Banff Gran Fondo #1. Got the jersey; shortened course due to a grizzly and cubs (my heart was *broken*); 104 km instead of 142 km; freakin' cold early morning start; finished in expected time; felt more prepared for the hills; apparently hill repeats are beneficial.
Fait accompli.
Oh look at me, pretending to be bilingual.
I would recommend the Banff Gran Fondo as the scenery was beautiful and the riding -- not flat. Didn't have quite the "fun" vibe that I experienced in the STP - Seattle to Portland Gran Fondo I completed in 2008 and it was 200 miles in 2 days. I did see an STP jacket at Banff though!!
Ironman Canada athletes that I know and train with had amazing results with huge PB's. Congratulations every one of you!!
Really enjoyed learning new skills on my mountain bike, collected many, many bruises, earning every one. Will definitely continue on with that next season.
I had a mediocre tri season this year. I did OK at Wasa, another cold day! Felt defeated after Victoria, but happy that I pushed through and finished. Now what? Tri club doesn't start again until October. Too early to think about goals and plans for next season?
2 rides planned this weekend; running starts for me again on Sept 1st; I will not surrender!
Ciao, Cindy
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Documentary vs. Mocumentary...
Funny, but not really.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw&feature=player_embedded
.... and this is where I hope to be in January 2014
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NayzkKbT_OU&feature=youtu.be
..... and this is really cool
http://www.ignant.de/2012/07/17/floating/
Sunday, August 19, 2012
On and Off the Bike
Back to some mountain biking yesterday with my Spin Sisters buddy. She's very patient as I was LATE AGAIN..... This is becoming a nasty habit and I must stop it. (Thanks for waiting for me Melissa).
We decided we needed to see some new trails and since neither of us have made it out to many of the Spin Sisters rides lately, I didn't have much to offer. Hit up another co-worker, who does lots of riding, for information and headed out to West Bragg Creek. After canvasing the parking lot with our map (I have no shame), we decided to try "Braggin' Rights". Good choice. I do believe it was Steve Walsh and his riding partner who pointed us in the right direction. I do believe he may have been in some of the ETS classes, way back when??
The trail is one of the new ones this year in WBC. It was a climb the first km and I really need to learn to mount and dismount from both sides of my bike. My first fall off the mountain occurred in the first km. Fall off, roll down hill, remove bike from on top of me, crawl back up hill with Melissa's assistance with my bike. Ride on.... Turned out to be a great day. Would love a new bike - full suspension? 29er? Wait, I'm saving for India. Never mind new mountain bike, carry on.
It was a really great morning. We were both pleased with our effort and decided, even though we didn't ride much this summer, we saw improvement in ourselves compared to our last ride at Jumping Pound Loop. Met a guy on the trail who gave us some more pointers and we finished the loop (9km). We are quite slow and do walk uphill a fair bit, but we get it done. Perfect weather. Finished off with a beverage at Cinnamon Spoon and headed home.
I headed to Bow Cycle as my gears were skipping a fair bit, especially uphill. When I had my bike tuned at Speed Theory, Doug did say I may need to replace the cassette. So Bow Cycle was able to do that on the spot for me! Thanks guys.
Next up, Banff Gran Fondo Aug 25! God, I hope the weather holds.....
Good luck to all those completing Apple Tri in Kelowna this weekend and IRONMAN CANADA next weekend.
Happy training and racing!
Ciao Cindy
We decided we needed to see some new trails and since neither of us have made it out to many of the Spin Sisters rides lately, I didn't have much to offer. Hit up another co-worker, who does lots of riding, for information and headed out to West Bragg Creek. After canvasing the parking lot with our map (I have no shame), we decided to try "Braggin' Rights". Good choice. I do believe it was Steve Walsh and his riding partner who pointed us in the right direction. I do believe he may have been in some of the ETS classes, way back when??
The trail is one of the new ones this year in WBC. It was a climb the first km and I really need to learn to mount and dismount from both sides of my bike. My first fall off the mountain occurred in the first km. Fall off, roll down hill, remove bike from on top of me, crawl back up hill with Melissa's assistance with my bike. Ride on.... Turned out to be a great day. Would love a new bike - full suspension? 29er? Wait, I'm saving for India. Never mind new mountain bike, carry on.
It was a really great morning. We were both pleased with our effort and decided, even though we didn't ride much this summer, we saw improvement in ourselves compared to our last ride at Jumping Pound Loop. Met a guy on the trail who gave us some more pointers and we finished the loop (9km). We are quite slow and do walk uphill a fair bit, but we get it done. Perfect weather. Finished off with a beverage at Cinnamon Spoon and headed home.
I headed to Bow Cycle as my gears were skipping a fair bit, especially uphill. When I had my bike tuned at Speed Theory, Doug did say I may need to replace the cassette. So Bow Cycle was able to do that on the spot for me! Thanks guys.
Next up, Banff Gran Fondo Aug 25! God, I hope the weather holds.....
Good luck to all those completing Apple Tri in Kelowna this weekend and IRONMAN CANADA next weekend.
Happy training and racing!
Ciao Cindy
Monday, August 13, 2012
HA!! It was the computer
An important update to defend my exceptional computer skills.
I looked at my computer prior to putting my bike in the Rav this morning and noticed the screen is no longer "sleeping", but blank!! Dead battery.
Ha, I win and my reward is a trip to the store for a new battery.
Stupid computer.....
Got through my hill repeats on Road to Nepal tonight with my Garmin, which I managed to set to biking, rather than running. I'm a super-user now!!
Cathy, thanks for the company.
Ciao, Cindy
I looked at my computer prior to putting my bike in the Rav this morning and noticed the screen is no longer "sleeping", but blank!! Dead battery.
Ha, I win and my reward is a trip to the store for a new battery.
Stupid computer.....
Got through my hill repeats on Road to Nepal tonight with my Garmin, which I managed to set to biking, rather than running. I'm a super-user now!!
Cathy, thanks for the company.
Ciao, Cindy
Sunday, August 12, 2012
I get a really BIG "X"
Having my training partners peeved with me wasn't my intention, but where I ended up on Sat - MY BAD!
It goes like this.... someone puts up a possible route, then we discuss, agree or make a different suggestion. I obviously don't know all the intricacies of this format. I suggested an earlier start time, didn't hear back from the others, talked to one of the group in person and he was undecided about an hour earlier start. Then I forgot to set my alarm, but when I woke up at 8:01 I thought, no worries, I'll just meet everyone at 9:00, b/c I didn't hear back from anyone about the 8:00 start anyway.
I was surprised at the phone call at 8:10 saying "where are you"? Well, I've just washed my face and I'll see you at 9:00. No, they are all there, except me, who requested the earlier time - oh crap!! Sorry...
I've been reading up on the info about the Banff Gran Fondo; they advise if you can't maintain >20 km/hr you may not be fully supported for the ride as they have allowed 7 hours total. I was a bit concerned with this, getting myself all worked up, as I did in Victoria.
I was now on my own and I decided this was my last opportunity for a really long ride as Banff is in 2 weeks. Off I went from my place, out passed Bragg Creek, to the Texas gate on Hwy 66 and back. Saw the bird jersey 3 times on my ride (plus mine was 4!). Quite fun, as you recognize the jersey first, look closer to recognize the rider and give a big wave b/c you inevitably know them. Stopped to have some nutrition every half hour, and kept plugging along.
Stopped for chai in Bragg Creek and ran into Heather and Ian, who're just back from the Olympics!! Had a quick chat about the events they saw. Then off to get more Gatorade for the trip back when my bike is standing against the wall, a lady stops to chat about my bike and her great dane. The dog is as tall as my bike!!
Olympic watching almost done too. I admire and I'm in awe of all our athletes and their preparation, but feel for them too. Canada has had so many heart breaks in 2012.
Happy training....
Ciao, Cindy
It goes like this.... someone puts up a possible route, then we discuss, agree or make a different suggestion. I obviously don't know all the intricacies of this format. I suggested an earlier start time, didn't hear back from the others, talked to one of the group in person and he was undecided about an hour earlier start. Then I forgot to set my alarm, but when I woke up at 8:01 I thought, no worries, I'll just meet everyone at 9:00, b/c I didn't hear back from anyone about the 8:00 start anyway.
I was surprised at the phone call at 8:10 saying "where are you"? Well, I've just washed my face and I'll see you at 9:00. No, they are all there, except me, who requested the earlier time - oh crap!! Sorry...
I've been reading up on the info about the Banff Gran Fondo; they advise if you can't maintain >20 km/hr you may not be fully supported for the ride as they have allowed 7 hours total. I was a bit concerned with this, getting myself all worked up, as I did in Victoria.
I was now on my own and I decided this was my last opportunity for a really long ride as Banff is in 2 weeks. Off I went from my place, out passed Bragg Creek, to the Texas gate on Hwy 66 and back. Saw the bird jersey 3 times on my ride (plus mine was 4!). Quite fun, as you recognize the jersey first, look closer to recognize the rider and give a big wave b/c you inevitably know them. Stopped to have some nutrition every half hour, and kept plugging along.
Stopped for chai in Bragg Creek and ran into Heather and Ian, who're just back from the Olympics!! Had a quick chat about the events they saw. Then off to get more Gatorade for the trip back when my bike is standing against the wall, a lady stops to chat about my bike and her great dane. The dog is as tall as my bike!!
Stupid bike computer wouldn't restart after Bragg Creek. Why is it every sentence I write with computer in it, also has stupid in it. If I wasn't so confident it was the computer and not the operator, I'm sure I'd have a huge chip on my shoulder by now.... I persevered and I'm happy to report that my total ride time was 5:30:00 for 140 km. I was concerned at my time and average speed at the half way point, but was an hour faster coming back in a tail wind, so it was all good. At least I can work my watch.
Olympic watching almost done too. I admire and I'm in awe of all our athletes and their preparation, but feel for them too. Canada has had so many heart breaks in 2012.
Happy training....
Ciao, Cindy
Monday, July 23, 2012
Better Get Crackalackin'
Yes, Victoria was a learning experience. Probably the worst head space I've been in for a race. But my "grateful list" served me well. Self talk is a powerful tool, only to be used for good, not evil.
Had a little break after Victoria, necessitated by a minor surgery and stitches. No swim, bike, run for 10 days, how will I survive?
Now, back to hill climbing....
Went out to Jumping Pound Loop for a mountain bike on a warm, sunny Sunday. Decided I may never move beyond the "beginner" trails, but I'm OK with that. Also decided I'm a bit of a "Princes" on my mountain bike. Again, I'm OK with that. Didn't fall of my bike - and I'm OK with that.
Another great ride from the Stoney Nakoda Casino up Highwood Pass on Hwy 40. The original plan was to go to Longview ~140 km on the other side. I didn't get the part of not coming back over Highwood Pass so when I got to the starting point I was a bit confused. The others in the group were in the process of dropping cars off at Longview.
Off we went. I wasn't sure if I would make it all the way to Longview, but the plan was to get as far as I could and the others would pick me up on the way back if they were that far ahead. They headed off and I plodded along on my own, uphill. I got to the 4 hr mark (65 km) and wasn't quite at the top of the pass, but I was starting to fade - barely holding ~7 km/hr in a headwind uphill. I made the call to turn around and go back to my car at the casino, lest I fall over and get eaten by a bear. I'd still end up with 130 km, not too shabby, and I'd also get a "coke stop" at the Gas Plus near the winter gate. Going over the pass didn't leave me any options for refills on food or water. Good decision for me - 4 hours out, 2 hr 15 min back, not including my coke stop; mmmm, caffeine. I made a wise decision b/c I really felt much better riding back after my little coke and food fix, but still had variable wind directions to deal with. I didn't have quite enough food with me. Note to self....
Left notes on everyone's car to let them know I was headed home. I made the right decision when I realized they still had 140 km drive back to pick-up cars and the drive back to Calgary.
Another brutally windy ride from Co-Op at 12 Mile Coulee Rd out to Ghost Lake this Sat. Got to Ghost Lake going straight through on 1A instead of doing the 70.3 course in reverse. Just about blown off the bike! Stop pedalling and come to an almost immediate stop - crazy. Worked out well anyway as Tushar and I rode back together on the 70.3 course and I got my mileage in and I almost kept up with him (damn the uphills!!)
The next little item on the summer agenda was "Mudhero".
SOOO much fun, on a hot Sunday in July, with NO WIND! Went with a group from work. Did my usual of finishing at the end of the group. And I'm the one who does all the training!! LOL... They were all sore today, but not me...
Going to volunteer at the Talisman Tri Club tent for a water stop on the Calgary 70.3 course next weekend and continue hill training.....
Ciao, Cindy
Had a little break after Victoria, necessitated by a minor surgery and stitches. No swim, bike, run for 10 days, how will I survive?
Now, back to hill climbing....
Went out to Jumping Pound Loop for a mountain bike on a warm, sunny Sunday. Decided I may never move beyond the "beginner" trails, but I'm OK with that. Also decided I'm a bit of a "Princes" on my mountain bike. Again, I'm OK with that. Didn't fall of my bike - and I'm OK with that.
Another great ride from the Stoney Nakoda Casino up Highwood Pass on Hwy 40. The original plan was to go to Longview ~140 km on the other side. I didn't get the part of not coming back over Highwood Pass so when I got to the starting point I was a bit confused. The others in the group were in the process of dropping cars off at Longview.
Off we went. I wasn't sure if I would make it all the way to Longview, but the plan was to get as far as I could and the others would pick me up on the way back if they were that far ahead. They headed off and I plodded along on my own, uphill. I got to the 4 hr mark (65 km) and wasn't quite at the top of the pass, but I was starting to fade - barely holding ~7 km/hr in a headwind uphill. I made the call to turn around and go back to my car at the casino, lest I fall over and get eaten by a bear. I'd still end up with 130 km, not too shabby, and I'd also get a "coke stop" at the Gas Plus near the winter gate. Going over the pass didn't leave me any options for refills on food or water. Good decision for me - 4 hours out, 2 hr 15 min back, not including my coke stop; mmmm, caffeine. I made a wise decision b/c I really felt much better riding back after my little coke and food fix, but still had variable wind directions to deal with. I didn't have quite enough food with me. Note to self....
Left notes on everyone's car to let them know I was headed home. I made the right decision when I realized they still had 140 km drive back to pick-up cars and the drive back to Calgary.
Another brutally windy ride from Co-Op at 12 Mile Coulee Rd out to Ghost Lake this Sat. Got to Ghost Lake going straight through on 1A instead of doing the 70.3 course in reverse. Just about blown off the bike! Stop pedalling and come to an almost immediate stop - crazy. Worked out well anyway as Tushar and I rode back together on the 70.3 course and I got my mileage in and I almost kept up with him (damn the uphills!!)
The next little item on the summer agenda was "Mudhero".
SOOO much fun, on a hot Sunday in July, with NO WIND! Went with a group from work. Did my usual of finishing at the end of the group. And I'm the one who does all the training!! LOL... They were all sore today, but not me...
Going to volunteer at the Talisman Tri Club tent for a water stop on the Calgary 70.3 course next weekend and continue hill training.....
Ciao, Cindy
I'm Grateful.....
First, a confession....
This is sort of a repeat blog b/c I accidentally deleted the original blog. Yes, my most *excellent* computer skills continue.
I was initially upset with my performance at the Subaru Victoria Half Ironman on June 17. I had self doubt welling up inside of me when I arrived in Victoria and drove the bike course - I may not make the bike cutoff, this course has no significant downhills or flats, I may be in trouble. The nerves followed me all the way to the start line race morning - a very windy day = choppy swim, with leaky goggles, which leads onto a windy bike course. Self talk continues on the negative side, this is not good!
When I got out on the bike, I went by a church with a billboard inviting the "flock" to share what you're grateful for prior to the service that morning. With no time to stop (although I seriously considered it) I thought this was something I could do to rethink this race, b/c I really wasn't in a great head space.
And that's exactly what I did.
I'm grateful for so many things in my life....
A co-worker reminded me, "I was one of the 2% of the population who has ever completed a triathlon", when we had a discussion about "what we did on our summer vacations".
I shouldn't feel disappointed in finishing 2nd last when 11 people didn't finish that particular race.
I actually liked the run!! It was on a hard packed dirt trail around the Elk Lake x 2. Beautiful trail, no significant hills, in the big trees and shady.
I still maintained my personal record of always completing a race.
I have a great group of fellow athletes to train and race with. Jon and Felix did amazingly well. Jon had a PB and Felix met his goal on his first half. Congratulations guys.
I have a very fast red bike that I love to ride; along with my road bike and mountain bike, and 1 more bike for India.
I'm still growing and learning and enjoying the challenge of trying to get a personal best!
I got to see Brent McMahon, (2012 Olympian with Simon Whitfield and Kyle Jones) b/c he was on a relay team here. Man he's not much taller than I am, but he's a skinny little guy, perhaps that's why he's such a fast runner?
I'm still learning new skills on and off the training field - I'm loving my forays into mountain biking and I'm enjoying the diversity of my new job.
BUT....
I could've hung up my race belt if I'd chosen to do Chinook Half instead of Victoria - there were only 2 other women in my age group - I would've been on the PODIUM!!
Next up, Banff Gran Fondo!!
Ciao, Cindy
This is sort of a repeat blog b/c I accidentally deleted the original blog. Yes, my most *excellent* computer skills continue.
I was initially upset with my performance at the Subaru Victoria Half Ironman on June 17. I had self doubt welling up inside of me when I arrived in Victoria and drove the bike course - I may not make the bike cutoff, this course has no significant downhills or flats, I may be in trouble. The nerves followed me all the way to the start line race morning - a very windy day = choppy swim, with leaky goggles, which leads onto a windy bike course. Self talk continues on the negative side, this is not good!
When I got out on the bike, I went by a church with a billboard inviting the "flock" to share what you're grateful for prior to the service that morning. With no time to stop (although I seriously considered it) I thought this was something I could do to rethink this race, b/c I really wasn't in a great head space.
And that's exactly what I did.
I'm grateful for so many things in my life....
A co-worker reminded me, "I was one of the 2% of the population who has ever completed a triathlon", when we had a discussion about "what we did on our summer vacations".
I shouldn't feel disappointed in finishing 2nd last when 11 people didn't finish that particular race.
I actually liked the run!! It was on a hard packed dirt trail around the Elk Lake x 2. Beautiful trail, no significant hills, in the big trees and shady.
I still maintained my personal record of always completing a race.
I have a great group of fellow athletes to train and race with. Jon and Felix did amazingly well. Jon had a PB and Felix met his goal on his first half. Congratulations guys.
I have a very fast red bike that I love to ride; along with my road bike and mountain bike, and 1 more bike for India.
I'm still growing and learning and enjoying the challenge of trying to get a personal best!
I got to see Brent McMahon, (2012 Olympian with Simon Whitfield and Kyle Jones) b/c he was on a relay team here. Man he's not much taller than I am, but he's a skinny little guy, perhaps that's why he's such a fast runner?
I'm still learning new skills on and off the training field - I'm loving my forays into mountain biking and I'm enjoying the diversity of my new job.
BUT....
I could've hung up my race belt if I'd chosen to do Chinook Half instead of Victoria - there were only 2 other women in my age group - I would've been on the PODIUM!!
Next up, Banff Gran Fondo!!
Ciao, Cindy
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