monroe Falls, OH
30 Vulture's Knob Wooster, OH
30 Races at the Lake Monroe Falls, OH
May
7 Races at the Lake Monroe Falls, OH
8 Emerald Crossings Trail 4m
15 Cleveland Half Marathon Cleveland, OH
22 Grassman MTB Coshocton, OH
28 Memoral Road Race Columbus, OH
29 Newmark Center Criterium Miamiburg, OH
June
4 SAT Mohican 100K MTB Race Loudenville, OH
5 Twinsburg Dualthlon Twinsburg, OH -Volunteering/Pictures
13 Wooster Criterium Wooster, OH
18 Maumee Bay Dualthlon Oregon, OH
19 Reagan Park TT Medina, OH
24 Madeira Centennial Criterium Madeira, OH
25 Hyde Park Blast Cincinnati, OH
26 Grandview Classic Columbus, OH
26 Lake Hope MTB Race Athens, OH
July
8 TOV TT Canfield, OH
9 TOV RR Canfield, OH
10 TOV Criterium Canfield, OH
16 Vulture's Knob Enduro Wooster, OH
17 State Criterium Championship Miamisburg, OH
24 Bay Village Dualthlon Bay Village, OH
30 Gerrett Wonders Memorial Westerville, OH
31 Gerrett Wonders Memorial Columbus, OH
August
7 Thorn MTB TT Finley, OH
13 Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race Leadville, CO
14 Smith Milk Race Orrville, OH
15 Alum Creek State Park Delaware, OH
20 Rubber City Meltdown Akron, OH
21 England-Idlewild Park Burlington, KY
28 Dillion State Park MTB Zanesville, OH
Sept
3 Camp Manatoc Cross Race Peninsula, OH
4 Camp Manatoc Mtb Race Peninsula, OH
17 Revenge of the Rattlesnake Ultra Davis,WV
18 West Branch Mini Enduro Ravenna, OH
25 West Branch MTB Ravenna, OH
Oct
2 Wayne Ultra Athens, OH
8 Mohican State Park Loudonville, OH
15 Vulture's Knob Wooster, OH
23 Mohican Wilderness Loudonville, OH
Nov
5 Iceman Cometh Traverse City, Michigan

Week 2: January

2011-01-15T10:52:00.001-05:00

Coming into this week, I know I would have to take it easier with the nose fracture. By the way, I get to have it reset this upcoming Wednesday...A funny picture awaits!

It was just kind of a bummer overall to accomplish working three part-time jobs, reading ahead for 19credit hours, then no time for the bike or anything it seemed. I love to cook, its a passion of mind. However I found myself eating two dinners by grabbing handfuls of cereal out of the box. So I need to find the time! My part-time at Dubois Bookstore is over for the semester. No more selling of overpriced books until maybe the next semester that is..So I will have some extra time indeed. A four day week alone is a reason to celebrate.

Breakdown of the Week
Sun 9: Dealing with a broken nose from Saturday's soccer game. I am starting to think that I did set it correctly. Icing is taking place every 20 minutes-2 hours and swelling is looking better too.
I was planning on getting 3-4 endurance ride into today but it is now going to be a rest day pretty much is some minor lifting and core work.
Mon 10: On campus from 7am-10:45pm. Rest day. AND REPEAT MON-THURSDAY.
Tues 11: UB lifting 1 hr
Wed 12: NADA
Thurs 13: NADA
Fri 14: 1hr UB lifting, 45mins boxing. I felt great. My hand is healed and my intense lifting program is really paying off. My upper body feels stronger than ever. No doubt. For new years I bought on of those door frame pull-up bars. I might be the best thing I ever bought. I usually end up doing 30+ throughout the course of the day.
Sat 15: Min. 3 hours on the bike or ELSE!

In good news, I have everything set and planned for the Kent State Running Club this year. I'm looking forward for a successful semester. I also took it upon myself to start the Kent State Collegiate Cycling Club. There have been attempts by other individuals over the past semesters but I am determined to see both of these groups succeed. Kent State needs more exercise-health minded groups on campus to battle the crazy high percentage of on campus students who smoke then liter. All you need to know it look at the ground around Tri-Towers resident halls to know this is not over dramatic.

The Start of January Training

2011-01-08T13:10:00.001-05:00

January
1 Sat: 2hr ride-rain
2 Sun: 90min UB lifting, 30min Core
3 Mon: 1.15hr ride
4 Tues: 1hr ride am, 30min UB lifting, 2hr trainer ride pm
5 Wed: 4 hrs riding at Ray's
6 Thurs: 30min UB lifting, 1hr-trainer
7 Fri: 90min trainer ride, 30min core
8 Sat: 1hr trail run, soccer game (5mi), UB lifting 30min.

(Sun-Sat Total):
Bike Time: 12 1/4 hours riding
Run: 6 miles + (soccer=5mi)=11miles
Lifting: 3 hrs

Prior to Nose Breakage: OOPS
Tomorrow I am hoping to wake up early and get outside for a few hours. TBD. I might bail for the trainer because my first shift starts at 1130-330pm selling overpriced books to Kent State students followed by a shift at the Cafe closing. I don't want to over do it, but there is an endless supply of coffee waiting for me at the cafe.
Needless to say, Monday is my standard rest day probably for the rest of the semester. Kent State begins the spring semester on Monday and I do feel that I am ready. Bring it on.

So I like soccer. Soccer does not like me. I got kicked in the face by the soccer ball. Broke my nose again for the 4th time.

Base Tra-trai-traning

2011-01-02T19:37:00.004-05:00

Okay-I'm back on the bike.
There's something just something about 'the holidays' that is well kind of depressing. Over the break I am working part-time but with all the holiday craziness, I seem to both lose so much time to family obligations and lack of motivation that only hits me at the end of December every year.

What I've done:
1. Sounds stupid...BUT, I started tanning. in December. Why you ask? It makes me FEEL Good! I miss the sun. Fo real, fo reall. Fun fact: Colorado (most areas) have well over 300 (up to 330) days of sunshine. I miss thy state.
2. Did some different activities. Started actually rock climbing again, obviously indoors but its a start. I learned how to xc ski and went ice skating the another day. Kent State has an ice skating rink on campus..I'll be visiting during less crowded times for some hard skating. I am on my third month of regulated schedule for weight lifting and totally noticed the difference following a modified HIT high intensity training routine. It'll help alot as I hope to slowly get back into boxing for some fun. There's nothing quite like (pardon my French) beating THE shit 'properly' out of a nice est. 80lb. heavy bag. My hand needs about another 3 weeks then its back to the bag. Due to head injuries, I've been advised by well just about anyone who knows me to not spar anymore. Even though I can be extremely suborn, I think I am actually going to listen to this piece of advice.
3. Getting more sleep! After some lovely um head stuff I have been given something that is beginning to help me sleep. I broke this 'sub 4 hours in a row' curse I seemed to be in lately.

Base Training in 2011:
I attempted to start base training but fell off the waggon. Yesterday, New Years Day, marked the beginning with a nice 2 hr (1:56:??) ride around Kent, Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, Streetsboro, Ravenna, Hudson, and probably some other towns I am not even aware of. Before ending at home, I was riding through Kent and saw Five Guys a great burger joint basically down the street from me. I stopped and it ended up being one of the best burgers ever. Great New Years Day-no question about that!

Today I hit the gym for a nice 90-minute upper body lifting session followed by core work. Tomorrow I have planned a 3 hour endurance ride around noon...

Basically I decided there is a key factor for my training here in 2011.
NO EXCUSES
I will be busy with work, school, and everything else in life but when it comes to training-I will have time, especially for my bicycles.

New Year to a New You

2010-12-30T21:57:00.000-05:00

New Year to a New You!!

The day after Christmas an interesting thing occurs, I believe I saw more diet, exercise, fads weight loss commericals than ever before...Apparently I bought into it.

I was on a mission to spend gift cards, fix exchanges, and make my way through crowds of people. I cliche buying an exercise ball and the ironman pull up bar...Nixed my computer chair and now I can do pull ups to my heart's content.

Nothing too special going on with training...having some fun doing some different stuff. Learned how to xc ski yesterday up in Kirtland, doing some mtb out at the thorn mtb trail. Hopefully sometime I'll get out on the snowboard.

Finals Week-

2010-12-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

It's finals week here at Kent State, that is it will be if they don't continue to postpone them due to weather. It just keeps on snowing...no end it site.

Monday-afternoon classes cancelled
Tuesday-classes cancelled. Thanks Kent.

I've been on the trainer quite a bit lately...I also started back with some power leg exercises followed by some intervals on the bike. I am ready for this blizzard to pass so I can get outside (+20 degrees)...

On the plus side! Snowboarding/ski resorts are opening EARLY this season and the riding is looking good.

Holiday Valley doesn't seem so far away today....

Oh and the kicker?! My final today is postponed till NEXT TUESDAY.

Luck

2010-12-03T17:40:00.001-05:00

Luck. It 's a funny thing. I seem to have the true 'luck of the Irish' these days..I was lacking motivation there for awhile but I've moved on....I am getting pumped up again and I am starting to plan out 2011. However there is something that well sits in my way. Ive gotten to the point where I can almost barricade myself in with bicycles. But there sits the stares at me.

The TRAINER: aka torture device. Ive been riding on the trainer about 5 hours a week with about 3 hours on a spinning bike the past two weeks.

My legs are starting to feel good...BUT at WHAT COST?

Sure you can watch a movie or some TV while on the trainer....However, after a certain amount of time, I feel like I am losing brain cells. That's when I hit the spin bikes in the studio. At least there I have a stereo where I can blast music to a point where I think I might off deaf and I can stare at mirror which makes seconds feel like minutes. I seriously hate these mirrors and I just don't get the point. Is this supposed to be motivating? Or just remind me that I am spinning in place, not moving. at all.

The point of my rant is this. I am going to stop..sooner or later that is and just ride outside. Sure there's always that chance of frostbite..everyone always likes to point but how often how it actually happen? I don't need fingers and toes anyway! Brain cells....though. That shit is IMPORTANT!

(Things wrong with this picture: 1-calendar still says August, 2-Yes, I have a muscle dude cutout behind my TV, 3-my guitar is not being played, can you name anything else?)

Races...and places...and paces I can rhyme yo.

Dec: At the end of the month, I'm thinking of running the Great New Years Eve Run in Stow, OH. It a quite challenging 5k. Especially if the weather sucks.
Jan: Starting in 2011 the Vulture's Knob winter series cross races through out Jan & Feb to keep in shape: http://www.331racing.com/cms/event/34d6ace8564b264a/index.html
Feb: Run with your Heart Trail 15k Race on the 13th....
March: Catch a Leprechaun Road 15k put on by NCN Racing

Then comes the road/mtb season...

My main races this upcoming year could possibly be.....

June-I am planning on racing the Mohican 100k...ah I think.
July- XTERRA Off-road Tri

August- First of all, I want to say, yes I really AM 'that' stupid...OK, I signed up for the leadville 100 lottery. I'll know Jan 31, 2011 IF I'm in..Then well my season will really revolve around the mountain bike this upcoming year. There's something about signing up for an event when I honestly doubt my own ability and drives me and that I live for...Nothing better than during the race you start to wonder if this is even humanly possible.

Other than that, quite a mix of road cycling, some dualthlons, and running to keep it fun.

Oh I almost forgot! Last weekend I um told my doc tas told 'cyclocross is a very safe sport!...blah blah blah. I decided to wake up 330am college style. I swear in College night n day sometimes don't bothering people. Crazy right. Anyway I went down to Dayton to race in the Women's 3/4 open (under 34) and well finished and with no injuries. There were a few ladies from out-of-state soooo yours truly got lucky and took third in the state! hah! (really 7th....) I still got a cool medal lol. I am a Dork. End of Story.

RIP KONA

2010-11-15T19:06:00.000-05:00

Obituaries:
RIP KONA

On Friday someone decided to smash, destroy my beautiful (yes i said beautiful) Kona hardtail I picked as my prize a month ago. The frame is cracked. RIP Kona. We had three awesome rides together. Even though we never were able to hit the trails together, you are were an awesome bike. I decided to throw couple back Friday night and I was starting to convince myself that digging a hole cough(grave) for my bike was a good idea. Thanks to my buddy Marshall I now have a frame and I'll start to rebuild what I can.

Which now leads me to my embarrassing moment of the week! Its a good one guys...
This weekend I caught up on the call with a good friend of mine from Colorado. We're chatting and she happened to remind me of a night a couple of months ago I said "the most stable relationship I've had is with my bike."

Stupid Decisions Make Funny Stories

2010-11-08T09:49:00.001-05:00

I am declaring myself a walking disaster after hitting the heavy bag last Wednesday's night.
I now can add contusion, dislocation, and hematoma to my middle finger's knuckle to the list.
...It's least it's not broken
Let's just say I am not boxing for a few weeks and well I'll make sure I have some gloves with me for the next round

So by the time Friday rolled around, I NEEDED to ride. I went up to Ray's Indoor MTB Park in Cleveland and had some fun! They made some sweet improvement from what I saw last year. I rented a 29er single speed Trek and had some fun by taping up my hand and my hand and making it work.

Sunday I raced the Autumn Leaves 5 Miler. I know this probably sounds weird, but I was hoping to have a worse race performance than I did as for more motivation to train. I had a so-so race in the cold weather taking 2nd in age group with an top 10 female finish for sure.

I plan on ramping up my running again hopefully for one more than FAST 5k/10k before the end of the year.

Monday-Teaching a spin class and lifting-chest/back
Tuesday-Long run out at the trails in Monroe Falls for this Saturday's 5 Miler as part of the Ohio Outside Trail Series.
Wednesday-Trainer day and lifting

I B Spinnin

2010-11-03T17:25:00.000-04:00

So Imma be deaf, blind, cant smell, cant taste, but not brain dead!
Im just a few brain cells short these days...Can you say Helen Keller??

Gotta take a little break. Never been good at that. Ever.

I did nothing last week and well I almost went crazy about to declare insanity.

So this week I busted out the torture device known as the trainer.

I think this weekend I am gonna race the Autumn Leaves 5miler in Kirtland. I had a so-so race there last yr and took 4 OA for women and got a free race registration. I need a wake-up call for my running. Ive been slackin. Nothing like a shitty short race performance to get myself back in gear.

On the plus side, I somehow pulled 15+% better on exams in two different classes this week. I am no longer failing a particular class. Less stressed so my headaches are getting better.

Long run this evening after a nap followed by 1+ lifting and some boxing with the heavy bag.

Vulture's Knob & Solon Cross Weekend

2010-10-18T14:02:00.004-04:00

Saturday:
Finished up the 331 Racing NEO Power Series as Female novice. I had a so-so race, taking second place. However I finished first overall win for the series. It the award ceremony might have been the longest thing ever but it was worth it. I picked the Kona front suspension MTB as my prize! Not like I need another bike but I was so excited!!!
Embarrassing moment of the day: I was trying to take it relatively easy during the race because of the cross race Sunday. I was so thirsty I basically attempted to drink my whole water bottle and well i am stupid and threw down a nice superman. Over the handle bars-I feel like my knees took most of it.
...Monday is a RECOVERY DAY.

Sunday:
Went out for the CRC Solon Cross Race. Awesome cross course-at least I enjoyed it, there's always gonna be mixed feelings about that. Had fun and I feel like I suck a little less at cross every weekend! I think I took 7th on the day. Not quite sure...

Next Weekend:
Just one race. I am beating myself up too much. Elyria cross race-lookin' forward to it.

Good job to everyone this weekend! From the trail runners at Oil Creek, road racers at Columbus, and Vulture's Knob and Solon Cross Race!

UCI 3 Cross Weekend

2010-10-13T22:52:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I went down to the Cincinnati area for three fun-filled days of cross racing.

Cyclo Stampede:
Woke up super early Friday morning to arrive in Covington, KY around 10am. The course this year was completely different than last year. The terrain was rough, filled with divots, and well hard. The course didn't give at all and had couple sections that had some massive holes and tricky sections. I heard through passing that one girl had a broken collarbone and another had some serious damage to the elbow. I got lucky with a second row spot on the starting line and a fast start helped keep me up in front till.....I blew up after the first lap, Someone managed to get 5th in the Women's 3/4.

Friday night I had dinner with Emily and her friends Clayton and Ashley Friday night. Great dinner and we even had BICYCLE SHAPED PASTA.

Java Johnnys:
This might have been my favorite course overall for the weekend. It offered a little of everything. Once again I had a descent start but just couldn't hold it. Lungs weren't in good shape. I was just trying to hang. On the last 2 short hills I was able to pick off 2 more women and held it on the pavement to the finish line. 11th overall.

Harbin Park:
After hurtin on day 2, I made sure I drugged myself up, had 3 breathing treatments (I am allowed to this-I gots tha ASTHMA). I was so out of it. I mean really out of it. I honestly was not sure if I would finish let alone have a good race. Second row start on the road that goes off up to the left into the grass, I was surprised how good at felt considered how dead I felt before the start. I almost biffed it every time through on the uphill sand-pit but ended on a good note by passing three women on the final 400m grass slight incline finish.

Awesome weekend. No lie. I got to spend the weekend with some pretty awesome people. Cleveland came and represented.

Get Dirrty

2010-10-06T08:53:00.002-04:00

2 DAYS till UCI 3..Here's some..inspiration?
MC Spandex Returns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru2Dpe1LkNU

I feel...Special

2010-10-04T19:07:00.000-04:00

I am going to try and stop hitting my head.
Cuz I don't wanna be special. These days I feel so scattered brain-watch out
One more not so friendly tree encounter n bam!

http://comedians.jokes.com/stephen-lynch/videos/stephen-lynch---special-fred/

...Laugh. Its good for you!

4 days in counting for UCI 3. Im hoping my ankle has a few less colors in a few days.

Reagan MTB TT

2010-10-04T09:24:00.003-04:00

Sunday was the 4th out of 5 races in the NEO Power Series. It started raining Saturday and continued off and on for the next day so the conditions of the trails was indeed questionable. The trails was in actually in great shape for the conditions and going off in the back of the pack with 30 seconds gaps in between riders.

I was feeling good right off the start but just a few minutes in I hit the creek crossing and then started to incline and I somehow unclipped kinda digging the pedal into my ankle. Weird-lots of pain but then intense tingling sensation set in afterwards.

I kept riding thinking if I stopped I wasn't going to start again. I had some issues riding through out that generally related back to the whole left ankle situation. In the last five minutes or so on the Huffman trail, I somehow found a tree. Right handlebar then the right side of my head-not my smartest move ever. Never saw it coming, but then if I did I probably wouldn't have hit the damn tree. When I got up I was little out of it and I thought i might have broke a shifter, so I picked up this part and rode into the finished around 59 mins. My shifters and bike are fine : ) I mistaken a broken bell? from like a trek bike as a possible missing part from my shifter.

Conclusion: After this series I will move up to Sport in all MTB Races. My ankle looks multi-color now :) I got a pretty sunflower for the podium! I have little feeling in my foot-nerve issues?? But yeah I finished!

No Motivation for Class....Biut I'll Train Till the Day is Done

2010-09-29T22:50:00.000-04:00

That's it folks : /
I am soooo un-motivated...for school. I am just starting three full lab write-ups for ex test..RIGHT Now.
Bam! due by 11am-Good thing its my only class tomorrow!
Monday- SPIN Class, Lifting-Chest & Back, GWS Yoga
Tuesday- Night run-19:33 5k, power lifing-(Shoulders, Triceps, Biceps), 21:17 5k
Wednesday-Cross Practice at Edgewater-Heavy Legs

Thursday workout is looking like an afternoon ride at West Branch, quick 2-3mi run, and some strength work before the Girl With Sole-Wine for the Sole Benefit from 6-9pm!! It was for a great cause so come out and join!!

I gotta say I AM SOOO EXCITED for UCI 3 Cross Next Weekend!!

No More Procrastination! I just downed a Venti Chai Latte from the lovely starbucks down the street and now its time to DO WORK-

Stark State Cross and OMBC MTB

2010-09-26T21:35:00.002-04:00

I had another fun weekend of racing which started at the Kent State Stark campus in Canton.

Saturday was the Stark Velo cross race. The course design is awesome and the dry conditions made the course completely different from last year. I think I took 7th in the women's B sport field. Alot of strong women were there today. Great races performances all around.

Today, Sunday, I went out to West Branch for the OMBC Series. I was feeling good and well it was about time so I moved up to Sport class for the race with some encouragement. I ended up taking 3rd in Women's Sport out of 7/8? I'm pretty stoked about it and I am starting feel really comfortable on the MTB.

Congrats to my teammates, Diana and Lee how both had an awesome race cross race and Saturday! I was also to talk Lee into doing another first-MTB race at West Branch. BA move :)

I saw some great riding at both races this weekend! Thanks to everyone who helped make it all happen!

Next Up: Hopefully I'll get in a ride at Reagan Park this week prior to the Reagan MTB TT Race on Sunday.
Here are some sweet pics from Saturday's Race!

The funniest part of the weekend was when I rode over an underground bee's nest during the MTB Race. I got stung...in the ass.. twice!

Gotta Be Able to Laugh At Yourself :)

2010-09-20T23:43:00.000-04:00

Possible Brain Bleed=AKA DEAD FISH LOOK

Good Results at Hosptial!!! Hah-5th concussion??

NO DEER XING ALLOWED

2010-09-20T08:20:00.000-04:00

It was a crazy, I mean crazy week. Tuesday evening, a deer hit my car. I saw deer 1, but deer 2 found my drivers side door and back door, then my trunk, bike, rack, and cross bike. So I had what appears to be my fifth concussion, hyper-extended my thumb, and an awesome glass shower. I got lucky for sure.
Anyway, now I have a true BEATER car. White sunfire is now rocking a dark green car-I think I am going to start spray painting it soon...

I wouldn't be myself if I didn't do something stupid this weekend. I felt like something was still off-I wasn't able to ride or workout all week. So Sunday morning I decided to race the West Branch Mini Enduro Race. Props to Clark who had an awesome race, and thanks for the spare tube. I'm smart and showed up with no extras so I borrowed one. I swear it was lucky because I took first place in Women's Novice.

If your gonna yell at me at racing women's novice-hold up. This was only my 10th-count it-10th time on the MTB ever. Give me a break. I'm still learning. I'll move up soon and at the beginning of next season. That's my peace.

I leave you with this:

Remember the Number #1: Don't Die

Don't take things for granted and be thankful because you don't know what you have till it's gone.

RIP-bike rack, drivers side back door, and the trunk is on life support.

REV 3 Race Report

2010-09-14T00:32:00.001-04:00

REV 3 picked out an awesome race location at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and it proved to be a great weekend. I actually showed up early to race and took care of the packet registration on Saturday and chilled out with the Grunt Girls (and guys).

Sunday Morning:
I had never been so relaxed, I mean really relaxed for a race. I couldnt ask for anything better. All I had to do was chill out and wait for my swimmer Jessie. However I do wish I didnt wait to the last possible minute to tune-up the bike as I seat post was...get this 1 1/2 too short. It lead to a slightly painful bike portion on the hammys, hips, and lower back. I couldn't wait to get on with the run after that. The run was great. The whole race was so much fun. For once in my life however, I think I got sick from too high of a sugar intake. I puked a little on a bike and around mile 1 on the run but no upset stomach. Got some water and went on my way :) It was my goal to thank every volunteer on the run course-I think I accomplished it. It was so freeing to run without music too. Have was the fastest (time flew up) half marathon I had ever race...I guess I should have ran harder! Strong finish and threw in a 3 mile cooldown too.

Finished 16th of 114th on the relays for the day

The finish was actually INSIDE of cedar point...no lie that was sweet.
Great job to the Grunt Girls and Guys and to all participants! I am inspired to someday race a full-ironman..that is after college. I already only sleep 6 or less hours a night and I consume more sugar and caffeine than anyone my should.

BEST OF ALL:
The DAY after: Ya wouldnt believe it. I commuted for a total 1hr riding, taught a moderate SPIN class, ran the Girls With Sole Running Program up in Cleveland too.

The Day After Rev 3

2010-09-13T07:53:00.000-04:00

Rev 3 Half-Ironman was a success. I had a blast and a can't wait to tackle the full-ironman someday. Just one thing, I'll do it AFTER college. So many things going on today that cannot involve me napping through-out the day.

I'll add a race report shortly one of these days.
Congrats to everyone who participated this weekend!!
Rest up cause Saturday will be here in no time along with another race

WE B FAMOUS

2010-09-09T14:44:00.000-04:00

WE B FAMOUS:
Acouple of weeks ago, a group of us went down to Mohican for some MTB. Nancy Desmond, brought a poster for the National Parks and Recreation and we took a picture all together. It made the website-were famous now.
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nrpa/201009/#/112

Monday-2 rides; est 2 hr ride in the am and est 1 hr ride in the evening
Tuesday-lifting weights (UB) and commuting (40mins riding)
Wednesday-Night Ride at Reagan Park
Thursday-45mins commute ride, easy 3 mile run and UB lifting

So I was sittin in class today, zoning at in my usual matter when hit it me. For real I said it out loud in class-Three Days Till REV 3. Where did the time go??

Good News: I dropped some cash for some awesome massages and I no more severe pain when running!
Funny News: I haven't run more then 5 miles in well over a month due to injury!
Entertaining News: I am gonna shake up an advil bottle and pour some into my hand and THAT will be my doze for Sunday...

Young-ins....The stupid shit we pull.

Big Valley Weekend

2010-09-06T10:16:00.001-04:00

The Big Valley Weekend at Manatoc ended up being an awesome weekend of racing!!

Some Grunt Girls ran the first Leave No Trace Behind 14 mi Trace Race Saturday morning with Lee taking top honors by being the first female overall.

Saturday afternoon was killer with the first Northeast Ohio Cross race of the season with course built for the mountain bikers with some fun single track and long power stretches. Throw in some volleyball sand pits back-to-back with barriers I loved this course and I'll be back next year to tear it back. We had a strong women's field with alot of new faces which was great to see! I believe I took seventh overall which I am stoked about. Cross for me is a party. its alot less stressful than road any day so when I messed up with my shifters in the first lap I just laughed shifted up and started to hammer. Great race but I should have ridden a little harder I had a little too much left. Finished 8th of 13 riders.

Sunday morning I actually got up and to the race with plenty of time and apparently plenty of energy. I thought the race started at 10 not 10:30 so I sat at the line with Kate and Andrea (GGR) just chlling. This was kinda my first MTB race hence technically I did raced 2 TT out at the Thorn MTB Time Trial Series. The last few rides (I done 9x MTB rides total including this race) Ive been going solo and I wasn't used to riding in a pack. Well it wasn't an issue yesterday. They ended up splitting up the different fields sending us all in waves. Well the women got have shaft going off last. I figured oh well no big deal. I jokingly said to one of the women next to me that well I guess I just have to pass em all. Next thing I know the gun is off and I'm flying-I felt really really good. I'm still having a hard time processing it to be honest. Next thing I know I got up to the first group off on the the 30-39 men cruising in at 45:43 just under 6:30min ahead of the second women, taking 3rd in the men's 19-29, finishing I think top 7 for overall novice yesterday.

Not too bad for not riding the course, passing 30+ riders, and riding up those climbs while yelling passing your left. After the race I saw a co-worker of mine from the Kent State University Fitness & Wellness Center-Gabriel. We both came n represented and took top honors. Gabriel had the fastest men's novice spilt of the day under 39min.

Great job to everyone this weekend! I saw some insane performances all around. Next up is another double threat weekend w the Ohio State Critierium Champs on Saturday then packing up and making the trip out to Sandusky for the REV 3 Half Ironman.

Taper Wha?

2010-09-04T09:10:00.001-04:00

So I am doin 2 part ironman (bike & run) of Rev 3 in well 8 days. I've actually been tapering that to school, work and the chaos that is my life. I do recommend checking out the race on Sept 12 especially my transition from the bike to run bc I have done more permanent damage to the feet than I thought. I apologize in advance for my cursing...

BEST PART OF MY WEEK:
Get ready for it....I found some mtb trail w little hills literally behind my apartment today leads to a school AKA I created a mini cross course couple feet from my door. Just another reason why I Love KENT.

Anyway, here are the workouts for the week

August 30-Sept 5
Monday
Taught SPIN Class, attempt run in the am & another 30min riding round Kent
Tuesday
40min riding round Kent, 45min lifting (UB), 20min Core, 25mile ride w/ ABC-super easy training ride
Wednesday
Cross practice-90min practice.
Thursday
UB Lifting Session, 20min core & riding for commuting 45mins
Friday
1 hr easy training ride
Saturday
First Cross of the Season!!
Sunday
MTB at Manatoc!!

Weekly Workouts

2010-08-27T17:39:00.002-04:00

I'm going into my last week of FREEDOM before classes resume. My plan is to hit it hard again this week with some runs-2 bricks and finished prepping for the run & bike portion for the half-ironman Sept 12.

Tuesday night made me feel burned out. I finally added up my mileage so far for the year-I ve ridden just under 3,200miles (3/400 miles most likely on a the trainer/spinning bike)

August 23-August 29:

Monday-
2 hr training ride; 30mins boxing, 45mins lifting (shoulders, triceps, biceps); 20 mins core; 1 hr easy riding
Tuesday-
1 hr easy trainnig ride then Westlake Criterium: I just felt tired-not really even physically. I didnt have it in me to race tonight-I didnt wanna crash-If you race this nightm, ya know what Im talking about.
Wednesday-
NADA
Thursday-
20mi training ride; 1 hr lifting (UB); 20mins core; 10mi riding
Friday-
25mi training ride-SO TIRED
Saturday-
cross practice
Sunday-
NADA

Weekly Workouts

2010-08-22T21:38:00.002-04:00

I find that if I don't write down my workouts-I know I'll start slacking..

August 16-August 22:
Monday-1hr easy ride; 1hr high-intensity spin class; 1hr lifting (biceps, triceps, shoulders); 30min. of core strength; 15 mins cooldown on bike commute

Tuesday--30mins easy riding; 1hr mid-high intensity spin class; 30 lifting (chest, back, legs); 20min of core strength---evening: Tuesday Night Westlake Championships!!

Wednesday-Lifting (biceps, triceps, shoulders); 30 mins of core, easy 1hr training ride

Thursday--1hr moderate-intensity spin class, 90 mins easy training ride, hiked the Shatter the Silence trail run setting up the course then ran it while trying to control chaos. Hiked/Ran: 10+ miles

Friday--NADA

Saturday--copped out the Rubber City & took pics-rode a few laps for fun then went out for a 2 hr tempo/threshold ride

Sunday--4 hr training ride around Cleveland with some solid hill climbs thrown in along the way
Sunday's Route: Actually was a little longer than 4 hrs. I stopped the Garmin with about 6mi to go..
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ct/georgetown/761128256829527057

TOTALS:
Bike: 15 hrs
Run/Hike: 10+ miles

Goals for 2011

2010-08-17T11:32:00.001-04:00

I know its not quite 2011 but I figured now is a better time than ever pick out my key races and goals.

1. Duathlon Nationals in Tucson in April 2011
-Thats right-I will be racing for Age Group National Championship-which consists of: 5k, 40k, 5k

21st birthday day: April 20
Tucson: 45 minutes away from MEXICO!

This could be dangerous....yet so much fun.
I just might be ringin in the big year with my pal Jose Cuervo

No love for the cross bike-till now

2010-08-12T22:39:00.002-04:00

Early this Tuesday morning I finally got out on the cross bike-just messing around and getting a feel for it again. Tuesday afternoon, I finally made some time for a real ride around Kent and surrounding towns-just another reason why I call Kent home. Here's a link to the ride: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/oh/kent/408128149117878072

The countdowns continue: 18 days till class starts, 25 days till cross season, 30 days till Rev 3 ironman

Now for something worth reading:

Grunt Girl Racing and Snakebite Racing

Presents

First Annual Cyclocross & Mountain Bike Clinic

Want to try cross? Want to give mountain biking a try? Here’s your chance to attend a clinic for both!

When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Place: Reagan Park (Huffman Parking Lot) in Medina, Ohio

Time: 5pm-8pm

Who: Everyone!

Cost: FREE EVENT

Schedule and Details

5:00 pm Check-in and check out the latest CX gear from Bike Authority!

5:15 pm Intro CX – CX Basics, equipment, courses, race categories, USAC Rules

USAC Coach – Race Experience, Training Tips, Race Calendar, Q & A

5:45 pm Begin circuits: drills, dismount-remount, barriers, race tactics for CX and MTB

6:45 pm Practice circuit on course

7:15 pm Ride Reagan Park loop

7:45 pm Post ride Q & A

Please bring a helmet, mountain bike shoes or sneakers for beginners.

For full details, visit www.gruntgirlracing.com

Hope to see you there!

Undead- Bumps, Bruises, and All That

2010-08-08T22:56:00.001-04:00

Hollywood Undead-Undead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ6xS_qRDmo

Its been three weeks since the B50K Race. This past Saturday I got some good miles in-taught a spin class, road around Kent-jumped into the Black Squirrel Adventure Race, +30 miles on the road then went to West Branch to MTB. Well-take a guess at what happened. I swear it looks worse than it is...

The question now is what to do with all these scars.....Cover with duct tape? OR...Tattoo over it?..!

Hah-well not this intense and someday-yep probably so.

Less than a month till cross season starts
I need to attempt to stay injury free till then

Inspired

2010-08-03T10:06:00.003-04:00

Burning River 100 Miler
This past weekend was an incredibly busy one. After moving in to my new place it was time to head over to the Covered Bridge near Everett Rd to volunteer at an aid station for the Burning River 100.

FlyLeaf-Fully Alive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d3RYW0YoEk
What inspires someone to do this?
What makes a person like this 'tick'?

I have helped out with races, both on the bike and running but I have never experienced anything quite like this. I was expecting to see just the volunteers when I arrived. I was pleasantly surprised to see people crewing for their runners. Family and friends woke up around 3am or so, just like most of the runners for the start. They follow their runners around-making sure they get what they need. They meet up and aid stations, set up camp-sit and wait. Other runners choose to have drop bags delivered to aid stations-and a few seem to show up for the race.

Around 1am I heard something that truly moved me. A female runner came in, she was ranting about another runner that had been struggling earlier in the race then she ended with this. "I have learned everything I need to know about myself today."

Ultramarathoners are not normal people. Its mental game-and we all are insane.

These runners are intelligent people, highly educated and are looking for a challenge in life because its in moments when you come to an aid station at mile 80.8 that you truly feel like your alive. Go back out for a 4.7 loop which consists of mostly single-track with some gravel coming back to the aid station at mile 85.5

To the runners who participated in the Burning River 100, you inspire me to be better, to push myself, and to find the my next challenge.

Romans 5: 3-5
Knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Weekly Workouts

2010-08-01T17:07:00.000-04:00

Sunday-Rest Day
Monday-AM-25mi ride in CVNP
               PM-Strength conditioning/lifting/boxing (2hrs)
               PM-Easy 20mi ride in Sville (bumped by car)
Tuesday-Early PM-90min-boxing/lifting-back, chest, shoulders, core strength
               PM-15mi bike ride with GGR @ B.A.
Wednesday-Noon-Gym-30min boxing/20min bicep-tricep/30 core strength
Thursday-Gym 1 hr-high intensity w/ power lifting, boxing, core/strength n some plyometrics
Friday- Hiked 4.5miles-lifting/moving (loading up shit to move)
Saturday-Move in Day AND Race volunteering for Burning River 100 (est. 6mi)
Sunday- MTB @ West Branch

News!
-Check out this upcoming month's issue of Ohio Sport & Fitness! Grunt Girl Racing is featured!!
-I got bumped by a car on Tuesday
-I "jogged" 400ft on WED. No lie, yeah I know its pathetic. Its just bad-but a start
-I moved back to wonderful KENT on Saturday!!
-I am working on organizing a cross/mtb clinic late Sept for hopefully at Reagan Park in Medina. Stay tuned for more details...

I was want to say AMAZING JOB to the runners who participated in the Burning River 100 Miler. It was a pleasure to volunteer and assist and I'll be back next year! I met some awesome people-crewing, volunteers, and of course the runners as well. I even went out and paced #322-Jason on the 4.7mi loop trail at the covered bridge station.
I had arrived at about 9pm so when 6:30am came around, I was more than ready to call it a night!

***I plan to race in a road marathon this fall. Which one? Depends on what isn't closed out after Sept 12... I will wait till after the half-ironman to make sure I'm still alive before signing up

Grunt Girl Fight Club-
Oh its gonna happen, just wait. I started to hit the bag again-my arms have never felt so sore-ive open up my knuckles-all is good.

I hate bad drivers

2010-07-26T23:14:00.000-04:00

Today I had a not-so-friendly encounter with a horrible driver right down the street from my house. I was quite shocked as we rolled up to an intersection and she actually bumped me. I wasn't hit hard but it still pisses me off. 100ft from an intersection where the driver was turning right and I was proceeding straight, she decided that I could not be in front of her, as if I was slowing her down. She tried to pass me then suddenly realized like it just appeared there's a STOP SIGN. She cuts back over immediately and even looked back after hearing the sound of ME bumping into the car.

The driver looks, then of course speeds off as I try to chase her (I didn't keep up exactly). So I am left with this. Shes middle-aged, dark-brown hair w short hair cut and drives a silver Toyota Camry. Yeah so that limits to like EVERY other car on the road.

Conclusion: I don't like being hit and I hate rude bad drivers

DERIT

2010-07-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

Its been a week since I hurt myself at the Buckeye 50k and luckily I did not tear any tendons and my ankles are starting to go back to normal colors.
I have been taking it easy-but yesterday (SAT) was too much.

Workouts:
Wednesday-1hr threshold ride
Thursday-90min training ride, 30 min -lifting/boxing
Friday-boxing,core/strength, upper-body lifting
Saturday-23mi training ride of the greater Cleveland tri course in Mentor

My sports-med doc and I had made compromise of sorts on Wednesday. I really did not want to have to walk around with 2 air casts so I was given a pair of black, hard-sole walking shoes (aka Duck Feet).
Ive been good-wearing them, elevating my feet when possible and of course icing. The best part is the fact that cycling shoes also have a hard sole sooo with a good tape job, I can cycle.

After Saturday, I body had just had enough. I have never been so useless, lazy, and TIRED after an moderate training ride before ever. I even slept 13.5 hours last night -insane right?

-Sunday- a complete and total rest day
-(2mr) Monday- (if I'm up for it) Eddy's sweet corn course ride

My buddy Tracy

2010-07-22T00:39:00.002-04:00

Wednesday:
I got to visit my buddy Tracy B. who has been my sports med-orthopaedic to-go guy since I was around 10-11 years old when I first injured my knee playing soccer.

Its been awhile since I had to visit him at least. Diagnosis overall is so-so.
I strained basically every tendon in both feet along w/ sprained ankles, bruised left knee, and strained left hamstring. I got some cool walking shoes that would be popular with the nursing home peeps. It was either that or walking casts aka air casts.

Tried to mtb in Medina today but there was too much rain (I should not be on a mtb anyway). So I went to the gym. It was close early due to Strongsville parade/carnival-festival. That was it-I had to do something, some kind of workout just to keep sane. The three day mark I was going to kill me.

I ended up doing a 1hr threshold ride to let to blow off some steam. My legs felt fresh and I ended up riding a harder effort than Ive ridden maybe since I came back from CO. And yes, I Iced soon afterward my ride.

Tomorrow Im hoping I am good for an easy ride with GGR and ABC. It should be alot of fun!!

It ain't broke, it just lacks Duct Tape!

2010-07-19T10:57:00.000-04:00

Common uses for Duct Tape:
Duct tape is commonly used in situations that require a strong, flexible, long lasting adhesive, particularly when exposure to the elements is a concern.

Alternative uses for Duct Tape: (There are even books about duct tape selling over 1.5 million copies)
1-Christmas light-impregnated duct tape space suit costumes used by Chicago based rock band Ophur.
2-Model ship made with unusual materials: rolled-up tubes of paper, Express Mail labels, and duct tape.
3-Fashion pieces (such as duct tape prom dresses and handbags)
....
12-As a quick fix, duct tape can be used as a temporary bandage, until proper medical treatment and bandages can be applied to a wound.

. Which finally leads me to my point.
"It ain't broke, it just lacks Duct Tape!"

Saturday-
The Buckeye 50k had a nice, early start time of 7am. I hate even thinking it but I felt due for an injury...
I knew the trails, the locations of the aid stations, and it felt like just another training run with a few more people out to enjoy the trails along the way.

Not even 4k into the event I took a decent spill while attempting to jump across a creek. I ended up trippin up both feet and semi-face planting on the bank. After that, it turned bad. I had trouble controlling where I was going (ft/ankles) and could not flex/extend to my full ROM. So every few minutes, I found myself eating dirt. I started asking for "tape" at the first aid station and by Pine Lane I might have killed someone or done the smart thing and quit if I didn't heard the words DUCT TAPE.

It is a glorious thing. I was able to use the tape to help support and stabilize both ankles. It was especially need because my worse fall of all happened between the Boston store and pine lane. I strained my left hamstring, landed directly on my left knee cap (the knee I have a torn ACL but no surgery) and moved my ankle in a way I did not know was possible. Duct Tape fixed me temporarily.
Even with some issues, I still ran a 2:47 for 25k, only 2 minutes off my target but at that point finishing was all I had in mind.

I was doing okay until Boston Store. I used up the rest of the duct tape but I began to realize, running on an ankle that's loose and felt like nothing is attached, is well difficult. I struggled horribly through the rest of the race. Sorry to anyone who encountered me. All I wanted to do was rage. I was upset with myself for not stopping because I fear I caused some serious damage. I had the song "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor" by Drowning Pool stuck in my head. I wasn't in the greatest place mentally.

The distance or the race itself (minus injury) was not bad at all. I am not trying to sound cocky or anything but I know I''ll run more ultras in the future just not single track trails where I am not afraid I am going to trip on everyone I see.

One favor I ask: Please do not ask me to join you for a TRAIL RUN anytime soon.

Update: I get to see my ole buddy ole pal at the Strongsville Cleveland Clinic Tracy Bellock in the sport medicine department on Wednesday. He has not had to see me in awhile so he probably misses seeing my broken ass.
X-rays from Urgic Care do not appear to show any broken bones. *They are not good at reading x-rays*

What it means:
1-They might suck and just misread the x-rays
2-Stress fractures are more likely to appear a few days later
3-Maybe I'll get to use my favorite machine AKA MRI again
4-No broken bones?=possible tendon damage!! *Harder overall recovery*
5-Maybe I just have chronic sprains of both ankles w the left being worse yesterday, yet the right today.
6-Maybe I get to catch up with the phys. therapy team at Sville Clinic its been awhile

I can walk kinda. Unfortunately I think I am going to need some assistance from crutches again today considering I already fell down my stairs. No pain, no gain right? Worse of all, I just want to go to the gym and start lifting again.

Great job Grunt Girls. Sorry I did not hang around afterwards. I had issues just standing.

Prepping for an Epic Weekend

2010-07-15T09:25:00.000-04:00

Tuesday-
Weight lifting session early afternoon
MTB TT at Thorn Trail-this time I did not get lost and actually rode well considering. As I was about to go off, we heard about a guy who went down hard in the trails. It seemed like he hit a tree. When you see someone with blood with on their face, down their arm, and a face that looks like death I begin to wonder why I try to see just how fast I can dodge around trees, roots, rocks, and all of the above.

The guy was taken to the hospital I believe, I wish him the best. I rode a chill 59min something. I was pretty nervous when I went out afraid that I was gonna eat it bad...so i took it slower at first

Wednesday-
I went out to Reagean Park to see how fast I could ride the first smaller loop out of Huffman Park. After an easy warm-up. I was able to ride a 13:10, 13:22, and 12:50-ish. No idea if these times are any good but I felt strong.
Afterwards I joined a pick-up soccer team in Sville with about 30 people I used to play with on leagues. There are two reason why I dont play anymore: 1-I do not have the ability to cut or turn, 2-I Suck at soccer. 90 mins playing and I was done.

The Weekend Ahead-
So I try to avoid words such as "legit" "epic" However this weekend will be nothing short of EPIC and leaves me with this thought:

"I want to be as tired as i can get without actually dieing on a regular basis and i want to do it in really tight clothes with a bunch of other sweaty people in direct sunlight"-Gabriel

Saturday wake up call: 4:30am
-arrive at the race start at 6:00am
-race begins at 7am for 31.64 miles *WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO*
Sunday
9mi Thorn time trail after having trashed legs

Ranting
Last weekend at TOV I got made fun of because of all my pre-race rituals...
1-My drink mix has to be a certain way
2-I must use my inhaler over, and over, and over again then pop some Advil, Tylenol, oh then another inhaler
3-I race BEST when i feel like I just need to RAGE. you can bet i have some music from The Offspring, Eminem, and probably every song Hova aka Jay Z ever sang waiting to pump me up along with some awful 90s dance music.
My Secret:
4-As far as trail running is concerned-i am convinced that Coca-Cola and Chocolate-covered espresso beans is the best trail fuel ever created. I will make sure I have me a 'Coke' & 'Chalk' dealer waiting for me and the aid stations/check-in stops so I can get my fix

Good News!

2010-07-13T16:11:00.002-04:00

1-GU Energy Pro-Deal

I was offered the pro-deal. I can now enjoy as much GU Energy Gel, Roctane Ultra Endurance Gel, Chomps, and GU Brew Sports Drinks as I can handle!!

I have bets going to see just how fast I can go through 3 cases...Im thinking 2.5 wks

2-Buckeye 50k
So this Saturday is the 31.64 mile trail race and right now rain and good amounts is in the weather forecast. Most people would be freaking out but anytime I have an excuse to play in the mud I'll take it! (Correction: I like mud while running-especially wet mud, 'peanut butter mud' not so much. Mud while cycling = mountain biking & cyclocross = hell on EARTH. I am still having nightmares about the Cross your heart and hope to die course from last October).
If its bad enough, I just might bust out my old xc spikes, modify them for long distance, and ill be ready for some fun!

3-It looks like I will be racing the full NEO Power Series
5 races including 2 time trials. I'm ready for some fun!
The first race is this Sunday at Thorn MTB Trail

TOV Crit

2010-07-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

Sunday's TOV Criterium turned out alot better for me. After Saturday I was ready to stop racing for the rest of the season. Anyway, I was able to hang w the field. I got dropped 3x but made it back on every time. Finished on the back on the field in the final sprint.

Links and Pics

2010-07-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

So, I've been asked to post this. Back in April I did not have THE greatest day on the bike and was interviewed.
http://www.gazette.com/articles/colorado-96952-heart-classic.html

Below are some of the pictures I took while at the Twin Sizzler in Medina on 4th of July:

**Sorry Pam-I my camera on the wrong mode
Enjoy.

Tour of the Valley

2010-07-10T20:25:00.001-04:00

Tour of the Valley = SUCKFEST

Stage 1- Time Trial
-um so I finished. Yep that's ABOUT it.
-oh and I stayed upright on the bike
21th out of 23 (i think)
I do look pretty cool in the new shades however!

Stage 2- Road Race 33mi
-2 dropped chains because I apparently forgot how to shift.
-Add that plus my two stress fractures in my left foot. It went numb around the 7 mi mark. I guess I should wear an air cast. Oh but I am too suborn...and Ima dumbass
-Bad cramp in my left thigh from yardwork from Friday.
(I am full of stupid excuses)
Ok so after my second dropped chain prior to QOM climb, I gave up basically until Angie from Snakebite came from behind. We did work well together and had almost caught the next female rider. Unfortunately things were not going for us and we missed a turn. Busy intersection etc we added on another 2 mins. Some time later 3 women caught us and we formed a 5 woman chase pack.
-Finished/survived and managed to "sprint" (ah but it did suck) out the finish taking first in the 5 women chase field that formed.
24 out of 33 (i think)

<<<
Pshhhh... Bad Day.
Margaritas tonight. Enough said.

It was a challenging course. There was a lot of great riding out there today and yesterday. The Women's fields are amazingly strong! Shout out to Pam from Grunt Girls!!! You get kicked some butt today! Sorry I couldn't catch ya after the chain droppin.

Tomorrow is the Crit in Youngstown:
If I finish and I don't crash. It'll be a success.
Im feeling like a need break after this.

Next weekend:
Saturday- Buckeye 50k
Sunday- Thorn Time Trial

I am going to do the NEO Power Series. If you wanna good laugh, come see me attempt the Thorn time trial in Wellington the day AFTER my 31.64mi trail race in the Cuyahoga Valley.