My Last Mountain Bike Ride....

for the next 32 days and who knows how many hours and minutes.

Some of you know and some of you do not, tomorrow I am getting the hole in my heart patched up.  If you remember last May we discovered I have a PFO, well it turns out this is not the case, and luckily we found out before anything serious happened.

I haven't said much about how I have been feeling, the past few months, because it's not something I have wanted to talk about.  But since my last race in October I have not been myself.  I have been able to ride 2 times a week and that was it, and most of the time I was extremly fatigued.  I was so happy in December when we found out finally what was causing the low blood pressure, fatigue and everything else.  What I didn't let you know was when I had the seizure and my heart stopped during my table tilt test, I didn't fully recover for a good week--things were not great.  By the time I started to feel better I had my nose surgery.

As most of you know the nose surgery went well, but it took 2 weeks to get out of bed, and another week of half days before I felt really good.  What I didn't write about was what happened 2 weeks after my surgery.  It was the final day of recovery, and I was feeling pretty good.  I was cleaning the house and preparing to go back to work the next day.  As I was doing all of this I all of the sudden got a thunder clap headache.  The headache was so bad I could not think--all I wanted to do was lay down and hope the pain would go away.  I did this, and fell asleep, but do not recall the falling asleep part.  When I woke up a few hours later I was numb on the left side of my face down to my arm.

At first I thought I had slept funny, but after time passed by it remained numb--like novacane from the dentist.  Royce and I decided I probably should go to the hospital and have it checked out.  I went reluctantly, because I did not want to bother the hospital.  I figured I would be fine, but was not 100% positive.  I think I wanted to be fine, and did not want to acknowledge something was wrong.

At the hospital, they did some tests.  I had a CT scan, and xray and eventually an MRI.  All of which was to see if I had, had a stroke.  You see the symptoms I had were classic symptoms of a stroke.  Lucky for me I did not.  I did have an infection in my nasal cavity, and a lesion on my brain.  These 2 things got me sent to my ent the next day, and then a referral and appointment to the neurologist.  The ent gave me a special antibotic spray, and got me in to the neurologist within 2 days.

At the neurologist we discussed my past medical history.  I also was able to show her my MRI from last May to make a comparison.  What was noticed was the lesion was there before, but a little bit bigger, and there was more white matter.  Not a lot, but a little.  She knew I had a PFO, so she recommended I see Dr. Sherman Sorenson a cardiologist in Salt Lake.  He has worked on many PFO's (thousands) and knew he would be able to help me.  I was able to see Dr. Sorenson in about a week.

At my appointment with Dr. Sorenson I underwent another test, called a Trans Cranial Doppler test.  The test is a new test which measures brain artery blood flow by using safe ultrasound echo probes placed on the surface of both sides of the head.  If microscopic bubbles injected through an IV shunt past the lungs to the left heart, TCD detects and counts each bubble as it appears in the brain arteries.   When the test is over you are then given a rating from 1 to 5, with 1 being no bubbles get through, and 5-300+ bubbles getting through.  I was a 5 plus.

What this means is I am at high risk for a stroke, and I do not have a PFO.  Instead I have a fossa/fassa (I can't remember the spelling even though Dot told me).  A fossa is a hole without the shunt.  Which means even when my body is at rest I can have blood pass through to my left atrium, and skip going the right direction.  Which as I said means I could have a stroke.  The technical term is Atrial Septal Defects (ASD).So what needs to be done?

I am currently taking Plavix.  This is a blood thinner, which causes bruising and a few other side affects, but is worth it so you reduce the risk of a stroke.  The other thing I need to do is get the hole plugged up.  That is what I am doing tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning the doctor is going to go up my femeral artery and measure the hole with a balloon.  From there he will get the right size of patch, go back up and put the patch in place.  And I will not be fully sedated for the whole thing!

Once it's done I have to stay in the hospital overnight, and then will be released the next day to do normal activities as long as there is no physical exertion involved.  I am not allowed to ride my bike for one week.  After one week I can ride, but must take it easy, and I cannot lift anything over 50 pounds.  Also, there is no riding my mountain bike for a month!  I am somewhat bummed about no trail riding, but at least I will get to ride something after a week.

So what does this mean?  It means hopefully my low blood pressure and stuff will partially resolve.  It means I can start riding regularly and start losing all the weight I gained from lack of being able to ride.  It means I should have more energy and not feel so fatigued--my circulation should be better as well as my breathing.  The best part it means I have greatly reduced any chance of a stroke, and by doing so I will have many more mountain bike rides to come and longer to be with my family.
Pictures from my last ride on the BST...at least for 32 days.

I Have Sinned

After work today I went for a mountain bike ride.  The sun was out, weather was manageable, and I know there is a possibility this will be the last mountain bike ride I have for over a month--it will all depend on the weather next Wednesday.  With everything going in my favor I decided to opt for singletrack.  Yes, I could have safely ridden Water Tower, and although it is dirt, it just isn't quite the same.

Lucky for me the BST north was dry, so I took off on some fun, simple single track.  As I rode occassionally I would come across a patch of dark dirt, but nothing to be concerned about.  And then it happened after I crested the top of the hill and began to descend I descended into a sloppy, muddy mess!  I felt so bad about riding in the mud and snow, but not enough to turn around and go back.  No, instead I kept going.

From that point on, the trail would go from being good, to some patch of mud and and an occassional yucky spot.  And since I continued forth, there was no bail out point, until I reached the 2nd parking lot. Necause of course when I reached the first parking lot, I had determined conditions were not too bad and I could go on to the next stopping point.  Well, conditions were not the best.  Let's just say by the time I got to the second parking lot I had collected a fair amount of mud on my tires--perhaps 5 pounds per wheel.

Now being a good mountain biker, and being concerned for the trail I should have used this opportunity to take the road home and not cause further damage to the trail.  But today had two little voices pulling me back and forth.  One voice, kept reminding me it would be a very long time before I would get to ride dirt again, and certainly I did not want to miss this opportunity.  The other voice reminded how it is to be responsible, and how much I hate riding on trails people have caused damage to.  The voices went back and forth, until I finally gave in.

You guessed it.  Once I reached the 2nd parking lot I turned back around and rode the trail all the way back to water tower.  And of course I had every justification possible letting me know it was okay--it was pretty out, I wouldn't be riding trails for a while, what would one tire track do....  You get the picture.  But the truth is I have sinned against the trail.  I intentionally rode back knowing it was not in the best of conditions.  The worst part, is I really don't feel bad.  I guess you could say I had so much fun, that it was worth it.  And yes their is a hint of feeling bad, but not enough to take away the great joy I had from my ride today.  So although I sinned, I have no regrets.

Starting Over-Desert Rampage

It is the beginning of the season for Intermountain Cup XC racing, and it was great to see old faces as well as new faces.  I was very nervous and excited for the first race, so much so, that I forgot to pack many things, luckily nothing that had to do with riding my bike, unless you count the bite valve Mandy needed for her camel bak.  Thanks Dennis and Mad Dog Cycles for getting this too us before her race.
Our fat cat trying to stow away, unfortunately she is too fat.

Our arrival in St. George was the Friday before the race.  It was awesome to leave the snow, and roll into warm weather and sunshine.  The plan was to take Mandy out on her bike and see if she wanted to race the course.  She insisted all the way down she wanted to race, but I was hesitant.  She hadn't ridden her new 26 inch wheels on dirt, and I wasn't sure how it would feel to her.

It turns out she loved it.  In fact she cleared every hill and there was no walking!  Nothing makes me happier than seeing my daughter not push her bike!  We did 2 laps and she was determined she was going to race.  Which meant we had to go and get her registered.  I was already registered, but Mandy is going to be a race by race basis.

The morning of the race was slightly overcast, but you could tell it was going to be a great day.  I was hyrdrating as much as possible and trying to get as many electrolytes into my system before the race began, so I wouldn't have any issues with my vasovegal syndrome.  This meant I ended up taking a couple trips to the bathrooms, which happened to be way off in the distance!  I would also like to thank the gentleman that did not lock his outhouse door for the comedic relief, nothing like a good laugh for me and everyone else that discovered there was someone in an unlocked out house.

This year I am racing sport.  Which means I get to see Mandy take off at the start line for some of the races, and cheer her on.  I also got to see all of the 35+ women take off.  It was fun being on the other side and not having to worry--at least for the moment.
Mandy and Dakota waiting their turn.

Showing their fierceness to rock the course.

Mandy's race went well.  She had a lot of fun (according to her), and actually passed a couple of riders.  She ended up taking 5th out of the girls and had a great time hanging out with her friends after her race was done.
Mandy at the finish line.

Mandy having fun after the race...anyone have a shower close by!

About the time I saw my child like this I was beginning to become of bundle of nerves.  I was very nervous about racing sport division.  What would it be like to race 2 laps, what could I expect coming around my second lap, what would I need to do so I wouldn't blow up.  I had a lot of questions, but no answers.  Thank goodness Dorothy and Wendy stepped in as substitute mom's helping get Mandy cleaned up.  I don't think I would have survived without their help.

The team did a warm-up on the course an hour before the race.  I went with them up to the 12-10 year old course turn off and opted to take the 12-10 year old route.  I was not sure what would happen if I did the full course. I didn't want to tire myself out before the race began.  My warm up was nice.  Although I did have to go off the course a little bit, so I could get some hill climbing in.  I ended up finishing way before lining up.  Lesson #1-muscles need to be warm when lining up, not cooled down.

Lining up I ended up knowing a good amount of the sport riders.  This was good, because it helped to calm my nerves (although my hr monitor was saying something totally different).  Jen and I were talking, and she decided not to go out fast, I told her I wasn't, and then changed my mind.  So here's what happened, I went out fast, and then realized I needed to back off (legs not warm enough), Jen didn't and realized she needed to get around the girls and to the front.  We totally should have switched places.
Off the start line.

My goal was to hang with the group and on the hills start working my way up the line.  This was a good plan, except for one thing.  Right after the first wash there is a litte up hill steep that is slightly technical.  I have never had problems on this, however the person right by me did, and ended up blocking my way up.  I ended up off my bike running up the hill as riders were passing and the front of the sport group was pulling away.  Oh well, what's a person to do, but jump back on their bike and keep on riding.

At this point I decided I needed to hydrate.  I pulled my water bottle out, and it completely flipped out of my hand!  For a split second I thought about turning around and getting it, but went "no way", and kept going.  Lucky for me just before my warm-up, my water bottle cage on the front had broken on the bottom.  In order to keep my water bottle from slipping out I had to put another water bottle in the back cage.  So I had water!  It wasn't easy to grab, but I had water.

The first part of the course I don't remember much other than methodically passing people one by one.  I was not sure if they would pass me back or what would happen.  Towards the top I passed the final gal I would pass in my division for this race.  I also passed Aaron (clysedale from Racers).  He was funny giving me kudos on the uphill pass.  I let him know he would see me on the down.

I took off down the hill, and just as I got to the bottom before the drop into the wash Aaron passed me, and so did the girl I had she passed at the top.  My thoughts were "darn'it, she has some downhill skills."  For some reason the second wash was not going to be my friend this race.  I struggled getting up the first step, and then instead of going up the second like I had practiced and succeed I decided to go a different route.  Lesson #2-if you can help it don't change what you have already done.  I had never practiced going up the other way, and of course I ended up getting stuck.  This caused me to get off my bike, and lose some time.   It also allowed the girl who passed me to get further ahead.

As I pulled out of the second wash I started getting passed by the pros.  I have been passed by the pros before, so this was not unusual.  Usually they know how to pass, and are pretty good about it.  What I didn't realize at the time the passing started there would be a lot more passing, and I mean a lot!  It was comforting to later learn their were 30+ pros registered for this event.  Although I did get passed by more than pro riders.

On the second climb I could still see the girl that had passed me on the descent, and I hoped I could close some of the distance between us.  I plugged away on the hill, but did not pass her, and I am not sure how much closer I got to her.

The down was fun, but prior to the triple down I heard voices behind me.  I could not tell what they were saying, and was not sure if they wanted to pass.  No one said left, and no one said right.  At one point I thought I might have heard someone say pull over, but I sure hope not, because really they wouldn't forget I am racing too.  I'll make room for you to go by, but please don't ask me to pull over.  Anyway, I finally moved to the side and signaled for them to pass by.  Can you believe not one of them let me know they were going by!  The third rider actually ended up hitting me and my bike, luckily I stayed on my bike (and so did he), and we continued down.  I passed him later and he apologized.  That was cool, because I have had riders come close to taking me out and never saying a word.

Going down I passed a lot of friends and team mates.  It was great hearing them cheer for me, because by this time I was tired, and wondering what exactly was going to happen on the second lap.  My husband was an awesome support and passed my water bottle to me with no problem.  I drank my gel, which had 1/2 a salt tablet in it to help keep electrolytes balanced.  I then rode along the flat, to the small up.  About this time I decided I was having fun, and announced "this is a lot of fun."  The people in the crowd laughed and commented on my good attitude.

From here I picked up the pace a bit, saw some people at the top and gave them a hello and continued on my way, gradually picking up the pace.  By the time I hit the small whoop dee doos, I was having a great time.  Something came to my mind that Carson had told me "when the race it too much it becomes a ride", at this point it was a ride, but also a race.  I was having fun and still riding at an okay speed, or so I thought.

On my way to the first wash I was passed by Carson.  I am not sure what he said, but it definitely encouraged me to keep going.  From there throughout the course I would be passed by teammates, and all of them gave words of encouragement.  There were also other riders I knew and they also offered words of encouragement.  This really helped me keep going.

One of the more funnier moments of the race was in the first wash my second lap.  There were 2 riders behind me, and we were coming up to the big puddle.  I told them I was going right.  The comment behind me was "I don't want to go through that", my reply "I am going right".  Jokingly as they passed by I let them know when they are in front they can choose which side for passing.

As I came out of the first wash I saw the girl that had passed me on the first descent, and I could tell she was beginning to fade.  I wonder if this is what people see when they are passing me????  Anyway,  I kept up a good pace on the hill climb and little by little started to close the gap.  My goal was to pass her before the first descent, and this time stay in the lead.  As the gap closed I took my moment and passed her.  This time well before the top--I wanted to put some space between us before the descent.

From here I pushed on the pedals harder and faster than I probably would have had there not been someone right behind me.  Lesson #3 - I need to work hard whether someone is on my tail or not.  It was a good thing I put some distance between us, because once again I really struggled in the second wash.  Was it me, or was it a lot warmer in the wash than anywhere else?  I had two slip ups in the second wash, one where I got major stuck.  I think by that time I was so tired I should have once again gotten of my bike and then back on, it would have been a lot quicker.  Because of these slip ups the gal I had passed ended up being right behind my wheel.  Once again I had to push it, to put some distance between us.  I pedaled at an even pace, but worked hard to put her behind me.  Coming off the single track I turned to see how close she was and couldn't see her, but this did not make me feel any better.  The look was quick, and I couldn't be for sure where she was.

I pushed it through the single track to the final descent and then let it go.  By this time my lips were chapped, telling me I needed water, but going down there is no place to drink.  I just hoped it was false dehydration and they were chapped due to the salt and I would make it down. 

Going down felt good.  I was tired and a little worried about handling my bike, but the more I went down the better I felt.  At the final little up I pushed as hard as my legs would let me and pedaled for the finish.  I never did see the gal I passed again.  I am not sure if she finished or if she had a mechanical, but I feel pretty good about how I did.

The funny thing about the race my 2nd lap was about 4 minutes slower than my first, and yet I thought I felt better my second lap.  Going around the second time I felt much more comfortable with the course.  I ended up taking 7th place which is points for the team, but no podium.
My finish, smiling and tired.

I learned a lot my first sport race.  In a lot of ways it was like starting to race all over again.  I have to get used to people passing me again.  I have to learn how to ride hard and yet not blow up so I can't finish the race.  I need to learn how to fuel and hydrate so I can stay strong throughout the race.  I also need to drop weight and get my fitness up.  I had to learn all of these things my first year racing.  Funny how things come full circle around.  This is going to be a good year as I learn all of these things and work towards improving throughout the year.

Long Over Due

A couple of weekends ago, Presidents weekend to be exact, I went down with Wendy and Jessika to St. George.  The plan was to drive down Friday, meet up with a bunch of gals Saturday, ride all day and come home.  The plan worked just as we hoped.

I picked up Wendy and Jessika right after work and we drove down.  Can I tell you what fun it is to ride down with 2 single gals in the car.  They had the funniest dating stories, and all of the acronyms I hadn't heard.  I don't think I have ever laughed so hard.  It sure is crazy in the dating world.  My favorite was the story of the guy who took out this girl and wanted to take back the kiss, more than a day after it happened.  Really, who takes back a kiss, you can't take back a kiss, especially a day after it happened! 

We arrived in St. George safely and ready to go to sleep so we could ride the next day.  We were supposed to meet everyone at the race course at 9:30 am, but I took a very long time racking the bikes and then had to make a quick pit stop on the way.  We ended up being late and getting a very late start.  Thank goodness the group we were meeting was patient and waited for us.

We rode the race course with Gayle, Tiffany, Desi, Ashley, Stephanie, and one other gal whose name I forgot.....sorry.  It was a lot of fun, visiting and riding the course.  This is the perfect course to ride on and still be able to visit.  When we got to the second wash we spent a lot of time practicing getting over the rocks.  I did fine on my first try, my second try and my third, however when I was asked to demo again I became jinxed and could no longer make it over.  Oh well, I can only cross my fingers this will not be the case at the race.  Eventually we got on our way and finished the riding the course.

We had perfect timing, because as soon as we got back, we met up with Tim and Jen.  It was decided we would go have lunch and then ride barrel roll.  At this point our groups temporarily parted ways.  Tif and Gayle's group wanted to eat at a place I can't remember, and we wanted to eat at Pizza Factory, so we followed Tim and Jen to Pizza Factory with the agreement to meet the others at barrel roll.

Unfortunately we never did meet the others at barrel roll.  We got there before them, and because we needed to get back home that night we started to ride.  We let Tim lead the way, which means he goes ahead scouts out the trail, comes back to make sure we are still on the trail, and then goes back ahead.  I think riding with us is the best exercise for Tim, otherwise he would just ride the trail in one direction and be done, but when he goes with us he gets to ride it multiple times in small sections--what could be better.

The ride was so much fun.  This was the first trail I rode after Lamberts park when I was learning to ride a bike.  Although I did not remember much of the trail, I did remember walking a lot of sections.  This time I only walked a small section.  The trail left a beautiful 7 inch mark on my backside--yes I measured it.  There was a small up I was going up, and ended up in the wrong gear.  I couldn't clip out and slowly tipped over and landed hard on the edge of a rock.  I cursed and Jen stated it was a fall worthy of a curse.  Thank goodness, because it sure felt like it.  Not 2 feet after the fall I accidently shifted forward on my bike and was acousted by my bike seat!  That should never happen to anyone, I actually had to stop and wait for the pain to subsided.  Other than those miner occurances the ride was awesome.

Sadly we had to leave St. George, but I can't wait to go back.  Fortunately for me this weekend I get to go back, a trip that is long over due.
Slideshow of a great weekend.

Go Team Estrogen!

It's not very often I come across phenominal customer service, however recently I did, so good in fact that I had to blog about it.

As you know I need to buy and wear compression clothing for my vasovegal synchopy.  This required a few purchases from different companies trying to find what would work best for me.  Some of the orders came one at a time others came in clusters.  One day I received a cluster of orders from 2 different companies--Team Estrogen and Zoot Sports. The Team Estrogen merchandise fit, but the Zoot Sports was too big, so I had to return it--this is where everything goes haywire.

At the time I got the merchandise I was still working in Salt Lake and did not have the time in the day to return the merchandise.  My always supportive husband went to the post office and returned the stuff for me.  About the time I was expecting to get an exchange I got a phone call and an email from Anona at Team Estrogen.  Apparently the return had not gotten sent to Zoot Sports, but Team Estrogen instead....oops.  They let me know and wanted me to know if I wanted them to mail it back or forward it.  I asked them to forward it, only to discover the RA was not on the box.  I got the RA's, emailed them the RA's and they forward everything on to Zoots.

Now here is one of the cool things.  I offered for them to charge my card to pay for shipping, and they said no they would take care of it.  How cool is that, but it only gets better.  They sent my returns on their way to Zoot Sports, and then I waited to hear from Zoot Sports.  I waited almost 3 weeks, and no email, no phone call, no nothing from Zoot Sports.  So, I did what any consumer would do I contacted them.  I first contacted them on the contact us site, waited 2 days, and still no response.  I then called them, was put on hold for several minutes, before the automated voice came on asking if I wanted to stay on hold or leave a message.  I hung up.  A few hours later I called back and got Chad.

I asked Chad if they had any information on my return.  He looked up the RA's numbers and there was no information.  He asked for a tracking number, but I didn't have one.  His response was then, "well without a tracking number we can't help you.  We have a very large warehouse with returns coming in everyday, and there is not way we can help you.  You will just have to wait a 2 to 3 weeks to see if we get the package."  I told him tomorrow will be 3 weeks.  His response "oh, it is, well, we can't do anything without a tracking number, so you will just have to wait."  I asked if they checked items in according into the RA# and he said no I needed a tracking number (why do you even require an RA# if you don't use it?).  With that I said okay, thanks for your help and good-bye.

I then emailed Team Estrogen to see if they had the tracking number so I could call Zoot Sports back.  A few hours later I received a voice message on my phone from Chris at Zoot Sports, apologizing for the delay in getting my items returned, telling me they were on it, and if I had any questions to call him.  The next day I received a phone call from Laurie in accounting requesting my credit card information so they could refund me.  They must keep amazing records.  Since I did not have the card on my I had to make some calls, and call her back with the information.  The good news, I checked my credit card, and the items have finally been credited!

Thank you Team Estrogen and Anona, if it hadn't been for you I would not have ever received credit for the returned merchandise.  I will always purchase merchandise from you.  No thanks Zoot Sports, you have lost a customer for life, and I hope others will think twice about buying things from you after reading this.

VO2 to the Max

Thanks to the Mad Dog Team we are working with Peak Performance and Fitness to get VO2 testing done.  I was so excited when I found out this was available.  The only testing I knew about was up at the University of Utah. I knew they did some at BYU, but was not sure if it was open to the public.  I have always wanted this done (okay not always, only since I started riding a bike), and when I found out (thanks to the team) Peak Performance offers this and many other services I contacted Aaron and made an appointment to get tested.

Today was the day of my test.  I was somewhat tenative about going, because I have gone so far backwards from last year I was wondering if it would be a waste of time.  I know that all of us getting ready for race season say we have gone backwards, but I have gone really far backwards-- I will share the whys and hows at a later date.  Anyway, facing the harsh realities of where you are can sometimes be hard to take, but I felt this would be a good opportunity to gage my progress throughout the season, and give me something tangible to show the improvement.  Luckily the cost is very reasonable, so getting tested mid-season will be well worth it.

The test started with Aaron going over a little bit of my history, weighing me (ugh I hate sharing this), getting my body fat percentage (ouch that really hurt) and my bmi (apparently I am overweight not obese--I already knew this.)  After all of this I got on the bike and warmed up.  After the warm up came the test.  Aaron put this mask with a tube connected to it on you and you start riding. 

At first I felt somewhat enclosed in the mask, but I pushed aside the enclosed thoughts, relaxed and began pedaling.  While I pedaled I watched the dvd "Off Road to Athens" and Aaron gave instructions to increase the tension.  I pedaled, increased the tension, pedaled increased the tension and eventually it was over.

Results much better than I expected....okay way better than I expected.  I may be overweight, but still in pretty good shape!  This makes me happy as it gives me encouragement I am on the road back to being fit.  The other cool thing about the test, I learned my heart rate zones.  They are slightly different than what I thought, which is great, because now I have a better idea of exactly where I should be when I ride.  Aaron gave a lot more beneficial information, and I left very excited about where the upcoming year is going to take me.

I am learning the more information you have the better rider or better fit you can become.  Instead of just riding, there is riding with direction and still having fun while you ride.  All of this information is going to help on my way back to recovery!  Oh, another great thing, I am getting my resting metabolic rate tested next week.  Very excited about all of this new information I am learning!!!
The beautiful mask--just finished riding.

Side view--do you like the rack on the back of the bike!

Beating the Next Snowfall

My office has a view of outside, which makes me long to be out mountain biking on sunny days.  Today, knowing it is supposed to snow tomorrow, I couldn't resist the sunny day, as soon as I got off work I raced down to Racers to get my bike (of course it was not at home on such a beautiful day), and then hurried home.

I decided I would ride water tower since I was pretty sure the snow was probably melted.  And it was!  The good part was the dirt was rideable, the bad part is horses and people have been going in the mud, and near the top I couldn't clear the hill due to to many divits and my lack of technique.  Luckily is was on the last part of the ride.

I went up the hill twice and end up soaking wet.  Lucky for me I took my baclava off while riding, and put it on just before my final descent.  I don't know if I would have lasted had it not been for that--by the time I got home I was fairly cold.  But it was worth it!  So much fun riding outside, I don't think Spring is going to get here soon enough.
Pictures from then end of my final climb.

Locks of Love

I have been bored with my hair lately and decided I needed a change.  I went in with plans of a different hair color, but then started playing around with the idea it was time to donate my hair again (this would be my 3rd time).  After much contemplating, squinching my eyes closed, and holding my breathe, my hair was chopped off.

I don't have any good before pictures since it was unplanned.  The most current is the one below from this weekend (cropped of course).  This is with my hair pulled in to puppy dog ears, but it might give you an idea of how long it was--oh, ignore the funny face, I was going over a couple of rocks.

This is the only after right now.  I come home with helmet head, so I won't let my husband take any pics.  Over the weekend I will get some pics.

My Ride to Work

This morning I took the long, scenic route to work.  I wish I had a video camera to capture everything I say, but I don't usually take my camera with me to work, and alas I did not for this ride.

On my ride I saw two ducks come out of a large ditch, quacking as they flew ahead of me.  I then saw a convoy of tree cutting trucks riding past me in the opposite direction.  There was a group of road workers preparing to do work by the railroad tracks.  It must be an ongoing project as there was an outhouse close by.  I went by where they keep the school buses, and for the first time saw many of the drivers pulling out to go and pick up kids.  I saw 3 deer under some trees in a field, watching me closely as I rode by.  And finally the fog over the vast fields--I love the fog.

I don't think there is any better way to go to work.

Pride

I haven't written forever, and was going to write about my trip this last weekend, and I will, but I wanted to write about today.

Today I rode by bike to work (for those who didn't know I got a new job and it is close to home--yeah!  Also, yeah for the new job, I really like it.).  According to Coach Dan I am supposed to keep my heart rate down on these rides.  In the morning this is not hard, I am tired and really don't need to arrive at work sweating and hot.  Going home is a whole different story.

Riding home I just want to pound the pedals.  I have been in an office all day long and need to just ride hard.  There is something that feels so good when you ride hard.  Going home I ride up 2 small hills, and one long, steep hill.  It takes all the self control I have to gear down and spin up these hills.  I know this may seem crazy, but it takes everything I have to not go up as fast as I can and as hard as I can.  I would say I am somewhat prideful.  I know I can make it up these hills in my large and middle cog, and I want to do it in these hard gears.  Part of it is because I like making it hard and I can, the other is what if someone were to pass me!  I hate being passed!

In the past I have allowed this thinking to mess up my recovery rides.  Someone rides by and begins to pass, and I just can't take it.  I let them go, and then eventually I have to hit into high gear, catch them and pass them back, and then not let them pass me back.  Sometimes I am too horribly competive, or perhaps insecure--who knows.

However, this year I am not going to let that happen.  I am going to be secure in my riding, recovery days are recovery and anyone can pass....now if I can just get my mental state to be as secure.