I find inspiration in my boyfriend…. Nick (my boyfriend) races for Jelly Belly Professional Cycling Team. He is currently in rainy California racing in the biggest US Tour there is. They are starting stage 3 tomorrow of 4 days of racing. Check out the tour site to know more http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/about.html.
A la Dan, a few random thoughts:
-how to pick a great coach: go with the one who EXPLAINS things to you (even if you don’t really want to know). It’s not mysticism - there should be a reason for every workout you are assigned. The greatest coaches coach you so that you COULD coach yourself one day (even though you probably won’t want to because having a coach provides a lot of intrisic benefits). If they can explain it, then they understand it well enough to prescribe it…Janda was always expounding on the science of his choices and giving me links to resources because he valued an INFORMED athlete. That told me he wasn’t afraid to be challenged or questioned, and security is a sign of competence.
Here in Northern California, the cold weather has arrived with winters breath, and the fall leaves are now dappling their color on the roads. With the rain and wind, the leaves have lost their last hold in the trees, and now wait to be frozen in place under the coming snows. Until then, they lay in wait to catch the unsuspecting cyclist or runner off guard with their ice-like slipperiness.
We headed down South to Brownsville this weekend to celebrate Coleman’s 5th birthday. It’s been a weekend filled with laughter, tears and lots of joy. Coleman is the most loving little boy and it is always a blast hanging out with his sweet little soul. Then there’s LadyBug who as I type this is saying “Deenny, denny denny denny” and swinging back and forth on the bed next to the computer. Children are so healing on the soul.
Today was one of those days where I was tired from lack of sleep the past couple of nights - and debated like a VP nomination on whether or not to get out for a ride. Sometimes you just need to buck up. And buck up I did. On the schedule - 10 x 3-5 minute tempo hill climbs. Something mellow, not a power climb, but a nice steady grinder. I headed into Ballard to 28th after a quick hot lap by Golden Gardens - and then started the insanity. The first 5 were easy - but then the little voice of doubt and reason came into my head. “Why continue? What are you doing this for? No one would know - your powertap isn’t working…” Blah. Blah blah.
Cross season is closing in quickly. It’s that time of year for us Roadies to show the world why we ride a bike and are not runners. 
Well at least we can blame some of it on the shoes!
Ending each ride with a short run is actually becoming enjoyable. My hips have finally given in to the fact that I am not going to stop just because they are whining a bit. The cross bike is getting its yearly cleaning, just kidding, why would I clean it if it’s just going to get dirty again? Now, about that shifting problem. 
We had a great time down in San Jose on Saturday night watching Jen Triplett win her points race (I should restate that: we watched Jen dominate her points race, which involved lapping the field and looking like she was going to pedal hard enough to burn her tires off). Jen grabbed a couple Nationals titles during the week of racing and it was fun to see her take a Best All-Around rider award too. Below are a couple pics (sorry, I’m bad at “action” photography). Congrats, Jen!
Maybe a visit back to the Tetons this fall is in order for a recharge
The last couple races have not been much to write about. No excuses, just creeping right now. That is what happens when you try to hold good form for too long. At some point, you have to hit the reset button and do some serious rest, followed by some good training. I have been resting after races and training, but no real good blocks of rest followed with a hard long block.
As mentioned before, it is HOT here in San Jose. Record temps have hit the area for several days in a row now - with no sign of it cooling down while we’re here. To be honest though I’m LOVING it!
It’s HOT down here. And about 85 in the room I’m surfing the Internet on. Guy deemed it Bikram Web surfing.
Relaxing before my face off against Jen Featheringill tonight in our sprint finals. Should be good! Best two out of three. Wish me speedy legs!
