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."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Was it worth it?
Today is the last day of my detox/cleanse. Was it worth it? Totally! I feel so much better and can see the positive benefits. I lost 6 pounds, got rid of some bad cravings and began the first steps on kicking some bad habits. The biggest benefit was that it has really made me think about what I eat and drink and the impact that it has on my well-being and performance.
Look out world!
Look out world!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Spring Clean Up
Last week I decided to do a detox and cleansing diet. I've read about this before and was curious about the benefits. So, I looked into it, talked to my friend Janet who's done it before and decided to make the leap. Janet's is doing it with me. She's committed for 14 days...I'm in for 7 because I don't want it to impact my training.
Why do it? I've want to get rid of a few bad habits and kick start some weight loss for race season (I've managed to not gain some weight during session but want to lose some more). Plus, I generally want to feel better about myself and make healthy choices.
I've chosen a plan that is based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains (not wheat), and lean meats. It also means no processed foods, sugar, caffeine, wheat, dairy or alcohol. It is not a liquid or fasting detox plans.
A few things I've learned so far:
I should have tried to wean myself off caffeine BEFORE trying this. I've had a raging headache for the last two days and am hoping that it goes away soon.
Plan meals before you start this. I decided to do it at a time that worked best for my training schedule but did not give myself enough time to plan meals accordingly. As a result, I was in some serious nutrition deficit yesterday by not having enough carbs from something other than fruit (i.e. rice, quinoa).
Find alternatives for breakfast. I often eat cereal or yogurt for breakfast and those are both off-limits this week. I've struggled to find the right fit. I've tried brown rice, which I normally like, but the texture first thing in the morning is hard for me to stomach. Today I had scrambled eggs and they were delish.
Yesterday I felt like crap - mostly because I was at work very late the night before, had little sleep and didn't give myself enough time to plan the food for today.
Today I feel great and am noticing the positives of the process, except for the headache!
Why do it? I've want to get rid of a few bad habits and kick start some weight loss for race season (I've managed to not gain some weight during session but want to lose some more). Plus, I generally want to feel better about myself and make healthy choices.
I've chosen a plan that is based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains (not wheat), and lean meats. It also means no processed foods, sugar, caffeine, wheat, dairy or alcohol. It is not a liquid or fasting detox plans.
A few things I've learned so far:
I should have tried to wean myself off caffeine BEFORE trying this. I've had a raging headache for the last two days and am hoping that it goes away soon.
Plan meals before you start this. I decided to do it at a time that worked best for my training schedule but did not give myself enough time to plan meals accordingly. As a result, I was in some serious nutrition deficit yesterday by not having enough carbs from something other than fruit (i.e. rice, quinoa).
Find alternatives for breakfast. I often eat cereal or yogurt for breakfast and those are both off-limits this week. I've struggled to find the right fit. I've tried brown rice, which I normally like, but the texture first thing in the morning is hard for me to stomach. Today I had scrambled eggs and they were delish.
Yesterday I felt like crap - mostly because I was at work very late the night before, had little sleep and didn't give myself enough time to plan the food for today.
Today I feel great and am noticing the positives of the process, except for the headache!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hiking we will go....
Kevin and I have been planning a backpacking trip of a lifetime. The first two weeks in July we are going to Wyoming to climb Gannet Peak, the highest point in WY. We plan on taking 2 weeks off, but the actual hiking trip should only take about 7 days. I CAN"T WAIT!
In preparation for the trip, we have been hiking every weekend around the area- mostly within an 1-1.5 drive away from home. I'm really thankful we took the time to do this. First of all, Kevin and I got to spend some quality time outside together. Secondly, we experienced a lot of interesting parks and sights. I'm really looking forward to going back to these parks to see the impact of the change of seasons. We will have more trail options since we won't be competing with the skiers and I'm looking forward to how the parks change with the seasons.
Here's a list of where we hiked (in order favorite to least favorite):
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: Nerstrand SP is located south of Northfield. This was a very interesting park with one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." Very cool frozen waterfall in the winter. Not heavily visited.
Wild River State Park: Beautiful scenery along the St. Croix River Valley.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park: This very near my house so we hiked a lot here this winter. It's a great park to hike in the winter because there are 2 hours worth of hiking only trail and we didn't have to worry about getting in the way of the skiers.
Lake Maria State Park: A variety of scenery and trail selections.
Lake Elmo Regional Park: Very pretty park with wide open spaces. We also saw an interesting site - a partially hibernating raccoon - in the middle of our trail.
William O'Brien State Park: This would be a better park to hike in the summer and fall. We were here in the winter and there weren't a lot of hiking only trails.
Fort Snelling State Park: Very cool little loop around Pike Island
Afton State Park: Pretty park but I was expecting more climbs and views of the region.
Carver Park Preserve (Three Rivers Regional Park): This was a pretty park but not a lot of trails in the winter.
Frontenac State Park: This would be a better park to hike in the summer and fall. We were here in the winter and there weren't a lot of hiking only trails.
Willow River State Park (WI): Very pretty park but heavily used.
Happy hiking!
In preparation for the trip, we have been hiking every weekend around the area- mostly within an 1-1.5 drive away from home. I'm really thankful we took the time to do this. First of all, Kevin and I got to spend some quality time outside together. Secondly, we experienced a lot of interesting parks and sights. I'm really looking forward to going back to these parks to see the impact of the change of seasons. We will have more trail options since we won't be competing with the skiers and I'm looking forward to how the parks change with the seasons.
Here's a list of where we hiked (in order favorite to least favorite):
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: Nerstrand SP is located south of Northfield. This was a very interesting park with one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." Very cool frozen waterfall in the winter. Not heavily visited.
Wild River State Park: Beautiful scenery along the St. Croix River Valley.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park: This very near my house so we hiked a lot here this winter. It's a great park to hike in the winter because there are 2 hours worth of hiking only trail and we didn't have to worry about getting in the way of the skiers.
Lake Maria State Park: A variety of scenery and trail selections.
Lake Elmo Regional Park: Very pretty park with wide open spaces. We also saw an interesting site - a partially hibernating raccoon - in the middle of our trail.
William O'Brien State Park: This would be a better park to hike in the summer and fall. We were here in the winter and there weren't a lot of hiking only trails.
Fort Snelling State Park: Very cool little loop around Pike Island
Afton State Park: Pretty park but I was expecting more climbs and views of the region.
Carver Park Preserve (Three Rivers Regional Park): This was a pretty park but not a lot of trails in the winter.
Frontenac State Park: This would be a better park to hike in the summer and fall. We were here in the winter and there weren't a lot of hiking only trails.
Willow River State Park (WI): Very pretty park but heavily used.
Happy hiking!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I'm OK, You're OK
I had to work yesterday and I was totally crabby about that. However, once I left the Capitol and headed over to my local favorite mountain bike trail everything was right again. Then, I heard this song on my way home and it completely described what I've been thinking/feeling lately.
It has been ages since I wrote anything on this blog. It's mostly because work has been all consuming and I've had to let lot fall to the wayside. However, my work is a priority, it's important and it's worth it.
Here's what else I've been up to:
- Training! I am planning on doing a number of endurance mountain bike events this summer and I've been sticking to my plan. Plus, I feel much better when I exercise and it helps me relieve a lot of stress! (I'll post my race schedule very soon.)
- Planning for a trip of a lifetime to WY. Kevin and I are going to climb Gannet Peak this summer. To prepare, we have been hiking every weekend since October. I've been to a lot of cool hiking trails over the winter and I'm looking forward to experiencing them now that winter is over.
- Cooking and meal planning. I've been trying to cut back on spending, saving more and as result I've been doing a lot of cooking at home. It's been fun.
- Sleeping. I wake up at 4:15 am most mornings to train so I pretty much plan on trying to be in bed by 8:30 or 9:00. Plus, I nap on the weekends!
- Facebook is my new addiction. I've also just discovered Twitter.
Stay tuned for more as I plan on being better about sticking to this!
It has been ages since I wrote anything on this blog. It's mostly because work has been all consuming and I've had to let lot fall to the wayside. However, my work is a priority, it's important and it's worth it.
Here's what else I've been up to:
- Training! I am planning on doing a number of endurance mountain bike events this summer and I've been sticking to my plan. Plus, I feel much better when I exercise and it helps me relieve a lot of stress! (I'll post my race schedule very soon.)
- Planning for a trip of a lifetime to WY. Kevin and I are going to climb Gannet Peak this summer. To prepare, we have been hiking every weekend since October. I've been to a lot of cool hiking trails over the winter and I'm looking forward to experiencing them now that winter is over.
- Cooking and meal planning. I've been trying to cut back on spending, saving more and as result I've been doing a lot of cooking at home. It's been fun.
- Sleeping. I wake up at 4:15 am most mornings to train so I pretty much plan on trying to be in bed by 8:30 or 9:00. Plus, I nap on the weekends!
- Facebook is my new addiction. I've also just discovered Twitter.
Stay tuned for more as I plan on being better about sticking to this!
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