Setting goals, switching things up, and 30 DAYS OF BIKING

Farewell March and winter.... hello April!

I am soooo excited for what's ahead this Spring/Summer/Fall...

I took a loooong necessary break from training after getting back from 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, and the time off the bike helped me set some objectives for the year and re-evaluate my approach towards meeting my goals. In some respects I'm taking a few steps backwards -- returning to what has worked for me in the past and letting go of what no longer does.

I'm back with trainers Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe -- the dynamic duo for muscle conditioning and cardio fitness. Christine and Keli hold me accountable when I start to slack off, motivate me when I need a boost, and care about my successes and failures. (I've missed that!) I'm looking forward to new workouts with both of them... (although I'm not looking forward to the pain).

I'm also excited for the rides I have planned this summer, including

• Harpoon Point to Point with Chip, Rich, and some of the girls
• Farm to Fork Fondo in Maine (with Alison)
• EOD Ride in California (although, that's a soft commitment. Still TBD)
• Krempels King of the Road Challenge
• and several MTB adventures. (Really, it's the mountain biking I'm most excited about!)

First up, though, is 30 Days of Biking... the annual challenge to ride your bike every day in April, rain or shine, near or far, wherever the inspiration takes you. I'm starting the challenge with a week of dismal, wet, cold weather predicted here in New England, but eh, that's how April often goes. I'll still get it done. It's year three for me... I've got this.

This year's 30 Days of Biking challenge raises awareness and funds for the advocacy organization World Bicycle Relief. For every 2 riders pledged, $1 is donated to the cause -- a pretty cool deal.

Hooray for SPRING!

Getting things done, one step at a time

So many challenges. It's not easy sometimes to get past the obstacles, and would be so easy to just stop... but I am surrounded, (surrounded), by amazing friends who keep me moving along when doubts creep in. I'm so grateful for them.

I couldn't grasp the travel logistics to Tucson, even though I've done this before, and Ingrid subtly got me over that hurdle, though it was just the first of several obstacles to overcome.

Snow and cold... I've been riding through both... though fortunately we've had unseasonably warm weather this year, especially in light of the winter we had last year. (I haven't been on my snowboard all winter. My fear is I'd wipeout on the slopes and derail my race plans.) Still, the colder temps and gray days often make for shorter rides, and I haven't gotten a real feel for the Kona.

I planned to ship my bike through Fitwerx, and knew Marty would take care of it, but a timing issue on the other end meant I'd need to break down my 29er in Tucson, on my own, for the return trip -- and therefore need to know how to disassemble it myself. It seemed a difficult task, (more complicated than my road bike), until Jen and Amy and Alison gave me reassurances at breakfast on Sunday that I could do it -- and after watching several YouTube videos, I did it. My bike shipped yesterday.

BikeFlights is the shipping option I chose for sending my bike to Tucson -- primarily because they sponsor several athletes I know and they are a sponsor for 24HOP -- but their website has a few glitches that made the order process painful. It wasn't until I dropped the bike off at FedEx yesterday morning that I felt a little relief that I'm still moving forward.

The girls are keeping me honest with my workouts, Nikki and Amy have been my P2 support crew, the Vanderkitten squad keeps me inspired, and my 24HOP teammies, Michelle, Sandrine, Ami, Addie, and Shannon are really THE BEST.

And of course I've had huuuuuuggggeeee love and support from the boys and Mike, who try their damnedest to keep me sane when I go a little crazy. Love my men.

It's going to be a good time. I just have to ride.

A Week of Complete Awesomeness

We're Week Two into 2016, and it's been filled with so much awesomeness that I haven't had a chance to post on the blog. Starting out the new year on the bike, I had a fun, fun, fun trail ride with Chippy and, really, how fabulous is this kid?! Adventures with Chip 2016 is going to be a blast.

Pink sunglasses, BeardHead hat, no gloves, no problem

I've been riding and running and eating clean for 13 days straight, with a huuuuuuge boost from my dearest friend Ingrid, who just happens to be a pretty incredible athlete and health coach. Ingrid arrived on January 7th and spent a week here on the North Shore, getting me back into a running routine, joining me on trail rides, bike workouts (including P2 with Coach Shayne!), and walks around Boston and Cambridge. She gave me a fresh insight into issues that have been plaguing me for a while, and I feel completely renergized. 

Dropping her off at the airport this afternoon for her return flight to Houston left me in tears on the drive home. I miss her already!! Still, we had a fantastic time together and I have a good feeling about the year ahead for both of us. We had an amazing week and I'm excited for the new year!

A first for Ingrid -- riding MTBs in the snow!

Tri Inside the Y Update

It's been a busy week with little time to update the blog, so here's a quick rundown on where I stand with the Tri Inside the Y.

Bike: We've had amazing weather for riding -- both on the mountain bike and road bike -- so getting my miles done on the bike has been easy. On Saturday, I took advantage of the 60 degree temps (in December!) to join the Cyclopaths for breakfast at Brother's Taverna in Salem. (Of course I was the only Cyclopath who arrived by bike... but it was good to see everyone.) I'm averaging 45-50 miles a week and projected to finish next Wednesday.

Run: I'm averaging 4.5 miles a week in running, and need to step it up the last two weeks if I'm going to finish on time. Nikki is ahead of me on the run, but we're nearly tied on both the bike and swim/row.

Row: I met Nikki and our mutual friend, Judy Jackson, at the Y last Thursday and finally got started on my rowing! I'm able to knock out 7,000 meters with 45 minutes of rowing... so it's taking me a while to get this done. I haven't had any shoulder issues following the row, so that's been a nice surprise. I have 21,500 meters to go.

Getting it done.

Coasting Along

Last week was a tough one -- ups and downs -- but I stayed on course with Whole 30 and my workouts. I'm running a few days a week trying to prepare for my 5k in March and managed my first mile without stopping. Baby steps.

Exchanging a few text messages with Ingrid each day really kept me focused last week. I know, without a doubt, that it's the people in my life who keep me positive and happy and feeling loved. I'm truly grateful for that. The sun always shines.

I had two family deaths last week. One was my step-grandfather at 99 years old, who I hadn't seen much in recent years but liked very much. Family will gather at the end of the week to laugh and share stories and celebrate his life. He'd like that. The other death was my mother, which sounds weird to say because I don't consider her a mother -- that distinction belongs to someone else -- but her failure to name the one son, (who didn't step up to protect his sisters from violence and abuse), Power of Attorney, on top of well-intentioned people offering condolences for her death, (really?!?!) -- meant I had to deal with waaay more than I should have last week. Craaaaazy. 

And eh. This is personal stuff... but it's my blog... so there you go. What it comes down to is love and gratitude -- and I felt a lot of that last week, overpowering a flood of painful memories. Mike and the boys kept me sane, my sisters gave me strength through each WTF moment, Ingrid guided me to stay true to my wellness goals, my Vanderkitten girls kept me thinking about the future, and my SpiderOne teammies had me laughing and laughing on Friday night at dinner. I'm really a lucky girl -- I truly am.

Love your kids, love your family, love your friends, be good to the world and everything will be just fine. Life is good.

EOD Warrior 5K, Memorial Day 2014

I'm not a runner... but still ran 3.3 miles today for the EOD Warrior Foundation. I couldn't be in San Diego today for the 5k Memorial Day race, but there was no reason why I couldn't run the miles here at home. (Not owning proper running shoes isn't an excuse.)

Chip and Davey joined me for my run. They are both 12 years old and can run a 7 minute mile, but they kept me company anyway. (Good boys.) It was a slow pace -- but I got it done -- and hope friends running in San Diego had a great day. We honor all who've made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our freedom this Memorial Day.

Day 26: 30 Days of Biking, NEBC Race Clinic, Rain

Today's race clinic in a cold steady rain was not fun in most regards, but in some ways it was. We had a low turnout today which, given the weather, wasn't a surprise. (Since it's Day 26 of 30 Days of Biking, I had planned to ride, rain or shine.)

My group headed out to warm up with some paceline riding before stopping at a quiet road to start the day's skills session. Unfortunately, I managed to get a flat tire soon after the warm-up -- and everyone stopped while I changed my tire, (like a pro!), before proceeding with the drills. My gloves were totally soaked at that point, and my fingers froze, and I regretted turning down Mark M.'s offer to borrow a pair of neoprene gloves. (I thought mine would be warm enough -- I was wrong.)

Our instruction today included starting a race, (choosing the right gear to get into a high cadence as quickly as possible) -- and finishing the race, (anticipating where the finish line is, and practicing a leadout and sprint to the finish). I'm sure there were other things we did too, but my brain is dead at the moment.

Later, getting back to the parking lot where we started, someone peeled my gloves off for me, and another stopped the Strava app on my iPhone. My fingers were so frozen! Still, it was a fun day despite the miserable weather, and I had a great time with the NEBC gang.

It was the final day of the clinic, (so sad), and everyone was sooooo nice. I will miss my graduation race because of crew training for RAAM in Oregon the same day -- but I'm sure the new bike handling skills I learned in the clinic will help me be a better rider. It was a blast -- minus the rain.

(Photo above of Mark B., who, like Chip, doesn't seem to mind rain or puddles.)

#30daysofbiking

New Challenges, Updates

Sometimes things don't work out like you planned... but they open the doors to other opportunities.

In January, I made the tough decision not to ride this year's PMC. Our family connection to cancer has been devastating -- with the loss of close family members and friends -- and I've been proud of my long involvement with the PMC, and grateful for the support I've received. What started as a grass-roots charity ride has grown into a phenomena, with over 10,000 people riding or volunteering during the course of the weekend, and corporate sponsorships building it into one of the most successful fundraisers in the country. This year, without a doubt, the PMC will meet it's $40 million weekend goal, and I'm so proud of the riders and volunteers who will make it happen.

SMALLER CHALLENGES IN 2014
Last year, the Undefeated EOD Ride raised $320,000 for our wounded EOD warriors, and it was a BIG DEAL. (Just a drop in the bucket by PMC standards -- but so immensely important to our wounded veteran's and families in need of support.) It made me think about the smaller charities who are overshadowed by the big guys, (the Pan Mass Challenge).

As January rolled around, and ride commitments were being made, I planned to join the Undefeated EOD Ride one more time for our wounded service members. That ride, and the friends I made, grabbed a piece of my heart that will always be theirs. We've stayed in touch since last Fall and made plans to ride together in October, but fate has altered the plan a little. Deployments and active duty assignments have pushed this year's ride to 2015, so tackling Torrey Pines together will have to wait another year.

With the Undefeated EOD Ride postponed, I considered riding the PMC, but really want to shift my focus to the little rides -- The charity events that don't receive as much media attention and find support harder to find. (The Harpoon Point to Point and Ride for Angels will be two of them.)

BACK TO CALIFORNIA

I'll also be heading back to California in September -- this time for the Canary Challenge, which raises money for cancer research at The Canary Center at Stanford, (the same way the PMC does for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.)  My VanderkittenVIP teammates will ride the challenge together, with several of the Vanderkitten Pro riders leading the way. (Vanderkitten is committed to the Canary Foundation's mission and will be a strong presence at this year's event.) I'm so excited to be joining them and will post more info about the ride this summer.

I know from the EOD Ride that those California hills can be tough -- So I have some training to do -- and with RAAM keeping me off the bike for much of June, Shayne will have his work cut out for him in creating a training plan that will help me tackle Kings Mountain Road with the pros.

Summer can't come soon enough!

Day 5: 30 Days of Biking, NEBC Race Clinic

Today's cycling adventure, (and Day 5 of my 30 Days of Biking challenge), was an Intro to Racing Clinic out in Devens, Mass. with Northeast Bicycle Club. It was a cold, overcast day, with breaks of sun here and there, but I had sooooo much fun that after the first ten minutes I completely forgot it was cold. Everyone was incredibly nice, (understatement), and my head is now so jam packed with info, it's going to take a while for everything to sink in. But I learned a TON -- I have some practice to do, (Bunny hops! Corners! Water bottles!) -- and I can't wait for next week! (Thank you NEBC gang!!!)

#30daysofbiking

30 Days of Biking

New Challenge! I made the pledge at 30 Days of Biking to ride my bike every day in April -- no matter what the weather or temperature, distance or destination -- and document it on social media. Getting out for a ride each day (for 30 days) would normally not be a challenge if it were June or July... but we're talking APRIL... and what will likely be a cold, wet spring. New England weather will definitely present a challenge, (we've had snow storms in April before), but I'm hoping it will be a lot more enjoyable than the "thirty days of burpees" challenge. Hahaha... That was a fail.

30 days of Biking has teamed up with Free Bikes 4 Kidz, a non profit group in Minneapolis providing bikes to underprivileged youth. For every thirty riders who make the pledge to ride, one bike will be donated to a kid who may otherwise not be able to afford one. (I'm totally in for that.) Take the pledge at 30daysofbiking.com. (And cross your fingers for a warm Spring.)

#30daysofbiking

Bringing in the New Year

It was a crazy way to start the new year, but Ethan and I headed out at 8:30 a.m. for the Frozen Fifteen bike ride -- our 15 mile loop of Marblehead Neck and the perimeter of town. A fifteen mile bike ride doesn't sound like much, but on a 23 degree day, with a wind chill of 13 and scattered patches of ice to keep us alert, the ride did take a lot of effort.

Heading out around Marblehead Neck I felt pretty good, until we hit a headwind coming back over the causeway. It wasn't strong, but it was bitter cold. We looped the outer perimeter of town, toes beginning to numb, before heading back to Swampscott. When I left Ethan at his street, I was still a little short of 15 miles, so I continued on to complete the 15. Bike ride done.

Meanwhile, Mike was in Salem running the Frosty Four -- The Wicked Running Club's first run of the new year. With Mike on his four mile run, I had no time to warm up after my ride, as the boys were participating in the Swampscott Yacht Club's Polar Bear Plunge with friends and teammates. This year's plunge benefited two charities, including The Haven Project for homeless teens. It was Chip's third polar plunge, and Will's first, (dunking the Atlantic with his high school swim team). Both braved the icy water -- a 36 degree water temp -- thus completing our own little triathlon relay (of sorts). Bike, run, swim. Happy New Year!

The Finish Line to 2013

Another year draws to a close, and I'm reflecting on 2013 while looking ahead to the new year. This was an inspiring year in so many ways, with sad undercurrents mixed in. The bombing at the Boston Marathon, and the tragedy of the Seacoast Century, took the breath out of me. Sometimes it's hard to keep the momentum going, and I'm grateful to the many people who helped me move forward and reach my goals this year.

My health has improved, and although there are some days I'm dragging, it's not even close to how I felt a few years ago. My red cell count is still stupidly low, but I've been able to push through the fatigue without resorting to EPO. (Ha ha... I wouldn't want to be banned from cycling, i.e. Lance Armstrong.)  I credit my increase in energy to the changes I made in my diet this year -- sticking to whole, unprocessed foods and adhering to a Paleo lifestyle. I know there are skeptics to Paleo, but it's working for me. You should always find what works best for you.

This year I took on five different charity rides, including rides for the Vermont Food Bank, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the EOD Warrior Foundation -- and raised nearly $10,000 along the way. It wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support I get from all of you. Thank you for that.

Many of you know, after my crash in 2012, I was challenged to ride and raise money for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. I didn't know what EOD was at the time, and I didn't know the ride was on the other side of the country, but I agreed to look into it. When I talked to Mike about the ride in January, he supported my endeavor 100 percent. (More like a thousand percent, but he's a math geek and 1,000 percent wouldn't work for him.) Mike's support set everything else in motion in 2013... the training, the rides, the coaching... all of it. (Thanks, honey!)

The Undefeated EOD Ride wasn't the longest ride I've ever done, but it was the most inspiring -- and a remarkable challenge. I've said it many times, but it bears repeating that I'm grateful to the many people who made it work -- Especially my family and friends; my coach Shayne Gaffney; all of my riding partners; and of course my many sponsors.

I'm also indebted to the amazing warriors and friends I met on the ride; Tim, Jim, Schreck and Julia, Christine and Matt, Jimmy, Brad, Morgan, Shane, Jason and Chelsea, Kathy, Kevin... it's a long list. Thank you.

I don't know what adventures lie ahead, but I'm excited for the New Year! I'm inspired by my fellow Vanderkitten athletes and can't wait to join in on some of the fun. Since my cycling days are somewhat in limbo, (due to snow), I'll have to get my VK action on the slopes. I'm hoping Joe, my favorite snowboard instructor, is back at Nashoba Valley this winter. (I'm determined to graduate from the Nashoba Slope, Joe! Get ready!)

Like last year at this time, I'm hanging on for winter frostbite rides, but the weather hasn't cooperated. I am also working to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge... with a lot of rowing and running to do. (OMG. I can't believe how much running I still have to do...)

But, I can see the finish line to 2013 -- I intend to finish strong.

No Festive 500 For Me

It's too bad Strava doesn't display the challenge badges you've earned during the year on your Strava profile. This week, a few of the riders I follow have signed up for the Rapha Festive 500. If there wasn't snow on the ground, and the zero percent chance of me completing 500 km in 8 days, I'd jump at it because the badge is so pretty... but I'll leave it to my California and Australian friends.

I didn't join Strava until June, when I got the Garmin, and only signed up for three challenges this year, but here are the badges. I completed the Rapha 100k in July, and earned 250K benchmarks on the other two. (Three on The Extender and one on Turn up the Heat.) Each benchmark met personal goals, so that was great. Next summer, I'm going for a 1,000km month. Definitely.

---

Rapha Womens 100 -- 7/7/13 Total distance: 100K 1 day 

The Extender -- 9/1-9/30 Total distance: 802.5k over 14 rides,  

Turn up the Heat -- 10/1-10/31 Total distance: 351k over 4 rides

10 Things Every Mountain Biker Should Have Done

10 Things Every Mountain Biker Should Have Done

As the end of 2013 nears, I'm looking back at the many adventures I had this past year -- and I'm even more excited for what's to come. This week, one of the kittens shared the video above to inspire us as we make our plans and goals for 2014. (I've done a few on the list... but I need a mountain bike to complete the rest!)

From Filme von Draussen on Vimeo.
This is a short compilation of experiences I made on my mountain bike during the past three years that I found worth sharing. And if you know fellow riders that are in need of a boost of motivation, please share this video with them!

Follow us on Facebook for regular updates and behind the scenes info: www.facebook.com/filmevondraussen

Enjoy!

Undefeated EOD Ride Day One

Tim Brown, me, Richard Schreckengaust, Julia Woods & Jim Woods.

Just one of many fantastic photos from the ride. Great teamwork and amazing new friends on Day One. I had an incredible ride thanks to these four -- Tim, Julia, Schreck and Jim. I met some truly wonderful people this weekend, but these four will forever be in my heart.

The Undefeated EOD 2-day Bike Ride - 2012

Great video from last year's Undefeated EOD Ride.

Undefeated 2013 Registered

I haven't yet started my fundraising for the Pan Mass Challenge, but did register for the Undefeated 2 Day Ride for the EOD Warrior Foundation. (You knew I would). I debated over whether to take on the East Coast ride -- just an easy hop down to DC -- or go all out and do the Southern California Coast -- logistically harder. So which one did I choose? You're going to have to visit my fundraising page to see which route won me over. &#12484 (Thanks, B & Mike for helping me make the decision!)

Hoping to get my fundraising on both PMC and EOD rides started soon!

The Undefeated 2-Day Bike Ride, Fall 2013

Well, sports fans, it's time to let you in on what's been percolating this winter. In addition to the Pan Mass Challenge, I plan to take on a second heavy fundraising event -- the Undefeated 2-Day Bike Ride -- a 2 day, 200 mile ride benefiting the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation.

Last summer, while I was recovering from my spectacular crash prior to the PMC, I heard from a long-time friend, (a former Navy guy), who'd heard about the accident. After listening to me unload my frustrations over the crash, he told me to quit my whining, get my ass back on the bike, and ride the PMC. He reminded me that I would be able to get back on the bike at some point, while he could name a half dozen guys who couldn't. (It was a sobering reminder of what I take for granted.)

He mentioned the EOD Ride for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation and asked me to consider riding... and I promised to look into it.

Last fall, Will and I were on hand when Billy presented a check for $37 million dollars to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. (One Ride, Thirty Seven Million Dollars.) This year, the PMC will hopefully raise another $40 million. I thought of the EOD Ride, and the $310,000 raised for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation -- such a fraction of the amount the PMC raises -- but equally as critical. The Undefeated Two Day Ride raises money to help meet the needs our wounded EOD techs and their families may have -- beyond what the Department of Defense and Veteran's Affairs can cover.

You all know I did get back on that bike to ride the PMC, (cast and all), and this Fall I hope to pay it forward by riding and raising money for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. (Yes, in addition to the Pan Mass Challenge). I'm not riding several of the smaller rides this year, (Tour de Cure, Harpoon Point to Point, or Cycle the Seacoast, etc..) but will put all of my efforts into 6 letters -- PMC and EOD. I know I'm asking for a lot, -- really, I do -- but hope I can count on you for your support.

You didn't think I was riding through this relentless winter because I was crazy, did you?? I have a mission... and now you're in on the plan. Stay tuned for more...

A New Year... New Challenges...

The past few days have been peaceful after the craziness of the holidays. In a span of 9 days we hosted 2 family brunches, a Christmas dinner, enjoyed the holidays with family, spent a few days skiing and snowboarding in Vermont, finished my Tri, and ended the week with a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium, (plus another brunch, this time attending, not hosting.) Whew! So exhausting! It's nice to finally get back to a normal routine!

Registration for the 2013 Pan Mass Challenge begins next week. Will (14) is only eligible to ride the 50 mile loop from Wellesley to Gillette Stadium and back, so we will likely register together for that route, (returning to the 2-day route in 2014). I'm undecided on which other charity rides I'll participate in this year -- I've been asked to ride several and haven't made any firm commitments yet. I'll keep you posted!

The new year brings new challenges and opportunities... I'm looking forward to 2013!

The Finish Line to 2012

Just 1 week to go before 2012 comes to a close -- It's that time of year when folks start thinking about setting new goals and making resolutions for the new year.

This year has really gone fast, although in reality it was no faster than any other year. I had a lot of support this year in my 2012 goal to get stronger, fitter and healthier. I owe a lot to 5 amazing women who encouraged me throughout the year and kept me on track to seize each day. Leslie, Kim, Elena, Pam and Deb... Thank you. (I'm looking forward to setting new goals and reaching for higher stars with you in 2013.)

I'm also indebted to Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe for helping me reach my fitness goals. (I still haven't figured out the correct way to do a burpee, but I'm working on it).

And I'd be remiss without saying how grateful I am to ride with my dear friends of the North Shore Cyclopaths. The last 2 years have been tough for us -- and my crash this summer didn't help matters. I guess, though, in hindsight it's given us something to laugh about. (I'm not too thrilled about being nicknamed "Crash Cronin", however. That's a little harsh.)

There are still 10 days left to 2012. I'm still riding our Saturday morning Cyclopath rides, although my fellow frostbiters are wimping out. (Is it still a Cyclopath ride if I'm riding alone?) I'm also working hard to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge. I'm glad there are still ten days left because I have a lot of running and rowing to do. This challenge has helped me make better choices this holiday season... I've been ignoring the carton of egg nog that stares at me every time I open the fridge.

I can see the finish line to 2012 -- I intend to finish strong.