Recap & Winners: #RideOutCancer

Every October for the past several years, I've hosted the Cupcake Classic virtual run to fight breast cancer. The "cupcake run" idea has now been duplicated more times than I can count, so this year, I decided to change it up. Tapping into my other passion (cycling), I organized a #RideOutCancer that incorporated several elements.

First was the Spin for the Cure on Oct. 5, a local event at the gym where I instruct Spinning. It was an amazing night with a packed Spin room. If you missed my recap, check it out here.

Secondly, I sold tank tops and t-shirts with the #RideOutCancer emblem on the front. The proceeds from shirt sales were donated to my neighbor Amanda, who is currently fighting breast cancer. When I walked down the street to deliver the donation, she was actually in Houston receiving another round of treatments. The $300 raised will help in a small way to offset their travel costs for these important medical trips. Thank you to everyone who purchased a shirt!

Thirdly, I partnered with BondiBand, my favorite athletic headbands (and winter running hat!). I sold headbands left and right, with proceeds donated towards my fundraising in the Komen Promise Run.

Lastly was the VIRTUAL 50K RIDE... This was free participation, raising awareness for breast cancer... on the bike, putting in the miles to honor those we've lost, those who survived and those still fighting. There was a finisher's medal available and those sold out quickly. Again, all proceeds benefitted our local Komen for the Cure Peoria Memorial via my race fundraising.

Total Raised: $1473

SPECIAL THANK YOU to these generous sponsors who donated above and beyond to make these breast cancer fundraising possible. The holidays are approaching... please consider doing some shopping with these companies. They have great stuff!

Tough Chik

Milestones Sports Jewelry

Runner Decals

CLICK Protein Drink 

• THE RIDE •

I finished my personal 50K ride on October 9. It was a challenging ride for me, as I've been putting in less miles on the road bike versus the Spin room. Hills are much harder in 'real life'. But it was a gorgeous day and whenever it got difficult, I remembered who I was riding for...

From the moment the finisher's medals arrived at my door, my 7 year old daughter wanted one. I explained to her what they were for (and they're not free). She was adamant that she wanted to earn one. In fact, she even pulled out her piggy bank to pay for it herself. So I told her, "If you ride the miles - without me having to force you - then I will buy the medal for you." By golly, that girl has definitely got my persistence. From day one, she was constantly asking if we could go for a bike ride. We had a spattering of bad weather and busy schedules in the early part of the month, so her miles came down to the wire. On Halloween night, between the rain, she got it done... with the whole family at the end of the driveway cheering her on.  I was one proud momma.

 Over 300 people across the country participated in the #RideOutCancer virtual ride. I have enjoyed reading your stories and seeing your finish line photos. Thank you for your participation and dedication to the fight against breast cancer. You are ALL Winners!

And finally the PRIZE winners...
Michelle Valentine - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Jana McCutchan - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Angie Rodgers - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Amber Drake - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Nicola Rutherford - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Lindsay Barnes - prize package from Tough Chik

Samuel Stepp - prize package from CLICK Espresso Protein Drink

Amanda Carey - cyclist tumbler from Runner Decals

Lily McMullin - bicyclist bracelet from Shape Up Shenanigans

Deanna Metzloff - bicycle necklace
Melissa Butler - bicycle necklace
Brady Tadisch - helmet mirror

Congratulations to everyone! Big THANKS for your participation!

Spin for the Cure

The past few months, I've been organizing the first Spin for the Cure at the gym where I work, Landmark Recreation Center. This past Saturday, October 5th was the big night... and it was AMAZING!!  I was so moved by the women, the atmosphere, the stories.  It was a celebration of life - the ones we live and the ones we've lost.

Gosh darn it... I got all teary on the bike (which by the way, makes it really hard to instruct). I'm typically not one to get emotional, but there I was all choked up, unable to talk. Thankfully, I only led the first 30 minutes of the ride. I was somewhat relieved to hand over the conclusion to my fellow Spin Rockstar (and breast cancer survivor) Amy.

The Spin for the Cure event was set up similar to a race. Participants paid to reserve a bike, which was donated directly to the Komen for the Cure Peoria Memorial. Riders received an hour long Spinning class, goody bag, water and finisher's cupcakes. After each song, there were prize drawings (I believe we accumulated enough that everyone walked out with a prize!)  Afterward, we gathered in the adjacent Bullpen Bar & Grill for celebratory dinner and drinks, where 15% of the sales were also donated to our local Komen. I don't have final numbers yet, but I'm positive we raised over $600 with this little event.

Here's a video summary at our inaugural Spin for the Cure...

Thank you to all who participated and supported this amazing event.

Keep fighting... We'll definitely be back with a repeat next year!

Today's Musings

It's been a hard week on the pedals. 
• I started off the week with 22 miles in Chippewa Falls (WI) while on Labor Day vacation. It was dark and dreary that morning, not to mention cold. I wasn't in the mood, but headed out anyway, knowing odds were likely that I wouldn't be back in the area. The ride was just blah for me, and I found myself on the verge of a cold the rest of the day. I jacked up with vitamin C, slept and all was good.
• On Tuesday, I taught Spinning class. My gym got new bikes (yeah!), but they are different and require new adjustments. My settings weren't right and the whole ride felt miserable for me. I deal poorly with change...

• Thursday, I procrastinated all morning and didn't get out on the road until the afternoon sun was blazing. I headed out my usual route towards Hanna City and was enjoying the saddle for the most part. On the way home, I decided to take a detour and adventure down new country roads. To my dismay, I eventually noticed my rear tire was leaking air. I stopped to air up the tire and navigate a new (shorter) route home. Of course, the most direct route was Middle Rd... I know this one well and avoid it for a reason... it's hillier than heck!! I struggled on the inclines and breezed down the big declines... and then I hit construction. Out in the middle of nowhere. No turning around; no side roads. My only option was straight through. The road ahead was complete gravel... and more hills. Most dangerous ride ever... with a bad tire. I stopped several more times to add more air and eventually made it home. Ugh.

I've been scheming 2014.
• Now that I started my fall racing schedule, I'm looking ahead to the spring. The only race I know for sure (cause I'm already registered!) is the Shamrock Marathon in early March. Everything else will revolve around that. Honestly, I'm not even completely thrilled by the prospect of another full marathon. I sat down the other night with the calendar, only to realize proper training should start right after Thanksgiving. Crap! I normally don't like to get serious until January...
• Other races I'm looking at include Diva Half Marathon (Branson, MO) and Lincoln Half Marathon (Lincoln, NE). Both the weekend of May 4, so I'll have to pick either/or. I'd like to find a double-state weekend in April if I can pull it off...

Another hot race coming up!
It's miserably HOT here in Illinois again today. We are suppose to get rain tonight to cool things off a bit, but I won't believe it until I see it. I'm heading up to the Windy City to run the Chicago Half Marathon. I won a race entry thru TooTallFritz.com, and have no intentions of running 'fast'... just enjoyable. Hopefully, the heat will control itself, so I can look cute as pie in this brightly colored outfit...

Perfect example of how one can assemble a race outfit
based soley on the SOCK OF THE MONTH at ProCompression!

Have you picked out your 2014 races yet? Which ones are you running?

Do you take 'great care' in picking out race outfits, or just wear whatever?

Got a big race this weekend? Where? How'd you do?

VIRTUAL RIDE for breast cancer

I'm so excited to announce my next virtual event... a ride to fight breast cancer! Whether you're a runner, cyclist or an all-around athlete, this event is for everyone!!  Runners, this is a great way to commit to your cross-training!  October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what a great way to show support than ROCKin' October on a bike!

THE VITALS
To participate in the virtual ride, you pedal anytime during the month of October at the location of your choice... on your road bike, mountain bike, stationary bike or in a Spinning class. No registration necessary, but it may help if you like my Facebook page for weekly updates and reminders, or bookmark this page. The ride is NO CHARGE to participate, but there are add-ons (below) to make the ride "an event" for you. Proceeds from these items are donated to help fight breast cancer.

DISTANCE
The ride length is 50k, which is the equivalent of 31 miles. That's ONE mile each day dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. You choose how to complete this event during the 31 days of October... 
• Ride the 31 miles all in one shot
• Ride 7.75 miles once a week
• Ride 1 mile each day in Oct
• Take 2 Spinning classes in Oct

PRIZES!

Once your 50K is complete, come back and CLICK HERE (starting Oct. 1) to report back your finish. You will receive one entry into the PRIZE DRAWING, held after October. Final prize winners can be viewed here.

PHOTOS

Take pictures of your ride and post them to my Facebook wall. I will be making/sharing photo collages throughout October to demonstrate our strength in this important cause. I'd love to include you too!

DEDICATION BIBS
Ride to support a current fighter. Ride to honor a survivor.  Ride in memory of a special one who lost the breast cancer battle. Dedication bibs available here to download and print.

So dust off those wheels & recruit your friends to complete this challenge!
Commit to this virtual ride by leaving a comment below... and please share!

Thank you for your participation!

Final recap can be viewed HERE.

* * * EXTRAS * * *

Please consider making your virtual ride extra special with one of the items below. Proceeds are donated to 1.) Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Peoria Memorial whom I run for on Oct. 20 and 2.) my neighbor Amanda, a young mom of two who is currently fighting breast cancer and medical bills. 

Sorry, FINISHER MEDALS are Sold Out.
$500 was donated to Komen for the Cure from the sale of these medals. Thank You!!

Sorry, SHIRTS are Sold Out.

From the sale of these shirts, $300 was donated to my neighbor, who is currently fighting breast cancer. Thank You!!

Please share this event via your favorite social medium... Thank You!

Ride Recap: Venus de Miles 2013

Her Royal Majesty and I are ready
to ride at Venus de Miles

It's really hard to believe myself that just last summer, I began cycling. Sure, I rode as a kid and pedaled around the neighborhoods on my beatup mountain bike. But when I bought Her Royal Majesty and started logging miles, a whole new world opened up for me. My goal last summer was to complete the 16 miles that were the center in my sprint triathlon. In hindsight, it almost seems silly how worried I was about that distance.

This past Sunday, I rode 64.2 miles as part of Venus de Miles.  SIXTY-FOUR! 

Pardon my excitement, but I'm really stoked over the progress a year has brought. In fact, I feel a bit guilty being so smitten with cycling. Running may be my first love and lasting marriage, but cycling is my current affair.

Since I ran the BTN Big 10K race on Saturday, I took advantage of my time in the Chicago area. I hit the Athleta store (my fav!), Gurnee Mills and then caught up with my family in the area. I awoke Sunday morning to chilly temps, wind and light rain outside the window. Ugh, my heart sank. I really didn't know if I could ride that long in those conditions. Thoughts of dropping down to the 25 mile ride began to enter my head as I made the 1/2 hour drive to Lake Forest College, the start of Venus de Miles.

By time I arrived, the rain had dissipated. The sun began to poke out and my mood improved as I saw other riders unloading their bikes. The large coffee that I just drank began to do it's work and I immediately discovered the coolest porta-potty station I've ever seen! There was a table with all sorts of toiletries and there were even flowers inside the porta-potty. Nice female touches. It's these little things that I love about doing women-only events.

I check my bike at the support station and as expected, I needed air in my tires. I couldn't stop giggling inside at the Men In Drag who were our support staff for the day. Once my bike was ready, I racked Her Royal Majesty and went searching for friends to calm my anxiety.
I found the Chicago Running Bloggers...

fellow Venus de Miles Ambassadors...

and my beloved Tough Chiks...

Enough socializing... the call to start was made. I lined up with Amanda and found ourselves in the second wave. In no time, we were off without any glitches. Not only was this my first biking event, it was my first time ever riding with other people!  Needless to say, I was a tad nervous about that.

Any anxiety I had melted away as soon as we began zooming through the beautiful neighborhoods. Amanda set a nice pace and we chatted away the early miles. There was a lot of passing early as riders naturally found their comfortable speed. I kept close to Amanda and followed her lead as we sailed down rolling streets and pretty bike trails. Despite the chilly air, I was having a blast and felt extremely comfortable in this new sport. From the very start, Amanda, Suzanne and I made continuous line of three...

Shortly into the ride, we picked up Helena and Jess, who were moving our same speed. The five of us would hold together as a tight pack the rest of the day... and just like that, new friendships were born. We took turns leading - fighting the wind and pulling up the hills. My Venus de Miles ride was made by these women. Seriously, they made the ride so fun and dare I say... easy.

The 64 mile ride was broken up into segments by the four rest stops along the way. At each rest stop, there was an abundance of food and drink to refuel. By the third stop, I quit eating anything, realizing that I was probably consuming more calories than I was burning. Four stops was probably too many for me. Personally, I could have skipped a few, but it was a fun place to chat with other riders and deal with any issues that were nagging with our bikes. I had eye problems with my contacts and took some extra time at a rest stop to alleviate those issues.

Rest Stop

It seemed as though we rode through several weather fronts. At one moment, it was sunny and then the next, we'd look up to see threatening dark clouds. We were sprinkled on a couple times, smacked in the face with tough winds, and kicked up a fair share of water from wet roads.

The Venus de Miles course varied quite a bit. There were peaceful country roads, busy city streets, pretty bike trails (both paved and gravel), big hills to climb, rolling pastures and my personal favorite, huge descents that made us scream with delight! At one point, my iBiker app peaked at 30 mph!  Woo-Hoo! It felt like flying!

As we came into the finish, we cheerfully exchanged high fives. However, I was sad to see it come to an end. I can't even put into words how much I enjoyed my first Venus de Miles ride. I felt like I could have rode a lot longer and immediately thoughts of a Century Ride were racing through my head.

I have nothing but high marks for the 2013 Venus de Miles event. The course was well marked. Riders were pampered throughout the day - but especially at the finish! There were tents galore with vendors, giveaways, massages, facials, great food for lunch, and my personal favorite... the beer station and the ice cream truck!

THE CAUSE
I would be remise if I didn't mention the charity that this event benefits... the Greenhouse Scholars. This fabulous program sends high-performing but underprivileged young adults to college, breaking the chain in their poverty-striken and sometimes abusive life. I was thoroughly impressed with the young men and women that I got a chance to meet while I was there. They were young adults who were striving to be a positive leader in their communities. I was so touched that I immediately made a donation when I got home. You can do so too... here.

I am just so THRILLED with my first cycling event!! Thank you Venus de Miles for the great ride and treasured memories.  I will certainly be back in 2014.  I hope you will consider joining me next year!

Total Time (with stops) was approximately 5 hours.
Ride Time was 3:58:46 for 64.2 miles (16.1 mph).
RiDe HaPpY!!

My HALF Century Ride

50 MILES!

In five days, I will be riding in my first official cycling event, Venus de Miles, covering 61 miles on the north side of Chicago. I'm rather excited for this! It's just over a year since I seriously started cycling. It was a slow start last summer, as I prepared to tackle 16 miles in my sprint triathlon. I've come so far since then! Like any sport in the beginning, it's a lot of fun to see yourself progress quickly. Putting it into a running perspective... Venus de Miles is the equivalent to what the first 13.1 meant to my running. The distance is long enough to intimidate. I can't just wing it - which meant a wee bit of training was required. It's been an enjoyable journey and now I'm utterly hooked on cycling.

I must admit that after my last long ride of 44 miles, I was a little weary about my capability to go the distance.  It really hurt at the end and I was sore for days after.  Then... this past Sunday, I set out on Her Royal Majesty (my bike's name) with little expectations. I had done a long run of 10 miles the day before and wasn't sure what my legs had in them. I set off on an unknown route since I was visiting my parents in Wisconsin. I had only one objective... to get to Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh and enjoy some lakeside miles. Enjoy a change of scenery.

My parents house is in the country, so I had several miles to reach Omro, where I caught a long highway stretch (that I had scouted on our drive several days earlier). The quiet county road had smooth pavement and a wide shoulder. Perfect for biking! Unfortunately on the morning of my ride, I was heading straight into the wind on that stretch, so it was much tougher than expected.

Country views on my ride

As I got closer to the lake in Oshkosh, the wind grew stronger. But once I arrived, the view was worth the effort!

I took a brief stop to take in the gorgeous sights, the sound of water crashing in and the feel of the air. There was suddenly this heavy moisture in the air that reminded me so much of my days in Myrtle Beach. At this point, I was 20 miles into my ride, so I fueled up with half a Powerbar and some heavy pulls on my Nuun hydration.

I continued my ride along the lakeshore path and was stunned at how few runners there were out on this cool morning (mid 60's!). I saw a lot of walkers and cyclists, but not one runner. Isn't that odd?

When I reached the boat landing, I stopped to dip my tire in the lake. It's what cyclists do, right? This ride felt significant so I did...

At one point, the path came to a dead end and I was surrounded with water on all three sides of me, just a narrow strip of trail heading out into the lake. I had lived here for many of my younger years and yet never known about this place. Proof that one needs to always continue discovering!

I was feeling so good on the bike... legs, neck, shoulders, butt... everything was still going strong with very little discomfort. I decided then to stretch this ride to 50, so I took my time on the way home and turned off into a lot of rural neighborhoods on discovery missions. I passed Springbrook Bar, a popular stop on the snowmobiles from the lake, but I honestly had no idea how to reach it by land.

I took the "long way home" and it was worth every mile.  I surprised myself this weekend. I proved to myself that YES, I can get over this hump where "it hurts".  I can go further, faster. It will get easier if I keep pursuing the goal.  I knocked out 50 miles on the bike like it was nothing. If not for time concerns, I would have gone even longer! I had little soreness during the ride or even the next day. I feel like I've turned the corner on my bike training... and am anxious in a good way for this weekend's Venus de Miles.

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Weekend Warrior

I had a marvelous holiday weekend! If you read my last post, my anxiety was obvious... so I took the last four days to focus on my family and relaxation. We spent the holiday weekend at home and loved every minute of it!  The weather was perfect sunshine, allowing us to practically live in our backyard. I sip my coffee on this Monday morning with a big smile, absolutely in love with my little family of four.

The best part of our holiday was that we all had free time to do what we each enjoy. The girlies swam... a lot. Hubby got in a round of golf. And I scored a long bike ride and a long run.

A LONG RIDE
Friday morning, I rose with the sun and took Her Majesty out for ride. My previous longest ride was 25 miles. However, I have Venus de Miles (61 mile ride) coming up in a few weeks, so I need to start pushing my mileage.

I headed out on my favorite country route to Hanna City. There is a smooth wide shoulder that is perfect for biking. The edges gets a little rough around Trivoli (home of my first flat tire), so I turned off onto a side road when I couldn't take it anymore. I saw a water tower in the far distance and decided to head towards it. Unlike running, biking takes me back to my childhood, when I grew up outside the city. There is a tranquility on country roads and I enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. Road signs are sparse. Traffic is low. Everyone waves hello. And water towers are used to sight direction. (I know some people run on country roads, but that just doesn't feel safe to me - plus I've had a few encounters with farm dogs running on country roads back home.)

The true mark of Illinois... cornfields everywhere!

My phone dinged at 20 miles, which was my signal to turn it back home. But I was so close to the next water tower that I pushed a couple extra miles ahead to Elmwood. I made a quick stop in the center-of-town park that is a bit of a landmark there.  I ate my powerbar for fuel, washed it down... and then took my first fall while trying to take a picture. It was my first ride with my new clipless pedals. Note to self: When you stop, unclip both feet.

I took a slightly different route on the way home and encountered some challenging hills. Ugh. My legs grew tired and my ass was burning from the saddle. I had forked out some cash for new cycling shorts with built-in padding, hoping they would help on these long rides, but not so much.  By time I finished - 44.25 miles -  all I wanted to do was sit on an ice block to cool my sore booty.

A LONG RUN
Well sort of. 10 miles is long for me these days. On Sunday, I barely completed the 10 mile task. I had all sorts of mind-doubting games going on as we headed down the trail. Thankfully, I had a couple friends to distract me. I'm quite positive that without KO, I would have cut it short. I thought it was nice temps, but the humidity made it so hard to breathe and my legs once again felt like I was carrying bricks. What is going on with my run lately?

I find it slightly depressing that I ran a marathon less than three months ago. Why does endurance wean away so quickly? I've been trying to keep a double-digit in my weekly routine, but they seem to be getting more difficult. The recent humidity is my sworn enemy. Honestly, I'm just not a fan of summer running. It's odd I know. Everyone else seems to "pick up" their running in summer and I'm just the opposite. July and August are notoriously my lowest run mileage months. I'll take trudging through snow any day. And I lick my chops in anticipation for those cool autumn mornings...

I keep plugging away because I know it will make me stronger.
But no lying, I've had this sentiment lately...

My Reverse Duathlon

Self portrait on the bike...
This takes extreme coordination!

Today is a rest day. It was pre-planned since my long run is set for tomorrow. However, I have a hard time sticking to my schedule, specifically abiding to the rules of a "rest day". To force myself into compliance, I wear myself out the day before. I earn my rest day.

Yesterday morning, I did an easy 3 mile run, testing out the final course for the Sole Sisters 5K this Saturday.  It was a perfect summer day - bright sunshine, warm but not-too-hot temps. By afternoon, I was craving a bike ride, but I already had my weekly run with the Sole Sisters on deck. Training for two sports makes for complicated decisions. The crazy idea hit me to ride to the run. I got on mapmyride.com and planned the safest route into downtown. Hubby was cool with it, so off I went.

A duathlon is an event that consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg - in a format bearing resemblance to triathlons.

I flipped it around to make a REVERSE DUATHLON...

9.25 miles on the bike - It was the hottest time of day with heavy traffic at the 5 o'clock hour. I need practice riding my bike in traffic, so it was good for my confidence. I had one huge ass hill to climb, the kind I usually avoid. Again, I need the experience of hill climbing on the bike... I made it up, slow and steady without falling over.

5K (3.1 miles) run - group run with my Sole Sisters. We had a great bunch last night as we tackled the hills of Springdale Cememtery. My legs felt weird to be running and it took me a good mile to find a groove.

8 miles on the bike - By 7pm, the day was winding down. The setting sun brought cooler temps and not-so-bright sun glare (ideal for cycling!). Plus I had less traffic to contend with later in day. Unfortunately, on the way home though, I had to deal with two big hills this time. Now tired, my quads and glutes kinda screamed, but I crawled up them without stopping. Yes!

Photos from an awesome Sole Sister... Thank you Laura!

I dropped into bed exhausted last night (nearly 7 miles running and 17 on the bike). Thankfully, I got to sleep in this morning for a change!  Unfortunately, I awoke to the crying of my Big Girl. She lost another tooth yesterday... and the Tooth Fairy didn't come!  Oh-Sh*t, mommy fail!! The price we pay for hard training.

Giveaway: Venus de Miles

I've struggled lately with TIME. There never seems to be enough time in a day for all the things I want to do. This is nothing new of course, and I'm sure many of you feel the same way. One of the things I'm stressing over is my upcoming bike event, the Venus de Miles, July 28 on the north side of Chicago. While I do Spinning class several times a week, it's not the same as road miles. With a little over a month to go, I'm feeling unprepared for a race. And I never do that!

This morning I was browsing their website and read this...
Venus de Miles is a lot of things, Northern Illinois' first all-women's road ride a celebration of sisterhood, support for Greenhouse Scholars, and crazy fun – but one thing it’s not is a race. So, don’t be afraid to walk your bike up that hill, and, most importantly, enjoy yourself.

It put things into perspective and set me at ease. Venus de Miles is not about how fast I can cover the miles. It's about a fun experience with fabulous endearing women. Yes, the mileage itself will be a challenge... I signed up for the 61 mile event, but there is also a 25 mile event. I may have a sore booty the next day, but surely I can do this! Yes, I can!

Her Majesty (my bike) was so good
to me during my first triathlon

My plan for the next six weeks is simple... Give Her Majesty some love! Love being equal to road time. I will also be starting up my new Half Marathon training plan, so it will be a balancing act between the two sports.

Six-Week Training Goals

Spinning / indoor cycling: 2-3x each week

This can't change much since I teach classes.

Outdoor road ride: 2x each week

One fast tempo ride of 7-10 miles

One comfortable paced ride of 20-35 miles

I wish I had devised a more definite training plan, but to be honest, I've never done real cycling training.  It's always been a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of thing for me... mostly dependent on the weather and scheduling. I did a little research looking at training plans for the bike, but there's not nearly as much out there as compared to running. And most plans talk specifically to the illustrious Century Ride. It kinda overwhelmed me and I quit reading. I'm not up on the cycling lingo and admittedly have a lot to learn about the sport.  I'm a huge book hound... so I am looking for a great cycling book. Any riders have a recommendation??

Next task... What shall I wear?!?

Who wants to be my training buddy? Hold each other responsible for the miles and learn from one another... and then meet up on July 28 at the Venus de Miles women's bike event!!

If you'd like to be a part of this exciting ride, enter below to 

WIN A FREE Venus de Miles REGISTRATION!!

It's gonna be EPIC fun!

Are you a West Coast gal? Check out the Colorado Venus de Miles event in September!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Back in the Saddle

I've been putting off an important task for quite some time. Finally yesterday, I pulled up my big girl britches and got it done...

I changed the flat tire on my bike... all by myself.

Late last fall, my back tire went dead.  I'd re-pump every time I went out, but the slow leak persisted. Then cold set in and I hung my bike up in the garage and returned to the Spinning room for winter. The poor weather this spring has made it too easy to ignore my bike - especially knowing that I'd have to tackle the flat first. But I'm too stubborn to "take it in" to get fixed. I mean seriously, if I'm going to be a real cyclist, I have to learn to change a flat eventually.

So I got out my hands dirty and figured it out last night. An hour later, her Royal Majesty was fixed up and ready to ride. When my alarm went off at 5am this morning, I gave my running shoes a rest... and reached for my bike helmet instead. There was a giddy excitement percolating inside me to get back on the bike.

The saddle felt small and the tire so skinny. It took me a solid mile to find my balance again... and then I was off like a rocket, my confidence growing with each pedal. I love the FAST feeling that I get from a bike (versus running).  Everything sails by so quickly and the wind kisses my skin so cooly. I fall into a deep focus - working the gears with elevation and maneuvering around rocks and cracks in the road (no more flat tires please!)  It's been so long since I've ridden my purple beauty... and oh, how I've missed it!

The morning sunrise on today's bike ride

Views on my ride

On my first ride back, I put in 16.5 miles along my favorite country roads. Pure heaven! Time to get back in the saddle again ... and start my training for Venus de Miles in July.

Coming up this week... 

Your chance to WIN A FREE ENTRY into the Illinois Venus de Miles bike event on July 28.

I'm giving away a free entry... who wants it??

Back to Bike Mode

I'm trying to get ahead of myself this week... and think beyond Sunday's marathon. I plan my year of training so that the hard work falls in winter, spring, and fall... leaving the bulk of summer to relax a bit. I stay active, but there's no serious training to stress me out. With the kids out of school, free time is limited. It's treasured time to spend lazy days by the pool and at the park with my family. As the kids have now grown into school age, I'm realizing more how precious each year can be... and how quickly they fly.  So... no matter what happens at the Eugene finish line this Sunday, it will be my last full marathon of the year. Don't worry, I'll still be racing a lot of shorter races, but the marathon training just sucks me dry and swallows me whole. I'm done for awhile.

With spring slowly arriving, I'm anxious to get back on the bike. While training for my first triathlon last year, I absolutely fell in love with cycling. I bought a new road bike, and we've lived happily ever after. Well, except for those couple flat tires...

Me and the purple Royal Majesty at her first race!

I initially wanted to tackle a century ride (100 mile bike) this year... Door County Century to be exact. However, it falls on my hubby's work weekend, so those eager plans were quickly laid to rest. I was bumming and on the hunt for a bike event that fit my calling. So when the event coordinators at Venus de Miles contacted me, I was thrilled!! I had heard lengthy stories about this event from my friend Amanda, who rode the inaugural IL ride in 2012.

Venus de Miles is a women's only event, offering the option of a 25 or 61 mile ride. You can be a serious hardcore cyclist, or a recreational biker out for an enjoyable morning ride. The cycling event is hosted in Lake County, just north of Chicago, on Sunday, July 28, 2013.  Check your calendar, dust off that bike, and join me for a special bike ride amongst amazing women. I'm going for 61 miles.... how about you?!

Besides a good time with the girls, 
here's what's included in the Venus de Miles registration...
→ A Venus de Miles t-shirt (It's a women's race... the shirt is actually neat looking!)
→ A re-energizing, post-ride gourmet lunch
→ Complimentary spa services provided by Tricoci Beauty University (facials, manis, pedis, O-MY!)
→ Complimentary massage services provided by NuVie Skin and Wellness
→ Opportunity to test Trek Women bikes
→ Vendor’s expo with unique gear and treats
→ Beer provided by Goose Island Beer (Say YUM! You had me at beer...)
→ Wine provided by Terlato Wines (Did someone say WINE?!)
→ Cocktails provided by North Shore Distillery
→ Meet several of the Greenhouse Scholars, to whom the race benefits
→ Enjoy gourmet ice cream, provided by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (Hello?! My favorite treat!)
→ A fully supported ride experience complete with medical, mechanical, and over 100 volunteers

Check out this video montage from the 2012 event...

Venus de Miles Illinois 2012 from WendyCity Productions on Vimeo.

Proud to represent central Illinois as a 2013 Venus de Miles Ambassador

I'm Having An Affair

Dear Running,

It started as a little infatuation, but I can't deny the obvious. It's grown into full fledged LOVE. That craving, that unexplainable high, that calorie burn... you're not the only one who can give it to me anymore. My dearest running, you will always be my first love... but there's another stealing my heart. 

I'm having an affair with Cycling.

Since the Air Force Half Marathon on Sept. 15, I've been holding myself in the "penalty box"... no running to let my little toe heal. (Are you sick of hearing about it? Yeah, me too...)  I have to admit the disabled list has been easier than in the past. Why?  I give full credit to Her Majesty...

When I bought this bike several months ago, I went way over my (hubby-approved) budget.  Just last week, I came clean. The hubs caught me off guard when he asked, "So really... what DID you pay for this bike?" The truth came out and I'm still alive. 

Once my first triathlon was done, it did not become a dusty item in the garage as my hubby expected. I have kept up my riding. Even when I was running, I felt drawn to take Her Majesty out at least once a week. It sounds so silly, but I seriously feel an emotional attachment to that purple beauty!  She has helped me through this injury more than anything. I might even be sad when I have to trade a long ride for a long run.

Last weekend I brought Her Majesty along to the Quad Cities Marathon. When the kiddos took a nap on Saturday afternoon, I snuck out for an adventure on the Great River Trail. This trail is so bike-o-licious!!  It is nicely paved, minimal cross traffic and goes on forever and ever. I managed 31 miles total (Moline to Port Byron and back), which is my longest bike ride to date. 

The scenery was absolutely stunning along the Mississippi River. When I wasn't right alongside the Mighty Miss, I was gliding over bridges in quaint little parks and campgrounds along the way. Truly the best way to spend a fall afternoon. I was in heaven. I saw runners along the way, but gotta admit, I was happy to be flying along on the bike.

So my running shoes are stacked up neatly.

My hubby's at work. My children at school.

And here I go, sneaking out again... for a bike ride.