Draper Pre-Ride 1 & 2

Ride 1

I went with Jolene Wednesday to pre-ride the Draper race course.  I was very tired from my "I feel great" ride the day before, but luckily Jolene was okay with going slow.  By slow I mean the pass me like I am standing still slow. 

The ride was a lot of fun.  The first lap I was a little unsure about the course, there was a weird pit like place I wasn't sure about riding, but once I got through it was fine.  There was a quick steep that I have to go up fast but luckily I can recover at the top.  I know you shouldn't, but really I will have to.  And there was a downhill section that was bumpy, and I didn't flow for me very well.  But once I did a 2nd lap it rocked.  On the bumpy downhill I unlocked my suspension and wow it just flowed--amazing how something can change once you have ridden it.
The pit thingy.

Jolene coming up the steep up.

Ride 2

Decided to go ride the 12 and under course with Mandy today.  We made it a family ride with Royce and Shandy joining us.  Riding with Mandy is always event, and today was no different.  I had to force her to come and ride the course.  Yes, I made her ride, but she doesn't need to be on the computer, watching tv or playing on her dad's ipod--she does this entirely way too much.  A ride is good for her.

Our ride started out with the typical "don't talk to me mom, you are messing me up".  I am sure if I wasn't talking I would mess her up somehow, but luckily she can blame it on me talking and not something else.  We rode up to the 12 year old turn off to the downhill, but instead of going down we went up and continued up the course.  Mandy did awesome and rode the entire time (no bike pushing).  It's amazing when I tell her something might be too hard for her she is able to do it.  I think if I told her it was easy she would push her bike to prove me wrong--she is so at the mom you are always wrong stage...ugh.

We rode up the service road to the last downhill section of the course, the first cross intersection of the race.  We took it down and Mandy rocked the single track, although the second swtichback according to her she "almost died" because she came close to the edge--oh the drama.  According to her I should have been a more caring mother, because she almost died.  I guess I will work on that.

During this whole time Shandy and Royce were behind us.  Royce was helping Shandy as she is just starting to learn to ride her bike.  She did great for being new to single track.  I need to get her on some Ride Like a Girl rides.

We ended the ride with Mandy chicking a bunch of boys a few years older than her.  After the tunnel we went up the little steep hill to the parking lot.  The boys kept practicing going up, but could never make it up.  Mandy made it up her first try!!!  The best part after she made it, the boys went back down and tried to make it again.  Nothing like having a girl show you how it's done.

Mandy sticking out her tongue showing how she feels about being on a ride.

Shandy learning to get the hang of riding a bike.

Royce covering the back end.

Ups and Downs of Recovery

I don't believe any recovery is without it's ups and downs.  Right now I am seeing a lot of ups and it feels really, really good.

Yesterday was not an up day, it was a down day.  My daughter was up all night Sunday with the stomach flu, and when Monday morning rolled around I was tired and not feeling so hot myself.  I wanted to ride the bike, so I tried to spin, but I was just too sick and had to quit.  I was bummed, but hoped it was just because I was sick I couldn't do anything.

Today rolled around and I was still tired, and somewhat out it, but by the time afternoon rolled around I decided I would ride.  The goal a road ride up to Viv' Park.  I got going, and I felt great, so I picked up the pace.  I ended up getting to Viv' Park 10 minutes faster than last week!  What an accomplishment.  I was so excited I decided to extend my ride and rode up South Fork.  I huffed and puffed the whole way, and I do mean I huffed and puffed, I could hardly talk to let people know I was coming around.  I made it to the top and it felt so good.  Although this may seem like a small accomplishment, for me it is huge.  It let's me know I am making progress and heading in the right direction.

Dear Mother Nature--Really?!?

It's May 24th and I was up all night with a sick child. When light broke I got to see this.

I really think this belongs in the month of December not May.

Soldier Hollow & More

I woke up this morning looking at the rain coming down and wondering if it was really going to be a good day for a race.  I made breakfast, and while it was cooking checked twitter to see if the race was still on--I was secretly hoping it was not, so I could go back to my nice warm bed, the idea of being in the cold, wet rain just did not seem appealing.  Much to my surprise the race was still on, so I ate, got ready and left for the race.

As I drove to the race I had my doubts about the conditions.  It was raining pretty hard, and mixed in with the rain was some snow.  It was this the whole drive up to the stop sign at Soldier Hollow and then it was nothing more than a light sprinkle.  I was completely amazed.
Snow on the course.

I was excited for the race today.  I felt good.  This week has been a good week for riding.  I feel like it is actually my first week on the bike where I have not suffered and had to push harder than I probably was supposed to.  The 2 weeks prior to this seemed more like a hurry and get on your bike so you can ride for the 12 hour race and then the week following was recover and ride.  This week I took it easy and followed the training plan Aaron has set up for me.  Aaron is sponsoring Mad Dog and part of the sponsorship was training some of the riders.  I am one of the lucky few who get training.  I have to say I feel very fortunate, because Aaron is familar working with people with health problmes, and he knows the little extras I need right now.  It also gives me some sort of plan to follow for recovery.

Getting to the start line today, I felt good about how I would be able to ride.  I had pre-ridden the course on Thursday and felt good when I finished the course.  As we lined up there were a total of 5 Mad Dog women on the start line--all my friends and all a great support.  We took off and for a portion of the start I stayed with them.  I ended up in the back on the hill climb, but this time I was on their wheels not way back.  We climbed and I continued to see them.  My goal was to stay with them as long as possible and I did--I was so excited.

As I climbed there was on UMB rider in front of me.  I was staying close, but could just not seem to get enough push to pass her.  I was riding hard, but I didn't want to push too hard and  blow up.  I kept reminding myself this was the first of the race and all I needed to do was keep her in my sight.  We rode and rode, and then all of the sudden we were to the first downhill.  It was here I was able to pass her.  I rode hard trying to put distance between us, but it was not enough.  Eventually she passed me.  I didn't give up, but kept riding and keeping her close in my sights.

This turned out to be a good thing, and eventually we hit a good hill climb, and I was finally able to catch her and pass.  From here I kept riding as hard as I could hoping she would not be able to catch me.  I also, was working really hard hoping I could get a glimpse of the gals in front of me.  It worked both ways.  I was able to keep ahead of the lady I passed, and on the uphill pavement climb I saw someone from my division.

When I finished I felt so good.  I had finished the course without any physical complications, and I had achieved two small goals, one to see the ladies in my division and two finish feeling good about what I had done. 

The end of the race was great.  I felt like I had accomplished something this race.  I feel like my health is starting to come back and I am making progress.  Although it is in baby steps it is progress.  I had a great time hanging out with the team after waiting on awards.  Oh, and the cool part--lady Mad Dogs did a 1st - 5th sweep, with me getting the lucky number!!!

Me - Fifth Place

Gayle - Tweety Chair

Tiffany - 3rd 

Heather - 2nd 

Jen - 1st

Women's Sport 1st - 6th

Sundance Spin

Usually I do not lack ideas of things to write about for a race, but this race I am not exactly sure what to write.  The race was great, and it was so great to see everyone again.  I have missed racing with the team and against other teams.  We got our new kits for Mad Dog which are great looking, except for one thing.  There is white on the side of the short which accentuations my legs--the one place I don't like to draw attention to.  Oh well, we'll just pretend they make me look like I have power legs.

For the race there were only 5 in my division, it made it easier to know who was ahead of me.  I planned at the start line to take last, which may sound defeatist, but actually it is more realistic.  Going up the initial hill was kind of hard.  I pushed as hard as I could, but my pace was less than stellar.  The next group of racers, and the next group began to pass me.  You could say this was the theme for the rest of the race, I think I was passed by someone in every single division.  I am glad I had a bad mental lap last week, because it made getting passed a lot easier.  Not that it is easy, but I didn't come down on myself, which made the race a lot of fun.
On the start ready to go.

My race went well.  I rode and tried, and didn't realize it, but there was one girl only 2 minutes ahead of me.   So close and yet so far.  The new route was tough, and the service road hill climb was a killer.  This was one place I was very proud of myself.  I was determined not to get off my bike--I was going to ride this no matter what, and I did.
Great photo by Reed.

This race was hard, but fun.  I ended up not taking last much to my surprise.  I don't remember exactly when I passed one of the girls in my division, but I did.  I had one minor mechnical where my front wouldn't shift.  I had to stop and fix this, because going up in my middle cog was not an option.  Other than that all was good.  Except for one thing.  Coming downhill on the 2nd lap I became incredibly hungry.  I was so hungry all I could think about was food and my stomach growled.  Not quite sure what to do about this, I have never gotten hungry while riding during a race?!?
Across the finish.

The best part of the race, all the friends cheering me on.  I couldn't have made it through without their support.
Keith trying to get the team together for team photo.

One of many good photos.

Team playing around

12 Hours Mesa Verde Race

So you are probably wondering why I would register for a 12 hour race right after my surgery. Well, the truth is I registered before I knew I needed the surgery. When the doctor told me I needed surgery, he also told me I would be on my bike in 4 weeks, so although I knew I wouldn’t be in tip top shape, I thought it would be doable. Truth be told had I not registered before the surgery I never would have, but I did and I am glad I did, because it was a blast.


The Mesa Verde race is one of the most fun races I have been to. The course although long (17.23 miles), and technical, has some of the most fun downhill that makes every little bit of pain you go through worth it.

There was a large contingency of people there from Utah, and we totally represented. We also had a great group of Mad Dog Riders there—Brad & Dwight did a duo, Bill did 12 hour solo, Reed did a 12 hour solo, and KC & Chris Co-ed duo. We also had two women’s teams for the 3-4 female teams. I remember a time when I struggled to get people to ride a 12 hour race, and here were 7 women racing—way exciting.

The day started out great. Good temperatures and a slight breeze. For riding it was perfect, for sitting around and waiting your turn it was a little chilly. Since I was the last rider on our team I got to sit around and take pictures. Lucky me I also, got to see Dave Wiens race right by us, too bad I didn’t have my camera ready. I also had a moment of running to the bathroom a couple of times. I thought it was pre-nerve race jitters, turns out it wasn’t.

It wasn’t long before it was my turn to race. I went out on the course, and basically mentally sabotaged myself for almost the entire lap. I started out sick to my stomach and trying to throw up my banana for about the first 4 miles. During this time I kept thinking many depreciating thoughts of “how I sucked” “I am fat” “I am slow” “I can’t even climb hills on my bike anymore” “I am letting my team down”. I tried and tried to get rid of these thoughts, but no matter what I did they stayed. It didn’t help that many, many people rode by me, and the majority of those people said “keep up the good work, you’re doing great”. I must have looked pretty pathetic.

I did have one moment where I almost got rid of these thoughts. I had the thought of “Well at least Wendy is still behind me”. Not 10 minutes later she rode by me—oh the irony—you really have to laugh.

Because of my mental state I rode the rocky technical portion like a sissy girl. What I had easily cleared the day before, I now was bouncing around and struggling to ride. During this time KC passed me, and said “ride safe”. A mile later I had a hard endo, which ending up breaking my right shifter—it was usable, but was sticking straight out which changed my grip.

Sometime after my endo, I made it to the sweet downhill section. It was here that my attitude began to change. During the downhill I really began to enjoy the ride. I was hooping and hollering, and I found that I was passing people, and leaving many guys in the dust. Considering how many people had left me in the dust, this was a good feeling. I loved it when I cleared a section and 3 people were walking their bikes down this section. I needed these little accomplishments to help shake all the negativity I was carrying around.

Eventually I came in right at 2 hours. This may sound long, but when I left I was scared I would take 2 ½ hours. I felt a flood of relief and joy, knowing I made it in. Back at our site Bill’s wife Robin really helped me put things into perspective. I know my health has not been great, and I know I have been off my bike, but it was really hard to accept. I want to be back to my strong, healthy former self. However she helped me see the more realistic side of things which helped.

It turns out my pre-race visits to the bathroom was not nerves. Instead I had bad stomach cramps, and diarrhea which sent me to the bathroom 7 times. I was so cramped up, I spent Jen’s entire lap and part of Tiffany’s in the chair curled up like a ball. Luckily by the time I had to race again, I had nothing left to come out (at least that’s what I was hoping).

My second lap was much, much better than my first. Despite all the stomach issues I left riding good, and hard. I felt so good as I rode, and for this lap I had nothing but positive thoughts. I kept thinking “you rock” “you are going fast” “you just had heart surgery 6 weeks ago and look how you are riding”. Amazing what a difference those thoughts made. I was riding fast enough that the first half of the course I shaved 5 minutes off my previous time. Had my legs not actually fatigued by mile 11 I think I could have shaved almost 10 minutes off. But about the time I finished climbing Moki’s hill my legs decided they were tired. I spun and spun, but there was not a lot of push. Luckily it was not long before the downhill.

This time on the downhill I slowed down a bit. I didn’t want to crash. It was very important I cross in time for Jen to go out one last time. I was tired, and when you’re tired you can crash, so I took it a bit slower, and made it in across the finish line shaving 2 minutes off my previous lap time!

Our team ended up taking 7th out of 15 women’s teams, and the other Mad Dog women’s team took 6th. At one point we were vying for 5th with an all professional women’s team—what an accomplishment.

Although this course really beats you up, I can’t wait to race it again next year, and if I am lucky I will another great bunch of gals to race with.
My team.  Check out the sunset in the background.

The other Mad Dog Women's Team - they totally rocked!

Pre-race Mesa Verde

A group of us went down to the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde this weekend.  We left Thursday evening, so we would not be rushed Friday morning to get down, pre-ride and pick up packets.  It turns out that this was a good idea since Heather, Dorothy and I all needed to have our bikes looked at.  I lost my front brake again for the 5th time, Heather had to have her shifter adjusted, and Dorothy need to have her brake fixed.

We went to Kopelli Bike & Board.  These guys were terrific, so friendly and helpful.  They were willing to let me borrow a front brake just so I could race if mine kept collasping.

Picture taken from Brad's blog.

After getting bikes ready we went out to the course for a pre-ride.  We had so much fun on this course.  This course has everything, small climbs, technical parts, whoopdedoos, twisty turns, jumps and just lots of fun.  I was laughing and giggling so much.  I have never been on a race course that was so much fun.  The pre-ride was so much fun I could hardly wait to race on the course.

Wendy, Dorothy and Gayle

Heather ready to ride the course.

I had a jersey on that was too big.  It was so weighted down it went past my bum.I guess you could say I had a lot of junk in my trunk.

Group photo, you can't tell, but the view is beautiful.

I'm So Excited!

I got to ride my bike today!  It feels like it has been forever, and in a way it has been.  It was the perfect day for a ride.  I met Wendy up by water tower road and we took off.  The only plan was to ride Dragon's back.  Have you ever yearned to ride a trail, and just had to go ride it no matter what.  That's what it has been for me and Dragon's back.  Don't ask me why, but I love going down this trail.  It is fun, fast and bumpy--I love going over the rocks.  I couldn't wait to ride it.

Since there was no plan other than riding Dragons Back, Wendy and I improvised as we went.  We rode up water tower road, and had a fox scoot right in front of us across the road and up the hillside.  I have never seen a fox in that area.  It was really cool, and cute, it still had it's winter coat on.

At the top of water tower we decided to go up Betty.  We took Betty up to the alter.  This is only my second time going up.  The ride was great, and it seemed a lot easier than the first time I rode it.  KC and Chris showed up a little after we did at the alter.  Wendy predicted they would be there, and sure enough they were.  I think it is their second home.

We then went down Franks so we could get to Dragon's back, quickly.  I don't think many people ride Franks, because there were a lot of loose rocks.  I would say this is not the best downhill, but it is quick to get to where you need to go.

I was so happy to go down Dragons Back, it was fun and fast, and I still really like it.  At the bottom I somehow lost Wendy.  I went right to go down the single track, she apparently went left.  Once I realized I lost her I went back up the hill, and rode along the road but never found her.  Not knowing where she was I eventually turned around and went down.  By the time I made it to the Texaco at the Provo trail head Wendy called.  She was home, happy and off to yoga.  I was glad she was okay.  Funny how we never saw each other split up.

My ride went well, but my legs were tired after all was said and done  I have a ways to go to get my fitness back, but I think my legs will get back in shape fairly quickly.  My heart may take longer, I don't know.  The doctor told me it would take 6 months to a year for complete healing.
So this means what?  What it means is my heart has to get used to riding a mountain bike.  Normally when I ride I like push it on the uphills.  Right now I can't.  When I go up a hill my heart rate escalates way too high, and I end up exploding.  So I have to gauage the hills and figure out the best gear to go in.  You see my legs go up fine, at least until my heart rate escalates.  Once my heart rate escalates I can only go so long and then my whole body decides it is done.  What does it escalates to?  Try in the 180s and up.  Way too high for simple riding.  Steep hills okay, but simple hills, not so much.  Which means my heart rate is up most of the time, and I am not racing!

I don't know how long it will take for it to get conditioned to riding, but I am hoping not long.  In the mean time, I am closely monitoring my heart rate, distance and speed.  I noticed by doing this I see improvement.  Very small improvement, but improvement which will help on those days when I am discouraged.

I am also going to write about my progress, the ups and downs.  Forgive me if it drives you crazy, but there are others who have health issues, and it gets really hard sometimes to overcome them.  Maybe they will be able to relate.  I know right now when I read Karl's blog I can sometimes relate.  Totally different stuff, but I know the feeling of not being able to race or ride, so I can relate.  Which is why I am going to write about it.
Which means there may positive stuff to read and discouraging stuff.  I hope you don't get lost in it all.

What to Write

For 2 weeks I have been wondering what I should write about.  There hasn't been a lot to write about.  I got released from the doctor to ride my bike two weeks ago.rode 3 days and then ended up getting a severe sinus infection.  Ended up in bed for a week, sleeping most of the days away...ugh, seems like such a waste of a day, but that is all I could do.

I am on my second round of antibiotics and feeling a little bit better, but have not been able to ride my bike since getting sick.  It has  me pretty bummed out and anxious about where I am physically.  One month off the bike for my heart, and now 2 more weeks from a sinus affection.  Hopefully the weather will clear and I can get out and get some rides in.