tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60542709122178660152024-03-12T21:23:02.456-07:00Margaret Thompson Cycling Coaching ServicesMargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-31480600782548604332020-03-02T08:06:00.002-08:002020-03-02T08:13:02.844-08:0010,388 Meters of Virtual Climbing. Past the Top of the World in my Basement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I accomplished another vEveresting on 2/25/2020, this time
surpassing the 8848 mark of Mt. Everest (at 8.6 times up Alpe du Zwift) to
10,000 meters (9.7 times up Alpe du Zwift) and then opting to make the final
push to the top of Alpe de Zwift to make it a 10-climb day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me 15 hours and 29 minutes, I rode
149 miles and climbed 10,388 meters, all made possible by the virtual world that is <a href="https://zwift.com/feed" target="_blank">Zwift</a>, a training and racing platform for cycling and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was not without its struggles but my preparation kept those to a minimum.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a background in distance events, so even entering my
first vEveresting in December 2019 I had a bit of confidence and a virtual Everesting did not appear quite so carzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done 3 Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike
races, numerous qualifiers for them, and long gravel grinders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2017 I had the good fortune to race RAAM
on a four-woman team, <a href="https://brighamhealthhub.org/healthy-living/introducing-team-brigham-health-four-women-on-the-ride-of-a-lifetime-1" target="_blank">Team Brigham Health</a>, and we established a record for
women 60+ of 7 days, 11 hours, and 4 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Broken into two duos, my teammate and I tag-teamed 8 day-into-night
segments that each lasted for over 12 hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as hill climbing goes, I have raced up Washington
Auto Road 6 or 7 times as well as most of the other hill climb races throughout
the northeast which make up the BUMPS series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Included in this series is the hill climb up the Whiteface Mountain Auto
Road, one of my favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Alpe du
Zwift was released on Zwift it amazed me that the scenery was so reminiscent of
all of the climbs I had done, from those in the northeast to those in the
Oakland, CA area where I am lucky enough to train as well, specifically Tunnel
Rd. and Mt. Diablo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say I
love to climb!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the coolest things about Alpe du Zwift is that it is
so very similar to the Whiteface climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had always heard that Whiteface and the famous Alpe d’Huez (for which
Alpe du Zwift was patterned after) were quite similar, and this turned out to
be quite true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Alpe du Zwift is
steeper at the bottom than Whiteface the last few miles are so reminiscent of
that climb and the last mile brings me back to that race every single time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Alpe du Zwift was released almost 2
years ago I have climbed it over 100 times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when it came time to choose a climb to do my vEveresting
the choice was clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alpe it was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to my familiarity with the climb,
there was no denying that its length and average grade would get me to my goal
the quickest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many climbs on
Zwift, but none that had an average of 8% and were 7.7 miles long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I investigated the others and looked at my
fastest times (not that I was planning on duplicating those times during an
Everesting) and there was simply not the bang for the buck that Alpe du Zwift
offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Utilizing any other climb was
going to take longer, and this was going to be long enough!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That average grade does not come without its challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the rules to enter the <a href="https://everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/#/virtual" target="_blank">Hells500</a>
vEveresting hall of fame was that a virtual Everesting has to be as life-like
as one done outside. When I purchased my <a href="https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-trainers" target="_blank">Wahoo Kickr</a> last fall and set it to the
required 100% trainer difficulty it also proved to be “100% reality.” Just as
if I was climbing that road over and over in the real world, I would want
gearing that would allow me to pace myself and pedal at an endurance pace
rather than at race pace or even tempo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had my bike shop, <a href="https://dicksonnes.com/" target="_blank">Dick Sonne’s Cycling and Fitness</a>, transform my
Specialized Crux into the gravel bike of my dreams by installing a new rear
derailleur and cassette so that my easiest gear was 36 x 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having that gear meant that I could remain at
endurance pace no matter what the grade, even at the bottom/start of the climb which
hovers in the 10-12% region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I use
it all the time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used the 31 and 35 as well, and perhaps
even the 27, and kept my feet moving in order to not bog down. I do recall even
shifting into the big ring on a couple of the switchbacks and, of course, I was
in the big ring and the smallest cog on the descents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have always had a rule to never stop while climbing Alpe
du Zwift and I remained true to this during both my vEverestings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That definitely made me push a little harder
on the last 1.5 miles to the top, each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Light at the end of the tunnel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During my training for the first vEveresting I also made my second rule,
which was to not let my avatar ever come to a complete standstill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After topping out after each summit I would
to a U-turn and pedal hard to get my avatar plummeting down the Alpe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> While it was coasting </span>I would then quickly rush upstairs to mix a
drink, take a nature break, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
quickly as I could I would be back on my bike and pedaling the remainder of the
descent so that my legs would be warmed up and ready for the subsequent climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as I flew past the start banner at
the bottom I would make a U-turn and then begin again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I mention that the first part of the
climb is kind of step?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With my plan of being on the bike as much as possible I had to
be well prepared, having water bottles filled, and having my <a href="https://www.hammernutrition.com/" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition</a>
supplements, Hammer Gel, Perpetuem solids, and Hammer's Perpetuem measured out, labeled,
and at my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nutrition and hydration
are things that can be controlled and being prepared is a must since, well,
brain-power during the event might be a little lacking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My plan worked to a T, just as it did in
December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aside from bits of a Hammer
Nutrition Vegan bar and a few Perpetuem solids all my nutrition came in liquid
or gel form, with my hourly intake at 200 calories, 18 ounces of liquid, and,
every 50 minutes an Endurolytes capsule, an Anti-Fatigue capsule, and a BCAA+
capsule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I added in a few more
Endurolytes and constantly used Energy Surge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I began the day with a serving of Fully Charged and had two more
servings, one at 5 hours and one at 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have been a sponsored athlete of Hammer Nutrition since 1997 and so I
have a ton of experience with their products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Honestly, though, I use them all as directed, which is the way I suggest
everyone who works with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been asked about my training for these events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The six weeks leading up to the event
involves lots of climbs up Alpe du Zwift, along with threshold training and
endurance work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have worked
exclusively with my coach <a href="https://www.vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Mark Fasczewski</a> of <a href="https://www.vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Vantaggio Fitness and Nutrition</a> since
2004, so none of this type of training is new or unusual to me, just, perhaps,
a bit more of it at certain points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being as fit as possible, nailing down the pace that one can continue
for long periods, and then tapering for the event without losing fitness are
all critical and Mark knows how to arrange this for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also critical to this is refraining from
overtraining with both eyes on rest and recovery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doubly important is the support I receive from my husband
Phil, the athletes I coach, and on event day, also from good friend Wendy
Bowers. Phil accepts my long rides on the trainer as part of my job and my work
schedule is flexible enough to allow me to train lots during the day and then
work early morning and all evening. As a coach these hours, and this event, give
me a perspective on what my athletes are going through when things get rough
for them. EVERY SINGLE ONE of my athletes inspire me, with their tenacity and
dedication despite whatever limitations they might have or encounter along the
way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As one can see, there are many moving parts to this kind of
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Training and past experience are
critical, and along the way one can study and learn how to do this the
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Planning is the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equipment/gearing, nutrition/supplementation,
pacing/protocol, and support are the pillars that hold this all up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what is next?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After completing the 10 times up Alpe I proudly exclaimed “never again!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was tough on mind and body and I was a
bit concerned about how I would recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took two days completely off the bike and some naps, with a gradual
re-entry since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing something like
this also comes with lack of sleep, both before, with my 3:30 am start (because
I woke up and was not about to go back to sleep) and afterward with the body
zooming so much and legs that hurt so bad that going to sleep took a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I had a 24 hour day <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now that I am mostly recovered (I still need an acupuncture treatment from <a href="http://www.mackayrippey.com/" target="_blank">Mackay Rippey</a>) I have a
great base under my belt. I can look forward to some great race training for
the goal events I have this season which include --- ta da – hill climbs and
longer events such as marathon mountain bike races and gravel grinders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and time trialing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you want to, and you REALLY have to want to!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Work your way up to it a little at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you already have experience doing long
things (8+ hours) on the bike you’ve already got a mental leg-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggest that if anyone wants to have the
best experience to do their absolute best with preparation and to not give this
a GO until you are good and ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
mentioned after my first vEveresting, I thought I was “ready” to attempt it as
soon as Cyclocross season was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="https://www.vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Coach Mark</a> knew otherwise and devised a training plan that enabled me to
be so successful and to actually want to do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six weeks later I was, literally/virtually,
on top of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To date, out of 444, I am the oldest human to
have done a vEverest (take that you men one year younger than me, lol,) the woman,
out of 25, with the most vertical meters climbed (by ten whole meters,) and at
the time my first vEveresting was the 5<sup>th</sup> fastest (by a few seconds.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to compete and seeing these stats
afterward are icing on the cake but not really why I do it. The goal is to just
do my best and have fun doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK,
this was Type 2 kind of fun, but I did get to watch a lot of UCI Cyclocross in
the process!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This post started as simply an answer to a couple of how-to
questions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, I went overboard. Most
importantly, do what moves YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding a bike is a privilege as is
having the health to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejoice and
respect your abilities and the accomplishments you've already made, set goals, and learn about yourself
along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejoice in the blessings
of the rest of your life as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life
is an unpredictable journey, but by systematically taking care what you can
control you can work toward accomplishing something you thought was not
possible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always be kind to yourself and
to those around you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course I am pretty good at forgetting self-inflicted discomfort so there might be more Everesting in my future. Never say never. Ride on!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-48802794581563796952019-12-12T11:38:00.000-08:002019-12-12T15:02:48.095-08:00My Virtual Everesting: Opportunity and Preparedness<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I did it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
fulfilled my goal of a Virtual Everesting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I await approval from the Hells500 folks as to my inclusion into
their vEveresting Hall of Fame I just want to get the message out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have wanted to do a vEveresting for a couple of years
now, and finally my health and schedule got together and allowed me to do
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My coach, Mark Fasczewski, devised
a several-week master plan that took me through the end of Cyclocross season
and into pre-vEveresting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I had
already climbed Alpe du Zwift 27 times since its creation in March of 2018,
starting this October I now had a new purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 6 weeks of training I climbed it another 29 times, not all at once,
of course, and I really got to know the ins and outs and what I could
reasonably expect my pace to be while vEveresting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking at 8.54 times up this climb so
I had to be prepared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The rules of vEveresting state that it needs to be done
on a very reliable trainer and that it needs to be set at 100% difficulty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I purchased a Wahoo Kickr and the Climb, and
it was a giant leap forward in my Zwifting experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Climb makes riding the trainer such a
dynamic experience and one can then be “all over the saddle,” just like riding
in the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become a real
Wahooligan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The gearing on my Specialized Venge was a generous 36 x
34, but I realized that while it was good for interval training on the Alpe and
anything I wanted to do in the real world it was just going to be a long 60 rpm
slog on the day of vEveresting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys
at Dick Sonne’s Cycling came to my rescue, just as they had with the Wahoo
setup, and transformed my Specialized Crux into the bike of my dreams,
installing a cassette with a 40 tooth cog and getting it to work flawlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also purchased a Specialized Mimic saddle
which I can’t say enough good things about. What gifts!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All this training required super attention to nutrition
and hydration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to back 4 and 5 hour
days are no time to skimp on anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The products from my sponsor Hammer Nutrition were always there for me
and my familiarity with their use made me even more aware of how much and when
to ingest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always remind people that
nutrition and hydration are things that we athletes have a large amount of
control over and to not squander that advantage by neglecting to learn or
implement the things that work best for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So vEveresting day came along and I was excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also a bit nervous since I had no real
idea how my body was going to react over the long haul, but I had good faith in
my preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had a great
wealth of cycling history to fall back on, from completing a record setting
Team RAAM in 2017, three Leadvilles, several Mount Washington Auto Road races,
several BUMPS series, and Whiteface Auto Road races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alpe du Zwift is taken from the GPS info for
the famed Alpe d’ Huez in France, but it is also very similar in average grade
and length of the Whiteface Auto Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It even looks the same at the top and for the last mile or so on Alpe du
Zwift <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am always transported back to those
Whiteface finishes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Although I slept well I woke at 3 and, after trying to go
back to sleep I got up and got ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had to do my final prep, like make bottles with Perpetuem and get Hammer Gel
flasks ready. I took my Hammer Nutrition supplements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some coffee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had to take photographs for my
documentation for Hells500.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This included
my weigh-in and its setting in Zwift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had calibrated the Kickr the day before and taken screen shots of that as well
as photos of my pain cave and gearing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time to sign on to Zwift and at
4:39 AM I was off!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Wow, that was early for me to be on a bike so I took it
easy getting to the base of the mountain and babied myself on the first
climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened to my usual music
(House) and that did nothing to inspire me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My lower back hurt. Really? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was going to be a long day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I rolled
over the top in under my goal time, at 77 minutes and change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK, this was going to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit the descent and spun my legs out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The second climb was a little slower but then they
started getting faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I switched from
music to watching Belgian and Dutch Cyclocross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were some that I had not yet seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>GCN racing, yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept track of
my fueling, hydration, and Hammer Nutrition supplements on an index card so I
would not have to wonder when I needed more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Looking at that card now it looks like chicken scratch, but it worked!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
While I was riding I got so many “Ride ons” from people I
knew and the people riding around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Next to my name I was encouraged to add vEveresting so that everyone
would know that is what I was up to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
sure was an attention grabber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
had friends drop into my ride and do a bit of climbing with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my athletes was doing some Alpe
repeats on his own, for training, having his own personal suffer fest. They all
offered encouragement through texting, and although my replies back were
cryptic at best I appreciated them being there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was so intent on focusing on my pacing (not too hard, not to easy) and
taking care of myself when I needed to that I was less than social. And I just
did not want to hit the wrong thing on my phone, causing the whole game to
crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note that I have never done that
from the Companion App on the phone but I have done so from a keyboard which is
why I did not use one that day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The time really flew by, which is something that I found
happens with longer events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially
events that have some kind of cut-off like Leadville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being able to break this up into eight equal
parts and then the finish to 29,029 feet made it mentally easier and I just
took it one bite at a time, like all those other events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thrilled with my pacing and how I was
feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to take such good
care of myself and my support crew of my husband Phil and friend Wendy B was able
to fill in the blanks when I needed them to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Before long I had completed my eighth time up Alpe, and
watched a lot of Cyclocross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time
for the last push to 29,029!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some more
friends magically appeared near me on the Alpe and were cheering me on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologized, with a lot of typos, that I
could no longer text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just kept
riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phil took some more photos and
some video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I got that Zwift
banner announcing to me that I had achieved an Everesting, at 12 hours, 42
minutes and 40 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OMG, I was so
excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rode another couple of
hundred feet to just make sure I had done the right thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, I had done it, after planning this for
so long.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So then I got off the bike and was frantic to save the
file to Strava before some mythological electronic gremlin could come along and
eat the Zwift file I had just worked so hard to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was terrified that this would happen. I had
a backup going, off my Power Tap pedals on my Joule GPS+ which recorded that
power, cadence, and heart rate, but I really wanted to have the Zwift
file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then the adrenaline left me completely and I could barely stand or
walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I did after just
completing a Leadville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
surprise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not really.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So two days later I am still ecstatic about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I submitted all my documentation to
Hells500.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am working hard on my
recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evening after I completed
it I started by chugging two bottles of Recoverite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I moved to a couple of Hammer Nutrition’s
bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually I ventured into solid
food. My sleep was predictably lousy, and I kept hydrating and nibbling
throughout the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I felt the
effects, but after a three hour nap in the afternoon I began to feel like a new
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is even better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So what is next?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, Christmas and some time with our daughters and our
granddaughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while you’d think
that having a total of 64 climbs up Alpe would be enough I can’t wait to do
another vEveresting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a
challenge to climb for 10,000 meters instead of a mere 8848.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are other worlds on Zwift that have
some good climbs, although that will take longer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are some good hills around here,
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I really want to thank my sponsor Hammer Nutrition for
helping me with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also Dick Sonne’s
Cycling for all their instantaneous help with my bikes and their dealing with
Specialized and Wahoo when I needed some more information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even had some of this attempt going live
while it was happening! Thank you to my athletes and friends for the continual
Ride Ons all day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also thank you Bear
Mountaineers for your support, especially Paul Zucker for rounding up the
troops that popped in – himself included - every now and again. Ed Ickowski was there in the beginning doing his own three climbs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bryant Stafford, Pam Peloso, Mily Noyola and
friend Danielle Madore were there for a photo at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I forgot anyone please forgive me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I was not looking at the screen or
may have been less than coherent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone was so helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course a giant thank you Phil Thompson and Wendy Bowers for being there in the
flesh for me, and then guiding me during the aftermath – like climbing the
stairs!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am so fortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There is a saying that good luck is the combination of opportunity and preparedness. Having the treasure of good health and having the time to train opened the door for this opportunity. The intense in-depth training and support that Coach Mark provided provided me, layered on top of my past experiences, left me with unparalleled preparedness. I had the best of times doing this, and with time being such a precious commodity I am beyond grateful. Thank you, again, for all who helped me out in any way.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-61614684419053184592017-07-04T06:21:00.002-07:002017-07-04T06:21:50.265-07:00<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This song by Randy Travis was continually playing through
my head during RAAM and it was often the backdrop for my experiences.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“My love is deeper
than the holler, stronger than the rivers<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Higher than the
pine trees growin’ tall upon the hill<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>My love is purer
than the snowflakes that fall in late December<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>And honest as a
robin on a springtime windowsill<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>And longer than the
song of a whippoorwill.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My love is for my family and how grateful to have them to
love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My love is for this great country that opened itself up
to me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My love is for the lessons that I learned along the way
that fundamentally changed me, that taught me to live life in that moment and
that fear is only fear and cannot, in itself, change the realities of danger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My love had to override the terror I had that any moment
could be my last.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My love is for the members of team Shake and how they
made our part of this journey not only possible but a thing of beauty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The night I arrived home, and as I finally slept, the
purity of the rider exchanges that Jeff Richardson and Tuner Richardson facilitated
between Neil and me came to me over and over again in dreams. Whenever I woke up I felt what it had been
like to be part of this wonderful process.
During RAAM, the energy that flowed from each exchange we made propelled
me down the road mile by mile.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My cue that the end my riding segment was
approaching – be it 5 or 15 minutes –
was seeing our Tahoe (Racer Vehicle) and its flashing lights pulled over up
ahead. Jeff and Turner would be out in
their positions, with Jeff holding Neil for her start and Turner at the ready
to take my bike and put it onto the rack. I’d cruise past Neil and cheer her on
as I quickly slowed down and pulled to the right and off the road. Turner was
always the rock that I could rely on as I then bent over my handlebars, gasping
for breath. Seriously, every time. He’d patiently wait as I turned off my Joule
GPS+ and accepted anything I had to say about that pull as I got off the bike. My only duty after that handoff was to get
myself safely into the Tahoe and cool myself down, eat, drink, and take
whatever Hammer Nutrition products I thought I needed at the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jeff would make sure that we had everything secure and
then it was off to leapfrog Neil. I
would be relieved when I saw that she was riding safe and sound up ahead, and
as we drove past her I was always inspired by her strength and purpose as she
moved our group forward with every pedal stroke. She never ever ceased to amaze me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
While Jeff looked for the next perfect exchange site he
also pointed out the beautiful and unique things along the way. There were always impromptu photo
sessions. As I readied myself for the
next exchange I was able to make note of the things he highlighted that I would
never have noticed on my own. We also
had endless conversations about what we were seeing, prior life experiences,
and shared our beliefs in what was most important in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
RAAM rules state that the Racer Vehicle had to be parked
at least 5 feet to the right of the white line (fog line) but Jeff could
regularly find an almost perfect spot.
The stopwatch was restarted when we each started our pull so we were
never in danger of being out there too long, tiring too much and slowing down.
On long descents whoever was riding got to take the entire thing. Fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Jeff thought it was time I would get out of the
Tahoe, get my bike in the correct gear, and be at the ready for when Neil
passed me and I could start. This was
the time to look at the sky and see the Milky Way and shooting stars and the
beautiful sunsets that had been to our back. When Neil arrived I’d cheer my
appreciation for her effort and she would cheer me on for my pull. Jeff would push me off, his own effort so
powerful that when he stopped pushing me the difference was astounding. The pedaling was now all up to me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
While I was out there I worked on being as efficient as
possible with aerodynamics and power and on being as focused as possible in
order to avoid driving my bike into any problems, be it disappearing shoulders,
sudden road debris, potholes, road kill, or rumble strips. Every second
counted and I’d work at getting as much out of each pedal stroke as
possible without overdoing it and burying myself. I’d focus on the present tense, staying in the
moment in order to be as careful as possible so I could ride as fast as
possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I learned to love riding in the night. Tom Gray and Buzz Gamble were charged with
the unenviable task of keeping us safe from behind. From
7PM to 7AM it was mandatory to have a vehicle follow us at all times, and
racers were required to stay within the headlights. I always looked forward to this time, called
mandatory direct follow. I was amazed at
how much the headlights allowed me to see while riding, but it was also a
precarious position to be in, with a vehicle following so closely. The
headlights also did a good job of illuminating our exchanges, a silent helper,
if you will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It was not until it was completely dark that our
conversation would change to how many miles we had left until our shift was
complete and Bake would take over. Wind
conditions would have to be factored into our ETA and there were also the
unknown things like traffic lights that would take away from our average
speed. Sometimes it seemed that I’d get
to every light just as it turned red. But
the exchanges between Neil and me continued to flow as they had done all day,
with me clearing my brain in brief meditation while Jeff counted down the pedal
strokes left until Neil passed me and I could start my next pull.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Eventually we would get down to the last pull of the
night with that person charged to ride to the predetermined site. That person had to keep focused on riding
while the rider in the Tahoe could now think about a shower, dinner, and
massage, and the camaraderie of all the other support team members who were
waiting to help us transition from active racer to recovering racer. Ana with her massages, Beth and Karen with food and encouragement, Peter, Mick and Dreux carrying bags, offering support, and driving us to our next hotel. And, of course, Dave Eldridge directing the entire process so it would go as efficiently as possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p>Another day of RAAM riding completed safely. More lessons learned. Even more places and people to be thankful for and to love.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Meanwhile, Trish Karter and Susan Lynch were now out there riding their segment -- Bake was on the road, Mary and Barb were their follow vehicle and Phil and Carolyn were in their racer vehicle, facilitating their racer exchanges just as Jeff and Turner had facilitated ours. We only got to see Team Bake in passing, but it was always with well wishes for what they were about to do or cheers for what they had just completed as we set out to start another day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-16286722374532676852017-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:002017-05-01T16:37:26.348-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Importance of Recovery in Reaching
Athletic Goals<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is not hard to see the advantages of working out. Health and wellness rely on a body that is
often in motion, and the emotional and physical well-being that results is a
phenomenon that spurs folks on to continuing this life style. Those who become bitten by the workout bug
find ways to inject more workout time into their life, since their exercise
makes them feel so darned good. Folks
blessed with a bit of talent often choose to become competitive in their
sport. What fun! When they begin to compete they seem to be
faster every time they go out and workout.
Stopwatch turned on, they are out the door and looking for another
personal best. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What Happens When
We Train?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In coaching we have a saying “the more you do, the more
you can do.” The body is a marvelous
creation that gets more and more efficient at pounding things out. Just one of
many processes in endurance sports is that more mitochondria are packed into
muscles as the body adapts, increasing the ability to carry oxygen. The body
can seemingly do more with less, and it also becomes more efficient at
recovering from athletic poundings. It
can be said that part of the process of training the body to do more than
before is tied up into the reality that the body learns how to recover from
that “more.” What a gift!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the early phases of one’s athletic pursuit adequate recovery
comes with the territory, since workouts are generally short and likely not
crammed into every single day. Once the
competitive bug hits, though, many athletes jump onto the “more IS more”
bandwagon and train harder and longer, since a minor version of this is what
made them good in the first place. What
could be bad about that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When one works out, whether it is endurance sports, skill
sports, weight lifting, or combinations of all, the body endures damage to the
muscles and deficits to all its systems. Reaction to this is a miraculous rebuilding by
the body which, ideally, brings the systems up to an even stronger status
quo. Getting faster/stronger is a
by-product of this rebuilding. This
essentially, is healing, and it takes time, happening most effectively when the
body is resting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Many athletes take this gift for granted, though, and
continue with their “more is more” philosophy of training in hopes of
improving, as people enjoy their chosen sport.
Some people brag about never even taking a day off, which, in their
mind, gives their workouts even more importance. What has happened, though, is that the
athlete has now flipped over to the other side, ignoring this critical equation: Workouts + recovery = training. Yes, without recovery workouts are simply
workouts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What Makes Us
Stronger?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There are articles galore about the importance of
recovery for the athlete. Again, the
repairs to the body are best done while resting, since more of the energy
systems are available for that purpose.
The offshoot of this is that, once recovered, the body feels GOOD, and a
body that feels good is going to be able to push the envelope in training to induce
the processes that propel the body to the next level. That is it, in a nutshell. Train while too tired and those numbers are
not going to be reached. Race while too
tired and the results are discouraging, at best. The motivation that the athlete has to
improve must fuel the desire to rest as much as the desire to work out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What Helps the
Body Recover? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tactics include:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A strategically placed day off works
wonders. At times a complete week
devoted to recovery is in order.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A workout schedule that peppers easier days
between the hard days is also smart, since the body has a couple of days to
recover from the last hard workout – provided the easier days are actually
easy! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Immediate nutrition and rehydration after a hard
workout, as a follow-up to adequate nutrition and hydration during the workout.
Eating and drinking are under our own control, and avoiding a fall into a big
preventable deficit gives the athlete less to actually recover from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Stretching and meditation can help bring the
body back to a calmer place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Chilling out – doing nothing – can have a huge
impact. A person I know painted his
house whenever he had a day off from cycling.
He was not feeling very rested. Improvements were negligible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->And, paramount to all of these: SLEEP!
Human Growth Hormone is specifically released by the brain while
sleeping. There are hosts of metabolic
processes that, not surprisingly, happen while asleep, yet athletes often cheat
themselves out of this valuable tool. Conversely, when athletes sleep even more
than usual their athletic abilities improve. “Magic,” for sure, but it is difficult to for
most folks to simply slow down and go to bed.
Temptations abound. This article from ESPN calls sleep “the new magic
pill.” <a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7765998/for-athletes-sleep-new-magic-pill">http://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7765998/for-athletes-sleep-new-magic-pill</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Some last words
from a variety of coaches that I have spoken with and read: You can work out hard and long, but you will
never be as good as you could have been if you do not take the time to
recover. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-25089516349113788982017-05-01T11:00:00.004-07:002017-05-01T11:00:46.107-07:00<div style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
am so excited to announce that I am a part of a four women team that will race
across the United States in June – with a goal of less than 7 days. I am doing team RAAM! <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/">www.raceacrossamerica.org</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">. Our New England based team is sponsored by
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the four of us and our entire crew
is, collectively, Team Brigham Health.
Back in 2012 I wrote a blog post about taking on a challenge which,
because of its motivation, spurred me to work harder than I ever thought I
could, and greatly exceeding my expectations.
This race will take the most work of all. You can likely find me either on the bike
(outside or indoors) or in the recliner </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">J</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> Please
check out our team and amazing crew on <a href="http://teambrighamhealth.com/">http://teambrighamhealth.com</a> </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That post I just mentioned has been reworked to be submitted for publication with Brigham Health. This is the new and improved version:</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>“Truth is stranger than fiction” is a phrase that I often
quote. Mostly, the truths that I refer
to are my own. Pushing myself in some
kind of methodical manner has led me to loftyish places where I never imagined
being, enabling me to take advantages of opportunities when they emerge. I’d
never have imagined that I’d be on a team for the Race Across America, which is
going to be the biggest challenge yet, but here I am. Going back to the spring
of 2012 I am refreshing my memory about another challenge that I took on, with
a surprising – and pleasing – outcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In December of 2011 I broke my hip while competing in a
Cyclocross race, tipping over in a narrow part of the course while passing
another woman who I had lapped. I
cracked the femur at the head and won myself a complete hip replacement. I also had a crack in my femur below the hip
prosthesis, so after the surgery I was restricted to using a walker for 6 weeks
and could only put 50% of my weight on that leg. When I was pronounced “healed,” and my walker
taken away, I had to learn how to walk again.
Fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d been doing physical therapy since the day after the
surgery and was able to gingerly get back on my bike 2.5 weeks after the
accident. Thanks to my desire and my coach, Mark Fasczewski, I rode indoors on
my computerized trainer, and when I could walk well enough to get myself
somewhere without a cane I started riding out on the road. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Less than three months after the replacement, and only 5
weeks after I ditched the walker, I signed up for a climbing challenge on Strava,
a cycling and running web site that was relatively new at the time. <b><i>A Classic Challenge from Specialized</i></b> goaded cyclists to climb 105,312 vertical
feet between March 15 and April 30. The
significance of this number? It is three
times the total feet of climbing in the Spring Classic races in Europe. I love climbing! Besides, there was a cool water bottle as a reward
for reaching that total.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It soon became evident that my normal bike routes were not
going to amass climbing feet very quickly.
Compared to some of the women signed up, I was fairly minor league. So by early April I decided to up my game and
change my routes. I tried not to ride
anything for more than a mile that registered zero percent grade – what a waste!
– and opened my eyes to the local hills. Glaciers had cut valleys, and roads
ascended the ridges. Beautiful climbing,
absolutely fun, and it gave each ride an immediate purpose. I would upload my ride onto Strava post- ride
and then I’d check my progress against my virtual, but real, competitors. Coach Mark enabled this pursuit, and soon I
was in the top 20 of over 500 women.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I significantly increased the amount of climbing feet
per week I started leapfrogging over people.
While in the teens I was hoping to get closer to women’s tenth place,
and with two weeks remaining in the challenge I had clawed my way into ninth
place. What? Now my riding took on an obsessive edge (OK,
it usually does anyway, but humor me here) and I dropped to 7<sup>th</sup>,
then 6<sup>th</sup>. With just a few
days to go I found myself in 5<sup>th</sup> place. Wow! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the last day of
the challenge I set out to climb the steepest hills discovered during the last
6 weeks, bagging another 7800 feet in 78 miles, this on a Monday after a road
race. Take that, hip replacement! My total for the challenge was 137,772 feet,
and in the end I held on to 5<sup>th</sup> place for women and 107<sup>th</sup>
of the 10,923 people who entered the contest.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is, of course, something that I had not dreamed about
when I entered the challenge. Once I’d
entered, though, I pushed myself to do things that I would not have done otherwise. Motivation enabled me to ride in abysmal
weather, I did nothing but climb, I descended some steep and scary stuff, and I
enjoyed almost every demented minute of it.
The offshoot of this was that my hip became super-strong and my walking became
better than when I was spending a log of time, well, walking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned, again, that there are always more possibilities
for myself than I can imagine and that one thing leads to another. The first step into a new venture can open up
doors formerly thought “closed for the season.”
The focus on climbing helped me strengthen more quickly, and the fitness
I accumulated definitely widened the array of events I was capable of that
first season back. “Never say never” is
another one of my favorite slogans, but I can also be guilty of holding myself
back with restrictive thinking. It is easy
for me to see this in the athletes I coach, but difficult to recognize this in my
own thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This challenge taught me to go with the process, work hard,
and see what happens -- to try not to predict the end of the story. The challenge itself motivated me to do much
more than I than I had imagined possible for me. I’ll work at applying that same lesson
regarding Race Across America. The training for this race is tough and the race
is unimaginable. But by involving myself
in this challenge I am motivated to go well beyond anything I’ve done in until
now and to get past my self-imposed limitations to see what is really
possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-58846574183218900852014-11-03T18:09:00.001-08:002014-11-03T18:09:06.546-08:00My 2014 Race Season<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now that my racing season is over for 2014 I am finding a
bit of time to reflect on it all. This
reflection gives me an opportunity to complete my resume for the year, and to
plan ahead for 2015. Looking at this
“big picture” I again realize how lucky I am to be able to do this and to
remember what a gift my good health really is.
Whether it is nature or nurture, we bike racers are an unusually
fortunate bunch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My goals this year were two-fold: To win my age group in the BUMPS series of
hill climbs and to win my age group at the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain bike
race. I was successful on both counts,
and these victories did not come without an obstacle or two. My husband and I
were sick with some kind of sinus issue for the entire month of February. We got to watch a LOT of Olympics, but the
fitness that I had worked so hard to build seemed to melt away. Yikes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The challenge, then, was to build up and get myself back
to where I could enjoy the racing that I had planned for the season. With the enlightened help of my long-time
coach <a href="http://www.vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Mark Fasczewski</a> I got back on track when my symptoms finally subsided, and
I worked at regaining both power and endurance. After a couple of weeks back on the bike Mark
encouraged me to register for my favorite race – Austin Rattler – assuring me that
I’d be ready for the 100 km. Making the
trip from snowy Central New York to sunny and warm Texas was a huge treat, and
mind and body transformed with his change in locale. I had a super time at that race, winning my
age group and an entry to the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Once I had qualified for Leadville it was time to put my
focus on the particular training needed for that kind of racing. My needs for Leadville are many, though, and
getting to the start line with a high (for me) FTP, good endurance, and
enhanced bike handling skills is mandatory.
And so the spring progressed and summer commenced. I raced gravel grinders in Western New York
and West Virginia. I participated in a
Strava climbing challenge and placed 11<sup>th</sup> overall for the women. I
raced the Wilmington/Whiteface 100 KM on the Summer Solstice. And while racing the hill climbs was also
perfect Leadville training races conflicted and I was only able to do one
before it was time to head to Colorado.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This Leadville was my third, and I chose to spend even
more time at altitude in order to acclimate.
One of our daughters lives in Durango and I was super lucky to be able
to spend over a week riding up and down the many dirt roads in the area. Fun!
Durango is a great place to visit even if one does not want to ride a
bike, but was a perfect venue for me to acclimate and to keep polishing my dirt
road descending skills. Not to mention
the fun I had on the long climbs. Thank
you MK and Drew!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In years past MK and I have camped in Leadville, but this
year we banded together with some good friends and rented a home near the aid
station at Twin Lakes. To all of our
collective delights this house overlooked the lakes and gazed out at an array
of mountains. We spent so much time just
looking at them that, in short order, we rearranged the furniture so that we
could comfortably gaze out of the windows from any seat in the living
room. What a great relaxing way to get
ready for a big race.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Leadville day dawned chilly and clear and the weather
report looked to be in our favor.
Hooray! The gun went off and I
fought hard to maintain my position in the giant glob of racers. Another hooray! However, as I was descending the famous Power
Line descent I was clipped from the side by a guy who’s ability to thread the
needle was not very good, and down we both went. My stuff scattered all over the place and I
hurt, but aside from a swollen and scraped up hip (I found this out later) I
was OK. I lost time and, eventually,
lost energy. Still, I finished the race
and collected another awesome Leadville finisher’s medal. And I was first in my age group. Another hooray!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
After spending so much time in Colorado it was really
hard to say goodbye, but I needed to get home.
I missed Phil terribly, and I needed to be at the base of Mt. Washington
in 6 days to be part of the pre-race “meet and greet.” My hip was sore, I was tired, and I had a
not-so-welcomed five hour layover in the middle of the night at O’Hare. Flights were smooth, though, and when I did
arrive home on Wednesday I simply went to bed.
Ahhh, sleep!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Thursday dawned and it was time to pack for New
Hampshire. I installed a 12x36 cassette
on my Power Tap hub, adjusted the shifting, and my trusty Specialized Roubaix
was ready to race the Mt. Washington Auto Road Hill climb on Saturday. Now this is not a race schedule that I would
recommend to anyone, but one cannot dictate the dates of races. My hip was a little sore and my power was
lacking, but my climb up Mt. Washington was rewarding just the same. I won my age group and set a new age group
record in the process. It was 40 degrees
and hellishly windy at the top – you know, like Mt. Washington! – but at times
the clouds parted and the glorious view was there for the eyes to feast on. I
missed Colorado just a little less.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
After that weekend some real rest was in order and then
it was time to put my mountain bike back together and get ready for the ADK80K,
in Lake Placid. I retired from cross
country ski racing after the 2003 season, but I’ve not lost my love for the
trails on Mt. Van Hoevenberg. This time
it was camping with good friends and teammates and racing four laps of the
amazingly fun double and singletrack. I
love this race, and to prove it I was 35 minutes faster than my time from last
year. I’ll take that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The fall featured a couple more hill climbs and I was
able to wrap up my season. The focus of
my training continues toward the ever-important task of keeping/building
threshold power and maintaining and improving my handling skills. Building power works for me on the trainer,
but I am outside in the wind and cold as much as I can just to keep myself on
an even keel. Fun rides with long climbs
are in order.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Phil and I have done some traveling as well, visiting MK
in Durango last week. We worked with her
on a construction project, and I got some good riding and hiking in as
well. Later this week I will fly to
California to visit with Melissa. I
might get to jump on a bike and climb a few of the hills in Oakland while I’m
there!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All of this racing takes training and all of the training
takes fuel and equipment. I’d like to
thank my sponsors <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition</a>, <a href="http://dicksonnes.com/" target="_blank">Dick Sonne’s Cycling</a>, and <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/home/" target="_blank">SpecializedBicycles</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4t7oLL6_N7qUvx_3V9GfgxR-IwhP3pupXq8IAu63ZrmRBwGS1s8p6SIhnN36xmj2RZlg9vrziE2k8jn5h6rLxmcjIhsA6NmZHDSo0tAQDeKs6BsZk3ZRcGhD4FxXrRg8D2SeSjLDzCE/s1600/MargaretThompsonWW100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4t7oLL6_N7qUvx_3V9GfgxR-IwhP3pupXq8IAu63ZrmRBwGS1s8p6SIhnN36xmj2RZlg9vrziE2k8jn5h6rLxmcjIhsA6NmZHDSo0tAQDeKs6BsZk3ZRcGhD4FxXrRg8D2SeSjLDzCE/s1600/MargaretThompsonWW100.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
. Yes, I am truly blessed to be
able to do all this and incredibly fortunate <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-77556647034745484322014-03-13T07:36:00.000-07:002014-03-13T07:36:40.215-07:00The Winter of our DiscontentIt seems that this winter has been going on forever, and it certainly has been a tougher year to be a cycling coach. Our weather has been consistently snowy and cold, making indoor training the only option for me. To me, this is a normal winter, but the warmer-than-usual winters of the past few years has spoiled a lot of folks. There is no doubt that taking that occasional ride outside can change one's perspective for the better. We've had little opportunity to do so around here, though.<br />
<br />
As for me, I'm just happy to be able to train at all. February came and went, and I was sick for the entire month. I trained very little to give my immune system a boost, and I shudder to think of what would have happened if I had not backed off in time. Things have improved dramatically now that the calendar says March. <br />
<br />
Now that March is here I can think of racing again. My coach is systematically ramping up my training, and I've felt good enough to register for <a href="http://www.austinrattlermtb.com/mtb/" target="_blank">the Austin Rattler</a> What better way to get out of the snow than to travel to sunny (hopefully!) San Antonio, Texas? I had so much fun during this 100 km race last year and my motivation for making this trip has been compounded by the fact that I did not get drawn for the Leadville Lottery. Please keep all your fingers crossed that my bike and my fitness holds together for me in this Leadville Qualifier, on March 29. However, the big goal, as always, is to simply do my best and have fun. <br />
<br />
Cycling in general, and bicycle racing in particular, teaches us all about the unpredictability of life and looking for new opportunities when plans go awry. My knee injury last fall ended my cyclocross racing season, but it healed well enough for me to take fifth place in a Strava Climbing Challenge. All the rest I got while fighting February's respiratory monster will keep me from feeling burned out, and all the balance work that I did while doing nothing aerobic is bound to help my handling skills :) <br />
<br />
Bottom line? Roll with the punches and be prepared to reinvent yourself at a moment's notice. My goals this year are similar to year's past, with the BUMPS series of hill climbs and Leadville looming large. All of this, though, is simply for the joy of cycling and meeting those other passionate women and men at the start and finish line. Preparation is key and training indoors, well, should bring a smile to the face. I'm off to my basement right now. MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-79796648327378664312013-08-18T12:50:00.002-07:002013-08-19T05:41:25.597-07:00Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hill Climb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80IphmjHdn1wedi3naDWhL9LBzSJJJm5vq0ZhYeS7vhv0f8bN8suvrQz36XN2-ZHbxakkaIuIqItRiSyz18WYpvZ_2cFVzJ7AvG01sTHyJZwLK9Whg-hMKT3fpw_jnDmUzVdl0QDwjqo/s1600/MargaretThompsonMtWashingtonPodium2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80IphmjHdn1wedi3naDWhL9LBzSJJJm5vq0ZhYeS7vhv0f8bN8suvrQz36XN2-ZHbxakkaIuIqItRiSyz18WYpvZ_2cFVzJ7AvG01sTHyJZwLK9Whg-hMKT3fpw_jnDmUzVdl0QDwjqo/s320/MargaretThompsonMtWashingtonPodium2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What
a week it has been! One week after completing the Leadville Trail 100
MTB race I found myself at the start of the Mt. Washington Auto Road
Hill climb. Following through with the logistics of the journey between
the two locations was as demanding as the recovery my body had
attempted to make. My coach, <a href="http://vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Mark Fasczewsk</a>i and my acupuncturist <a href="http://www.areyoutakingtoomanydrugs.com/mackayrippey/" target="_blank">Mackay Rippey</a> did their best work to get my body "back to normal." Climbing this 4698 feet in just 7.5 miles would be
even more of a challenge than usual.<br />
<br />
This was my fifth race up Mt. Washington, so I knew what to expect. I
hoped that my time at altitude would extend its reported benefits in my
direction and would override any of the obvious recovery and logistical issues.
The timing was not perfect, but I had been asked to represent Hammer
Nutrition at the Meet and Greet, held the evening before the race. I
happily accepted, grateful for the opportunity. Summer is short and
there are never enough weekends!<br />
<br />
The race started and I felt pretty good. Hooray! I did not overdo the
start, but paced myself via my power meter, watching folks in my wave
get ahead of me and then reeling them in again. Eventually I was
reeling in the racers who started in the waves prior to mine. This
makes for some tricky maneuvering at times, but a courteous "on your
left" generally does the trick. The most worrisome riders are those
that are zig zagging up the climb, so good communication is essential. <br />
<br />
The temperature at the bottom was a nice 65 degrees and I soon worked up
a sweat in the initial miles. Eventually, though, the road ascends
above tree line and the reliable Mt. Washington wind becomes an issue.
This race was no exception. The sustained winds of 30-40 mph were mild
by this mountain's standards. Combine them with the certain drop in
temperature provided by such an elevation gain and, well, a sweaty body
can cool off in a hurry. Yes, my body was cooling
off much too quickly. My hands even went numb. Yet, had I worn protective
clothing in anticipation of this I would surely have ripped them all off
due to the warm conditions at the bottom.<br />
<br />
Nearing the top of this climb one can hear the distant cheers of the
crowds and the whistle of the cog railway. Clouds rush past at 30-40
mph. Headwind, tailwind, crosswind and steep grades all conspire to tip
bicyclists over. The ground underneath moves very slowly in the
carefully selected climbing gears. The clock moves very quickly. Still, I managed to finish second in my age group and a very pleasing 10th place overall for women.<br />
<br />
I arrived at the finish line and the first thing I did was ask for my
finisher's blanket. My husband Phil was right there and he helped me to
where our van was parked so I could put on all of the warm outer
garments that I had packed. Then I jumped onto my stationary trainer and did a ten
minute cool down -- or was it a warm down? Then it was back up to the
observatory area for a warm drink and to check out the weather
observation equipment. Yep, it was chilly and windy, but I could have
told you that!<br />
<br />
This day had enough clear sky to showcase the stunning views from the
top of this mountain. Being above treeline helped sooth the feelings of
missing the mountains in Colorado. Our drive home later that day took
us through the White, Green,</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqJ14sfjCSjjcOLzl8CHELmxNEQyosEmG66NuLl6URkaT3xy3NRRMh8DX-IpeZw2XyAUQmajbp0B7Xf2ay8ulFQhLgzmeeLzVONOLAmWjVSIULc4qO74gIpVelrpSl1iaMUPqGG6065I/s1600/MargaretThompsonMeetAndGreetMtW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqJ14sfjCSjjcOLzl8CHELmxNEQyosEmG66NuLl6URkaT3xy3NRRMh8DX-IpeZw2XyAUQmajbp0B7Xf2ay8ulFQhLgzmeeLzVONOLAmWjVSIULc4qO74gIpVelrpSl1iaMUPqGG6065I/s320/MargaretThompsonMeetAndGreetMtW.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> and Adirondack mountains. Add that to the
Rocky mountains just a few days before, and I can only say that I am
truly blessed to be able to do this.<br />
<br />
Thank you to my sponsors Hammer Nutrition, Specialized and Stan's NoTubes for all the great support. Thank you family and friends for always being there for me.</span></span>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-19688772482636116642013-08-18T12:30:00.000-07:002013-08-19T05:42:50.162-07:00Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Another
Leadville Trail 100 MTB race is in the books for me. After over a week
of rain showers and some constant pouring the day dawned clear and
chilly. The first 4+ miles are downhill and on pavement so it is really a
test of trying not to shiver too much while you are flying along with
2000 of your closest friends.<br />
<br />
The speed reduces to a crawl when the dirt riding begins. All was good
for me until the start of the St Kevin's climb where I was forced off my
bike by a guy in front of me. With hundreds of riders streaming past I
had nowhere to get back on and was reduced to walking. I was so
grateful to eventually get riding but certainly lost time.<br />
<br />
That debacle set me back and I found I was sliding backward on my
projected splits. Despite arriving at elevation 10 days prior the
altitude was getting to me. I could still ride but I could not ride
hard. Belt buckle dreams slipped away and total focus went toward making
it past the time cuts. It was a race to each one.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is that my climbing, while on the bike, was quite good.
It was the hike a bike portions that clobbered me. On the long road
climb up Columbine was passing folks all the time. As soon as I got to
the goat path portion and joined in the hike a bike my altitude
difficulties started in earnest. Emotionally I just willed myself to
move forward and not quit. I just kept telling myself I would feel
better when I got back to a lower elevation. Endurolytes were a huge
help with the cramping I experienced. My walking was like a death
march, but I was gambling that I would feel better when I got back to a
lower elevation and pushed toward the top.<br />
<br />
I reached the top and then the short descent to the aid station and
timing mat. More Endurolytes and Espresso Hammer Gel propelled me
forward. Climbing out of the aid area was torture, but as soon as the
terrain tipped down I felt better. Wow! As I descended I cheered on
those still pushing their bikes up telling them they would feel better
too.<br />
<br />
It is a long descent back to the Twin Lakes aid station. One rides from
the highest point on the course to the lowest, which is 3000 feet,
without taking into account the undulations. I went as fast as I could
back down, hoping to make the time cut. I did that, and then continued
on to where my daughter MK was waiting for me with all my Hammer
essentials. I am so grateful for her amazing help!<br />
<br />
Climbing out of Twin Lakes I really thought I was out of the water.
However, a big headwind kept my speed in check. I passed a lot of people
when I was climbing, but this section took 10 minutes longer than
anticipated. I thought I would never get to that last check point! MK
was also worried. As I finally got into the Pipeline aid station people
were screaming at me to get over the mat. I got through just in time,
with one person later telling me they closed it down as soon as I passed
through.<br />
<br />
More Hammer refreshments from MK and I was on my way again. I was hoping
to get in before 13 hours and get an official finish, but was now on at
least a 13:15 pace. Plus, the dreaded Powerline hike a bike and climb
was ahead. Well, nothing left to do but attack it, right? <br />
<br />
Attack, I did. I started picking off people from the start of that long
slog all the way to the finish. A couple of guys passed me back, but I
got them well before the finish line. Finally, I was feeling good and
racing like me! I flew down the rocky descent from Hagerman Pass,
grateful for the rear suspension on my Specialized Epic. This is why I
bought this bike! When I got to the smooth gravel a check of my watch
told me I was on pace to finish at 13 hours. Good, but now I wanted
better!<br />
<br />
I raced down the gravel to the nice pavement descent and them settled in
for the three mile climb to Carter Summit. I got there far ahead of my
anticipated time and MK was there to share in this excitement. Now was
the fun part, the fast descending of St. Kevin's. Now I could make up,
at least mentally, for what I missed out on during the ride out when I
had been forced to walk.<br />
<br />
Fly I did. Wow, this was so much easier than it was for me 2 years ago. I
was feeling fantastic and loving my bike. It was time to hammer! In no
time at all, it seemed, I was at the foot of "The Boulevard" which is
the long gravel grind toward the finish. I had completely fallen apart
there two years ago, but this year it was my friend. I had ridden it the
day before and learned the line on the initial climb and memorized its
landmarks As I rounded the corner I could see at least 10 racers
walking. No way was I walking that! A glance at my watch said I could
break 12:30 if I rode this like I knew I could. I went into full blown
fury with100 miles under my belt. Better late than never, I guess. I
rode hard for me and for MK, who had so tirelessly taken care of me.<br />
<br />
Up the Boulevard, over the pavement to Sixth St and up that climb. Then I
could see the throngs at the finish. I was at12:26. Could I do it?
Push hard down the hill and then up, crossing the mat at 12:29 on the
clock. Yippee! MK waiting for me, jumping up and down, and then the
finishers medal around my neck.<br />
<br />
What a day, full of ups, downs and then ups. Standing at the start with
MK there to take my warm coat at the last second. Listening to Ken
pronounce his mantra which soon became mine: "You are better than you
think you are. You can do more than you think you can." Over and over,
for 12.5 hours, I repeated that to myself. It worked!<br />
<br />
A huge thank you to Hammer Nutrition for its continued sponsorship and
support. And a huge thank you to MK Thompson for always being there for
me with my Hammer Products and for motivating me to move forward -- as
fast as I could. Thank you also to Specialized and to Stan's NoTubes for all the help. What a challenging and amazing day!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-AFyvk6aZDItjbsqb8ZBDe1nFLrSasFF0wpgXyF0UapGnKoiufrWcMK5axF5O3nObVXD_BseMvFmDbXeA4nNCqOk1H6BkcxvrEaAOno_UizH1N7CT8HJsqhlGm9ZYEkhRuAcbCs8iEQ/s1600/MargaretThompsonLeadvilleFinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-AFyvk6aZDItjbsqb8ZBDe1nFLrSasFF0wpgXyF0UapGnKoiufrWcMK5axF5O3nObVXD_BseMvFmDbXeA4nNCqOk1H6BkcxvrEaAOno_UizH1N7CT8HJsqhlGm9ZYEkhRuAcbCs8iEQ/s320/MargaretThompsonLeadvilleFinish.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-88351063647440174152013-05-15T18:04:00.000-07:002013-05-15T18:24:31.056-07:00Serotta Tandem for Sale<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My beloved tandem has raced all over the country, and it </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDoOoTACnZ8Z9eWLtkWBoyAWkxIwSVEYq5xnCHP6x5eWRm4MKPsPnG7UR3611cEO5AMOJNPQCbpjKjBydZr2bp4OBClIibsEDemjKV6-WayMPIaslpWY5_yZN2vxQP_mSoY5DRLPiQeE/s1600/P1050553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDoOoTACnZ8Z9eWLtkWBoyAWkxIwSVEYq5xnCHP6x5eWRm4MKPsPnG7UR3611cEO5AMOJNPQCbpjKjBydZr2bp4OBClIibsEDemjKV6-WayMPIaslpWY5_yZN2vxQP_mSoY5DRLPiQeE/s320/P1050553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
has been ridden
to 8 National Championships and numerous national medals and State
Championships. It has raced the Burley
Tandem Stage Race, and been a faithful steed in many many rides, both short and
centuries.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we were shopping for a tandem we became aware of the
frame and made a trip to the Serotta factory for a test ride. It was unpainted at the time and the welds
were just magnificent to see – a real work of art. We fell in love with how it handled, had it
painted and built up to my specs and it has been fun and fast riding ever
since.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had a variety of stokers, ranging in height from 5’1”
to 6 feet tall. This is the only tandem
I have captained where we could both stand up at the same time. The “boom tube” at the bottom was
specifically designed to enhance handling.
This bike descends perfectly and inspires confidence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shifting was originally all Campy, with 40 spoke wheels
and Phil Wood hubs. I upgraded it to 9
speed a few years ago and the rear wheel is now a 36 hole XT mountain bike hub,
with an XT rear derailleur and Ultegra Shifter.
The front shifting is still Campy.
The old Campy shifter and Phil Wood Wheels will be available with this
bike as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The paint is Serotta’s flagship pearlescent white with
orange decals. There are some surface
chips and dings in the paint that happened in transport. There is also a hint of surface rust in a few
locations. This bike, though, has been
well cared for and maintained. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also included in this sale is a soft sided BikePro case
which I used to fly this bike to races.
It is what I will pack the bike to ship if shipping is required. <a href="http://www.jgsbikes.com/Bike-Pro-USA-Tandem-2X-Oversized-Race-Ca-p/a33.htm?click=5">http://www.jgsbikes.com/Bike-Pro-USA-Tandem-2X-Oversized-Race-Ca-p/a33.htm?click=5</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, the Profile Aerobar , as noted in the photos,
is included in this sale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Specs include:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Head Tube – 16.5 cm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Top Tube – Captain – 59 cm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Captain Stem – 13 cm – Custom Serotta<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Captain Handlebar 44 cm cc – Ritchey Aluminum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Brakes – Shimano XTR Canti<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Front Wheel – Bontrager Tandem Race<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Rear Wheel – Shimano XT hub with Mavic Rim, 36 hole<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Rear Derailleur – 9 speed Shimano XT, Rear Shifter
Shimano Ultegra<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Front Derailleur – Campagnolo Chorus, Front Shifter Campy
Chorus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Crankest – Shimano 54/44/32, 110 BCD<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Saddles – Specialized Phenom<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Stoker Seatpost – USE elastomer suspension<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Many photos are available, upon request. $3250.00 plus shipping. Central New York Area. 315-796-1054 thompbike@aol.com<o:p></o:p></div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-21777614848625210542013-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:002013-04-24T18:10:16.686-07:00Cycling Road Trip Kicks off the Season<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband Phil and I just returned from a stellar road-trip
vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 5000+ miles that we drove,
carting both mountain and road bikes, enabled us to race, ride, and see friends
and family along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an
outstanding way to enter the racing season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will be competing at the Leadville MTB Trail 100 this
year, so getting in some long racing in preparation is my focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Austin Rattler, in Smithville, TX, fit
right in, giving me an early season race of 100 KM and also giving us an
opportunity to visit some great folks in San Antonio we'd not seen for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of a road trip was born out of this
racing opportunity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We drove to Texas via North Carolina, where we met with good
friends and raced the US Cup East/SERC #2 in Bryson City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fast and flowing singletrack was a
wonderful change from the snowy winter riding I had been doing, and took some
getting used to, but was a terrific way
to start the season and to get ready for Austin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My race at the Austin Rattler was one of those where
everything aligned just right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
course, the weather, my bike, my body, and my super support crew all came
together to give me one of the best mountain bike races ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course consisted of four laps, 15 miles
in length, which was a perfect format for me, and after the first lap I raced
my way from fourth to first in my age group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What fun!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My time for the race was 5 hours and 46 minutes, which was a
pleasant surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I had hoped to
break 6 hours I would have been happy with 6.5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In addition to winning my age group, finishing in this time slot gave me
a better corral in which to start Leadville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My next races will be long as well, with the Wildcat 100KM in May and
then the Wilmington/Whiteface 100 – another Leadville qualifier – in June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yippee!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our trip home from Texas took us through Huntsville,
AL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coincidentally, our daughter was there
visiting with her boyfriend’s parents, and we were lucky enough to be able to
join in with all of them for a day of hiking and general fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day we were taken on a great four
hour ride to the east of Huntsville, and then we headed up to Chattanooga to do
more visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heading north from Tennessee, we consulted the map to see
where we might be able to get in one more unique ride as we made our way
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for the night at Beuna
Vista, VA, where the Blue Ridge Parkway provided us with such an opportunity, and
the next day I managed to find the longest contiguous climb along the parkway -- 12.5 miles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who knows me knows that
I love to climb the monsters, and this was one terrific rise to the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even saw a Golden Eagle, who’s shadow as it
flew over me was like that of an airplane – huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phil picked me up at the top of this climb,
we repacked our van for the final time, and 10 hours later we were home, safe
and sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucky us! We are so blessed to be able to do this and to have such an array of caring friends and family. Thank you to everyone who helped us out along the way.</div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-20557092026639987322013-02-16T07:36:00.001-08:002013-02-16T08:08:45.890-08:00Functioning on the Indoor Trainer<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I had promised in my last post that I would give some
direction on effective training I have been a bit tardy in doing so. A mixture of indoor and outdoor training,
along with work and social happenings, left little time for writing. Instead, I took the coachly advice to recover
a bit at the end of the day. However, it
is 20 degrees out today, and flurrying, so in order to get the most out of what
my coach has prescribed for my workout today I will be riding the trainer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had even more motivation handed to me this week. My entry into the Mt. Washington Auto Road
Hill Climb was confirmed. After that I found out that I had “won” the lottery for the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. The best part is that these races are only a
week apart. Wow! Be careful what you ask
for might be a better title for this post.
Poor riding conditions or not, I need to be training. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I need to continue to embrace the indoor trainer and make the most of the time you I am spending. You can too. Think about how to
function well on the trainer. The mantra
of cycling coaching is “The Specificity Rule” so use the time on the trainer to
most-closely resemble what you would actually be doing if you were riding on
the road. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Focus: Sitting on a
trainer and merely pedaling the time away while watching your boxed set of old
TV shows has its place, but not for every workout. Before even getting onto the trainer
determine what the purpose of the day’s workout should be. Zero in on what your coach has planned for
you. If you do not have a coach, devise
a plan for yourself that is compatible with the goals that you have coming up
this season. Work on raising your threshold power. Just as if you were riding
outside, think about the purpose of this ride and go for it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fans: People
associate riding the indoor trainer with copious amounts of sweat. Even
if one trains in a chilly garage a microclimate soon forms and, wow, the body gets
hot. Fans are required, and more than
one. It is tough work to keep the core
temperature down while working hard, and a strain on the body. Why suffer with zone 4 heart rate while only
producing Level 3 power? Folks are
afraid of feeling chilled, so I advise them to start out with a light jacket,
arm warmers, etc. Yes, the skin will
feel cool, but it does while riding outside as well. Those on power meters can make sure that
their heart rate does not exceed what it normally does outside for the level of
power produced. If the heart rate is
spiking then get some more fans on the job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Food: Mix drinks and
bring your gels, etc., with you to your training area so you can eat <a href="http://hammernutrition.com/knowledge/less-is-best-the-right-way-to-fuel.8691.html" target="_blank">replenish</a>
just as if you were on a road ride. Learn what works well for you, experiment a bit, or follow
what is tried and true. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fit: Squirming around
on the bike? Do you have little aches
and pains that you overlook while on the road?
Is your “trainer bike” an older bike that has not been fit properly to
you? Riding indoors gives you ample
opportunity to adjust your bike so that it is more comfortable. If, however, you are still unable to find
that sweet spot treat yourself to a good bike fit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Form: An advantage of
riding the indoor trainer is the fact that one can sit up at any point in the
ride to relieve back pressure, etc.
However, folks can forget that they are actually training for riding on
the road and their body positions often get sloppy. To get aggressive on the trainer one needs to
get into an aggressive riding position.
Vary your time in the various positions on the bike – drops, hoods, tops. Feel how the power originates a bit
differently for each location. Look
ahead, relax the upper body. Stand up, sit down, vary your cadence. Use your
muscles as specifically as you would on a good road ride. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fun: OK, this gets
back to my last post about motivation, but it is always worth mentioning. Training, on some level, should always be
fun. Not every pedal stroke is going to
feel glorious, but the satisfaction one gets from completing a good workout does
feel really good. Arriving at a goal event in
personal best shape makes that event ever so much more enjoyable. Feeling good enough to bury yourself, if need
be, is a super reward for investing the time to effectively train for your
events. Anxiety is reduced, fun is
enhanced. Need I say more?<o:p></o:p></div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-25750862324321159442013-02-06T09:23:00.000-08:002013-02-06T09:23:54.585-08:00Indoor Training -- Motivation Required!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is another snowy day in central New York, a good one for
skiers and the like, and quite beautiful to be outside in. The complete lack of traction on our roads,
though, demands that safe riding be done indoors. The trainer – again? But, as the saying goes, your season is made
in the winter. Fortunately, I have a
<a href="http://www.racermateinc.com/" target="_blank">Computrainer</a> to ride, which has helped me to “make my season” since 1997. However, even this virtual reality machine
can become a boring ride if I let it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My legs are not always as compliant as I would like, just as
my coach, <a href="http://www.vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Mark Fasczewski</a>, can attest to. But when they
do take up the command I embrace my indoor training as much as possible. I have found that, like anything else, successful
indoor training requires a good amount of positive self-talk. In other words, if one thinks that an indoor
session will be boring/hard/impossible, then, well, it will! In order to avoid that negativity I recommend
that everyone get as psyched up as possible, and anticipate the “ride” just as
if it were done outside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First and foremost, get motivated by thinking about the
goals that you have set for the season.
Are your races or events going to be long? Then spending the time now building up for
them will be a great gift to give yourself.
Skimping on preparation, forcing the event to become a slog instead of
fun, also wastes the time and money spent to arrive at that event. I know that my money and time are usually in
short supply, so I want to get as much out of it all as possible. As with any training session, a goal for that
day’s training needs to be set.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still having some issues?
Work a bit in the fantasy world.
Look forward to this ride just as you would if you were headed outdoors.
Let’s face it, sometimes an outdoor ride is not very exciting either, but most
folks do not conjure up the dread for that outdoor ride like they do for the
inside world. Pick out some good music, and
choose a “place” in your mind to visualize this ride. If you are using a training DVD work on
focusing on the location where the DVD was filmed instead of the four walls of
your basement or living room. If all else fails, go directly to <a href="http://www.thesufferfest.com/" target="_blank">Sufferlandria</a> and ride with Marianne Vos, Evelyn Stevens and Emma Pooley.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep distractions at bay.
Try to limit peeks at your email (I find this one hard!). Dress the part with a decent cycling kit,
matching socks and water bottles. Have all
of your entertainment at hand, be it on DVD, iPod, your laptop, radio, or, if
you are me, all of these. Being able to
switch from one to another, while still pedaling, can really keep you going. Do what you can to keep yourself on your bike
for the entire time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have a LONG indoor ride planned, though, schedule
stops, just as if you were riding on the road.
Get off and go to the “coffee shop” in the middle of the ride, just as
if you were outside. I find a shot of espresso,
mid-ride, to really help me through the rest of the time. Just remember to not get involved in any of
your real-world activities until you have completed your goal for the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think about the positives.
You are not going to get too cold, slip on the ice, blow off the road, have bottles thrown
at you by passengers in passing vehicles, or get bitten by a stranger’s dog. You
will not get lost or have frostbite if you have a flat tire or mechanical. It will
not take you 45 minutes to get dressed for an indoor ride, and deciding the day’s
wardrobe can be more about fun than function.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I have you all excited about riding that stationary
trainer for hours at a time I will save the pointers that I have for what to do
when you are actually riding for my next post.
Yeah, I’ve got to get going. My
Computrainer is waiting and I will either be riding today in Lake Placid or
Wisconsin. I need to check with my coach to find out, and then I need to pick out my kit.<o:p></o:p></div>
MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-39663581180096276162012-06-19T06:35:00.002-07:002012-06-19T06:35:41.729-07:00Whiteface Mountain Auto Road Hill Climb 2012<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday, June 16, I competed in the Whiteface Auto Road Hill
Climb. This is the second race in the
<a href="http://www.hillclimbseries.com/" target="_blank">BUMPS</a> series, although the first for me as I chase series points. I had fantasized about this race since my
hip fracture six months ago, picturing the glorious views that one occasionally
glimpses in the midst of all the climbing.
The average grade for this climb is only 8 percent, but the road is
eight miles long, so it is, indeed, one long interval!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2010 we got to start in Wilmington, at the base of the <a href="http://www.whiteface.com/summer/activities/hiway.php" target="_blank">auto road climb</a>, with our age group and gender.
New for this year was a mass start of almost 300 racers, three miles
from Wilmington, on the bridge over the Ausable Rive at the <a href="http://www.whiteface.com/summer/facilities/mountain.php" target="_blank">Whiteface MountainSki Area</a>. As one would imagine, this
ended up being a free-for-all from the gun, and a furious pace was set. By the time I got myself up to Route 86 from
the bridge there was a line ahead as far as the eye could see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My goals for this race were to use it as a benchmark, to
compare myself with my performance of 2010.
As I did two years ago, I am racing both Mt. Washington Auto Road Hill
Climbs as a sponsored racer for <a href="http://hammernutrition.com/" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition</a>, so I really needed to figure
out “where I was” at this point in my recovery and training. Consequently, I did not push the pace too
much on the brief uphill start or on the Route 86 “sprint” down to Wilmington.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once on the auto road climb there was a mass of people
around me. I settled into a pace – a
certain power level that I was hoping to maintain for the entire race – and I
started to pick off people. During that
time I remember being passed by only two people, a woman who was riding her
brakes so hard on the steeper section leading toward Wilmington that I almost
ran into her, and a teenage boy who zipped past me in the last 100 meters. I wish I could have counted how many people
I passed in the next eight miles, but I was otherwise occupied, concerned with catching and passing as many women as possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The climb went great!
While initially I felt hot and a bit whiny, I settled in after the
tollbooths and really started to enjoy the challenge. The day was gorgeous and, when I lifted my head from my Joule,
the views were magnificent. I was
ecstatic when I crossed the line, knowing that for the hill climb portion I had
come within seconds of my 2010 time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was glorious at the summit! Janice Williams had driven our van to the top, so we all had some
warmer clothing and a lift back down if necessary. She also took some cool photos. Thank you Janice! The vistas
from Whiteface are always amazing, and I elected to ride my bike back down the
frost heaved road and back to the Whiteface base lodge. I stopped at various points along the way to
fully take in the sights and smells that are the Adirondacks, appreciating
every moment I could. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the base lodge I took the opportunity to have a fabulous
massage by friend Tim Chien of <a href="http://www.placidbodywork.com/" target="_blank">Balanced Body Work</a>. I look forward to massages from Tim almost as much as the races
themselves, although my once a year schedule is not nearly enough. If anyone is in LP and feels the need for
massage, please see Tim!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only down-side to the day was the “computer glitch”
which made immediate posting of race results impossible. After this announcement, disappointed racers
left the venue, not sure when they would ever know how they did. Bragging rights were put on hold for all but
the first few finishers, and a chance for all to commiserate with their fellow
racers was lost. <a href="http://www.auyertiming.com/Results/6-16-12Whiteface_overall_uphill.pdf" target="_blank">Results</a> were finally posted
on Sunday evening. I was pleased to
find that, while I was the second oldest woman there, I was 14<sup>th</sup> of
44, and 58 seconds out of 10<sup>th</sup> place. I was second of nine in the 50-59 age group, and I saw that no
matter what I had done I would not have won.
I’m happy with my race and the decisions I made.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Summer solstice week” in Lake Placid makes for a
wonderfully long day, which Mark Williams and I started at 6 am with a ride
from Lake Placid to the Whiteface venue.
Wow! The sun was already up, but
the quiet and calm of the morning made everything look even more
spectacular. In addition to the race
and the ride down the mountain we also rode back to our housing at Lake Placid
(thank you Norm and Val!) and then I got to go on a nice ride with Janice and
Val. All in all, a wonderfully long
day, which we finished off with our drive back home, again through the
Adirondacks, that evening. Life is
good!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank you for reading </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-39197914404017119192012-05-04T10:45:00.001-07:002012-05-18T08:57:05.944-07:00Climbing My Way to Another Lesson<br />
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“Truth is stranger than fiction” is a phrase that I often
quote. Mostly, the truths I refer
to are my own. Pushing myself in some
kind of methodical manner has lead me to loftyish places where I never imagined
being, and this spring I was able to experience that again.</div>
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Less than three months after I had my right hip replaced,
and only 5 weeks after I could put 100 percent of my weight on that leg, I
signed up for a climbing challenge on a cycling and running web site called
<a href="http://www.strava.com/" target="_blank">Strava</a>. <b><i>A Classic Challenge from
Specialized</i></b> goaded cyclists to
climb a total of 105,312 vertical feet between March 15 and April 30. The significance of this number is that it
is three times the total feet of climbing in the Spring Classic races in
Europe. I’ve long been a big fan of
climbing, even when the little climbing specialists are dropping me, so I
figured I would give this a try and see where I ended up. Besides, there was a cool water bottle as a
reward if you actually did reach that total.</div>
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It soon became evident that my normal rides and routes were
not going to amass climbing feet very quickly.
Compared to some of the women signed up, I was fairly minor league. So by early April I decided to up my ante,
and change my routes. I tried not ride
anything for more than a mile that registered zero percent grade – what a waste
– and opened my eyes to the local hills.</div>
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My neck of the woods is fairly generous when it comes to
available climbing.. The glaciers left
several valleys running from north to south, with steep grades on some of the
roads leading to the tops of the ridges.
These roads are mostly all paved, thanks to some free-flowing money in
the mid 20<sup>th</sup> century, and are spaced fairly close together. While the climbs generally last only 10-15
minutes, getting down to the bottom of the hill to start up another one does
not take long either. Certainly they
are not mountains, but we most definitely are not in the plains. My new plan was to simply go up and down the
ridges and choose roads that had steeper grades to accumulate the climbing more
rapidly. I remembered a treasure trove
of climbs with grades in the 10-18 percent range. Yummy!</div>
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This was certainly fun and gave each ride an immediate
purpose. I recorded the rides on the
Strava app on my Android phone, which soon began to rule my world. As soon as each ride ended I would upload my
ride onto the Strava web site and soon thereafter I would log on to check my
progress against my virtual, but real, competitors</div>
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So I climbed, descended, and climbed again, and my coach,
<a href="http://www.vantaggiofitness.com/" target="_blank">Mark Fasczewski</a>, enabled me with the gift of longer rides as the weeks wore
on. I was soon in the top 20 out of
over 500 women and in around 300<sup>th</sup> place out of the 10,000 plus
people, worldwide, who had signed up for this challenge. .</div>
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When I significantly increased the amount of climbing feet
per week I started leapfrogging over people.
While in the teens I was hoping to get closer to women’s tenth place,
and with two weeks remaining in the challenge I had clawed my way into ninth
place. What? Now my riding took on an obsessive edge (OK, it usually does
anyway, but humor me here) and Mark gave me the green light to absolutely give
this my all. I dropped to 7<sup>th</sup>,
then 6<sup>th</sup>. With just a few
days to go I found myself in 5<sup>th</sup> place, and my focus now turned to
maintaining that position. Professional
obligations this past Saturday kept me from bagging much of anything, but
competing in two events at the Binghamton Circuit Race on Sunday added 4000
feet to the total. While I should have
been tired after racing, I had to remain energized to get out there on Monday
–April 30! – for that last day of climbing.</div>
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And climb I did, on all the steepest hills I had found
between Clinton and Peterboro. In my
longest and toughest ride since Leadville I bagged another 7800 feet in 78
miles, during six hours of riding time.
I got home, uploaded my ride, ate whatever I had left in the house, and
then logged on to Strava. My total for the challenge was 137,772 feet. The waiting game began, but in the end I
held on to 5<sup>th</sup> place for women and managed 107<sup>th</sup> of the
10,923 people who entered the contest. </div>
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This is, of course, something that I had not even dreamed
about when I entered the challenge.
Once I’d entered, though, I pushed myself to do things that I would not
have done otherwise. I rode in abysmal
weather, I did nothing but climb, I descended some steep and scary stuff, and I
enjoyed almost every demented minute of it. I consumed lots of good products from my sponsor, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition!</a>
The offshoot of this was that my hip is now super-strong and my walking,
which I had been having trouble with, is now way better than when I was
spending a log of time, well, walking.</div>
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Besides bragging rights, what did this challenge give me?
Did I get any faster with all this climbing?
Maybe. Did I get any better at
descending? Maybe not. My ever-zealous braking kept me from
colliding with things like dump trucks, deer, chickens, dogs, people in a daze
crossing the road, and manure spreaders.
But whether riding uphill or down, I would be constantly reminded that I
live in a beautiful area and that I was so blessed to be able to enjoy it in
such a fashion. </div>
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I’ve been reminded, too, that there are always more
possibilities for myself than I can imagine and that one thing leads to
another. The first step into a new
venture can open up doors formerly thought “closed for the season.” The focus on climbing helped me heal more
quickly, and the fitness I accumulated definitely widened the array of events
for me this season. “Never say never”
is another one of my favorite slogans, but I can be guilty of holding
myself back with closed-minded thinking. It
is easy for me to see this in the athletes I coach and to help them, but difficult to recognize when I am doing this to myself. My coach Mark
does not have my blinders on when it comes to coaching me.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This challenge has taught me to go with the process,
work hard, and see what happens -- to try not to predict the end of the
story. For most of the challenge I
never even considered a top five finish, and it is not something that would be
predicted for myself, but in the end it absolutely happened. Truth really is stranger than fiction.</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;"></span>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-68378064636809049812012-03-19T17:21:00.001-07:002012-03-19T17:27:52.170-07:00Three Months Later<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; ">Most of you know that in December I fell “just the wrong way” in a Cyclocross race and ended up with a shiny new hip! I had that surgery three months ago today, and while it seems like yesterday it also seems like a lifetime ago. So much has happened in such a short amount of time. There are a few things that I still cannot do at present – many yoga poses and long distance running – but those of you who know me also know that I did not spend too much time working on either of those pursuits before I got hurt!<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; ">When this first happened I thought that my convalescence would open up lots of free time in which to write a book, blog regularly and catch up on correspondence with long-lost friends. I soon learned that there were still only 24 hours in each day and seven days in each week. Being “disabled” meant that everything I did took longer, and what time I had left over was overtaken by the things that I needed to do to get myself back to “normal.” Two-a-days for in-home physical therapy were the norm. And then there was the exhaustion associated with recovering from the surgery and the ensuing PT. Nap time was a must the first three weeks or so.<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; ">Before I collapsed into the recliner, though, I still needed to get my work done. Fortunately I can coach my athletes from where I am located, be it in the hospital (yes, I did this) or on the beach (no, I have not done this lately). My athletes were an understanding lot and most of them got to do whatever they wanted over Christmas – what a lucky bunch! Work got done, writing was put on the to do list.<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; ">Of larger importance to me was to do the things that would get me better the fastest so that I could get back to doing the things that I normally did. All that PT was one. Another was to get onto the Computrainer, and do what my body loves to do – pedal my bike. With a lot of help from Phil I was doing so 2.5 weeks after the surgery. The first few days were not pretty, but I grew stronger and soon would quip that I could ride a lot better than I could walk. Eventually, I could even reach the handlebars and shift my bike, and the more I rode the stronger my hip became. My coach Mark Fasczewski has been pushing me since week four, and I am now back to doing Level 4 intervals. Wow, my old Level 4! Some of these recent intervals have been almost respectable, but even when they are not I attack them anyway, knowing now what it is like to just sit in a recliner and wonder if I would have the strength to get up and push my walker into the kitchen.<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; ">When this accident happened I was in some of the best shape of my life. (Yes, you can work long and hard and get better as you get older. Hire a good coach and work at it!) I was, of course, dismayed when I was given word that my hip was fractured. However, I also know that cycling, like life, is not without risks. At least I did this while racing and not tripping in a parking lot! I quickly resolved to put all my energy toward healing. I’ve since worked harder than I ever did on my cycling, with some personally pleasing results. I’ve worked hard mastering again the everyday tasks at home, in what Phil calls “being independent.” I learned about all the things we take for granted while we are all temporarily able-bodied.<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; ">I would not, however, be even close to where I am today without my family’s constant help and support. Phil was the go to person for everything that happened in our home and for everything that I needed. I was able to accelerate my rehab because Phil would drive me to PT, assist me with in-home therapies and, of course, get me onto my bike. Meals got made, laundry got done, the house was pretty clean, all while I was busy getting better. Just when he needed a break, MK made the trip from Colorado to spend a week taking care of her mom. Melissa Skyped whenever possible from Vietnam and Thailand, regaling us with stories about world travels. My sister Alison dove into my dad’s care-taking when he fell and broke his pelvis. Friends came over with food and smiles and even a Kindle! I was left to focus on recovery.<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><o:p></o:p></p> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span >While there are things that I will put into the back of my mind when I stop to think about the goings-on of the past three months these are the things that I will always strive to remember. Thank you friends and family for giving me your precious time. This blog post is for you.</span></span>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-69872435756356840502012-01-06T13:31:00.000-08:002012-01-06T13:36:13.045-08:00Power Based Training Certification<p class="MsoNormal">It has been a while since I have posted to my blog and I have a really good excuse for not getting to it sooner. Sure, training for Master World Cyclocross Championships is a good excuse, as is breaking my hip in a Cyclocross race on December 17. But, no, that is not the real excuse. Instead, after my last blog post I became involved with, then obsessed with, USA Cycling’s Power Based Training Certification Exam for coaches. The good news is that I passed this exam and I am now Power Based Training Certified. (<a href="https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=3209">CPBT</a>) </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have been training with a power meter since 2004, and I have been coaching individuals with power since 2004 as well. Training and racing with a power meter is more than just a title of a book for me, it is what I do! But every once in a while I would download and then start to take the CPBT Exam and I would find out that, yes, it is long and hard and I would need to totally focus on it for quite some time. The exam would get put away and that would be it for a while. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This fall, though, I knew that my time had come. I had so much experience in the field that I wanted that “piece of paper” to back up this experience. The latest version was downloaded in early October and it was off to the races. Well, almost. It was slow going, all the way through. Not only did I want to give the correct answers, but I wanted to back up these answers with a complete understanding of the field. Days turned into weeks. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I had completed all the multiple choice and essay questions the last part of the exam featured in-depth coaching of three different racers. While this “coaching” should seem like a piece of cake to a cycling coach I treated these athletes as if they were my own. The problem was that they could not just talk to me and tell me how they were feeling after “this” workout or “that” training week. I had to “assume” that these racers were feeling great, no matter what I gave them to do. Of course I had to make sure they did not become overtrained on what I was giving them, but on the other hand I needed to push these hypothetical racers hard enough for some overcompensation to occur as well. And then there was rest… </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did I learn during this exam? Absolutely! Of particular interest was the additional ways I found on the Training Peaks software to rip into an athlete’s power file to examine even more closely what he or she did during the ride, race or multiple intervals. This is fun stuff for a geek like me, and gives me even more ways to assist my athletes. In general, immersing myself even more fully for those two months into this topic opened my power-based mind even more. I would even wake up from dreams about coaching my own athletes as well as the mythical athletes in the exam. Yeah, I can get that way… </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, after two months, I sent off a stack of paper an inch thick to USA Cycling and then started to wait. While recuperating from my hip replacement surgery I found out that I had passed. Yippee! Now I need to get the rest of my paperwork in so that I can renew my license for the year, but I wanted to share this with everyone. Yes, I have a title that says I can do what I had already been doing. But I really think that it will make me even better at what I had already been doing. Happy 2012!</p>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-24131125526190333782011-09-20T08:32:00.001-07:002011-09-20T17:54:39.960-07:00Transition to Cyclocross, with a Bonus MTB Marathon!After racing something that has the distance of the Leadville Trail 100 it has been a little difficult for me to find reasonable goals for the fall racing season. I have discovered that I love the long hard format of marathon mountain biking and that I also have so much to learn. These races are few and far between, though, so I knew that I would have to change my focus for the fall. Thanks to the finances involved, a trip to Bend, OR, for the Marathon National Championships was out of the question, so I have been left with a body that wants to do long and fast mountain bike races, but there seemed to be none to be found.<div><br /></div><div>So after a physical and emotional break from racing I settled in on Cyclocross, which seems like the exact opposite of what I had trained for much of the summer. My coach Mark Fasczewski started filling my training with short intense intervals, which filled my legs with pain. Mark was just elected as coach to the USA Cycling Cyclocross Committee, so, yeah, he really knows his stuff! Anyway, I sure need work in the Anaerobic Capacity department. Cyclocross races have turned into bike handling fiestas, and I also discovered that my cornering was definitely not up to par. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first Cyclocross race of the season, Kirkland Cyclocross Race, is five miles from my home. MVBC, our local club and one that I sponsor, promotes this race and I help out when I can. Two tropical storms sandwiching a cold front also "helped out" with this race, dumping at least 8 inches of rain in a ten day period. Needless to say, the course was a muddy soupy mess, but most racers had a ton of fun. I was no exception. A bit stressed from some organizational tasks, I jumped into a very talented Women's Open field and had myself a fun fun time, running so many of the spots that I could easily climb on my preride the day before. It was great to be around my <a href="http://www.corningraceteam.com/">Corning NoTubes teammates</a> again and we all spoke enthusiastically about the cyclocross races to come. My teammates cleaned up as well, collectively we took first, third, ninth (me) and tenth. </div><div><br /></div><div>This past Saturday I kept myself close to home and raced the Critz Farms Kermise. I chose to race in the 40+ category, which gave me the win and some cash to help with the weekend's expenses. That was a good move, as the women in the Open category all finished ahead of me. My teammates again, taking a very solid first, second and fourth. This race was mostly on the gravel and rock roads at an apple orchard, and my poor cornering lost me lots of time. I will be so happy to be cornering on grass again!</div><div><br /></div><div>After this race friend Katina reminded me of an endurance mountain bike race in Lowville, only 60 miles north from my home. This was to be held the next day, and, OMG, it was a chance to ride my mountain bike hard and fast! Even though I had just emptied my legs with many many intense sprints out of those dreadfully slow corners I was convinced that I would recover in time for the 46 mile adventure. So what if I had just installed my mud tires onto my mountain bike?</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday dawned cool and sunny and I was so excited as I drove up to the Tug Hill Plateau. The race, dubbed <i>Race With the Wind</i>, started and finished at the visitor center for the Maple Ridge Wind Farm. We are talking lots and lots of windmills here, as this is the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi. The huge white windmills and the clear blue sky made for a very surreal view in all directions.</div><div><br /></div><div>The beautiful day brought out the racers and there were probably 50 riders at the start. We started up a paved road and then took a right up a smooth dirt road. A woman on a cyclocross bike left me in her dust and, at that point, my 2.2 Kenda Karma tires were doing me no favors in the speed department. I tried to keep her in my sights and concentrated on riding my own race, keeping my heart rate high, but in a zone that I knew I could hold for hours. The race was going to be pretty long, so I did not want to bury myself in the very beginning.</div><div><br /></div><div>The dirt roads got rougher and rougher, with smooth gravel being replaced by huge round stones. All the roads had intermittent areas of huge puddles and mud. When I arrived at the first super-steep hill of the day, littered with rocks and crevices, I was thrilled to be on my trusty Stumpjumper 29er hardtail. I was riding this with ease, while the woman on the cyclocross bike was walking up the rough slope. I wished her well and pushed on. Ahead of me was a long section of bumpy, rocky, puddly, undulating road, and I was loving every minute of it. I was also very happy with the Kenda Karmas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I was the lead woman, and in order to keep in this position I had to not only go as fast as I could without crashing but also take care of my body so that I would remain properly fueled and hydrated for the duration of the race. I focused on the data from my Joule, specifically my average speed and my current heart rate, and worked to keep the heart rate up but not spiking and my average speed above 13 as much as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was not so hard on the way out, as a quick look at the course profile shows that more elevation is lost than gained in the first half. In the second half I pushed even harder, knowing what I might expect for a finish time if I kept up the average speed. I kept sipping on my Camelback filled with water and Fizz tablets, nursing my bottle with Perpetuem, and periodically ingesting packets of my favorite flavors of Hammer Gel. Thank you Hammer! I caught and passed several of the men who had dropped me in the beginning. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I got back onto the aforementioned roughest rocky undulating road I put on the afterburners. I roared back up this terrain, dropping the two guys that I had entered this piece of road with. I had been looking forward to this for quite some time, and, next to the sweet singletrack sections, it was for me the most pleasing part of the race. I pushed and pushed, not seeing a soul ahead or behind. Yeah, I was loving those tires.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was on the second to last road, only a mile or two from the finish, I turned around to see one of the men that I had been going back and forth with during the race. Oh, no, the bike racer in me would not let this overall placing go without a fight! I put it into a harder gear, putting in some more distance. Then, one last turn, and the finish line. I had won! More importantly, I had put in a good hard aggressive race. (Final results have not been posted, so I do not know how I placed in with the men.)</div><div><br /></div><div>My time for the 46 miles was 3 hours and 32 minutes. Now, all I need to do is to produce two more consecutive intervals like this when I race Leadville next year and I could finish in under 11 hours! Ouch. Well, that is a worthy goal, and one that I am chasing. As for this race, I was thrilled to have this under my belt and to race it in a strong and consistent manner. It was great training for what lies ahead and something that I can visualize as I do my other training.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, now it is back to Cyclocross season again. I guess I had better get out there and practice some corners.</div>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-26119927737351903382011-08-29T17:45:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:48:58.314-07:00Putting Leadville to Rest for a While, or My Thoughts on Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bGRInGK1lNF8vBnRfpV62ggoOHIjO0tdRb2BBdZctM6RhJIIGAH-A9Hoq8aN4MyBHLYdqnm6JTl7JDMxpw2s4ONw6F-IMa3JiFVboRzekPGu4lKXlhGC_83otUS0CMU_8z1u0Zl5XqQ/s1600/MKnMargLeadville.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bGRInGK1lNF8vBnRfpV62ggoOHIjO0tdRb2BBdZctM6RhJIIGAH-A9Hoq8aN4MyBHLYdqnm6JTl7JDMxpw2s4ONw6F-IMa3JiFVboRzekPGu4lKXlhGC_83otUS0CMU_8z1u0Zl5XqQ/s320/MKnMargLeadville.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646455452924999458" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">The Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race is a race against the clock that just happens to be long, on mountainous terrain, and at high altitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In my last post I commented that it seemed like race day would never arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now it is already two weeks post-race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Time certainly has a strange way of making itself felt. The night before the big race?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The clock ticked ever so slowly, but once the alarm went off the clock started racing, as it would for the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was very fortunate to have some time to spend in Leadville before the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My daughter MK and I drove in from Durango on Wednesday, found a beautiful campsite, and then went for a ride on the trail that winds around part of Turquoise Lake, only a mile from our digs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seeing so much beauty in one day can be breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Witnessing it all at 10,000 feet takes breathtaking to a new level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our days leading up to the race were a nice mix of preparation and rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We rode a bit on the dirt roads in the area in which we were camping, we hung out at our campsite, we went into town to hang out and get groceries, and we did a small bit of course inspection. MK did some trail running while I watched hummingbirds and tried to figure out what my split times would be. It was inexplicably dry the entire time we were camped; outdoor living was especially good.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Race day dawned clear and cool and I struggled to put my cycling clothing on over sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, it was not even dawn yet, but you get the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>MK drove me into town, and then asked me where my cell phone was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cell phone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I eventually remembered that I left it on the ground back at the campsite, so she agreed to go back and rescue it after my start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How could I just leave my phone on the ground?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At least I had everything I needed to race, including MK, who would be my super-awesome support crew.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The start area was a mass of people and bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My starting corral was way, way, <i>way</i> in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pros started first, and then those with finish times from prior Leadville races were lined from fastest, up to twelve hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>New racers, like me, had the last starting area, and folks had gotten there ultra early to have the privilege of laying their bike onto the pavement in order to save their spot while they walked around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everyone else was walking around the bikes lying on the ground in order to cross the street to get to the porta potties, and they usually tried not to step onto tender bits, like derailleurs or brake levers, in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I just kind of straddled my bike next to my corral and waited the order from the officials to move into position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The scene was organized and chaotic all at once.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The gun went off promptly at 6:30 and it took me over a minute and a half to actually cross the start line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I rode through the start area I could see riders on the road ahead, as far as the eye could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That was truly remarkable, until I realized that most of the people in this race were on the road ahead of me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I dug deeper and tried to infiltrate into the crowd, which had slowed for a small climb, then it was a downhill, a corner, and more downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Despite wearing two pair of gloves my hands were freezing and everyone around me was busy shaking out their hands while trying to keep up on the fast pavement stretch.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The speedy portion came to an abrupt halt upon entering the first unpaved section, CR 103.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Suddenly, I was mastering my track stand, trying not to dab, as I worked toward moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The climb up St. Kevin’s loomed, and I was wondering how I would ever stay on the bike, given the mass of humanity around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was mostly successful, though, only getting off once for a few seconds to avoid a guy who had wobbled completely across my path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I got onto a train of people who were riding through the traffic and it felt good to be moving again.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So much of the race revolved around other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With 1900 registered racers, I was never really alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the climbing sections I would continue to ride past so many of the competitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On some descents those who could ride downhill faster than me mobbed me as they passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I climbed up the dirt road portion toward the 12,500 foot Columbine Mine check point, also the halfway point, I was passing people like crazy, while the race leaders and faster riders were already descending on the same road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was not a lonely place.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then, I hit the “goat trail.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had seen photos of racers pushing their bikes near the top of this climb, but with still over two miles to go to the course's mid-point I was greeted with a hike-a-bike that went on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were now above tree line, and as I rounded each curve I could see the course rising higher, with a steady line of people still pushing their bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not see an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Climbers pushed and pushed, staying to the right, while the people who had already made it to the top were bombing back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, on the same little goat path!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The irony was that when you got to the “top” you still had to actually ride down a bit to where the aid station and check point was set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Which meant, yes, that you had to ride uphill again in order to start the journey back down.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You’d think that just coasting down the mountain back to the Twin Lakes checkpoint would be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, it was so tiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The goat path was quite rocky, and I had to make sure to not run over any of the folks still walking up that climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The dirt road was just plain fast, with loose sand and gravel to make life interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was definitely happy to find a few sections where I could pedal, and was thrilled when I finally arrived back at the Twin Lakes aid station where MK had been patiently waiting for me to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was at the crucial aid stations, zooming from place to place, with everything I needed, including a big hug and a good song to keep all the bad ones out of my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her support was invaluable and everything that she did to help would take another blog post! She was even keeping my Face Book friends posted on my progress because, yes, she did go back to get my phone.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It felt hot at Twin Lakes, and as I climbed the road out of there I do remember looking at the lakes and thinking how wonderful it would be to jump into one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I found out later that it was 92 degrees there, at 9200 feet, which was the lowest altitude on the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I met up with MK, just over an hour later, at the Pipeline aid station I was certainly getting finish line fever but I still felt pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had no idea how hot it was, though, because the dry air at those elevations just dried the sweat off me as soon as I was producing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I just figured that in three hours or so I would be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yahoo!
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was not, however, prepared for the amount of hike-a-bike that climbing up "Power Line" would involve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=certeLH1qwM">video</a> of eventual winner, Todd Wells, shows him riding Power Line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Todd was one of only a few racers to ride this section, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I walked this, hopping on the bike in random flatter spots, with the entire piece going on for four miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took forever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, there were still people everywhere, and yes, I would eventually top this section out at over 11,000 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Finally, on the other side, I was greeted with a rough, rocky descent, which felt rough beyond words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kept checking my fork to make sure it was not locked out, although it certainly felt like it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Suspension, where were you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Was I tired or was my fork just a bit low on air?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I came off the rocky descent at 10:30 on the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I remember thinking that if I really motored I could make it to the finish line before 12 hours hit and I could still collect the coveted belt buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I knew there was some smooth dirt road and a good chunk of pavement ahead, and I was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Zoom zoom down the dirt and the pavement descents, then zip up the pavement climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I climbed and climbed, passing several people along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But the climb kept on going and going and going, and zip definitely got zapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A man standing near an aid station cheered me on, telling me that I had one more hour in which to collect that buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Can I make it?” I asked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“YOU can,” was his response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hmm, he must have been saying that all day, it sounded very well rehearsed.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, I did finish, just a bit over the 12 hour mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was nauseous for the last 2-3 hours of the race and had to force myself to drink and eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Time continued to fly by, while my body seemed to be standing still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was beginning to feel miserable, yet I was so close to the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The last 2 miles were the worst, still climbing and climbing to get to that finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I hit the pavement with one km to go I just wanted to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I knew where I was, but could not imagine how I was going to get myself to that finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Up another small hill, down the other side, and the finish line finally came into sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I lined myself up with the red carpet as I heard my name announced over the loud speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I crossed the line, found MK, and tearfully collapsed into her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Done! </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was also given an official time and a beautiful finisher’s medal, designating an official finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did not even care that I had missed the belt buckle. I had done everything I could and I could now get off my bike.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At this point, I was expecting to start feeling better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was food to be eaten, recovery drink to be had, and maybe, even, a beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, I spiraled from a post-race euphoria to a full-out shivering, cramping, nauseous mess, so I bypassed the food table and went to the medical tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The unusual heat and dry conditions had caused me, and countless other racers, to dehydrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A cot and sleeping bag combo was now mine to inhabit as I drank salty fluids and ate pretzels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But there was no improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not move without completely cramping, and MK and I both wondered, independently, how sleeping in a tent was going to work out for me that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The good Dr. Matt, from Denver, eventually prescribed an IV of saline, that within three minutes stopped the nausea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time the bag was done I was up and walking, cramp free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had also managed to stop shivering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was absolutely miraculous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I was suddenly ravenous, so MK ordered some burritos to take back to the campsite, and we had ourselves a yummy dinner underneath the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think/hope that she had a well-deserved beer, as well. Yes, it was still warm out, and as we enjoyed our last night at camp we were just a little mystified by all the things that had transpired that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not believe that after everything I had done I was feeling so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How strange was that?
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many people need to be thanked for helping me get to this race and then for enabling me to finish it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>MK, of course, was integral in all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not only did she serve as race support, but she housed me in Durango for the week leading up to the race and the few days before I went home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Imagine having YOUR mother move in for two weeks.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her boyfriend Drew loaned us his awesome truck to make transporting all our gear a lot easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Speaking of gear, I only supplied my sleeping pad, the rest of the camping equipment was courtesy of MK and Drew.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My sponsors also need thanking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They include <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/">Hammer Nutrition</a>, <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/home.jsp">Specialized</a>, <a href="http://www.notubes.com/Default.aspx">Stan’s NoTubes</a>, <a href="http://www.terrybicycles.com/">Terry Bicycles</a>, <a href="http://dicksonnes.com/">Sonne’s Cycling</a>, and Dr. Norm and Val Cognetto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then there are the men that help me get the most from my cycling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My coach <a href="http://www.vantaggiofitness.com/">Mark Fasczewski</a> gives me the work to do and helps me to emotionally get through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My acupuncturist <a href="http://www.areyoutakingtoomanydrugs.com/mackayrippey/">Mackay Rippey</a> keeps my body and mind tuned up on a very regular basis so that I can keep up with the training and racing that I love to do. I continue to love to do it because I generally feel so very good. These guys provide an endless cycle that keeps me pushing toward my potential. Thank you both!
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A thank you would be incomplete, though, without thanking the people who very patiently support and cheer from the sidelines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband Phil Thompson puts up with all of the things that I do, from the training, to the travel, to the recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I cannot even imagine what I would do without this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My daughter Melissa, my Dad, my sister Alison, my brother Steve, my extended family, my very good friends, everyone has been so kind and supportive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am truly blessed!
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, while I was walking up Powerline, the “never again” litany started playing in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It got louder and louder as I dragged myself toward the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But time also has a funny way of obliterating discomfort, both physical and emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Within 24 hours MK and I were talking about ways to do things better “next time,” although both of us had sworn that that the very possibility of “next time” would never exist. Time, it sure is one strange dimension. </p>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-43556981558602403412011-08-09T10:42:00.000-07:002011-08-09T11:56:45.665-07:00I'm Almost to Leadville!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo8rCbEgCraRAO2R3M3XrTiLf5tAETZ_XJyefrmywSnteAa6E9yvyLt6Nxd0SVLxY7YiX2Pdc6LQ3t4fQih6cYPSEUFRcv0qix0wm1WTbGoc60RRDRHE1aRHyUQYACpQR70qlAnw09rU/s1600/colorado_trail_molas_good.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo8rCbEgCraRAO2R3M3XrTiLf5tAETZ_XJyefrmywSnteAa6E9yvyLt6Nxd0SVLxY7YiX2Pdc6LQ3t4fQih6cYPSEUFRcv0qix0wm1WTbGoc60RRDRHE1aRHyUQYACpQR70qlAnw09rU/s320/colorado_trail_molas_good.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638921726198848930" border="0" /></a>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Five days until the <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/p://">Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race</a>… Wow, how did it get here so fast?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Conversely, will it ever get here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am currently in Durango, staying with my daughter MK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She has very kindly opened up her home to me so that I could come out early to acclimate to the altitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She has also offered to be my support crew for the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lucky me!
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leadville was not even on my radar when 2011 began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was, however, thinking that it would be super to do the Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships in September, a 50 mile race. My body responds well to long hours of training on multiple days, so my coach <a href="http://vantaggiofitnessandnutrition.com/">Mark Fasczewski</a>, who I’ve been with since 2004, sees that I get my fill of long long rides for most of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I figured that as long as I had built up lots of endurance I might as well do some long races.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But Leadville?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Naw, that race seemed too hard to get into, you had to enter a lottery or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It sounded like too much red tape for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Still, I wanted to do some long races and kept my eyes open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then, in late March, I was stunned to read that there would be three 100 km qualifiers for the Leadville race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One was in Lake Tahoe, one was in Crested Butte, but one was in Lake Placid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lake Placid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Three hours from my house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took me about 1.5 seconds to decide that I really wanted to do the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What an experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would get in a long mountain bike race in preparation for the national race in September.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I called Mark the next morning, got his OK, and training was ON for the <a href="http://www.leadvillequalifiers.com/">Wilmington/Whiteface 100km</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My goal was simply to finish the race, nothing more, and to see if I really liked racing endurance events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mark piled on the hours, I focused on the Lake Placid event, and visualized it with every ride and race that I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even when I flatted only 4.5 miles into the road race at the Killington Stage Race and endlessly chased the pack I was thinking that I had to ride hard and strong in preparation for “the qualifier.”
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Two weeks before the big day <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/corningraceteam/">Corning/NoTubes</a> road racing teammate Paul Speranza and I met at Whiteface and did a preride of the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The out and back course was challenging, but nothing that was beyond our abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The climb up Whiteface Mountain, at the end of the race, would be the icing on the cake, and it worried me the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, I was now very excited for race day to arrive, and for the first time I was actually thinking and hoping that I would qualify for the Leadville race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Wilmington/Whiteface 100km was the perfect race on the perfect day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not believe how good I felt or how happy I was riding my mountain bike in such a beautiful place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I found myself smiling a lot as I worked my way toward the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I finished 5<sup>th</sup> overall for the women and 100<sup>th</sup> overall, winning a belt buckle in the process, and I had qualified, and registered, for the Leadville Trail 100.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">OMG, now what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>More training, more mountain bike racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The next on my list was Race the World at Windham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not my best race, to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While my climbing was good my technical skills showed the lack of singletrack training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had been focusing on road riding to get my endurance really up to par for the Lake Placid race and now it was time to get my mountain bike technical skills in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I drove home from that race a bit disappointed, but determined to get my skills up to where they needed to be for me to race well at Leadville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The following weekend was the Six Hours of Power in Ellicottville, NY, and it was another picture perfect day for mountain bike racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not only was the course dry, but it was fast, flowing and fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did not doubt my skills, I rode nice even splits, finished fourth overall for the women, and even got a compliment for my descending skills from a guy who knew me years before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>OK, I guess I was on to something!
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All that racing and training tires me out, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is where my acupuncturist <a href="http://www.areyoutakingtoomanydrugs.com/mackayrippey/index.html">Mackay Rippey</a> comes into play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I go for regular treatments almost every week, and he has seen me through some pretty exhausted times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I dragged myself into his office the Tuesday after the Six Hours of Power and even Mackay had his doubts about how quickly I would recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, he came up with just the right combination of treatments and I recovered so quickly that I had my third fastest time trial ever on our local 10 mile course that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Needless to say, Mackay has been as integral in my training for Leadville as he has been for every other race and training session since 2003.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are so many people who have been supportive of me in my push toward these endurance events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/">Hammer Nutrition</a> has sponsored me since 1997, and these days I go through a lot of fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><a href="http://dicksonnes.com/">Dick Sonne’s Cycling, Fitness and Skis</a>, my local bike shop, is always there for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/home.jsp">Specialized</a> helps keep me in bikes while <a href="http://www.terrybicycles.com/">Terry Bicycles</a> keeps me in saddles and clothing. <a href="http://www.notubes.com/Default.aspx">Stan’s NoTubes</a> helped me with wheels, tires and sealant. Dr. Norm and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cognetto-Design/115802448469423">Valerie Cognetto</a> have gifted me with lodging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband Phil and our daughters love and accept me despite this craziness! My family and friends put up with me being out of the area or too tired/busy/brain dead to get together on the spur of the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It all adds up to the supportive atmosphere that is necessary to enable me to reach such challenging goals.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So here I am in Durango!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Friday and Saturday<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did laps on one of my very favorite trails – the Dry Fork/Colorado Trail/Hoffhein’s Connection Loop, which tops out at 8500 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sunday I rode up the Dry Fork Trail, turned left onto the <a href="http://www.coloradotrail.org/index.html">Colorado Trail</a>, and rode through the Aspen trees between 9000 and 9500 feet, riding up to the high point in that area three separate times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once I got up there I did not want to head back down to the heat that would meet me at a mere 7000 feet.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday, MK and I drove up to <a href="http://search.aol.com/aol/image?q=molas+pass&v_t=tb50-ff-customfirefox-ab-en-us">Molas Pass</a>, which is not too far from <a href="http://www.silvertoncolorado.com/">Silverton</a>, and rode out and back on a section of the Colorado Trail from Little Molas Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That was the most spectacular trail I have been on yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is a flowing ribbon of singletrack flanked on either side by wildflowers, with vistas galore of peaks over 12,000 feet high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We rode for only two hours, but were riding the entire time at over 11000 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a magnificent ride, and thoughts of exploring more of the Colorado Trail’s 400+ miles danced through my head.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today is a very much needed rest day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>MK and I head to Leadville tomorrow, so I will start to pack for that trip in a little while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will be camping at 10,000 feet or so, which should feel quite “interesting.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fortunately, I have been back and forth to Colorado at least once a year for many years, so my body and brain knows how to deal with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Still, it takes much longer than this to become fully acclimated, so I will just have to deal with things as they present themselves and be even more careful about how I pace myself during the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>
<br /></p> <span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >So that is it for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will try to update this with a short post when I reach Leadville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now, time to start getting organized for the penultimate phase of my trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-27002478440006831702011-06-01T07:06:00.000-07:002011-06-01T07:23:26.320-07:00Killington Stage Race Report -- Women 3/4<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"> The first “big” race with our team, the Killington Stage Race, was this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanessa McCaffery and I represented the Corning/NoTubes Race Team in the Women’s ¾ race and we did a pretty good job of getting our team on the map!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Teammates Ruth Sherman and Marjolein Schat raced the ½ race, and I know they will want to tell their own stories.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday turned out to be a bit misty, but fortunately for our race it did not rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The race that day was a circuit race, which navigated a 17 mile lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was a neutral start for the first couple of miles and then we were let out of a cannon from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our pack had over 50 riders in it, and everyone was kind of nervous, especially since the loop featured what seemed like way more downhill than climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had to do two laps, which featured a sprint hot spot after lap one, and a QOM (Queen of the Mountain) sprint during both the first and second laps.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we negotiated the first lap the group stayed together, even on the gentle climb up Plymouth Gap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Compared to any of the climbing we would do the rest of the weekend this was no climb at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The QOM, though, was on a side road that went through a little historical village that was the birthplace of Calvin Coolidge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The QOM, as expected, was always a pretty lively event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The finish line, which was the site of the intermediary sprint hot spot was a very fast downgrade and that was always a bit more exciting that most people wanted as well.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lap two was a bit harder, and just before the QOM all hell broke loose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I suspected as much and worked my way up into the group that was heading away from the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The pace remained high after the QOM, and coming back out onto the main drag and then to the ensuing steep descent was pretty exciting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once I got to the bottom of that descent and corner I got onto a group of women who were busy getting dropped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted no part of finishing behind the leaders so I took off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, so did the pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I time trailed for six minutes, but regained contact with the leaders again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Phew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Through all this teammate Vanessa was sitting up near the front and looking good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was going to be her, race, I just knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My goal was to do as little work as possible so that I would have some super legs for the TT on Sunday. I was hoping that this extra TT practice did not foil that plan.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after I got to the pack one of the girls had a really hard crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her wheels got caught in one of the many vertical cracks in the pavement, she hit the wheel of the rider in front of her, and then she and her bike literally flew through the air and onto the other lane. Miraculously, there was no oncoming traffic just then and no one else went down. Our moto com was right there, as were our support vehicles, so there was plenty of help for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I still do not know the extent of her injuries, but I did hear that she was at least able to talk when the immediate help arrived.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Coinciding with this crash was the start of a downhill section and the setup for the final sprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanessa was close to the front and working her heart out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was in the back still freaking out after witnessing the crash so up close and personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I responded to the surge the pack was now taking and rode in with them to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had achieved my pack finish and the “same time” that I was looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even better was the fact that Vanessa had finished second on the stage! Alan Atwood even showed me the finish line photos, which were wonderful to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We would be going to awards that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hooray for Vanessa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, our glee was definitely tempered by the worry that we felt for the girl who had crashed.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday was the day that I was looking forward to -- a 10.75 mile time trial, point to point, gaining elevation along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What fun that would be for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was so excited and a bit nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It sprinkled a little bit, but before my start the sun came out and it was getting hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Perfect TT weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Start order was in reverse of finishing from Saturday’s stage, so because I finished at the end of the pack I did not have any of the contenders to chase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did have lots of women to chase, though, and I passed a lot of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I crossed the finish line and was quite happy with my average power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I rolled around and around the parking lot to cool down and waited for Vanessa, who started second to last, to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She sounded like a steam engine rolling in, as had I, when she finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We waited for results to be posted at the finish and we were ecstatic with what we saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanessa had finished fourth and I had won the time trial!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The GC was also posted and it showed that I was now the leader of the race and would be in the pink leader’s jersey the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanessa was in fourth place, and her time bonus from Saturday put her only 27 seconds back. OMG, that was pretty cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Every once and a while this time trial thing pays off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had some fun at the awards ceremony, held at the Long Trail Brewery, which was also the sponsor of the TT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I won some cash, a six-pack, and a very cool pint glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And, of course, the jersey! Results are posted at <a href="http://www.velocityresults.net/results/332/killington-stage-2-killington-vt">Velocity Results</a>. There you can see my "photo finish" as I grab for the brakes before hitting the end of the pavement at 27 mph.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday’s road race was a 61 mile affair that started with about 5 miles of climbing, followed by 20 miles of descending to a sprint hot spot, followed by a lot of climbing and descending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The profile for the race showed the last 20 miles to be nothing but climbing, with the last 5.5 miles going from the base of the gondola, on route 4, to the very top parking lot on Killington Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not for the feint of heart!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our race was the last to start, and we had the usual contingency of follow vehicles, as well as a state trooper, leading our pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Killington Stage Race is very well supported and very well officiated, something that cannot always be said about other races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As we headed up the climb toward our turn onto Route 100 my bike seemed kind of squirrelly, but I just thought it was me and my nerves, or the pavement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As we got to the top of the climb, though, I knew that it was not me at all, but that I had a flat tire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh NO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here I was, the race leader, and I was now stopped along the side of the road awaiting a wheel change as the pack raced away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Darn!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I got a new wheel and installed it myself, made sure that the brakes were not rubbing, and took off, chasing away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I caught up with some girls who had been dropped and passed them up as soon as the official’s car would let me by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was going to try hard to catch that pack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I looked back a minute or two later and the three girls came up behind me and told me they wanted to help bring me back to the pack. How sweet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately, as soon as the terrain went up I dropped all but one, and when another short climb occurred I dropped the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was on my own again, and for a total of 20 miles, except for those two climbs, the terrain lost elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had a moto com at my side or behind me for much of this time giving me splits as to how far away from the pack I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I came within two minutes and got a good look at the back of the pack a couple of times, but just as I was really getting close it was time for a hot spot sprint and one of the bigger teams put the pressure on in order to keep their girl in the red jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The pack pulled away and I never caught them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I got to the hot spot line I was told that I was three minutes down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>OK, time to get ready to climb.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after that hot spot the course turned right and it was climbing time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was hot and the terrain was starting to take its toll on our field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Girls had been dropped and I caught and passed them one by one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time I got to the feed zone I was so thrilled to see Bob there with a nice bottle for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was hot, I was sweating a lot, and “Soak Up the Sun” was playing in my head. Thank you Bob for the support!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then it was on to more girls, chasing as best I could…on to the dirt road section…on to Route 4 and twenty more miles of climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At this point I had Katherine and Cindy with me, but Katherine disappeared while Cindy stayed on my wheel until the base of the steep climb up to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We passed a pack of 6 more girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to get to the climb and get this race done!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The climb had a bit of shade at the bottom, but was in the sun for most of the painful part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was shocked when I started to feel the effects of the heat and the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had so looked forward to this climb, with average grades of over 10 percent, and to passing more women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could see them ahead of me, but I was making no time on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, it seemed that I was going backward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was so hot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A couple of the girls that I had just passed now passed me on this climb and I could not respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eventually I got to the QOM and then there was a bit of downhill to cool me off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh, that felt good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But then there was the last few km up to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Just pedal and think of nothing but the present, one pedal stroke at a time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That was my mantra.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eventually, the finish line approached and I crossed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My teammates were there and was the moto com who had supported me for almost 20 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not pedal another stroke, so I stopped and then I had to sit down and get some ice on me and some cold liquids into me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That certainly helped!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was either that or pass out, which would not have been too pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, I was not looking too pretty by then anyway.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What a day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanessa hung in there and ended up 11<sup>th</sup> on the day and took 9<sup>th</sup> in GC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I managed 27<sup>th</sup> on the day and 21<sup>st</sup> in GC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the end of that climb toward the finish the words “never again” were also playing in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, I would really love to go back there and race that stage the way it is supposed to be raced – with a pack – and see how I feel on that climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ll see what next year brings <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">:)</span></span><br /></p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Thank you to Bob Nunnink for all the support he gave the Corning/NoTubes team during this great three-day stage race.</span>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-63444459177657919912011-03-21T12:02:00.000-07:002011-03-21T12:03:58.555-07:00Battenkill PrerideYesterday's Battenkill preride was blessed with good weather and a big crowd. Dieter has turned this event into a fundraiser for Farm Team and, from the looks of it, they made some cash! Although the weather was cold, the cloudless blue sky made everything seem much warmer, and if race day turns out even this nice it will be a good thing. There were icy puddles -- one in the parking/registration area and a few along the side of the road in the early part of the ride, but they were always in areas that I never would have been riding. And, yes, it did warm up during the ride and the ice melted away.<br /><br />The course was generally in good shape. The paved roads showed some signs of the past winter, with some broken pavement and lots of sand, especially on the corners. I do hope that the corners will be swept before the race on April 10. The dirt sections were, in general, quite good. Dieter prevails upon the transportation jurisdictions to refrain from grading any of the roads until the race is over, so they were generally what I like to call "Battenkill Cement," which translates to rock solid with the occasional rounded potholes and random loose stones. Thanks to the cold weather during the week there were areas on some roads that had frost heaves, and there were a few spots that were soft and somewhat muddy, but they were the exception, not the rule.<br /><br />So, what was the new section like? As much as I was lamenting the loss of eight miles of gentle downgrade on pavement, the addition of 10 miles of more climbs and dirt just added to what makes this course truly Battenkill. It certainly added time to the course, as the ride took me 20 minutes longer to complete than it did last year for exactly the same normalized power. The "new" section had a nice steep dirt climb with little sun exposure, so it featured the highest snowbanks and probably the most muddy sections on the course. The dirt descent was good and smooth, and I could let it go. While at speed I did encounter some soft riding surface that had the effect of slowing down my bike just a bit. My body took a nanosecond to respond, so that was exciting!<br /><br />I really love the last third of this course. Mountain Road was in good shape as was Meetinghouse. In fact, Meetinghouse was better than usual, with any potholes being on the section where you would be slowing down to go up the last rise. Stage Road was also good, but that could just have been the euphoria that I felt, knowing that it was the last climb of the day. Kind of a bittersweet feeling, such a wonderful ride was almost over. This definitely is a classic and enjoyable course to ride on, which becomes so much more painful on race day. Oh, right, they are all painful on race day.<br /><br />Bottom line: the roads were in decent shape with nothing out of the ordinary to report. The biggest unknown will be the weather. I am sure hoping that it will be a repeat of yesterday.MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-60028559379748339482011-03-11T16:42:00.000-08:002011-03-11T17:19:36.519-08:00Specialized Roubaix Pro SL C2 Red for Sale -- Size 56<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVT5nYA0jT45Exx13fgqSPEmyZlmSNM9KLOmZVPMD_LKjb2PVOXhS9yzeJ5_OG2RRGWqCHJAKvjPTXHt_kZmHmnXTMpz6g1YmrJJeqKCU7Ym-imNsgqq4axgw9wTawcULGuU5Zy4HPNo/s1600/March+2011+--+2009+Roubaix+024.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVT5nYA0jT45Exx13fgqSPEmyZlmSNM9KLOmZVPMD_LKjb2PVOXhS9yzeJ5_OG2RRGWqCHJAKvjPTXHt_kZmHmnXTMpz6g1YmrJJeqKCU7Ym-imNsgqq4axgw9wTawcULGuU5Zy4HPNo/s320/March+2011+--+2009+Roubaix+024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582995675690987986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQSYEVgGcG9s3iofHh8L3gESGmKEnwD9EjLOcw9gBJy-9ITjavMCziCAFqT6bU22AxduJKVfQkZ4M7ArPqxfnbd5gvphbB1n2ODuudBlDlJf-oyXNKQINrFYLTf2W8vMW0bT9RJYMoyI/s1600/March+2011+--+2009+Roubaix+017.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQSYEVgGcG9s3iofHh8L3gESGmKEnwD9EjLOcw9gBJy-9ITjavMCziCAFqT6bU22AxduJKVfQkZ4M7ArPqxfnbd5gvphbB1n2ODuudBlDlJf-oyXNKQINrFYLTf2W8vMW0bT9RJYMoyI/s320/March+2011+--+2009+Roubaix+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582992377089179762" /></a><h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 14px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><b>Specializeed Roubaix Pro SL C2 Red, 2009 -- size 56 (L) -- $2250.00 plus shipping</b></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:10.7pt"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >This bike is by far the most amazingly wonderful road bike I have ever ridden. I am a fan of rides lasting longer than four hours – day after day – and this bike has been key to making those training days happen! I have never been on a bike so comfortable, yet the bike responds super-quickly to the rider’s demands to go faster. It climbs like a dream and soaks up rough road at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:10.7pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; ">This bike has been used and raced, but never crashed or dropped. I am always aware that I will eventually be selling my bikes so I strive to keep them in like-new condition. This bike is no exception. It has been professionally maintained. The drive train has been inspected and is in very good shape.</span> Components are SRAM Red shifters and rear derailleur, with Force front derailleur and brakes.</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Included with this bike is a <b>brand new</b> Red rear derailleur. I was able to warranty the original rear derailleur, and it is pictured with the bike. It will be installed before this bike is shipped off to its purchaser. <b>Also new</b>: cables and housing, brake hoods, handlebar tape, and Specialized Avatar saddle. The Roval wheels have seen very little use because I race and train with a Power Tap and usually ride with another front wheel. The tires are Continental 4000 clinchers and are lightly used.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "> </span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">The frame has a couple of very very very tiny chips in the paint. There are also a couple of very small chips in the crank arms, mostly likely from errant gravel while riding. The crank arms have been protected </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >with <a href="http://www.crankskins.com/">Crankskins</a> that I just removed. I have a new pair of Crankskins that I can include with the purchase.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 14px; font-size: small; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:10.7pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">This bike retailed for $4400.00, and it currently retails for $4900.00.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:10.7pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Specs on this bike can be found at </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2009&spid=39259&menuItemId=0&gold_ses=">http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2009&spid=39259&menuItemId=0&gold_ses=</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">More photos available upon request. Email me at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/thompbike@gmail.com">thompbike@gmail.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-46090429223434617402011-03-09T13:19:00.000-08:002011-03-09T19:39:09.795-08:002010 Cyclocross Nationals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCRORrTy2upfWSjhOBwjUgwKqxZMD6nY1zw-jszyIf7hf0FVzR3ddoVZEImsL0pH-I5AKnH9JbE_IknUg0gg9XS8wOisCa_NrmyadM0YTTGr7zHBV3YsgNgrU0I9qJ8ZJQS8nuQc2df8/s1600/MargaretThompsonmasternatrace%25231.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCRORrTy2upfWSjhOBwjUgwKqxZMD6nY1zw-jszyIf7hf0FVzR3ddoVZEImsL0pH-I5AKnH9JbE_IknUg0gg9XS8wOisCa_NrmyadM0YTTGr7zHBV3YsgNgrU0I9qJ8ZJQS8nuQc2df8/s320/MargaretThompsonmasternatrace%25231.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582287158636367634" /></a><br />The fall of 2010 was busy with cyclocross racing and travel to those races. What fun! I was lucky enough to be able to combine local, regional and then national races into the months that comprise the season, and my love for this silly sport grew even more.<div><br /><div>Coming off a full season of hill climbs, I was a bit tired of racing when the cyclocross season began in September. I have been racing cyclocross since 1992, though, so I knew that the sport itself would regenerate me for the season ahead. I was right! The camaraderie that has grown up within our local cyclocross scene created an infectious buzz which was hard to avoid. Within a couple of races I was again hooked and it was not long before I was looking ahead and putting all of my training and racing eggs into the basket called "nationals." I was feeling good and, with each race, building up to a mid-December peak.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have some very good friends in Oregon who very generously arranged housing for me in Bend at the home of their friends -- and now mine! -- Albert and Janet. <a href="http://www.dogsbybri.com/">Brian</a> and <a href="http://www.dustydogstudio.com/">Corrine</a> Vegter are artists who now live in Baker City, but made Bend their home for a good bit of time after they left New York. Since their move to the west coast we have stayed in touch, and last year Phil and I visited them at their Baker City home. The Vegters were wonderful hosts and even traveled to Bend last year to cheer us on in our races. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year they really stepped up their game. In addition to arranging housing they were also my dedicated support crew for my championship race. Wow, I felt so honored to have such attention lavished upon me. I had secured a bike for the pit from my sponsor <a href="http://www.specialized.com/">Specialized</a>, and Brian was in the pit with it, awaiting any catastrophe. Corrine was out on the course to give me splits. My coach, <a href="http://www.vantaggiofitness.com/">Mark Fasczewsk</a>i, was at the start for me and then would head to the pit as well. Lucky me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Little did I know that when I lined up at the start line that I would need their help so quickly! The course was a combination of ice, frozen mud, snow, and a couple of huge icy puddles. The gun sounded, we were off, and the fun began, past all the features I just listed and then onto a paved section. I was one of the top four in my race -- hooray! -- and my rear tire was going flat -- oh no :( We went into an off camber section and back onto the pavement from a curb and more of the air escaped from my tire. Darn, the three women I was with just rode away and I had a long snowy/icy slog ahead of me to get to the pit.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried to ride, but that was not working, so I eventually got off the bike for good and ran along the course. Everyone passed me, including all the women in the categories that started behind me. This was just the first lap, so my race was not off to such a great start.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got to the pit, exchanged bikes, and was on my way toward pulling back my field. It was not that easy to do, as I now had some traffic to get past, but I raged on as best as I could. Corrine was telling me where I was, as was Mark, and Brian made sure that my flat tire was fixed and my bike was ready in case I needed to make a switch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The time on the course flew by all too quickly. I had pulled back to fifth place and had fourth place in sight, but I ran out of race. I had lost too much time slipping and sliding on the ice while running to the pit during that first lap. Oh well, that is bike racing, especially cyclocross! In a 40 minute race there is not much time to crawl back after a mechanical. Still, fifth place was good for a medal and a trip to awards, so all was not lost. I was thrilled for Linda Elgart, who was the winner. Her husband John had won his race earlier that morning, so it was wonderful to see the two of them in their stars and stripes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the time in Bend was great! Corrine had some of her amazing ceramic campers and some jewelry on display at a local gallery and it was wonderful to see her new creations. The Vegters also introduced me to some other artists in the area, and I was able to learn about their mediums. My stay with Albert and Janet was wonderful, they were amazing hosts with fascinating stories to tell about their own cycling experiences. Brian and I went around to some bike shops to see what size 29 inch mtb bikes would fit him, and we all went back to watch more racing. One of the weekend's highlights was watching good friend Kym Flynn Fasczewski win the D2 Collegiate National Race. WOW! </div><div><br /></div><div>I did "race" another race that weekend, lining up at the back end of the Elite women's field on Sunday. I remembered how much fun I had the year before so I decided to do it again. The course was wet and soupy and my legs got wet and cold. I did not have the snap that I needed to stay with the group just ahead of me and got pulled a lap before they did. Darn! I had fun after the race, though, when friend Inga Thompson showed up at my car. She had watched my race (OMG, I cannot believe Inga watched my race) and wanted to say hello. She and I ended up going over to the Mill District to go shopping after watching the Elite Men race. Retail therapy for both of us, even if we did not buy very much, followed by a bit of time sipping on a local brew. Outstanding!</div><div><br /></div><div>All too soon it was time to say good-by to friends who make Bend feel like home to me. I had already said good-by to Mark and Kym, then it was time to wish Inga a safe journey back to Eastern Oregon. Brian and Corrine and I headed back to Janet and Albert's, where we had a super pot-luck meal. Monday dawned, and after a mighty breakfast Corrine and Brian headed east as well. I packed my bike while chatting with Albert, then loaded up my car and headed for Fed-Ex, one last trip to the outlet stores, and then the airport. Time to get back to the real world!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you one and all for making my cyclocross nationals such a memorable experience :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054270912217866015.post-78733491502829938222010-07-12T07:55:00.000-07:002010-07-12T09:17:28.185-07:00Newton's Revenge, A Bicycle Race Up Mt. Washington<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJYMJmevaGspYac72mOHj3cZUqxh2Yjb9NM00NkeUN-IvFNJ8tQVJKxVuhETCMwJU9BNKuv6o0rT_0M26x0ce0nuedKlMs1rCWl5Cz02omD6HuP9ciU58JBz56nwgt6cQRY5nDcha9DY/s1600/Margaret+Thompson+Newton%27s+Revenge+Podium.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJYMJmevaGspYac72mOHj3cZUqxh2Yjb9NM00NkeUN-IvFNJ8tQVJKxVuhETCMwJU9BNKuv6o0rT_0M26x0ce0nuedKlMs1rCWl5Cz02omD6HuP9ciU58JBz56nwgt6cQRY5nDcha9DY/s320/Margaret+Thompson+Newton%27s+Revenge+Podium.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493051699655885746" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.newtonsrevenge.com/">Newton's Revenge</a>, Climb up Mt. Washington. I set a new record for women 55-59 -- 1:24:23 and was the 4th woman overall. Stats for the auto road: base elevation 1563 feet, summit elevation 6288, length of the race is 7.6 miles, with an average grade of 12.7% and an extended portion at 18%. Highest temperature ever recorded at the top is 72 degrees, highest wind 231 mph.<br /><br />The race was postponed from Saturday, due to torrential rains near the top, making the dirt section extremely rutted and slick. After that decision was announced Phil and I went back to our awesome <a href="http://www.nereledgeinn.com/">B&B, the Nereledge Inn B&B</a> and had a superb breakfast, then headed out to be tourists and to find a calm place to ride our bikes. Late in the afternoon the weather cleared and we drove back up to the mountain. Phil had earned a free trip up the auto road for the volunteer work he was going to do at the top on race day, so we used that voucher and drove up the auto road. I am so glad that we did, because I saw that there were some sections that flattened out just enough to give legs and lungs a small break. I figured I would need that! And, oh, it is so beautiful up there, we hated to come back down. We have fallen in love with New Hampshire.<br /><br />Sunday dawned sunny and warm -- the race was ON! By race time it was HOT, which was my limiter of the day. I felt fantastic warming up and for the first three miles of the race. I had great legs and was good to go, but the heat was relentless. I kept waiting for the temps to cool on the way up or for some of that fabled wind but it never happened! The sun was full on -- clouds, where were you??? -- and what breeze we did have was a tail wind giving absolutely no relief. Like climbing in an oven...<br /><br />Eventually I went into survival mode, especially once I got above tree line at 4 miles. No more dots of shade. I was just boiling by the time I hit the one mile dirt road section, "the 5 mile grade", so I stopped looking up at it while I was climbing. That part is straight along the side of the mountain and steep, and was my slowest mile, average there was well over 15 percent, probably that 18% that I spoke of earlier. Once back on the pavement I took a few seconds to regroup then hit the "Hairpin" which featured another short and very steep grade. A photographer was sitting on the yellow line (!) and I was wondering how I could negotiate that steep kicker and also avoid him at the same time. I managed to, and then it flattened out again to the "cow pasture."<br /><br />Almost there, but how far? I could see the observatory and hear people yelling, but there was more steep road ahead. After I recovered a bit I went back to getting the ride completed. The last 50 yards did not disappoint. That 22+ percent grade (seemed like much more) was so hard, but thankfully short. Then a left turn and a few feet to the finish line!<br /><br />The race ends at the very top, so once you cross the line you have to stop. That was equally challenging! I had two people helping me, keeping me from falling over. They put a blanket on me, which made me hotter, so we took that off and my helmet and got me to a chair. Who would think it would be this hot at the top? I was shaking like a leaf, but after some water and a Hammer Gel I was better. Eventually I got up and walked around, and after a while went to my van to ride my trainer. A wonderful person carried my bike for me while I hobbled down the stairs to the parking lot. What a beautiful place to ride the trainer, way above tree line with all the clouds and vegetation far below us. A mystical place and now one of my very favorites. Again, I did not want to leave.<br /><br />OK, so I did not say too much about the climbing -- mostly because that is what it is all about. You just pedal and pedal and pedal, and if you stop you fall over, which happened to a gentleman I was catching up to who had started in a wave or two ahead of me. I was happy with my SRAM Apex gearing, 34 x 32, which would have been perfect if the heat had not zapped me. However, I just gutted it out. My mountain bike experience sure came in handy on the hairpin and the fabled finish line kicker.<br /><br />What a marvelously put on race! The race promotion was right-on, with all the right stuff. We had number plates for our bikes with disposable chips that we did not need to return, we were greeted at the top with medals and beautiful souvenir Polartec blankets, we had a full fresh turkey dinner post race (yeah, they carved the turkey in front of you) and awards were prompt. There were lots of door prizes too. Mary and Kelly, their staff and volunteers did a magnificent job.<br /><br />I'd like to thank my sponsors for getting me to and through this event: <a href="http://hammernutrition.com/">Hammer Nutrition</a>, <a href="http://www.dicksonnes.com/">Specialized</a>, <a href="http://sram.com/">SRAM</a>, <a href="http://terrybicycles.com/">Terry Bicycles</a>, and <a href="http://www.dicksonnes.com/">Sonne's Cycling</a>. Thanks to my coach, <a href="http://www.vantaggiofitness.com/">Mark Fasczewski</a>, for priming me up and keeping me going, and to my family for putting up with this! A special thank you to Phil for being support person extraordinaire. What a wonderful weekend we had.<br /><br />When I signed up for this race in January I set out to break my age group record, which I did by 3 minutes and 7 seconds. By race week I had hoped to come in with a time under 1:20, the mythical "top notch" time, but the day's heat did not allow me to give this my best effort. I've got another chance, though...watch out Mt. Washington, I'll be back on August 21!MargaretThompsonCyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775296911290570512noreply@blogger.com0