Just checking in.  I've been keeping super busy following Coach Drew Edsall's training program he has made for me.  Four days a week, I spend my time doing intervals on the trainer, and weekends are spent riding on actual trails.  Between the two, I'm putting in about 85-100 miles.  Coach Drew is awesome and just seems to really understand me.  He knows just how much to push- without burning me out. And I actually look forward to the workouts (even if sometimes my legs feel like they are going to explode).  My power is improving and I feel stronger (got some nice new thigh muscles to prove it).    

I'm so lucky to have 2 amazing coaches (actually 3 if you count my Dad).  My CycleYouth coach, Chris Burnett, is someone else I am very thankful for.  He's really good at catching things I can improve on when riding on the trails.  Right now, I'm working on my cadence.  Got to do more mashing and less spinning!!!

So, with the support from my family, Coach Drew's training program, and Coach Chris's helpful advice, I think I have an awesome shot at winning Nationals this year.                    

Hammer Head

This was my first time competing in the Hammer Head 100.  Of course...I didn't sign up for the 100 miler, instead I entered in the 25 mile open women class. Going into the race, I had no expectations for a podium finish, and I just figured it would be a great way to get a training ride in.  Prior to the race, I did a couple 25 mile road rides on my MTB, and I also managed to squeeze in a couple extra sessions on my trainer.  So, with the exception of waking up at the butt crack of dawn on race day, I was feeling great!!!

After arriving at the Landbridge Trailhead, I was really surprised to see so many riders. There was 105 racers competing in the 25 miler (only 12 of them were women).  And I was super happy my Dad was going to be racing with me.  He's gotten a little slower these past few years (because he works about a gazillion hours a week and has no time to train), but we had a plan.  He would ride with me until he felt like his legs would fall off, and then I would pull away.  I just liked knowing he was behind me in case anything happened.

The race began with a controlled start for about 2 miles.  This gave me a chance to get ahead of 2 women before reaching the single track.  So, I'm pretty sure I was the 5th girl going into the woods.  After about 7 miles in,  I was finally able to pass another woman on a climb (she was super fast on the flats but was struggling with the technical stuff).  I, then caught up with Connor (Leroy's CycleYouth teammate) around mile 17, switching positions with him for a couple miles. Ditched my Dad at mile 20.  While trying to keep up with Connor's fast pace, I ended up passing 2 more women, finishing the race in 2nd place.





I officially met Duffy who rides for the Rose Bandits.  She's super cool and gave me these awesome glasses.

 

Alafia Classic 6 Hour

I signed up for the Hard Course knowing exactly what I was getting myself into.  I knew that I would be up against some super fast ladies, but I was okay with that.  I liked the HC much better and figured if I had to ride for 6 hours, I might as well have some fun.

It's been a long time since I did a 6 hour race SOLO.  So-I must confess-during this race, I made lots and lots of mistakes. Proper nutrition and pacing myself- those would be the biggies.

Lap 1- Very slow start, I practically had to walk my bike through River Loop because there was so much bike traffic.   Now, before I go any further, let me ask you something. Did anyone see that pedal sticking out of the ground at the beginning of Roller Coaster???  Well, unfortunately I didn't and ended up flipping over my bars, bruising my thigh, and hit my head.

Lap 2-Moving on, I was being pushed by some speedy lady. I later found out that she wasn't even in my class.  All that wasted energy to stay ahead of her, and for what, so I can burn myself out.  That was dumb!!  Break time again, needed to recover.

Lap 3- I started to get some killer leg cramps, and my back was in bad shape from all those roots on River Loop (a full suspension bike would be nice)  So, off the bike again for a short break. Got "the talk" from my Mom and Dad about staying hydrated.  And I have to admit they were right, I only had a half of a water bottle during my 3 laps.

Lap 4- Slowed down the pace.  I knew I didn't have a chance at a podium finish, so I was working towards my personal goal.

Lap 5-  A little motivation (bribe) from my Dad had me continuing on.  Yep, not ashamed to admit.  I was promised a set of ceramic bearings for my skateboard.  So, I kept pedaling.


Lap 6-  Well, there was no lap 6 for me.  Missed the deadline by 6 minutes. Maybe next year!! 

Meet Josselyn!!  Here's one of the rare times I get to see her, usually I'm eating her dust!!  Thanks for being so awesome!!! 

12 Hours of Santos

This was my first time competing in the 12 Hours of Santos. Coach Chris teamed me up with Sam, Marco (from the Georgia CycleYouth Team), and Connor (who is also on CY and the T6 METAL team).  So, right away I felt really comfortable.  Unfortunately, there were 19 co-ed teams and only the top 3 teams would  receive prizes.  With such crazy competition, I figured I would just do my best and maybe have a little fun along the way (the vortex trails are awesome).  

 

After Sam's fast lap, I was up next in the rotation. 

I was super pumped- only to crash in the beginning- on a rocky section.  Yep, not a good start...hurt my shoulder and hit my head.  So, I finished the rest of the lap with a pulsating headache. Thanks Miss Christie for the aspirin:) 

 

Moving on to lap 2.  I was happy to have  Mr. CycleYouth himself, Andy Johnston, ride behind me.  As a result, my lap time was a little bit faster than the first.  And thank goodness, no more crashes.    

Nothing to report for lap 3.  And lap 4, I really had to pump myself up for that one.  I think it was around 8:00pm when it was time for me to head back out.  This was my first time racing in the dark and it was freezing out, so I was a little nervous. Not caring about what I looked like... I threw on my "nerdy" prescription glasses (because I'm blind as a bat) and kept my skinny jeans and sweatshirt on (so my body parts wouldn't freeze and fall off).  Got the lights ready, and I headed out for lap 4.  Believe it or not, this was actually my favorite lap.  I slowed down the pace and just enjoyed the trail. Gotta do more night rides, that was awesome!! 

 

 

Our team ended up placing 9th out of 19.  I think that was pretty good considering the competition.  Thanks to Sam, Connor, and Marco for being such awesome team mates.

 

Check out all these junior racers!!

 

****Cool pictures by Miss Christie and Mrs. Mace (Junior Cyclist Magazine).

Kurt Kinetic

Okay, when I pulled the trainer out of the box, I thought...WOW, this machine looks super tough and well built.  It made my other trainer look like a hunk of junk. And after setting it up, I noticed a couple things right away.  Unlike my other trainer, this one is fluid resistant.  It's so quiet and really smooth.  To be honest, it's so realistic, I actually feel like I'm riding on the road. I also love that the training sessions are measured by power. Now, I can actually watch my progress throughout the workout on my laptop.  And when I'm done, Coach Drew can take a look at my results.

I never in a million years thought I would say this, but...I don't dread my indoor workouts anymore.   A HUGE thank you to Kurt Kinetic for helping me out this year.  Your trainer is going to play a big part in me getting ready for Nationals in July.                     

MOTO 101

Want to know what I think about my new Moto 2.1's???  Well, then keep reading for my not-so-professional opinion on these awesome tires.

 To be honest, I was a little hesitate about switching tires. The WTB EXIWOLF(s) worked so well for me last race season, and I wasn't sure I wanted to give them up (not even for a single ride).  But what the heck, what if the MOTO(s) worked better than the EXIWOLF(s)???  I just had to find out, so I had my Dad put the MOTO(s) on before heading over to Santos.

At a glance, the MOTO(s) looked thinner than my EXIWOLF(s), but actually they are the same 2.1 width. While on the road, heading from the campground to the trails, I felt a bit slower.  I knew that would be the case because of it's larger softer nobs.  But, oh my goodness, when I got out on the trails, I was flying!!!  These tires can really grip, even on that awful "brown ice".  And climbing...it didn't matter if it was a loose or rocky climb, they really hooked up.

           So yes...without a doubt, these are my new favorite tires.  BRRAP!!!

I hope everyone had a awesome Christmas, I know I did.  Check out my new mini cruiser board.  It's so much fun to ride, and will be easy to bring along on camping trips and stuff like that.  Speaking of camping, I'm so excited to be heading over to Santos next week.  Been a long time since we camped for fun.  And I'm looking forward to some laid back family rides.  Coach Drew gave me a month off from training, so the GARMIN stays at the house and I'm going to enjoy the trails at a slower pace.  I may even stop to check out the wildlife and scenery like old times.  Anyway, bye for now and I'll be back after the New Year.