One year ago today I was diagnosed with Stage 1B2 cervical cancer. It's been an interesting journey and one that changed my life, for the better, surprisingly. Throughout this experience I've felt a range of emotions and feelings - fear, anger, hope, gratitude, frustration -and have spent a lot of time thinking about my life, what I want and who I want to be.
These thoughts weave through my mind daily. And, although I don't talk about it much, the fear of recurrence weighs heavily on my mind. In talking with other cancer survivors I'm learning that this will lessen as time goes by.
Recently, I've learned that recovering from cancer treatment takes a long time! I've had a few conversations with some cancer survivors who were competitive athletes and they said it takes years. I had to be patient during treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) but I wasn't prepared to be patient after treatment! However, I have been struggling this summer with my fitness so I'm going to listen to the advice and focus on recovery, not racing. Having said that, I still have a few races that I'm going to be doing but for fun. After all, I love mountain biking so why stop?
This weekend is the Wausau 24 -- a 24 hour mountain bike relay race that I'm doing with 3 friends. I will be a fun weekend and a very fitting way for me to celebrate my first year as a cancer survivor.
Happy riding!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Not checking it off my bucket list
I was hoping I would be able to write and tell you that I finished but not today. I finished 2 laps - a total of 66 miles which took me 8 and a half hours. Am I content with that? Not really. Did I try my hardest? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes? Did I have fun? Yes!
The race was perfect in many ways - great singletrack, perfect weather, no mechanicals, and no injuries or wipeouts. The first lap was the funnest I've had on my bike in a long time. I felt like I was on a roller coaster much of the time. The 2nd lap was really hard and took all of my will to finish. Funny how so much could change from one lap to the other. After that lap I was pretty much done with endurance racing. Now I feel differently.
Today the"could haves, should haves" are going through my head. However, the reality is I just didn't have enough fitness built back up yet and that instead it was test of wills to just get through what I did. So, I'm chalking it up as a good training ride for all the other fun races ahead of me.
Happy trails!
The race was perfect in many ways - great singletrack, perfect weather, no mechanicals, and no injuries or wipeouts. The first lap was the funnest I've had on my bike in a long time. I felt like I was on a roller coaster much of the time. The 2nd lap was really hard and took all of my will to finish. Funny how so much could change from one lap to the other. After that lap I was pretty much done with endurance racing. Now I feel differently.
Today the"could haves, should haves" are going through my head. However, the reality is I just didn't have enough fitness built back up yet and that instead it was test of wills to just get through what I did. So, I'm chalking it up as a good training ride for all the other fun races ahead of me.
Happy trails!
Friday, June 18, 2010
A long and winding road
.......and what a winding road it has been. I started this crazy love of endurance racing with my first attempt of the Lumberjack in 2006. Little did I know how that decision would change my life. Then I was going through periods of melancholy, struggling to find my way, trying figure out what kind of life I want to live and growing into person I want to be. Today, I feel like I've come full circle. That first Lumberjack led me down a path to figuring it out, and surviving cancer affirmed it. Now I am leading the life I want and have become the person I want to be. All this beginning and ending with the Lumberjack. I never planned on doing the Lumberjack until a month ago so I find it my thoughts today quite serendipitous.
Tomorrow is the Lumberjack. I have two goals - have fun and finish!
I'll post up how it went but please send me good your good karma, thoughts, and prayers tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the Lumberjack. I have two goals - have fun and finish!
I'll post up how it went but please send me good your good karma, thoughts, and prayers tomorrow.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Lumberjack
This race has been on my bucket list for several years. I attempted it in 2006 but had 3 time-consuming mechanicals and didn't make the cutoff. It was my first attempt at an endurance mountain bike race (other than team 24 hour events). It was an experience and I'm very glad for it. Sure I was disappointed that I didn't finish the race but knew that I did what I could. And, I rode 60+ miles which was by far the most I've ever ridden on single-track. It was this race that fueled my interest in endurance races and since then that's been my focus. And, for the record, I finally hit the magic 100 mile target during a 12-hour race two years later.
Last summer, before I found out I had cancer, I had thought about trying the Lumberjack again in 2010. It's something I kept thinking about but in the end decided not to because I was so unsure of how I would recover from chemotherapy and radiation. I instead decided to focus on getting healthy while still doing some endurance races.
Having said all that, I am now doing the Lumberjack. It's a complete last minute decision but I'm really excited about it. Registration has been closed for some time but a friend, who was registered, is injured and can't do the race. I'm bummed for him, but excited for me.
I think it's totally insane that I'm doing the race with only a month out but what the heck, it will be fun and I will be doing something I love. Will it be hard? YES but cancer was harder.
Last summer, before I found out I had cancer, I had thought about trying the Lumberjack again in 2010. It's something I kept thinking about but in the end decided not to because I was so unsure of how I would recover from chemotherapy and radiation. I instead decided to focus on getting healthy while still doing some endurance races.
Having said all that, I am now doing the Lumberjack. It's a complete last minute decision but I'm really excited about it. Registration has been closed for some time but a friend, who was registered, is injured and can't do the race. I'm bummed for him, but excited for me.
I think it's totally insane that I'm doing the race with only a month out but what the heck, it will be fun and I will be doing something I love. Will it be hard? YES but cancer was harder.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Off to the races!
Today I completed my first race of the season and was it ever fun. For my mountain biking friends who haven't done the WORS Iola Bump and Jump, I highly recommend it. It's a great early season race - short, fast, flowy singletrack with some good climbs and just a fun atmosphere/vibe. People are happy to be racing their bikes again and seeing each other after a winter hiatus. It was like old home week for many. And, it was a bluebird day, perfect for a ride in the woods.
I was unsure about how I would do and set some pretty simple goals for myself - have fun, finish, and no "could haves, should haves." I'm feeling stronger but didn't know what to expect with the first race of the year, especially the first race after cancer treatment last summer/fall. I exceeded my expectations and am very happy how it all went. First and foremost - I had a FUN!
I always hate the start but as I lined up I tried to focus on the good things I've learned from yoga - breath, focus, pay attention to what you need to be doing and not the other stuff around you. Also good lessons for life. I was nervous at first but then I kept reminding myself that I've done much harder/scarier things and not to worry.
The first lap was fun and fast. I even got into a pack on the single track and it was awesome to be actually chasing some ladies. The second lap was slower, no wagon train but I did trade places with several women. The third lap was slower yet but I rode all the long climbs (had to walk 2 short ones) and worked hard to keep my pace going and finishing strong. In the end - I gave it all I could, finished and had fun!
As I get stronger my thoughts of cancer push deeper into my memory (yeah!). However, this Tuesday, I have my second 3-month checkup with my oncologist (which I will have every 3 months for the next 2 years) so it's at the forefront of my mind these days. And, she said that I most likely will have to have another CT scan after this appointment. That should be confirmed on Tuesday. I'm nervous and anxious for Tuesday to be over and hope I hear the words "everything looks great." Please send good karma my way Tuesday!
I was unsure about how I would do and set some pretty simple goals for myself - have fun, finish, and no "could haves, should haves." I'm feeling stronger but didn't know what to expect with the first race of the year, especially the first race after cancer treatment last summer/fall. I exceeded my expectations and am very happy how it all went. First and foremost - I had a FUN!
I always hate the start but as I lined up I tried to focus on the good things I've learned from yoga - breath, focus, pay attention to what you need to be doing and not the other stuff around you. Also good lessons for life. I was nervous at first but then I kept reminding myself that I've done much harder/scarier things and not to worry.
The first lap was fun and fast. I even got into a pack on the single track and it was awesome to be actually chasing some ladies. The second lap was slower, no wagon train but I did trade places with several women. The third lap was slower yet but I rode all the long climbs (had to walk 2 short ones) and worked hard to keep my pace going and finishing strong. In the end - I gave it all I could, finished and had fun!
As I get stronger my thoughts of cancer push deeper into my memory (yeah!). However, this Tuesday, I have my second 3-month checkup with my oncologist (which I will have every 3 months for the next 2 years) so it's at the forefront of my mind these days. And, she said that I most likely will have to have another CT scan after this appointment. That should be confirmed on Tuesday. I'm nervous and anxious for Tuesday to be over and hope I hear the words "everything looks great." Please send good karma my way Tuesday!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Spring has sprung!
Today is an amazingly beautiful spring day. Birds are chirping, woodpeckers are pecking and I'm able to sit on my patio typing this blog. And to make things even better, work has been amazingly cooperative. Usually this time of year, I'm stuck in the stuffy halls of the MN State Capitol but for various reasons, things are at a major lull. I just hope when it does get busy, things happen quickly and legislators go home, sooner rather than later.
Over the Easter holiday, Kevin and I went out to Fruita, CO for a few days of mountain biking. The first day was a complete bust because of rain but we were able to ride Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The best day was Friday by far - we did a 5 hour ride on CO singletrack without covering the same trail twice. It was fun, rocky singletrack with great views of the Colorado River.
The best part of the last two weeks is that I'm finally feeling like my fitness is back. I was able to do the 5 hour ride with no problem and I'm feeling stronger and faster. Today, I went for a mtb ride at Lebanon Hills and did by normal sequence of loops in the same time before cancer.
So, I'm really excited about training and focusing on racing this year. It seems that I have some good karma -- work is cooperating, my fitness level is greatly improved since finishing cancer treatment and my motivation level is very high. I can't wait!
Over the Easter holiday, Kevin and I went out to Fruita, CO for a few days of mountain biking. The first day was a complete bust because of rain but we were able to ride Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The best day was Friday by far - we did a 5 hour ride on CO singletrack without covering the same trail twice. It was fun, rocky singletrack with great views of the Colorado River.
The best part of the last two weeks is that I'm finally feeling like my fitness is back. I was able to do the 5 hour ride with no problem and I'm feeling stronger and faster. Today, I went for a mtb ride at Lebanon Hills and did by normal sequence of loops in the same time before cancer.
So, I'm really excited about training and focusing on racing this year. It seems that I have some good karma -- work is cooperating, my fitness level is greatly improved since finishing cancer treatment and my motivation level is very high. I can't wait!
Friday, March 26, 2010
What health care reform means to me
Late summer and early fall was a complete blur to me because I was in the midst of a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. As a result, I was not at all engaged in the health care fight in Congress. I should have been but to be honest, I was recovering from a radical hysterectomy, in a fog of depression, and exhausted and nauseous from chemotherapy and radiation.
However, it's been four and a half months since my last treatment. I had my first 3 month checkup and the doctors have given me a good prognosis. I finally feel like I'm back to myself and living a happy and full life. And now, I've been paying attention to the debate and am very happy the Democrats in Congress fought for this. It affects me personally but I also have a different lens to view the world with and passage of this bill, as Joe Biden so aptly stated, is a big F@!? deal! To see how it impacts me directly, read this article.
To me this video expresses a lot of what I've seen lately from the other side - a lot of anger and opposition without any real solutions. And, I don't consider allowing people to shop for health insurance from other states a real solution.
However, it's been four and a half months since my last treatment. I had my first 3 month checkup and the doctors have given me a good prognosis. I finally feel like I'm back to myself and living a happy and full life. And now, I've been paying attention to the debate and am very happy the Democrats in Congress fought for this. It affects me personally but I also have a different lens to view the world with and passage of this bill, as Joe Biden so aptly stated, is a big F@!? deal! To see how it impacts me directly, read this article.
To me this video expresses a lot of what I've seen lately from the other side - a lot of anger and opposition without any real solutions. And, I don't consider allowing people to shop for health insurance from other states a real solution.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Feeling the love
Yesterday I was able to do my training ride outside. It was the best ride I've had since I was diagnosed with cancer and completed treatment. I finally feel like I'm getting back to my former fitness level.
The best part of yesterday's training is that it helped me feel rejuvenated and focused on my efforts. Winter was getting me down, I was starting to wonder if I was going to get back to where I was before, and I was getting bored with the grind of training in the basement. Yesterday helped give me a new perspective and a little more patience to get through winter.
I've also started doing yoga which has been really good for me. I was having a lot of muscle and joint issues (as a result of the radiation) and was feeling like I was walking around like an old woman. Along with numerous visits to the chiropractor and massage therapist, I'm feeling stronger and more flexible. My favorite aspect of yoga is the mental strength and concentration it gives me -- I feel like I'm in a better place after an hour of yoga.
Spring is around the corner and I can't wait!
The best part of yesterday's training is that it helped me feel rejuvenated and focused on my efforts. Winter was getting me down, I was starting to wonder if I was going to get back to where I was before, and I was getting bored with the grind of training in the basement. Yesterday helped give me a new perspective and a little more patience to get through winter.
I've also started doing yoga which has been really good for me. I was having a lot of muscle and joint issues (as a result of the radiation) and was feeling like I was walking around like an old woman. Along with numerous visits to the chiropractor and massage therapist, I'm feeling stronger and more flexible. My favorite aspect of yoga is the mental strength and concentration it gives me -- I feel like I'm in a better place after an hour of yoga.
Spring is around the corner and I can't wait!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Ready, Set, Go
My coach and I finalized my race schedule this week and I'm really looking forward to a fun race season (I've updated it on the sidebar). I have a lot of races on the calendar and am going to be able to race on some fun trails. I only got to do 1 endurance race last summer, because of the cancer diagnosis and treatment, so I'm hoping 2010 will afford me a lot more time on my bike. And, the last two race seasons I haven't performed as I would have liked and I wonder if the cancer was taking it's toll without me even knowing it. So, I'm also hoping for some good placing at these races.
I've been back with my coach and on the bike since December but all of my focus has been on recovering from cancer treatment and getting used to physical activity again. So, I've been riding but it has been without much focus. However, I feel good and rested so my coach will start focusing the training and I can focus again on what I love - the bike and endurance riding. Yeah!
I've been back with my coach and on the bike since December but all of my focus has been on recovering from cancer treatment and getting used to physical activity again. So, I've been riding but it has been without much focus. However, I feel good and rested so my coach will start focusing the training and I can focus again on what I love - the bike and endurance riding. Yeah!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
That old familiar feeling....
The last time I rode outside was the weekend after my last chemotherapy appointment. After three months of surgery recovery and cancer treatment I had no idea what to expect on that ride and got a real eye-opener....I was REALLY out of shape! Since then I've only exercised indoors on the bike trainer and have spent the last several weeks just getting used to exercising again.
Today I ventured outdoors instead of sitting on the bike trainer. It was warm (for this time of year) and sunny so I couldn't handle the thought of sitting on the trainer in Kevin's basement. I wanted sun and fresh air!
The ride was great and I felt good. I'm still really out of shape but felt better than on the last outdoor ride. I can tell I'm getting my strength back. What I liked most was the tired, spent feeling my body felt afterwards. I ached to feel this during cancer treatment and it was good to have it back.
Today I ventured outdoors instead of sitting on the bike trainer. It was warm (for this time of year) and sunny so I couldn't handle the thought of sitting on the trainer in Kevin's basement. I wanted sun and fresh air!
The ride was great and I felt good. I'm still really out of shape but felt better than on the last outdoor ride. I can tell I'm getting my strength back. What I liked most was the tired, spent feeling my body felt afterwards. I ached to feel this during cancer treatment and it was good to have it back.
Monday, November 30, 2009
On the other side
Exactly 4 months ago today I found out I had cervical cancer. It's hard to believe it was only 4 months ago because the last months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation seemed to last forever.
Shortly after I found out about the cancer, my OBGYN talked to me a bit about what I was going through. I distinctly remember her saying that even though it's hard for me to see it, when it's all over I will breathe a huge sigh of relief and realize that I've made it to the other side. She was right -- it was hard for me to see that while going through everything but now that I'm here, I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for it to be all over. And, I have reached the other side and I believe that I am a stronger, better for it.
I tried to stay as active as I could the last 4 months but pretty much focused on getting through treatment. It got really difficult towards the end. Today I started training again and it felt great! I'm back working with my coach but we are taking it very slow in getting me back in to shape. However, I have my sights on a 12 hour race next June so I'm pretty focused on getting back into a routine. I can't wait!
Shortly after I found out about the cancer, my OBGYN talked to me a bit about what I was going through. I distinctly remember her saying that even though it's hard for me to see it, when it's all over I will breathe a huge sigh of relief and realize that I've made it to the other side. She was right -- it was hard for me to see that while going through everything but now that I'm here, I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for it to be all over. And, I have reached the other side and I believe that I am a stronger, better for it.
I tried to stay as active as I could the last 4 months but pretty much focused on getting through treatment. It got really difficult towards the end. Today I started training again and it felt great! I'm back working with my coach but we are taking it very slow in getting me back in to shape. However, I have my sights on a 12 hour race next June so I'm pretty focused on getting back into a routine. I can't wait!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Changes
Many people know that old familiar tune by Davie Bowie but when your faced with it, CHANGE SUCKS!
On Thursday, July, 30th I went in for minor surgery and during the procedure the doctors saw that I had a cancerous mass in my cervix. On August 4th, it was confirmed that I have a form of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma. This was very sudden and I showed no signs during a routine exam the end of May.
Since then I've had a radical hysterectomy and now may have to go through radiation because of the risk of it returning. I won't know until I see a radiation oncologist September 1st of what lies ahead of me but I can tell you this....cancer sucks and it has changed my life in oh so many ways.
I can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling. I feel fear because I don't know what's ahead of me. I feel frustration because my life has changed dramatically. I feel frustration because I think people believe now that I've had the hysterectomy, they think that the cancer is gone and my life is fine. I feel guilt because the cancer I face is nothing like other cancer patients face yet I'm still very afraid. I feel anxious because because I want to live a long and joyful life, ride my bike, work hard, thrive, but that all seems so very far away.
Despite all my fears, sadness and trepidation, I spend my days thinking about the next endurance race. First on my horizon is the Lumberjack 100 in June 2o10 and my hope remains that my life will be back to normal.
I've also spent a lot of time looking for resources and by far the best one has been the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I know that a lot of people are cynical about Lance but his organization has been the best resource for me. I especially like the Manifesto. It, among all the caring thoughts from family and friends, gives me strength.
Cancer may leave your body but it never leaves your life.
Valerie
On Thursday, July, 30th I went in for minor surgery and during the procedure the doctors saw that I had a cancerous mass in my cervix. On August 4th, it was confirmed that I have a form of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma. This was very sudden and I showed no signs during a routine exam the end of May.
Since then I've had a radical hysterectomy and now may have to go through radiation because of the risk of it returning. I won't know until I see a radiation oncologist September 1st of what lies ahead of me but I can tell you this....cancer sucks and it has changed my life in oh so many ways.
I can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling. I feel fear because I don't know what's ahead of me. I feel frustration because my life has changed dramatically. I feel frustration because I think people believe now that I've had the hysterectomy, they think that the cancer is gone and my life is fine. I feel guilt because the cancer I face is nothing like other cancer patients face yet I'm still very afraid. I feel anxious because because I want to live a long and joyful life, ride my bike, work hard, thrive, but that all seems so very far away.
Despite all my fears, sadness and trepidation, I spend my days thinking about the next endurance race. First on my horizon is the Lumberjack 100 in June 2o10 and my hope remains that my life will be back to normal.
I've also spent a lot of time looking for resources and by far the best one has been the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I know that a lot of people are cynical about Lance but his organization has been the best resource for me. I especially like the Manifesto. It, among all the caring thoughts from family and friends, gives me strength.
Cancer may leave your body but it never leaves your life.
Valerie
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Northern Gravel Classic
It's confirmed. I'm changing my race schedule and doing this race late September. It is 104 miles on mostly gravel roads in Northern MN. It seems like a really cool vibe/culture and an awesome adventure. No race fees, self-supported and I get to see part of MN I've never really seen before. And, the best part is that Kevin has decided to join me!
There are several other races like this in Southern MN - the Alamanzo 100 and the Raganarok 105 and I've been curious about them. I have wanted to try at least one but I've just never been able to because both are in the spring and I'm working.
I'm really excited about this new adventure!
There are several other races like this in Southern MN - the Alamanzo 100 and the Raganarok 105 and I've been curious about them. I have wanted to try at least one but I've just never been able to because both are in the spring and I'm working.
I'm really excited about this new adventure!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mixing It Up a Bit
I leave this Thursday for a 2 week vacation in Wyoming. Kevin and I are going to hike in the Wind River Range for 7-8 days and attempt to climb Gannett Peak, the highest peak in WY. This will be the first vacation in years that hasn't involved 2 wheels and the first time since 2000 that I've taken 2 full weeks at once. It's strange to think that I won't be biking for two solid weeks but this trip will be amazing. The Wind River Range is the prettiest place I have been and I'm looking forward to seeing another part of this area. Physically I feel ready but I have to admit that I'm a bit scared about the summit attempt as there will be glaciers, crevasses, and exposure. However, I figure being scared is a good thing as it will make me be more careful and thoughtful every step of the way. And, Kevin and I have been planning this for 9 months and he's an Eagle Scout so he's prepared for anything.
We don't really have plans for the remainder of the vacation other than that we are going to visit Kevin's Aunt and Uncle in Sundance, WY and check out the Tetons.
I've also been thinking of changing my race schedule a bit but I first need to get some things figured out. This race sounds pretty amazing and I'm hoping to do it. After all, what would I do after the WY adventure but be sitting on the couch and eating a bag of Doritos!
See you all in a few weeks!
We don't really have plans for the remainder of the vacation other than that we are going to visit Kevin's Aunt and Uncle in Sundance, WY and check out the Tetons.
I've also been thinking of changing my race schedule a bit but I first need to get some things figured out. This race sounds pretty amazing and I'm hoping to do it. After all, what would I do after the WY adventure but be sitting on the couch and eating a bag of Doritos!
See you all in a few weeks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday Penn Women's Mountan Bike Rides
I've been part of the Wednesday Penn Cycle Women's Rides for the last 11+ years - either as a ride leader or a rider. The rides started after I moved to MN because I wanted to try and meet some other women who were into the sport of mountain biking and Penn Cycle graciously agreed to be the host. Thanks Penn Cycle!
As I imagined, it was a great way for me to meet other riders and develop friendships. While many have come and gone, I still ride with lots of these women and every year I meet more women with the same love of biking. We have had a lot of fun times!
Fun. Fun. Fun. These rides are not training rides, no one gets dropped and we want everyone to have fun, enjoy the trail, learn something new and meet some friends. We want to help new riders feel more comfortable on their bike as well as allow more experienced riders the opportunity to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Tomorrow the ride is at Terrace Oaks . We meet at the Eagan Penn Cycle at 6:00 and ride from there. Terrace is a great place for beginner riders because it lets your practice some basics --going around tight corners, how to maintain speed in some fun, windy, singletrack and learn some downhill skills. It's also good because it's short so you can go back again and practice the skills. Hope to see you all out there!
Valerie
"We all get 24 hours each day. We should spend that time living the life that makes sense to us."
As I imagined, it was a great way for me to meet other riders and develop friendships. While many have come and gone, I still ride with lots of these women and every year I meet more women with the same love of biking. We have had a lot of fun times!
Fun. Fun. Fun. These rides are not training rides, no one gets dropped and we want everyone to have fun, enjoy the trail, learn something new and meet some friends. We want to help new riders feel more comfortable on their bike as well as allow more experienced riders the opportunity to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Tomorrow the ride is at Terrace Oaks . We meet at the Eagan Penn Cycle at 6:00 and ride from there. Terrace is a great place for beginner riders because it lets your practice some basics --going around tight corners, how to maintain speed in some fun, windy, singletrack and learn some downhill skills. It's also good because it's short so you can go back again and practice the skills. Hope to see you all out there!
Valerie
"We all get 24 hours each day. We should spend that time living the life that makes sense to us."
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sisterhood of Dirt
Sisterhood of Dirt is now up and running! Thanks to Janet for her creative ideas and to others who contributed to the content.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
John Muir Race report
Saturday was my first endurance race of the year. I did a 6 hour race at John Muir in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest of WI. Going into it I was really nervous because of my race performance the last two weeks but things turned out much better than anticipated.
I didn't really know what to expect of the course because I've only ridden there once and couldn't really remember the trail. It was fun and fast with some good, short little hills and some fun windy, singletrack.
The best part of the race was how I felt. It all came together very nicely. I didn't let any weird mental garbage clog my brain and I was able to go at a consistent pace for each lap. I finished with 4 laps (44 miles) in 5 hours and 23 minutes. You have to be done before 6 hours is up otherwise I would have gone out for 1 more lap.
The next race is July 25th at the 24 Hours of 9 Mile in Wausau, WI. I'm doing the 12 hour solo event. Coach and I had another talk yesterday about training and we both agreed that the goal is to make me faster. I have the endurance so now I will spend my training working on speed. It should be fun!
I didn't really know what to expect of the course because I've only ridden there once and couldn't really remember the trail. It was fun and fast with some good, short little hills and some fun windy, singletrack.
The best part of the race was how I felt. It all came together very nicely. I didn't let any weird mental garbage clog my brain and I was able to go at a consistent pace for each lap. I finished with 4 laps (44 miles) in 5 hours and 23 minutes. You have to be done before 6 hours is up otherwise I would have gone out for 1 more lap.
The next race is July 25th at the 24 Hours of 9 Mile in Wausau, WI. I'm doing the 12 hour solo event. Coach and I had another talk yesterday about training and we both agreed that the goal is to make me faster. I have the endurance so now I will spend my training working on speed. It should be fun!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Shout out
I forgot to give a shout out for my friends Dana and Janet. They did awesome at the 9 Mile race this weekend. Nice job ladies!
Ready, Set, Go!
The last two weekends I spent in WI doing short, cross country races which are part of the Wisconsin Off Road Series. This is a great series -- a lot of fun races, great vibe and fun people.
The first was the Crystal Lake Classic in Rhinelander and the second was the Big Ring Classic in Wausau. Both courses were really fun and I was happy to be back in Wausau which has some of the best singletrack in the Midwest!
But to be completely honest, I'm not really happy with how I performed in either race. I expected better results and pretty much spent the last two days whining. Well....that all changed after I talked to my coach this morning. She reminded me that I had a hellish last few weeks of session but that I needed to stop whining and kick it into full speed. It was a good kick in the pants.
After all, I didn't stay committed to my training all winter long, with the hellacious work schedule, with 4:45 am workouts and Saturday winter rides in the cold to just show up and go at a comfortable pace. From now on, I'm putting it all on the line - consistent training and showing up for races confident and ready -- physically and mentally. For those still wondering why I do this, click here.
This weekend I'm doing my first endurance race of the season and I CAN'T WAIT! I'm doing a 6 hour solo race as part of the 12 Hours of John Muir. I've only ridden here once but had a blast and am excited about riding some new trails and some fun singletrack. I'm also looking forward to this race because some friends and family (Kevin's parents) will be there. It's always nice to have a cheering section!
Happy racing!
Valerie
"We all get 24 hours each day. We should spend that time living the life that makes sense to us." -- author unknown
The first was the Crystal Lake Classic in Rhinelander and the second was the Big Ring Classic in Wausau. Both courses were really fun and I was happy to be back in Wausau which has some of the best singletrack in the Midwest!
But to be completely honest, I'm not really happy with how I performed in either race. I expected better results and pretty much spent the last two days whining. Well....that all changed after I talked to my coach this morning. She reminded me that I had a hellish last few weeks of session but that I needed to stop whining and kick it into full speed. It was a good kick in the pants.
After all, I didn't stay committed to my training all winter long, with the hellacious work schedule, with 4:45 am workouts and Saturday winter rides in the cold to just show up and go at a comfortable pace. From now on, I'm putting it all on the line - consistent training and showing up for races confident and ready -- physically and mentally. For those still wondering why I do this, click here.
This weekend I'm doing my first endurance race of the season and I CAN'T WAIT! I'm doing a 6 hour solo race as part of the 12 Hours of John Muir. I've only ridden here once but had a blast and am excited about riding some new trails and some fun singletrack. I'm also looking forward to this race because some friends and family (Kevin's parents) will be there. It's always nice to have a cheering section!
Happy racing!
Valerie
"We all get 24 hours each day. We should spend that time living the life that makes sense to us." -- author unknown
Friday, May 15, 2009
The 40th Hour
Hopefully my life will get back to normal soon. The legislative session must adjourn on Monday as stipulated in the State Constitution. The Legislature and the Governor must pass a 2 year state budget and there were big questions about whether not that would happen because none of the parties could agree on how to solve our $4 billion budget deficit. Well, the Governor took the ball to his side of field yesterday by claiming that he would not call a special session if the Legislature did not agree to a budget solution and instead he would line item veto budget bills sent to him and use a process called unalottment which is available to him July 1st to balance the budget.
This has been an exceptionally long session for me with a lot more hours put in than I expected. I feel like I'm in the 40th hour of a 48 hour bike race. I think it's hard for most of my family and friends to understand what this time of year is like for me. in case you were wondering.....I work all the time. I looked at my calendar and I've worked every Saturday for the last 4 weeks and for the last 3 weeks I haven't really had a day off. And, the crazy thing about this I never know from one hour to the next what my schedule is like. Last Saturday I went to the Capitol at 9:30 am and left on Sunday at 6:00 am and the last several weeks I've been at the Capitol until 1:00 am a lot. To my friends and family who ask me to do things this time of year, thanks for putting up with my common refrain "I can't, I'm working."
Session is a lot like an endurance bike race, only the stakes are much higher -- you have a chance to do good things for people. You prepare for months, your work hard and tough out the rough spots, become very weary at the end and can't imagine how you will be able to finish. Afterwards your swear you'll never do it again. A few days later, when you are rested, you look back at what was accomplished and think to yourself "that was worth it."
This has been an exceptionally long session for me with a lot more hours put in than I expected. I feel like I'm in the 40th hour of a 48 hour bike race. I think it's hard for most of my family and friends to understand what this time of year is like for me. in case you were wondering.....I work all the time. I looked at my calendar and I've worked every Saturday for the last 4 weeks and for the last 3 weeks I haven't really had a day off. And, the crazy thing about this I never know from one hour to the next what my schedule is like. Last Saturday I went to the Capitol at 9:30 am and left on Sunday at 6:00 am and the last several weeks I've been at the Capitol until 1:00 am a lot. To my friends and family who ask me to do things this time of year, thanks for putting up with my common refrain "I can't, I'm working."
Session is a lot like an endurance bike race, only the stakes are much higher -- you have a chance to do good things for people. You prepare for months, your work hard and tough out the rough spots, become very weary at the end and can't imagine how you will be able to finish. Afterwards your swear you'll never do it again. A few days later, when you are rested, you look back at what was accomplished and think to yourself "that was worth it."
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