Wiggins is OUT for TDF, my indoor training ride and INSPIRATION!

First things first people: Wiggins is OUT for this year's Tour de France. Heard it this morning. WTF? (And I SO wish I had a picture of him crying). He leaves the Giro D'Italia with an "illness" and now his knee is "acting" up? Um, OKAY SIR BRADLEY. I think this is your public way of pouting that Team Sky has decided to put their resources into helping Chris Froome win the Tour this year. But whatever. You figure out what's going on - and come back when you're done with your mini-tantrum.

*Sara steps off soapbox*

Whew - glad I got that off my chest. In all seriousness, I like Wiggins but the circumstances are just a little too sketchy for my likes. Froome is awesome though - and I'm very excited to see what happens. It appears there's quite a build up coming between him and Alberto Contador. Or, these guys: 

Froome

Contador

They both look like badasses. 

Speaking of BAD ASS - check out this trailer for the 100th running of LE TOUR DE FRANCE. I have ALL of the goosebumps every time I watch this!!!!

Less than a month for my first viewing! Can't WAIT!

Ok - so I blogged a couple of days ago about picking up my hand-me down bike trainer. It didn't have the skewer to go with it - so I got that today. Hooked my bike up to to the trainer tonight and decided to take my first ride with it (couldn't ride outside tonight anyways because I have my kiddo). Here's what it looks like hooked up:

Let's talk about the things I LIKE about the trainer:

1 - I have a chance to ride regardless of the weather. (I didn't get to do the Urban Ride last night due to the weather which was a bummer…I hope there's another one scheduled soon).

2 - I don't have to put a helmet on to ride inside. (I will ALWAYS advocate for wearing a helmet when on a bike - except for riding in a stationary position inside). Although, with my accident proneness, maybe I should throw it on anyways. :) I did not fall or hurt myself in any way tonight, by the way.

3 - I can take funny pictures of myself sweating my ass off. Case in point:

 4 - I can finally put in my Beats by Dre headphones and crank the music UP! Tonight's playlist included songs from Eminem, Michael Jackson, AWOLNation and Young the Giant. GREAT music to pump my legs to. It's impossible and unsafe to listen to headphone while on a bike outside. Plus - you're outside people - connect with the sounds of NATURE!

5 - I don't have to wear a jersey - I can throw a tank top on and be comfy (and NO ONE has to see me and my fat arms).

6 - I can turn on a fan and aim it RIGHT AT MY HEAD. It's not the same as being in a wind tunnel for testing - but it's fun to imagine that's the case. I'm sure I don't look ANYTHING like this though:

(That's George Hincapie - just in case you were wondering).

Okay. That's a pretty good starting positive list. Now let's discuss the things I'm NOT so fond of about the trainer:

1 - It sounds like a jet plane is taking off in my living room. It's LOUD! It is an older model trainer so that may be part of it - but trainers are just somewhat loud anyways. I'm not complaining about the noise much though - I'm still SO very grateful to have gotten in for no cost! It's going to overall be a great thing for me.

2 - It's BORING. There's nothing to look at - except my walls of my apartment. Here was my view tonight while riding:

Yeah, that's no fun. I could turn the tv on - but music is better. This will change a little bit once I'm ready to start my SUFFERFEST training…the files are on my computer and there's videos that go with them so I'm actually looking forward to that part.

3 - Sitting on my bike while on the trainer is a bit of a different feeling. I don't feel like I can move around as easily on my saddle or back and forth between the gears and the handlebars. (Of course, this could just be operator error and I just need some additional practice).

4 - My Strava app doesn't work inside. It's GPS based - so there's no way to measure my speed or distance covered. SUFFERFEST will change this problem though - because I believe there's a sensor that will go on my bike that will help measure everything for me. So - it's only a small problem right now. I can live with that.

5 - It's BORING. Wait, did I already mention that?!?

My coach warned me that I would get bored easily on the trainer. He told me to only ride about 20 minutes today just to get the feel for it. But you know what? This CrazeeCyclist is stubborn. I don't listen very well. And, I have this desire to do just a BIT more than advised - just to push myself one step further. Just to do it because I know I have the power and motivation and desire to make it happen for myself. As long as it's safe and won't cause me harm or physical injury, I'm going to do just a little bit more than necessary. (Remember my earlier blogging about not doing anything half-assed? Yep - applied here tonight too).

I did 45 minutes on the trainer tonight. I have no idea how fast or how far - but I was sweating and my legs were SORE when I was done. I will call that a success.

All in all, I'm super stoked to have the trainer (thanks again Carmen!!!!). It's going to be a huge benefit to me and being able to train and ride regardless of the weather is something I'm very excited about.

One final thought tonight (I was really long winded tonight….oops!).

My coach posted this link on my timeline on Facebook last night. It's titled Saved By The Bike. (I've included the link below).

It's a blog written by another cyclist. He basically discusses the negative perception of the word "addiction" (drugs, alcohol, sex, food, etc.). But he then writes about how his (and others) addiction to cycling is anything BUT negative. It has SAVED some people. Helped them turn their lives around from other addictions - or just put some healthy activity into their daily life.

http://www.velominati.com/defining-moments/saved-by-the-bike/

He says this at the end of the blog (in case you don't want to take the time to read it - although I would suggest that you do):

Among all the turmoil, in the maelstrom of a life gone awry, their constant saving grace, the rock on which they could rebuild a solid foundation for happiness, or at least some form of normality – contentment, perhaps – was the bicycle.

Kids, this guy is SPOT ON. I, myself, believe that I have been SAVED BY THE BIKE.

Little, insignificant, ME.

Saved.

BY THE BIKE.

This is inspiration. Motivation to keep pushing. Desire to make a positive difference in my own life (in so many different ways) and others as well. Passion to pedal harder. Faster. Longer. And, of course, my quest for better looking legs. Can't forget about that part too!

No ride tomorrow - I'm doing an all day Crawl for Cancer Pub Crawl here in Kansas City. Should be a good time. But you know what I'm more excited about? Getting up and going for a ride on Sunday.

My heart is full.

Happy Cycling!

Hot pink urine - and HELLO size 6!!!

It's rest day. At least a rest from riding. My mind and my mouth are still running at 140 mph. 

Remember that nutrition plan I started yesterday? It invoked a mild panic attack/freak out moment this morning. 

HOT PINK URINE, you guys. Not blush pink, not rose pink. HOT, Nicky Minaj colored pink. Um, do I need to go to the emergency room? Have I met the end of life already? 

I abhor Web, MD. I never go to it anymore. They pretty much tell you all symptoms are due to a brain tumor, lupus or that you have about 10 minutes to get to the ER before your life is over. Ain't nobody got time for that. I quickly started thinking about what I'd done the past 24 hours to try and figure out what the problem could be. AH…..BEETS. I've eaten quite a few of them in the past 24 hours. And they're reddish/pink. Could that be it? 

Thank you Google.com. You confirmed my suspicions. Beets can cause hot pink urine in some people who consume them. Moment of panic over. Those suckers are the culprit! Thank goodness. On with my day. 

My bosses are in town this week. They arrived today. I like it when they're here - or I'm in North Carolina. Makes me feel a little more connected to the work I'm doing. We were all sitting in a meeting room talking today when the topic of my cycling came up. We started talking about my new nutrition plan when I shared my panic moment from earlier this morning with them. Then we started talking about how much I'm riding, training plan, etc. One of my bosses asked me: "What HAS your coach done to you?!" I just had to smile. My coach has inspired me. Made me want to get on my bike. Made me want to push myself harder than I ever have before. His love of cycling is rubbing off on me too. 

I told them about having to order a bunch of stuff for my new obsession. My other boss asked me, "well, you just don't do anything half-assed, do you?" I had to laugh at that one. And then, after we were done chatting and I had gone back to my desk, that conversation made its way into my mind again. 

I don't do anything half-assed or halfway. It's 150% for me in so many areas of my life. I work hard - I'm very anal and a Type-A personality when it comes to accomplishing tasks and deadlines. Hey, I even make a list of daily things to do because I get BIG gratification from being able to put a check mark next to things that are done. I love hard and fierce. Family, friends, relationships. All of them. If I want to spend time with you and be around you, you know you have my attention and my heart. I will spend my time, resources, and emotions to show you your value to me. I'm now starting to eat, sleep and breathe cycling. (Look no further than these silly blogs and my activities to see that!). 

My energy goes to what has the most value for me. My time, my resources, my money. If I want it, it will be done. It may take me longer than some people and I might not get it right the first time - but never underestimate my intentions or dedication to something I want. Of course, once I'm done with something, I tend to move on just as quickly. I don't tend to dwell, either. Onto the next project. 

I was tweeted this article this morning: 

www.fitnessrepublic.com/fitness/effects-of-alcohol-on-atheletes-perfomance.html

Dangit. My coach was right. (I wonder how many times I'm going to be saying that…). This article really just discusses the negative impacts alcohol consumption can have on an athletes body and performance. Moderation is key, of course. But - it's all there in written form. I'm sure if I google the consumption of Diet Coke or other soda and performance I will find the same, if not similar, results. Water it is. Lesson being learned. My performance is not only dependent on the fitness I complete and the trainings I undertake but what "fuel" I'm putting into my body. 

And, you know what? It MUST be working. Ok, the alcohol and diet coke being cut out is still in the beginning phases but I've been working on the other part of nutrition for a few months already: the food part. 

I GOT INTO A SIZE 6 AGAIN TODAY!! Yowza! I haven't been in a size 6 for four years. Even though my closet has WAY too many clothes for one normal girl, I'm certainly glad I didn't throw out those smaller sizes. I guess it also means that I can go shopping again pretty soon. Oh, I'm so disappointed. (Can you sense the sarcasm?) With the purchase of new clothes comes the need to purchase shoes too. That's my most favorite part. Don't judge me on the number of shoes that I own. I love shoes. LOVE. 

Writing this blog has already had its benefits. Not only am I able to write and share my new crazy cycling adventures (and have you read it), it's forming new connections for me - and reconnecting me with old ones too. A friend sent me a message last night letting me know that she had been reading my blog (YAY!) and that she had a bike trainer that she's not using anymore and wanted to know if I wanted it. Seriously?! YES! Something that I don't have to spend money on that I'm missing for my training plan? Woot! 

Bike trainers aren't cheap. They can range anywhere from $150 to over $600. Whoa. So, I'm very thankful for this hand-me-down. THANK YOU CARMEN! 

I just have to figure out how to use it now. Where's my coach when I need him?! I just need my heart monitor and I'm all set to start SUFFERFEST. (That word still sends chills up and down my spine). 

I found this song on YouTube tonight. I can't help but get excited when I hear it. I imagine this song when I think about tomorrow's ride. Biking in the city. Tomorrow night I have an Urban Bike Ride around mid-town and Westport with my new group of cycling friends. I'm sure it's going to be awesome - what's not to love about that area, especially seeing it while on a bike? STOKED!



Okay, I've kept you long enough. And my Half Man, Half Bike book about Eddie Mercx needs some attention tonight. It's really been interesting to read about Mercx and his early cycling days. People didn't believe much in him until he started kicking everyone's ass. The proof is in the results, people.

Hard work, determination, dedication. PASSION.

Recipe for success. Happy cycling!

Attitude and Mud

You guys, my attitude was for shit today. Absolute cranky, upset CrazeeCyclist.

Proof:

I went to bed last night very late, completely upset. Lots of reasons and lots of things on my mind. Went through a few kleenex too while sopping up tears. And, my sleep was not restful. I probably only got about 2 hours of sleep total. When I woke up this morning? I remembered why I had gone to bed upset and my mood continued. It doesn't help that the weather is really crappy here right now too - lots of gloomy clouds, rain in the forecast, tornado watches here in Kansas (typical May weather).

I'm not the type of person that talks about things that are upsetting to me. I almost always have a smile on my face and I do NOT like to show other people that things are bothering me. I feel like a burden. I don't want people to know that I'm "normal". But you know what? I AM normal. I have bad days. I get lonely. Things bother me. My feelings get hurt. I'm just like you, probably. I won't go into WHY I was upset - this isn't Dr. Phil hour. But - down in the dumps. Worst feeling ever.

I didn't care if the Wicked Witch of the West herself dropped a tornado on me, I was going to get a ride in tonight. Not riding yesterday (on a planned ride day) was really tough. I missed a two hour window last night that I could've ridden - but I didn't take the risk because of the weather. Tonight though? Forget about it. I'm riding. Especially because I have some pent up frustration that I need to release.

Cue Operation Attitude Adjustment ride after work.

Like I mentioned above, the weather is pretty crappy here right now (in fact, we're in a tornado watch again tonight until 10 p.m.). I didn't really even think about the storms that rolled through two days ago and how the trail might be - I just set off. My mind was elsewhere. (I did remember to lube up and go to the bathroom pre-ride today though!! YAY me!).

The trail was wet, full of debris and MUDDY. SO MUCH MUD. There were times I probably should've just turned around because a couple of the places on the trail were so full of mud I could feel my bike and tires slipping. I didn't fall off though and navigated my way around despite the mess. The trail was closed in a different spot today so I had to take a road detour through a subdivision which was kind of a nice change of scenery.

The detour added an extra 1.3 miles to my ride tonight - and an unexpected hill which I took down with a fierce determination. Sit back in that saddle, girl. Pump your legs and pedal harder. Whew.

This was not a fast ride at all. My average speed was only 10.6 miles per hour because of all the mud and wet trail. That's okay though. Tonight wasn't about speed. Tonight was about clearing my mind of all of the emotions that had been riddling my body the past 24 hours. I had to worry more about navigating the trail tonight - which made the attitude I had earlier just kind of melt away. (Plus, I got to wear my new rain jacket tonight - so that was nice!)

I felt kind of bad for my poor girl though. She got muddy. Luckily I was able to wash her off at my brother's when I picked up my kiddo after the ride. I had to wait until I got home to clean myself up.

Sexy, huh?!? Pfft.

Here's my ride details:

https://www.strava.com/activities/56842939

Oh - and I started my new nutrition plan today. I made my favorite pancakes yesterday and put them in individual servings in the freezer so I can grab and go all week.

Here's the recipe if you're interested:

http://www.biggest-loser-recipes.com/oatmeal-pancakes.html

It makes enough for 5 servings (3 pancakes each serving). Breakfast for a week!

Picked up these goodies at the Farmers Market this weekend and spent yesterday afternoon also prepping and cooking them for the week.

And now that I'm home and clean and have 13.3 miles under my belt tonight? I'm much better. Not 100% but thankful that I got to get on my bike today.

Sometimes we feel alone. We feel lost. We're confused and hurt and angry and sad.

THIS is inspiration:

When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking. ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

PERSPECTIVE. 

Thank you Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I needed that. 

The sun'll come out tomorrow! And there's more miles for me to ride. 

Rain, rain, GO AWAY!!!!

Waking up this morning brought two immediate thoughts: 

1 - RAIN!!!! YAY! We need it, it sounds lovely outside and the smell is just fantastic. 

2 - RAIN?!?! UGH! Thunder? Lightening? I'm not going to get a ride in today. UGH. Double UGH. 

It's not that I won't ride in the rain - but there's no way I'm going to ride in lightening. Maybe it's safe, maybe it's not. I don't want to find out that it's not safe while on my bike though. It looks like we may be in for an all day soaker. And, since I don't have a trainer yet, I can't ride inside today either. 

I am ready for a day to ride in the rain though. This beautiful Sugoi rain jacket arrived at my door this week and it's begging to get a go. 

So, resigned to no riding, I grabbed my coffee and headed for my protected balcony to read online and just ponder some thoughts. My legs are burning a little from yesterday's ride - so this unexpected downtime to just enjoy myself alone, with my coffee, is welcomed. And sitting outside while it's raining is really just perfect. I put my Mumford & Sons Babel album on shuffle and felt relaxed. 

I have a friend who sent me a text yesterday. "Hey Crazee, check out this song and video - it's my motivation to you. Keep going girl!" I immediately was won over by this song. Check it out - you won't be disappointed. My favorite part of this song? 

My Body tells me no, but I won't quit

Cause I want more, cause I want more

My Body tells me no, but I won't quit

Cause I want more, cause I want more

I have a feeling that I'm going to need to pull this song out quite often in the near future as I get more serious about training. There's going to be times when I'm going to want to give up - throw in the towel - just STOP.

Now, I've stopped and started and started and stopped a lot of things in my life. I successfully finished a B.A. in Psychology and an MBA in Marketing. I won a Budding Entrepreneurship competition over a 2 year period for a program on reducing health insurance rates for employers by introducing wellness programs to employees. I never finished scrap booking my child's life - I got to 3 months and gave up. Didn't hold my attention I guess. I kind of regret that but can't find the gusto to pick it up again. I've participated and even starred in musicals. I gave up trying to make it to Broadway. (That one didn't last too long anyways).

But cycling? There's something burning deep inside of me that tells me that STOPPING this won't ever be an option. Every time I pick up a cycling magazine; every time I watch cycling on television or watch a documentary or show on cyclists and races; every time I shop online for bike parts, accessories, put my credit card information in to complete an order; every time I put my feet on the pedals: I get pulled in just a little deeper.

It's a love affair, really. And I must be in deep because I've even stopped buying Diet Coke. SAY WHAT?!? I've been drinking Diet Coke since the age of 10. Numerous cans or bottles or fountain sodas per day. My rule now? I can't buy it to keep it in the house. The only time I can have it now? When I've finished a ride. And only one at that. Here's the best part: I don't really miss all of that caffeine or carbonation. My love of the bike is outweighing the consumption of Diet Coke. Shit girl, you're too far gone now.

So, last night I went to a birthday cookout. I went with a friend I've had for about 6 months. He just finished the Peddler's Jamboree in Columbia, MO (ICK, MIZZOU) this weekend. He's introduced me to another friend, Matt, who is also a cyclist. And guess who was at the cookout? OTHER CYCLISTS!

BIKE NERD HEAVEN.

I met one guy who was in charge of this year's Bike to Work Day in KC. (I had to miss this ride because I was in North Carolina for work). I met a couple who are also, like me, just getting started in cycling. The discussions about cycling was music to my ears. Plans were made to do an Urban Bike Ride this coming Thursday in the Westport/Crossroads districts. WAY SUPER EXCITED. This will be a ride of enjoyment - and not for racing or timing - but the experience will be a first for me so I'm stoked.  Riding at night will be fun. I hope the rain stays away because I just checked the forecast for the week and rain is on the table every day this week.

All in all a great time last night. I may have just found a new group to ride with on occasion. WOOT!

Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.

~ Mark Twain, Taming the Bicycle. 1884

This cycling adventure is opening up a whole new world for me. My eyes are WIDE open, my mind is ready to absorb and learn and my heart is BURSTING with love for everything I'm about to experience.

This rain doesn't dampen my spirit - it ignites my mind and soul. Because soon enough, the rain will stop and give way to the sun. And my ass will once again be in the saddle - ready to RIDE.

Trips, bugs and learnings - just your typical day

Before I talk about my ride today, let's give credit where credit is due…

THIS MAN.

Nibali won the Giro D'Italia today - finishing 4 minutes and 43 seconds overall ahead of Rigoberto Uran who came in second and Cadel Evans who finished third. (Cavendish won the actual stage today - so I need to give him credit too). 3 weeks of racing. In rain and heat and snow and ice. Through time trials (both team and individual), flat sprints and ball-busting mountain climbs. I'm so super impressed and loved every minute of watching the Giro for the very first time in my life. And, what's even better? LE TOUR DE FRANCE starts in a month! SQUEE!!!!

Okay, enough Nibali. Let's talk about me now.  You didn't think we'd skip that part did you?

I left my apartment at 7:45 this morning after throwing down a whole grain waffle topped with natural peanut butter and honey. I had to take a friend to the airport to fly out this morning so I figured I couldn't let an opportunity pass me by. Know why? What's on the way back from MCI? Wheeler Downtown Airport. The Loop.

First things first. Bikes are meant to be ridden, not walked. DUH. And I'm accident prone (as you can see from my first post). Who trips in the hallway while walking her bike to the stairs to carry it to down to the car? ME. Fell right over my bike. And I'm wanting to switch to clipless pedals? Good gravy, girl. You can't even walk a bike the right way. Spilled my coffee all over my bike bag and myself. Great way to start the morning!

Dropped my best friend, Cynda, off at MCI and headed to Wheeler. It's cloudy and I'm hoping that the rain will stay away until after my ride. I've ridden in rain once (my very first bike ride) but I really didn't want to deal with wind AND rain today. The parking lot is full. Lots of people taking advantage of a pretty lovely Sunday morning to get on their bikes.

First learning of the day: some cyclists are the nicest people in the whole wide world. I unloaded all of my stuff and started to pump up my tires. For some reason, I was having trouble with the rear tire and the pump and a nice guy approached me and asked if he could help. He also noticed that my seat was crooked (probably from when I fell over my own bike earlier) and he fixed that and finished airing up my rear tire for me. I thanked him and he wished me a good ride. See? NICE. (He was probably laughing at my inexperience as he walked away).

Troubleshooting done. Let's RIDE.

I immediately realized two things (about a mile into my ride).

1 - I forgot to lube up. Uh-oh. I mean, you have to be nuts to be such a beginning cyclist and just FORGET to put lube on. Those lady bits are going to hurt later! I figured out why I forgot very quickly.

THESE:

Aren't they PRETTY?!? They came in the mail yesterday. LOVE the scorpion! I had to order new bibs because I ruined my Pearl Izumi shorts at the Tour de Cure last weekend when I crashed. And don't get me wrong, the Pearl Izumi shorts are comfortable. But these bibs? OMG. Castelli, you sure do know how to make comfortable bibs. They're the Cadillac (Cadillac not the right comparison for you? Enter your own…Ferrari, Lexus, etc.) of racing gear (at least so far for me). I knew immediately that I won't wear anything but bibs from now on. They go over your arms so they keep your shorts up. It's pretty helpful - and it keeps my belly fat (yep, I have it) from spilling over the top of my shorts. They also make my fat thighs look just a little less like sausages too. (Hey, it's spandex, I know - but anything that makes me look "less" awkward is appreciated).

Ok - enough about my bibs. This isn't a clothing blog.

2- I had to pee. Already. A mile in. Darn coffee. SO not a smart move on my part. Why am I not a man right now? Why can't I just kind of whip it out and pee off to the side? (This is legit, kids. I've watched a couple of shows that answer these type of scenarios…the guys bibs make it accessible to just take it out and remedy the situation). We women just aren't as lucky. Dangit. Why didn't I go to the bathroom beforehand? UGH. I won't make 15 miles with my bladder screaming at me.

I finished the first loop. 3.8 miles or so with my eyeballs floating in my head. Kind of hard to concentrate on anything when you have to go.

And now, I'm apologizing to all of you. But - I'm documenting my life as a CrazeeCyclist - so nothing's off the table and things happen.

I remembered that I had a clean tupperware dish (with a lid) in my car. I really didn't want to stop but the only other option would've been to pee my pants and let's face it, that just doesn't sound fun. I won't go into details - but 4 minutes and I was ready to set off again.

While riding today I felt awesome. There's something about being at the Wheeler Downtown Airport. A plane came in for a landing right over my head while I was riding and I couldn't help but smile. A couple of times I got passed by faster cyclists. I'm ok with that. You know why? Because today I PASSED A COUPLE OF CYCLISTS! If I could've high-fived myself I would have.

One guy that passed me yelled out "NICE JERSEY!" What?!? A compliment on my jersey style? I will take it. I'm picky about what I put on. And if I'm going to suffer on a bike, I want to look somewhat presentable. As presentable as you can be while sweating your tush off.

I will admit, I do feel like a badass woman when I wear this Sugoi skull jersey. It's just me.

Darnit, I circled back around to clothing again. Give me a little break though - I am a woman. I like nice things.

Final thing I learned today: I have GOT to learn to ride with my mouth shut. I don't mean shut as in not talking. I mean shut as in keep my lips pursed together and open my mouth only when it's time to drink water. I ATE A BUG TODAY, YOU GUYS. Stupid thing just flew right into my open mouth. And that's a big target so the bug didn't have to try too hard. It's protein, right?!? Yuck. I tried to spit it out but swallowed it before I could make that happen. I really hope that never happens again.

15 miles today in 1:07. It was VERY windy today - not just on the back half of the loop - but throughout the entire loop. Good learning for me on how to try to control myself on the bike while the wind is trying to knock me over. Sara - 1 / Wind - 0.

https://www.strava.com/activities/56386050

Tomorrow night I'm going to hit the Indian Creek Trail again and Tuesday will be a rest day.

Life's an adventure y'all - it's an even better one ON A BIKE!

NIBALI!

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/538560/vincenzo-nibali-wins-giro-d-italia-stage-20-to-close-in-on-overall-win.html

I've really been paying attention to Nibali this week. He is really showing some strength. And, now, he's all but clinched the Giro D'Italia title.

These riders, with the exception of the built in rest days, have been racing for 3 weeks now. They have to be hurting, have to be tired. But they keep forging ahead like warriors, beasts on machines. Their daily exercise routines, meal plans, etc. are carefully planned out according to their strengths and weaknesses. They have coaches, trainers, chefs and sponsors to ensure that they stay in champion form.

Why does that have to be any different for me? Sure, I don't have any sponsors to throw mega bucks at me to wear their clothes or ride their rides or use their bike parts. But that doesn't mean that I can't look at getting myself into the best shape possible with just a little research and planning.  (It wouldn't kill Castelli to look me up and hook me up with some awesome biking clothes though, would it?!? Someone make that happen!!)

Enter SUFFERFEST. Holy shit.

http://www.thesufferfest.com/

Their motto? I WILL KICK MY ASS TODAY TO BEAT YOURS TOMORROW.

Are you kidding me? How in the world can I even make this happen? Do I have what it takes? Well, kids, we're gonna find out real soon. I have a couple more pieces of equipment to purchase to start this 10-week training program (and that's just the FIRST one; there's another 10-week program after the Novice one) but it's becoming more a reality than just a passing thought. I still need a trainer (the block you sit your bike on to make it stationary - you use it indoors) and a heart monitor to test where my max potential is.

I've also been researching nutrition for cycling. You see, it all has go together. I can't be eating tacos and cheeseburgers every day if I want to develop those sexy legs that I'm so hoping cycling gives me. Does that mean I have to give up this food forever? Oh no. But it does mean that I'm going to have to alter what fuel I'm putting into my body in order to get the fuel necessary to keep going.

So, it's rest day. And I'm going to take myself to the City Market here in Kansas City to pick up some good food - sweet potatoes, greens, beets, etc. Good thing I already like and eat this type of food.

New day - new way!

Happy cycling!

Hills are for real

Holy Hills Batman!

So I decided tonight that I wanted to try a different route on the Indian Creek Trail. Um, may not have been the smartest move. But, I'm still alive to blog about it - so maybe I'm good.

I went to the entrance at 103rd and Marty tonight. Decided I wanted to start there and head towards where I have entered in the past (119th and Quivira). BUT, the trail ends at Switzer because it's closed for trail maintenance or some stupid reason. So, I had to turn around there and go back to my start point.

I was determined to do between 15 and 18 miles tonight and going back to my starting point only put me at 7.1 - so I decided to go the other way - towards Mission. And that's where I thought I might meet my maker.

There were 3 - count them, THREE - steep climbs on that route. You wanna talk about burning legs? This is where you can get them. At least, this is where you can get them if you're not used to having to climb so much while cycling. Just for a tiny bit of comparison - last night's elevation gain was 74 feet. Tonights? 240.

240 ft. BIG difference. And I did it anyways. I just big fat told those hills to shut up.

16.4 miles in 1:23:02. Not too bad, girl. Not too bad.

And now? I'm going to reward myself with a couple of cold ones. I've cut way back on alcohol consumption because my coach says it won't make me faster - but tonight is a reward. One beer for finishing my ride last weekend - and another to celebrate my new bike.

I'm resting tomorrow - and Sunday I'm attempting the Wheeler Downtown Loop again - by myself. BRING THE WIND!

Maiden Voyage - I'm mounted, let's ride!

Have you guys ever seen such a beautiful bike? LUST AT FIRST SIGHT.

She's mounted. Pedaled up. Ready for her maiden voyage.

Last night, I took her on that maiden voyage. It felt so good to be back on a bike again after almost a week off. By the way, my injuries have been healing nicely and are looking much better.

Here's my link to the ride I did last night:

https://www.strava.com/activities/55915028

The first time I did this ride (back in April) it took me an hour and 17 minutes. I did it in just less than 55 minutes last night. Not too shabby for this CrazeeCyclist.

And the Ridley? She's so beautiful. She's sleek and new and fits me perfectly. And I must admit, I got a little giddy when Ridley tweeted at me this morning asking how my maiden ride went. That's BIG TIME y'all!

My legs were a little weary after this ride. Probably just because it had been awhile. But it felt good to put my shorts on again and just get out there. My apologies for any of you who ever HAVE to look at me in cycling gear. It's not a pretty sight. (Although, I must admit that I'm sad about my Pearl Izumi riding shorts…they got a rip in them from the crash at the Tour de Cure). No worries though; I have some Castelli race bibs on their way to me now. It's all good!

What else is good? Nibali tore it UP yesterday at the Giro. It's looking like he might pull this victory out! And, my new issue of Bicycling came in the mail yesterday which always makes my heart skip a beat!

Also, I've been reading Half Man, Half Bike - the story of Eddie Merckx - for the past few days. Enjoying it very much.

I'm going to shoot for 15-18 miles Friday on my bike. It's a holiday weekend and I just need to ride.

Happy cycling!

I'm late to the party. But it's time.

Oh yeah, I'm late to the party. It's about typical for me. I'm always running two steps behind most people. And, I'm okay with that. Because I do things in my own time. I will take the time to make it right when necessary - and at this point in my life, well, I'm ready.

So - life changes often and unexpectedly. My life has gone through a huge change in the past year and a half. I'm now a divorced, single mom. Does that define me? NO. However, where I am in my life now looks much different than it did pre-divorce. Hence, the blog and what you're about to read. Above anything, though, I'm doing this for myself. So - if you read once and never again, I'm okay with that. After all, I'm the one who has to live with myself at the end of the day.

Ready? Here we go...(oh, and I'm long winded - so you're in for a ride).

I've never been an active person. I was very content to just go through life without any form of exercise. But - I'm hitting mid-30s and I'm finding myself wanting something more. I just finished my MBA last May - and once I moved out on my own last June, I had a lot of time to fill on days/nights when I don't have my precious 9 year old, Maggie Sue. What's a girl to do? Sure, I love beer. (And when I say LOVE, I mean LOVE). But, drinking all of the time? It's not conducive to my body appearance OR my wallet. I needed something different.

I started running. Last August. For the first time in my life. Running is hard y'all. It's especially hard when you've never done it. I successfully completed quite a few 5k's since August. (Here's the proof).

Running was great. I've dropped about 40 pounds since starting last August. Really the best shape physically I've been in. BUT - I've broken my foot twice in two years. Once pre-running and once while running. My nice doctor firmly told me that I needed to stop putting that kind of pressure on my foot and knees because the spot in my foot where I've broken the bones (same place both times) is never going to heal the way I want it to - and was at risk for being broken again by running.

Um - WHAT?!? No more running? But, the freedom that comes with running...how do I get that? The runner's high - what happens when I can't get that feeling? What about my love for being around other people at events and the feeling of accomplishing something that has such a personal reward and satisfaction?

Enter the past month.

I have a couple of friends who are cyclists. And, when I say they are cyclists - I mean HARD CORE. Nice, expensive bikes, regular riding schedules, cut calves. It seemed legit. I cautiously started asking questions. That may have been my first mistake. When Sara starts asking questions and develops an interest in something, WATCH OUT. I'm a sponge. I want to know everything - immediately. And guess what? It seemed interesting. Something that might take the place of running - both from a physical and a mental standpoint. I called my doctor - yes, it's a much safer alternative to running and won't put the unnecessary pressure on my foot. SIGN ME UP.

First problem - no bike. No problem, I have a friend who said I could borrow his son's bike for a couple of trial rides to be sure I wanted to start this cycling adventure. An 11 year olds bike. And it fit me. I'm so short. It looked similar to this Felt.

April 27th, 2013. First ride ever. 

http://www.strava.com/activities/50982098

I wasn't good - I wasn't fast. I didn't crash. And, HOLY UNDERCARRIAGE!!! But you know what? I LOVED IT. Immediately. Hard. This was something I could get used to. I even let my coach talk me into signing up for our company's sponsored ride in North Carolina for the Tour de Cure in May. 47 miles. WHAT? Am I nuts? I just did 12. How would I ever get to 47? Okay - baby steps. One ride at a time. 

April 30th, 2013. Second ride ever. First experience with headwind. This ride was painful. 15 miles - and a lot of it was spent going very slowly as I learned to fight wind. My coach went ahead of me because he's a badass. And I learned that I'm going to spend a lot of time alone with myself. Talk about humbling. Who's going to push me? Just ME. I'm the engine to this machine. And undercarriage? OMG. Thank goodness for D'z Nuts Bliss for women. 

https://www.strava.com/activities/51615055

Commence two week break. That wasn't easy. I didn't really have a bike to ride and I needed to get one. The North Carolina ride would have a rented bike for me - but that wasn't going to help me now. Enter my dad. He helped me get my first bike. A Ridley Yana. At a great deal. With awesome components. But, SHOCKER to my wallet!!! (And not just the bike - everything that goes with it...shorts, jerseys, pedals, helmet, lube, gloves, etc.). This is not a cheap sport people! But, with many things in life, if you want to make an investment, you have to put up or shut up. Look where your time goes. Where your money goes. Where your heart goes. If you love it, you find a way to make it happen. 

During that two week break what did I do? Started reading and watching cycling. SPONGEY SARA. Anything I could get my hands. How obsessed did I become? I cancelled all premium movie channels so that I could carry BeIn Sport - the channel that carries the Giro D'Italia. I set up recording for the entire series. I would rush home from work each night to start watching. Bradley Wiggins for Team Sky? HELLO, Sir Bradley. One day during that two weeks, this is what my mailbox contained: 

I used the time to read, ask questions of my cycling friends and watch some amazing racing on TV. Obsessed is really an understatement. I was losing sleep because I couldn't get enough. I also signed up for the MS150 in September if that tells you how much I wanted this cycling "thing" to happen. 

So, the week before my trip to North Carolina, look what came in the mail?! And I would have to let her SIT BY HERSELF while I was out of town for a week? UGH. That was TORTURE! 

LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL SHE IS! I was absolutely giddy when the UPS man showed up with this box. My dad put her together and put her in a safe space for my return. 

May 13th, 2013 - Travel to North Carolina for work. 

May 14th, 2013 - I did 20 miles on the hotel bike. Sweat my ass off, really. I knew I had to not cycle for the rest of the week in order to let my body prep for the upcoming Tour de Cure that Saturday. But, it felt good to log some miles. I just guessed I would be as ready as I was going to be. 

May 17th, 2013 - the day before the Tour de Cure. My coworker and friend, Shannon, and I went to pick up our rented bikes from the cycle shop in Raleigh/Durham. We also had a little fun teasing our other coworker about getting our bikes! 

The Cannondale bike was beautiful. And the nice guys at the shop put on toe clips for me (I'd never ridden with those before) so that I could try them out on the ride. 

We all went to dinner that night - pasta to carb load - and went back to the hotel to go to bed early so that we'd be rested for the next morning. I had a hard time falling asleep. Adrenaline? Nerves? Excitement? Yep. All of it. 

May 18th, 2013 - Tour de Cure day! It's go time. 

We got to the start line before 7 a.m. all prepped and ready to go. Here's our fearless team. We look GOOD, right?!? 

Here we are taking off. Holy crap! I'm about to attempt 47 miles! 

Enter 5 miles into the race. We are all humming around and I'm practicing some drafting and shifting with another one of my teammates - and we're all riding with ease and a little bit of speed. Ever since I started riding, the anticipation of my first crash on a bike has been a fear. More than the fear of getting hurt. And guess what? Here it came. It was an accident. But, it happened. I got tangled up with another one of the team riders and there we went. My first thought? F*CK. Second thought? I'm gonna be THAT girl. The one that dies on her first ride. My third thought? My coworkers CERVELO bike! (I didn't really care about my bike because it was rented). But his bike? He shipped it from KC to ride. And who wouldn't have? It's beautiful. I drool every time I see it. All of those thoughts happened in a mere matter of seconds. And then I hit the pavement. Hard. 

Get up, Sara. You aren't dead. Crap - who saw that crash? What do I look like? Where is my bike? Where is his bike? Is he dead? Is anything broken? Where's the SAG wagon? Holy shit, is that blood? Why does my arm look like that? Oh, my knee! GET UP. Get off the road before a car runs you over. I wanted to cry. 5 miles in and this happens? I flew all this way to crash and be done? HELL NO. I'm not quitting. Let the blood run over. I'm going to make this ride my BITCH. 

We rode to the 11 mile stop. I had the volunteers look me over. A band-aid wasn't going to stick because I was sweaty. There wasn't a lot of blood but there was enough. My poor coworker had to stop. He couldn't grip his gears. Urgent Care was calling. I was devastated. I felt terribly guilty. Off he went.  Here we are right after we stopped: 

I'm sure he wasn't thrilled about getting his picture taken. I have to capture everything. I'm crazy like that. 

I decided to move forward: blood, pain, fear, shame and all. I didn't know how long I would last but 11 miles wasn't going to be enough at this point. I rode on with the other 4. Then one rider got a flat and had to go back - so another stayed with her and I went forward to the next stop with my other teammate. We'd meet up at the 20 mile stop. 

That 9 miles was good for me. I rode with my teammate Paul and did a bit of drafting and fell in love with the smells and the sights of being on the open road on a bike. I know I yelled at least once, "I'M ON A BIKE!!!!!!" 

20 mile stop - drank some pickle juice (for the salt) and wiped down my cuts again. I was getting really stiff in my knee and my arm was killing me. Stop? NO. Not an option. My teammates said they were going to turn around and finish with me. Nope. Absolutely not. I'm not going to hold you guys back from doing what you came here to do. You go on ahead. I'm going to get to the 23.5 mile mark (halfway to the 47 mile course) and turn around to make my way back.  We got a couple of pics before they set off and I was on my own for the rest of the ride. 

So here I was. 20 miles into the ride. All alone. This was really put up or shut up time. I'm hurting. I'm worried about falling again. I'm worried about my teammate who is at Urgent Care. I've never troubleshooted a bike before. What if I get a flat? How do I change it? What if I fall off the side of the road and no one finds me and I'm there for years and turn into ground food? Only one way to find out: GET ON AND RIDE. 

I'm a spiritual person. And you know where I found spirituality on this day? On my bike. I was humbled before God and myself on this ride. There isn't anyone who is going to make this ride happen for you but YOU. After all, I was doing this ride not only to raise money and awareness for the American Diabetes Association - but to prove to my stubborn self that I could finish something that I started. No matter the cost, no matter the pain, no matter the elements. So, I said "SHUT UP LEGS" (Jens Voigt, anyone?) and went on. I got emotional at about mile 37. I started to cry. I hurt. I was in pain from the crash. I was alone. I felt like a whiny baby. And I also felt free and strong. That voice in my head telling myself that the only thing that was going to get me to the finish line was my legs and my bike. POWER ON. 

Last 3 miles of the race felt like an eternity. There was a pretty big hill that I had to overcome which took a lot out of me. But I made it to the top. And then I had a downhill crest that felt like magic. Holy speed could I go fast! I started to see the signs directing me back towards the start/finish. Wait? Was this it? Was I almost done? The clouds were moving in - rain was just about to start. Pedal faster. Get there. Make it happen. I turned in the parking lot and saw the finish. Rain drizzle started. People were there…clapping. Pedal. Pedal. Pedal. Breathe. You're there. You did it. You're done. 

Holy emotional mess, you crazy cyclist. You did it. Let those tears fall. Tears of joy - for accomplishing more miles than you've ever attempted. Tears of pain - you are pretty messed up and hurting. Tears of - well, you don't know where those tears are coming from - but they're allowed. Just cry. Get it all out. This is overwhelming. Wait, there's Chik-Fil-A for finishing? HELL YES. Give me all of the sandwiches. Now. (Except I couldn't hardly eat a thing because my adrenaline was full speed). 

I DID IT! WOW! 47 miles on a bike! Did I want it to end differently? Sure. I wish we could've all finished. And finished together. But you know what? I think that last 27 miles of being on my own was one of the best life experiences I've ever had. Plus, I would've been ashamed having someone see me break down a couple of times emotionally. Nope, it ended just the way it was supposed to. 

Here are the pics of my injuries: 

I call them my Battle Wounds. I'm a warrior. Okay, not really…but it does sound nice. And I earned those wounds. It's a reminder to me that life isn't easy and it's messy. But doing what you love isn't easy and can be messy. Time to HTFU and move on. (Rule #5 for those of you who know what I'm talking about). If you don't know - well, you can read it here: 

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

Was it easy? Nope. One of the hardest things I've ever done. Am I finished? HELL NO. 

I'm only just beginning. 

So - wanna take a ride with me? I promise to try and not crash you. Or - you can just read on as I experience this new thing in my life. I'm the CrazeeCyclist. And I've got a lot of miles to ride.