Gotta Run.... Gotta Ride...

8 WEEKS

2009-11-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

Here is my game. With most things fitness related just as I begin to see improvement somehow I quit, stop, slam on the breaks and move on. My intentions are always good but for some unexplainable reason this has become a repeated pattern.

I recently received and dove into Selen Yeager’s book – Every Woman’s Guide to Cycling. This book if fantastic with several detailed plans depending on what your goal or time of year of training you are in is. In short I have selected an 8 week plan for the off-season training which will incorporate strength training and RUNNING. All of this is done without the need of a gym (only one set of 8 or 10 lbs hand weights). How easy is this..right?

So last night was the first night. I figured out all of my HR zones (again) and placed the 60 minute workout in front of me on my trainer in my garage. If you recall I was moving right along with this type of HR training before (and liked it) and then stopped…. for what reason I am not sure. Did the same with YOGA about a year ago. Anyway, I quickly fell into the workout and the time flew by. Although I hit zones 1-4 I was in zone 3 for the longest section for a steady 20 minutes. Following the ride I did the complete weight training/core routine she lays out which lasted 25 minutes. I recall thinking that it seemed rather easy until I woke up this morning and can feel it in my ribs and across my chest.

So I am committing to this Eight Week Program that will bring me all the way to the first week of January. Should start into the new year with some improved cycling and a nice strong running base.

To mix things up for fun Scott and I are joining some friends and going mountain biking on Saturday. Since I have not been in years the announcement that it will be a 15 mile social in nature pace seemed perfect. Did I mention the water falls?

Life is GOOD.

Robin

Next....

2009-11-04T07:57:00.001-05:00

This is always the question after the completion of a big event. I will save you the head drama and list a few ideas below:

1. Ironman – no budget for this but still a wish and goal I have

2. Challenge to Conquer Cancer Cycle Relay – October 2010 - no way I will miss being a part of this next year

3. Rockmont Challenge – 12/24 hr Trail Run – May 2010 - With a $30 registration fee how could I pass up being on the trails again

4. Cycle Events – Several local events that I will be a part of during the winter and will continue through next year

So really the Ironman will be the only “wish list” event that I do not see happening in 2010. I am tossing around a Half Ironman here in SC next October so I have plenty of time to figure that out.

For now I have decided to switch over to Winter conditioning. Meaning I will continue to cycle but will also toss in some crossing training runs with some yoga and strength training. I am not going to overly stress if I miss working out one day here and there. Mentally this time of year you just need to let go and relax. I want to go into next year refreshed and ready to enjoy another great year.

Thank you all for the amazing comments on my last post and providing me such encouraging support leading up to the trip to Austin. Tomorrow night I will rejoin a lot of my team for a night ride from a local bike shop. Love that I am going to put my bike light to use!

Robin

Big Emotions

2009-10-28T15:06:00.002-04:00

Team Mellow Yellow - after we arrived in Austin, TX

How can I sum up this experience of riding a relay from Greenville, SC to Austin, TX? All week we slept very little, drove hours to transitions points, and then geared up for our six hour shifts. We weathered below freezing temps, rain, and lots of darkness (most of our shifts were at night). Funny how the hours of being upside down were filled with so much laughter, hugs, and memories I will carry with me long after I am now back at home. We met so many individuals that were either fighting cancer or knew someone very close that was. Our support vehicle was covered in magnets by the time we got to Austin. Add in police escorts through a town at midnight to Burger King opening up just to feed another team before their shift and you have a small insight of the gifts of appreciation for what we were doing were endless.

Thursday our team’s ride would greet us by rain…cold rain….lots of rain. With no where to eat breakfast we ate a fabulous pb&j and began our shift in the dark at 6am. Not even 2 hours into the ride I was bonking and with that all of this week’s emotions brought tears and just could not be stopped. I cried.. a lot… as I thought about all of those that helped make this possible. I did not want to let anyone down and just like that my team pulled me back in and with their love and support I pushed forward.

Later I would learn that my Aunt, who was currently in hospice fighting a fight with cancer, would pass away during this ride. She had told me that she had a “mean” kind of cancer and that it would take a miracle to cure it. I want to be a part of that miracle and riding in her honor and memory only drives me more.

Before the trip was over I would sit in the bathroom floor and hold my friend while we cut off the rest of her hair (now her second battle with breast cancer) and we just cried. I thought about the strength that a person has and finds to get themselves through each day. She is a true hero to me!

Saying I am blessed by this experience does not even come close! The words seem to small. This past week was not about the bike or the miles. The gift of loving one another and holding a person when they need it most is more powerful than any medicine. I cycled hours, slept very little, but gained a family that I will hold close to my heart forever.

It takes no money to make a difference… do what you can…just do something.

Robin

TIME TO ROLL OUT

2009-10-14T13:23:00.003-04:00

Before my husband has a heart attack I am officially – for real – promise – have my list ready – to start packing for my cycle trip to Austin. I am always known to be last minute at the packing stuff. Mainly I do this so that I will not over packed but because I need to make sure I do not forget any of the many necessities needed to cycle for an entire week I am going to remain task focused all day.

An email was sent out Monday from our Massage Therapist for the event that went like this:

Okay gang.... This time Renee' (your lovely massage therapist) has to reply. Water, water, water, water, and if that isn't enough..... Drink water. If you are not getting up at least twice during the night to tee tee :-).....you DO NOT have enough water in your system and sports massage is gonna hurt. The reason is that your skin will adhere to the fascia, and the fascia will adhere to the muscle and it's gonna hurt!!!!!! That means you are dehydrated. DRINK WATER.....NOT something that is mixed with water.....i.e. Iced tea. :-(....no no no!!! See everyone on Sunday!!!

In addition another email was sent out to address carbs:

If you are waiting until Friday or Saturday to start eating pasta for energy you will be starting too late. It will help, but you should be eating pasta and other high complex carbs every night for a week before the ride.

Since this is a multi day event (8 days total) I took it to heart and am doing what I am told. I am water logged and full of good complex carbs. Just a few more days now!

Here is a quick snap shot of my teams (YELLOW) schedule:

Sunday – roll out as a group at 3pm

Monday – 12am – 3am

Monday – 6pm – 12am

Wednesday – 12am – 6am

Thursday – 6am – 12pm

Friday – All teams join up and ride into Austin together

Saturday – Lance Armstrong 5k Run

Sunday – Lance Armstrong Cycle Event (60 miles)

Monday – FLY HOME!!

So that is it in a nutshell. Anyone that would like to follow us on our live tracker can do so on our event website at www.ridetoaustin.com . Click on “THE ROUTE” tab and the map will update to where we are at. I am riding on Team YELLOW.

THANK YOU ALL again for the support as I planned and prepared for this event.

Time to Roll....

Robin :)

Planning...again

2009-10-12T13:59:00.001-04:00

It is raining today. This should not matter since I have no schedule outdoor exercise to speak of but it does. This past week… in just one week… we lost 2 of our Warriors to Cancer. Both were husbands and fathers and left behind very small children. The rain today keeps my mind on the two woman who are going to have to now be strong for their kids. My heart goes out to them!

I have embraced the TAPER and for once I am not going crazy. This past weekend was filled with a last – long – team – ride to the bakery and back where we enjoyed coffee and sticky buns at the half way point and then finished it off with a cold beer at the end. No hammer fest. Just celebrating the months of training now behind us and the adventure before us. All that is really left is packing, getting extra rest this week, a few short rides, and eating well… really well.

Since it has been forever I will share that last week I RAN TWICE and it felt great. I have had a few runs here and there but have not posted much. Last week my heart and legs absorbed my surroundings and I just did not want to stop. How I have missed it. Once this cycling event is completed I will figure out a way to bring a nice balance together with both again.

Running made me realize that I have yet to plan for my next event, my next goal, my next anything. Since I know the kind of girl I am the search begins. More to come on that.

Robin

Say Hello to My Little Friends...

2009-10-07T08:55:00.004-04:00

This was a first for me. After weeks of carving sugar out and feeling fantastic from doing so I took the plunge into a container of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. For the record I did request the half cup single serving size sold in stores but after Scott and our son made a mad dash to the store (before I changed my mind) they returned with my very own pint size. Once my spoon hit the delicious heavenly sweetness of chocolate and cherry’s there was no stopping me until I consumed the ENTIRE thing. Scott and I put a movie in, crawled in bed, and each made fast work of our treat. It was wonderful!!

So since I am officially tapering I will count that as carb loading. No guilt. I have earned it!

With just over a week until the big event I wanted to take a moment to thank some of my blogging crazies that have helped me in reaching my goal of raising more than $5000.

Nick – what can I not say about this guy. Anyone that tackles the insane trails distances, is a cross-fit maniac, and also manages to brew his own batches of beer is a king in my book. He has generously sent me gifts in the mail sharing items that he no longer needed. THANK YOU!

Shirley – Doing one Ironman event is not enough for this woman. She will be doing two ironman events just a week apart from each other next month. Her positive attitude and drive is infectious. A very grounded person. Just simply amazing. THANK YOU!

MJ – This father and Iron athlete shows no limitations. Not only is he a talented photographer but even with a prosthetic leg he shows no limits to what can be accomplished. THANK YOU!

Roy – What does he not know about the world of cycling and all that comes with it. The priceless tools and loads of very useful information have helped in taking my riding to new levels and understanding. THANK YOU!

Phil - no longer post a blog :(. Scott and I had the pleasure of meeting him while on vacation. Seems like we have known him forever. One day I hope for our paths to cross ago...very soon. THNAK YOU!

I am blown away by the generous gifts of giving to these individuals that I have never met in person but hope to one day very soon. Thank you for supporting me in this fight against Cancer. You are helping to make a difference! If I have left anyone out I truly apologize. I am not able to view the entire list of names so I am going by my memory (not so good these days).

So this weekend is a very last …last long team ride. We are scaling it back to something like 60 miles at an easy, no one left behind pace and heading for a bakery in the mountains. Call it a sticky-bun-run.

More carb loading.

Robin

Right Where I Want to Be

2009-10-05T14:12:00.000-04:00

Last really long training ride in the bag. 100 miles on Saturday. I will take that!

Total distance: 100 miles

Avg. pace at halfway point – 19.6 mph

Overall avg. pace – 18.8 mph

Fluids – around 120 oz.

Gels - 6

Food - 1 pack of crackers, 1 banana nut breakfast bar

The route was fantastic. We opted to do an out and back. Starts out flat, add some nice rollers in the middle, followed by another nice section of flats and you have a nice turnaround at mile 50 for a repeat going back. We stopped 3 times but made each stop fast. Bathroom, more fluids, and some quick food and we were rolling. Only 5 of us for the ride but we made it work. Notice rotations and plenty of positive motivation. I have noticed how “some cyclist” have lost the ability to push it and have fun all in the same ride. I for one love that I roll with a group that has remained grounded as our strength has improved.

Sunday I really was into my house projects. I knew of one group that was starting very near my house at 1pm for a nice social ride. This would be a great recovery ride and would keep me on a target pace to truly count as recovery. I went back and forth on riding but with 30 minutes to go I quickly changed, gear up, and met the group. Some I knew and some I did not but as we made our way through the miles the group just had such a great feeling. All ranges of fitness levels. If anyone pulled away from the group we just waited and regrouped at the next turn or stop sign. True, wonderful recovery. Very glad that I went!

So my goal was to hit my last heavy week with somewhere around 240 miles. I hit 200 miles and am more than pleased. Now I can embrace the TAPER.

A few post ago I mentioned that I purchased some recovery tights for 50% at a local Tri Shop. At first I was not sold on the fact that they made a huge difference other than just feeling good with the compression. After wearing them most of Saturday afternoon my ride on Sunday felt like my legs were rather fresh. So my vote it that I can see and feel benefit from these. Hoping they will do the trick for our ride to Austin.

Robin

A Changed Person

2009-10-02T12:54:00.004-04:00

With any event at some point in training you reach the sometimes welcomed/dreaded TAPER. We have one last 100 mile team ride on Saturday followed by a 40-60 mile recovery ride on Sunday and then the two week taper begins.

Most people go crazy with this extra time once absorbed by training but I think I will embrace it. So many house projects that could use some attention, very much needed one on one time with my super supportive husband, tons of cooking for my 15 year old whom never seems to get enough to eat, and a stack of Runners World and Bicycle magazines to get lost in.

I will say that I am a changed person. Being apart of an event that is not about yourself, not a race, rather a STAND AGAINST CANCER. I feel rich with the blessing of new friendships that will last long after this event. Without knowing it I exposed myself to feeling the effects of those that are fighting the fight. I have shed some tears but even with that I am a better person for wanting and making a difference. For this, I am a changed person.

Relentless Forward Motion

Robin

A Total Freak Out

2009-09-28T14:46:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I took a break from training to visit my son and his wife at their Marine stationed base. I could build up the story of how my son talked me into going for a quick ride to get gas in his motor cycle only to pass several perfectly good stations before pulling into one MILES down the road. I yelled and carrying on the entire way to the gas station. I have never been more scared in my life. It was not that he was doing anything extra to scare me it was just that… I felt completely out of control and just wanted OFF. Needless to say they all got a kick out of my freak out moment.

So now that I am back and rested I am ready to ramp the miles up again. If all goes according to plan I will likely hit 250ish for the week. We will see.

Robin

102

2009-09-20T16:06:00.003-04:00

After a little drama (created by myself) I finally decided on my ride location and arrived for a very wet beginning to my first ever 100 mile ride. A group of 7 headed out in a down pour at 7am on Saturday morning. There was no way I was bailing after I dragged my butt out of bed.

The route would be an out and back with lots of flats and a few rollers along the way. By far it was nothing like all of the climbing we have been doing during our weekend training rides. A welcomed break.

I must admit I loved every mile of this ride and this came to a surprise since I was not really "feeling it" when the alarm screamed at me to get up. But like most days, once my feet hit the floor I good. No big funny thrills to reports so here are some quick stats:

Total distance: 102 miles

Avg. pace at halfway point - 20 mph

Overall avg. pace - 19.3 mph

Avg. heart rate - 136 bpm

Max heart rate - 167 bmp (this happened maybe 4 times and then dropped back to the avg. range)

Fluids - between 85 and 95 oz.

Gels - 6

Food - 1 pb&j

Upon arriving home I showered and then slipped into my new compression Cw-X tights I scored for $40 at a local Tri shop on their sale rack. To soon to cast my opinion on whether these help with recovery but they felt good so I am happy with my purchase.

Craziest thing was that I felt great following the ride. No need for a nap. Could this be a sign of improvement?

Robin

An EPIC Week for Me

2009-09-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

I have been playing “smart girl” and sticking to the four day a week riding schedule and as a result I have had two very good riding weeks. This past week was an Epic week in numbers for me.

Total Ride Time: 14hr

Total Miles: 240

By far the largest week that I have ever had riding. While my “saddle area” felt like it needed the paddles of life following our recovery ride yesterday I otherwise feel fantastic. Not making it much past 9:30pm on any given night but that is to be expected.

One of my mid week workouts was spent on the trainer. I made it 1hr 45 min. before I ended the sweat fest. If anyone wants a kick-your-butt trainer workout I guarantee this will do it:

Warm up for 5-10 minutes easy pace.

Hour One - big gear, low cadence work

3x (10 minutes of big ring, low cadence, 5 minute recovery)

I went one gear harder after each 10 minute segment, so my cadence lowered throughout the set.

Hour Two - power hour!

The third hour is a ladder effort of 2x through:

(1 minute easy, 1 minute hard, 2 minutes easy, 2 minutes hard, 3 minutes easy, 3 minutes hard, 4 minutes easy, 4 minutes hard, 5 minutes easy, 5 minutes hard).

Cool down 5-10 minutes easy pace.

Our Saturday morning ride began before Sunrise and was over before high noon. What made this riding memorable for me was the heavy fog that lingered far longer than most morning. When the sun made an entrance it spilled out over the trees and painted the roads for us. Just an amazing thing to experience every weekend. Although we did not head for the mountains for this 83 mile ride we did do our share of climbing and ended with an avg of 17.8mph. Very pleased with this.

Tonight brings a well deserved massage. 60 minutes of heaven and then straight home to veg out.

This week calls for 17 hrs.

Tuesday - 2.5 hrs

Thursday - 2.5 hrs.

Saturday - 6 hrs.

Sunday - 6hrs.

Likely be closer to 14-15hrs. if I were to make a bet on it right now. Really need to make my mind up on some Compression Recovery Tights. I sure could use them NOW. :)

Robin

You Smell Disgusting

2009-09-10T20:55:00.002-04:00

These were the words my 15 year old said when I asked for a hug tonight. I see nothing wrong with this request. Anyone that rides a trainer in a garage for just under 2 hours would be.... well.... rank. I survived the boredom and earned the right to chase him around the house with the threat of touching him.

Now I am off to shower.....

Have a great weekend! I am on for an 80 mile ride on Saturday and an 60 mile on Sunday. Loving it all.

Robin

And They Climbed

2009-09-08T13:18:00.009-04:00

Our team ride on Saturday was a standard 70 mile route with plenty of rolling hills. Not sure, but I would imagine around or more than 100 cyclist showed and made a donation to the Challenge to Conquer Cancer on our behalf. Great Escape put on such an amazing event and with the promise of a huge spread of food upon our return. I felt fantastic on Saturday. Even energy the entire way. I would note that Scott also rode and completed the same distance. His longest distance to date. Super proud of his accomplishment!

Monday offered our second ride. An email titled “And They Climbed” would provide you with a sneak peek into what would be an amazing route. Since we needed some additional night ride training we headed out just before 6am. Can you guess what time a person has to get up to make this happen?…lol. Nine of us rolled out and enjoyed the cool dark morning air before the sun made an appearance an hour later. The sections of climbing were sometimes long and lasted for miles while other times we had steep short sections. In the end we rode just under 80 miles with over 6200 feet of climbing and took in some of the most beautiful mountain views around.

We rolled in the dark while normal people SLEEP :)

Had to stop and take in the views as the sun came up.

We climbed....

And we climbed some more.....

Another ride in the books. What a sweet finish!

Since becoming a part of this event I had not realized how close I had become to all of these individuals. I hate Cancer and I hate when those around us are affected by it. I have always kept this blog fitness related and steered clear of very personal issues but I will say that my emotions took the best of me when a dear sweet friend learned that her cancer was back. She is a fighter and I will do all that I can to be a part of fighting cancer even beyond this event.

At 8:30pm last night I gave into the effects of all the riding and slept for close to 10 hours. Thankful for the ability to ride and share the road with some amazing people. Even more thankful for a REST DAY today.

I stuck to the ride plan last week and as a result all of my rides were dead on target. SUCCESS :)

Relentless Forward Motion.

Robin

Dirty but Clean

2009-09-04T09:54:00.002-04:00

How to Tell When a Banana's Gone Bad

Laugh People... It's Friday!!

Robin

KARMA

2009-09-03T09:33:00.004-04:00

Just when you think all of your talk about riding and cycling drives people crazy around you something odd happens…. they begin to ride, short rides, then longer rides and all at once you are energized by their new found excitement. One of the individuals is a female and she has little means of purchasing some of the key important necessities like a HELMET. Just last week my dad surprised me with the purchase of a new helmet so I quickly went to my car, placed my old helmet on her head, and presto… good karma passed on. Amazing how good it makes you feel to even do something as small as that.

So I encourage any of you to let go of things that can benefit others around you. It does not have to be something expensive or big to make a difference.

This holiday weekends rides are shaping up nicely. Looks like we have a 55-75 mile Team ride on Saturday and then on Monday one of my teammates have mixed up a 90 mile ride with some pretty strong mountains just for fun.

Let the climbing begin.

Robin

Numbers are In

2009-08-31T10:17:00.002-04:00

So the numbers are in… last week is now history… did I meet the 14 hours of saddle time…. Nope. I came in with just over 11 hours.

The mistake that I keep making is not taking a true rest day. Weather and other events took a 4 day riding week and made it into a 6 day riding week. So when the last ride of the week came I (again) had trashed legs. I am going to spare you my whining and just move on.

Still, the weekend was full of riding and tons of fun! You know it is good when you leave the house on Sunday at 6:45am and return home at 6pm that night. Scott and I were so exhausted that we gave into the bed not long after 8pm. We had such a fantastic time together. Truly worth being wasted on a Monday.

So this week.. I am drilling in my head to only ride my scheduled 4 days. According to our plan this will be the mix:

Monday – REST… YES!!! I am taking it.

Tuesday – 2hrs.

Wednesday – weights / yoga

Thursday – 2 hours

Friday – Off / yoga

Saturday – 5.5 hours

Sunday - 4 hours

Total Saddle Time: 13.5 hours.

Robin

Hours of Saddle Time

2009-08-26T09:54:00.002-04:00

So we are entering the part of our training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer where the training hours are getting longer. With close to 1400 miles between Greenville, SC and Austin, TX the training is about hours on the bike, rest, and then repeat.

Snap Shot of the weeks to come in weekly riding hours:

Week 8 - 14hrs. (this week)

Week 7 – 13.5hrs.

Week 6 – 13hrs.

Week 5 – 17hrs.

Week 4 – 18hrs.

Week 3 – 19hrs.

Week 2 – 10.5hrs. (taper)

Week 1 – 3.5hrs. (two days rest prior to rolling out to Austin,TX)

Our Saturday/Sunday rides will consist of 5 to 6hrs., rest, and then repeat the next day. That is a ton of saddle time people! Thank goodness for butt rub!!!!

As much as I hate to cut out of the blog world I am struggling with fitting it all in. I will do my best to give one weekly update and follow as many of you as I can.

Being a part of this event has changed me is such positive ways. I can only imagine that once we rollout on Oct.18^th it will get even better.

Robin

An Active Family

2009-08-17T14:59:00.007-04:00

Sometimes returning to work is how you rest and recover from a fantastic, packed full, amazing weekend.

In a nutshell I kicked off the weekend with the team for our first of many night training rides. I had my reservations about this but as the sun went down all of our lights illuminated the road and the energy of the group pulled us along. No sun beating us down...little to no traffic….coolers of icy beverages to greet us on our return. Can it get any better?!!

Since we had no A.M. training ride on Saturday I tackled some needed chores for the day. We had a Team Cookout Saturday night where we received our Event Kits. It was like Christmas. two jerseys, one wind vest, arm warmers, and two running tech shirt.

Sunday I headed out with two other teammates and we tackled a 65 mile climbing ride. With a mid morning start it did heat up but I was pleased to climb the way that I did. Seeing some improvement on that end. Hills repeats might actually be working. A quick return home to shower and we all dashed downtown for a 5k fundraiser followed by a baseball game.

Our son did amazing in the run!! Only his 2nd 5k event and I can see where he might be wanting to do another very soon. I loved seeing and cheering him on. So very thankful that we are an "active" family.

So that brings me back to being wiped out today.... in a good way. This week i am scaling back just a bit for a needed recovery week. I hit an all time high last week at just over 185 miles.

What fun... Robin

Experience x3

2009-08-05T19:54:00.002-04:00

This past week had offered different experiences that are all great in their own way:

Humbling Experience: I continue to receive donations for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. My goal was to raise $5000 and to date I am just over $6000. Still today I want to do all I can to raise funds to provide future research and treatment to those who are undergoing treatment. Just this past weekend two of my team members lost family members battling cancer. This part SUCKS and it only makes me realize that this is about something that matters and is much bigger than me.

Embarrassing Experience: So I am one of those riders who believe that it is safer to rider with another person than to go solo. Sunday I opted to ride the trainer due to poor weather. About an hour into the ride I was sweating it out in my garage and decided to reach for an addition water bottle on the floor and not clip out while doing so. Yes I ended up on the CEMENT floor and as a result I have a nasty green and blue hip BUT my sweet new bike is fine. This was my first question to Scott as he rushed to my rescue... "what about my bike"... :)) Just to make sure my hip was good I changed into my running shoes and went for a short run. All is goooooddd. Scott is still laughing at how a person can wipe out on a trainer.

Strong Experience: While riding with Scott on Monday morning I took a nail in my tire. Long story short... only took 40 minutes to change my tire. True performance tires are very tight and almost impossible to muscle on the rim. I wanted NO help and so it took forever but I DID IT :))

So with this amazing week I am ready to tackle our Thursday night Mountain ride. Bring it!!

Robin

Ready for Another

2009-07-31T08:21:00.002-04:00

All Smiles Before the Ride

So Scott and I returned with our friend to tackle the Mountain for our Thursday night ride. Since last week left me with only 1 Bump I set out to complete 2 Bumps this time. Still not sure why this has been named Bumps when we all know that it is a Mountain…lol.

After a short warm up to the base of the Mountain we made a turn and started the climbing. Each of us settled into our own pace and just grinded away at the road. For the most part the first side is shorter in distance but steeper in grade. Only once did I feel my heart beat in my head and ears. This side offered no break in climbing other than a few switch backs. Once at the top we rode down the back side and then turned around to head back up.

Although this side is longer in distance it is not near as steep and does offer one or two breaks in climbing. To be honest, once I reached the top I was surprised as how fast it seemed to be compared to the first side. We regrouped and headed back down just as the rain started. Perfect timing!

We all have a mental demon in whatever sport we are in. With cycling my demon is climbing. This monster is going to be hard to take down but I am working on it.

The sweet victory beer never tasted sweeter than last night. Scott and I both rode home King of the Mountain. :)))

Robin

King of the Mountain

2009-07-29T14:10:00.002-04:00

I am here… but I am not here….

My days seem crazy and even when I have something funny, interesting, or informative to blog about I don’t seem to have a minute.

So I am still here and I am trying like crazy to make my rounds to my favorite blog crazies and see what you are all up to.

Quick Updates:

Bike –

Last Thursday I headed out with some friends to do what was called “3 Bump” which basically consists of climbing three mountains. In a nut shell I made 1 Bump and Scott made 2 Bumps. He crowned himself “King of the Mountain” so this Thursday we will head back to do a repeat. I was SO proud of him!!

This weekend, in an effort to conquer that monster mental mind game I have of climbing, we tackled a 40 mile route that provided TONS of climbing. One section climbs for a solid 10 miles with an average of 6-8%. I loved it!!

Sunday was planned to be an easy recovery ride but instead I ditched it and Scott and I found ourselves in bed and asleep well before 9pm. Yes our 15 year old teases us about how old we are but I would not have it any other way.

Now I am off to see what you all have been up to…….

Robin

Part of a TEAM

2009-07-23T10:11:00.003-04:00

Part of the Team from our ride last Saturday.

This past weekend our team received all of the proceeds to benefit the Challenge to Conquer Cancer. Each cyclist paid $10 to ride and in the end we received over $800 towards our event. Not a week has gone by, since becoming a part of this, that I have not been blessed. Each story that is shared about cancer is truly touching. Mainly I have received the greatest gift of being a part of something that is not about me at all. It is not about how fast you are. It is not about who is the strongest. It is about working as a team and with each mile we ride, we train, we share we are hopefully coming that much closer to finding a cure for cancer.

I have been very blessed to have reached my fund raising goals very early on. Currently I have a team member who is having a harder time. If you are in the position of donating anything… $5…$10… I promise the karma that you send out will come back 10 fold!

Event Link: Challenge to Conquer Cancer (click on link and select Toby Coker)

If you have any problems with the link or any questions please feel free to contact me at gottarun472@gmail.com

Bloggers ROCK!!!

Robin

Check Yourself

2009-07-16T14:05:00.005-04:00

True Story…

I still run. Often times I get in 2 – 3 miles ( a few 5's) before a ride or alternating days that I do not ride. Surprising my pace had held to a decent clip but my body does not always play nice for the first mile.

Still I run.. and I remember why I love it so much.

Last week I arrived home and was to quickly change so my son and I could get a short run in before my ride. If it were not for Scott I would have dashed out of the front door like this…..

Pretty funny stuff. My 15 year old even got a good kick out of it. Thanks Scott… I would have totally let you take off without correcting your shorts had things been reversed. LOL!

On the bike front:

Jumped in a different group on Tuesday with the Greenville Spinners. A ride leader stepped up and offered a bit longer route and since the pack was not too large I jumped right in. This was a fantastic route that offered a great mix with some good speed. I only had to get verbal once when I yelled at a guy and told him to “pick a line” out of fear that he was going to run my into the ditch. He said nothing.

New bike = new voice. :))

Robin

Scott and the big 40!!

2009-07-13T15:02:00.004-04:00

What a FUN weekend!! Long ride on Friday (65 miles) to make way for Scott's 40th Birthday on Saturday. The evening was perfect and the weather was comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoors with about 25 of our closest friends.

Since I was a good girl on Saturday night I headed out for a ride on Sunday, then a run with my son, and lastly a crushing, trash your arms and back workout. If I had to do a push-up at this moment it would.... painful. Still I dare not let on to my son that his workout kicked my butt. Scott spent the day recovering on the couch.... lol!!

Off to begin a new week. Lots of rides planned for the entire week.

Robin

She Has Arrived

2009-07-10T08:12:00.004-04:00

There are things in life that you can throw a little money at yet the benefit of it is not all that clear. Not the case when it come to bikes!

Scott and I arrived back in town Wednesday night and I returned to work on Thursday. Let me just say that it took FOREVER for 3:30pm to arrive. Go Tri Sports hooked me up with an amazing price (negotiate people) and once I was fitted I headed home to test out my sweet new ride.

Orbea Onix Dama TDF

I must admit I was nervous about this ride. Everything about the bike is different from my last. Width of the handlebars. Placement of the gear shifters. Brakes. Size. You get the picture…everything. The bike felt like a glove that was molded just for me. Light, fast, with tons of comfort. I only realize now how jacked up my fit was now that I am on something that is correct.

We headed out and with each turn I began to feel more comfortable. The shifting of gears were smooth. Climbing was smoother than ever. Do you see where I am going with this? She is a SMOOTH ROCKET. I am in love! Best part.... she fits in the back seat of my 93 Honda Civic!!! No more having to trade cars with Scott. :))

So I am ready to roll again today... right now.... well after work... just hours from now.

Will catch up on all of your post... promise :)

Robin

P.S. In the absence of my bike last week I managed some amazing runs. Made me dream a bit of the trails. Getting lost in the miles is not that hard to do. Having more than one love is not a bad thing at all.