We had our first buddy ride today, which is a ride organized by the team, but not supported by the team. The mentors and coaches all participate when they can, and my pacegroup's mentor, Brian, led us on an exciting 35 mile ride with a very cruel hill at the end.
We started our Saturday morning ride with a cloud-filled sky, but no raindrops in sight and thankfully it didn't rain, although it was very cold. At 9am we headed out from Edgewood and Canada, a very popular cycling spot (the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong timetrial took place there earlier in the day), and went out to Hwy 92 and back for a 7 mile warm-up. We followed Canada to Olive Hill, a popular Run Team route, to Albion, found our way along King's Mountain Road to Tripp and eventually to Woodside Road.
From there we headed up Woodside and split to Portola, dumping out onto Sandhill/Portola and eventually ran into Apline. We had the pleasure of heading downhill for the first time that day along Apline, but only for a short jaunt to Arastradero, where we turned off and headed up to Page Mill.
At Page Mill we took another short ride downhill (I needed it) and turned right onto Arastradero, only to make a U-turn and come back down to Page Mill and up Page Mill toward Junipero Serra. It's funny that in a car the hills never seem that challenging. Even in my hybrid. Who knew Page Mill gets kinda steep before you hit Junipero Serra?!
We finally had a good amount of flat and downhill riding as we made our way to Edgewood on Junipero Serra / Alamdea de las Pulgas. I knew the ride on Edgewood, up to 280 and back to our starting point, was about 2.5 miles of steady climbing. I had no idea how hard it would be, especially being out of shape and by no means a cyclist! But guess what... I made it up that hill without stopping and completed the longest ride of my life - 34.85 miles! Nevermind that for the most part I was traveling between 3.6 and 4.6 mph and was shaking terribly when I finally finished!
Some of my pacegroup were there - Johnny and Connie - and we picked up a few extras a long the way, a past participant helping out on the buddy ride, and a few faster females from another pacegroup. I trailed behind the group for most of the ride, but they were nice enough to stop and wait for me. We even stopped at Starbucks on the way back for an espresso break and watched the groups behind us pass by and cheered for them. Just a note: I opted for Gatorade and Sports Beans instead - my heart thanked me later on our climb up Edgewood!
Here's what the day looked like for all of us, on our first buddy ride of the season. 35 miles and counting!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Go Team!
Here's a photo of our whole team (look at all of us!), and a snapshot of what my first ride was like... click on the photo to get a better view. Go Team!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Pace Groups
The skies were clear for my first team ride - 25 miles through the rolling hills of Peninsula. The ride started a few miles from home, so I donned my arm and leg warmers, my bright yellow safety vest (after much debate on how cool I'd look) and headed out hoping I'd survive my first team ride - I hadn't been on my bike since October and I truly could be in much better shape!
The cycle team is HUGE - so much bigger than any of the run teams I've been on! I don't know the exact number, but I think there are probably 150 participants and close to 50 support staff. There are about a dozen or so coaches and each leads a group of participants on each ride. The groups are split up by experience and speed - last weekend the team did a 12-mile time trial in Portola Valley to establish pace groups, which I unfortunately missed out on. These pace groups will ride together throughout the season and at the goal event in Tahoe, promoting safety, success and a true team environment - hard to do with 150 people!
I guessed I'd be somewhere in the middle and was placed in a pace group with coach Hamid, and fellow participants Connie, Ellen, Johnny, Ken, Nicole, Brian, Alan and me. We talked about safety, voicing signals, and taking it easy for our first ride as a team, then headed out down Foothill to work on our paceline.
We had a slow start to or ride, hitting every red light on Foothill, but eventually made it through the mostly flat first half of our ride down Foothill to Junipero Serra, past Santa Cruz and onto Alameda de las Pulgas. By the time we got to Hwy 84 we were feeling strong as a team and ready to hit the rolling hills. We climbed up Hwy 84 to Mountain Home Road and onto Manzanita. I had never ridden Manzanita "backwards" to Sand Hill, and it was a lot of fun racing through the rolling hills on the small, winding, shady lane that houses multi-million dollar homes. We turned onto Sand Hill for short climb back to 280, then headed back the way we came along Junipero Serra to Foothill, and back to our starting point at Springer and Foothill.
I was very happy that my lungs didn't collapse along the way, and truth be told - I think I did really well! I feel very at home with my pace group and together we are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Tahoe better get ready, 'cause here we come!
The cycle team is HUGE - so much bigger than any of the run teams I've been on! I don't know the exact number, but I think there are probably 150 participants and close to 50 support staff. There are about a dozen or so coaches and each leads a group of participants on each ride. The groups are split up by experience and speed - last weekend the team did a 12-mile time trial in Portola Valley to establish pace groups, which I unfortunately missed out on. These pace groups will ride together throughout the season and at the goal event in Tahoe, promoting safety, success and a true team environment - hard to do with 150 people!
I guessed I'd be somewhere in the middle and was placed in a pace group with coach Hamid, and fellow participants Connie, Ellen, Johnny, Ken, Nicole, Brian, Alan and me. We talked about safety, voicing signals, and taking it easy for our first ride as a team, then headed out down Foothill to work on our paceline.
We had a slow start to or ride, hitting every red light on Foothill, but eventually made it through the mostly flat first half of our ride down Foothill to Junipero Serra, past Santa Cruz and onto Alameda de las Pulgas. By the time we got to Hwy 84 we were feeling strong as a team and ready to hit the rolling hills. We climbed up Hwy 84 to Mountain Home Road and onto Manzanita. I had never ridden Manzanita "backwards" to Sand Hill, and it was a lot of fun racing through the rolling hills on the small, winding, shady lane that houses multi-million dollar homes. We turned onto Sand Hill for short climb back to 280, then headed back the way we came along Junipero Serra to Foothill, and back to our starting point at Springer and Foothill.
I was very happy that my lungs didn't collapse along the way, and truth be told - I think I did really well! I feel very at home with my pace group and together we are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Tahoe better get ready, 'cause here we come!
Friday, February 20, 2009
My first team ride, two weeks late!
The season started without me and I'll be joining my first team for my first (their 3rd) ride of the season. We'll be riding 25 miles on Saturday starting in Los Altos. I'm hoping for good weather and very small hills (if any)!
I was trying to think of something clever to write today, but couldn't come up with anything original... instead I'll repost a silly story from my first two times on my bike. From this story (and numerous others that I haven't posted) I have learned that I am one of the few who need to clip out BOTH feet with stopped. Seriously.
Don't expect updates like this every day - I can guarantee you it won't happen! Enjoy!
From August 2006:
On August 6, 2006 I went for my first-ever road bike ride using clip-ins that attach your cleats to the pedal. I was told that I would fall over at least 5 times before I got the hang of it. At guess what- they were partially right! I went for a ride with my friend, Team in Training Run Team Coach, and fellow Ironman participant- Amy. The ride was a relatively flat, 12 mile, out-and-back ride from her house in Palo Alto up to Foothill Expwy, down to Chain Reaction in Los Altos, and back again. Everything was going alright, although I was a bit unsteady and shaky on the bike for the first 8 miles or so. As I approached a busy intersection (Foothill and Magdalena), I clipped out as instructed and was completely stopped like an old pro when suddenly the force of gravity was too strong for the foot that remained clipped-in and I toppled over the other side of my bike. I wasn't hurt, but needless to say, I remained shaky and unsteady for the remaining 4 or so miles. But I completed my first ride without too much fuss!
The second ride was on August 9th with my friend, Team in Training Run Captain, and fellow Ironman participant- Marlies. She was a bit tougher on me than Amy (after all- it was my second ride), and we did a similar but more challenging course that involved "rolling hills" for about 15 miles in pretty bad heat. As I approached the Foothill Expwy and Magdalena intersection, I yelled to Marlies that this was the place of the incident on my last ride. Again, I clipped-out like an old pro, put my unclipped-foot on the ground, and was completely stopped when AGAIN I was overcome by the power of gravity on my unclipped-foot and AGAIN toppled over the other side of my bike. This time I landed half on, half off a curb so it really wasn't as light as
the last fall. I finished that ride with a few war wounds on my legs, my bike, and my pride. The good thing was, that after only two rides I was starting to improve! I am not the fastest rider, I am not the strongest rider, and I am definitely ready for many hills, but I like riding, and I love my bike!
I was trying to think of something clever to write today, but couldn't come up with anything original... instead I'll repost a silly story from my first two times on my bike. From this story (and numerous others that I haven't posted) I have learned that I am one of the few who need to clip out BOTH feet with stopped. Seriously.
Don't expect updates like this every day - I can guarantee you it won't happen! Enjoy!
From August 2006:
On August 6, 2006 I went for my first-ever road bike ride using clip-ins that attach your cleats to the pedal. I was told that I would fall over at least 5 times before I got the hang of it. At guess what- they were partially right! I went for a ride with my friend, Team in Training Run Team Coach, and fellow Ironman participant- Amy. The ride was a relatively flat, 12 mile, out-and-back ride from her house in Palo Alto up to Foothill Expwy, down to Chain Reaction in Los Altos, and back again. Everything was going alright, although I was a bit unsteady and shaky on the bike for the first 8 miles or so. As I approached a busy intersection (Foothill and Magdalena), I clipped out as instructed and was completely stopped like an old pro when suddenly the force of gravity was too strong for the foot that remained clipped-in and I toppled over the other side of my bike. I wasn't hurt, but needless to say, I remained shaky and unsteady for the remaining 4 or so miles. But I completed my first ride without too much fuss!
The second ride was on August 9th with my friend, Team in Training Run Captain, and fellow Ironman participant- Marlies. She was a bit tougher on me than Amy (after all- it was my second ride), and we did a similar but more challenging course that involved "rolling hills" for about 15 miles in pretty bad heat. As I approached the Foothill Expwy and Magdalena intersection, I yelled to Marlies that this was the place of the incident on my last ride. Again, I clipped-out like an old pro, put my unclipped-foot on the ground, and was completely stopped when AGAIN I was overcome by the power of gravity on my unclipped-foot and AGAIN toppled over the other side of my bike. This time I landed half on, half off a curb so it really wasn't as light as
the last fall. I finished that ride with a few war wounds on my legs, my bike, and my pride. The good thing was, that after only two rides I was starting to improve! I am not the fastest rider, I am not the strongest rider, and I am definitely ready for many hills, but I like riding, and I love my bike!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Don't Even Like DRIVING 100 Miles
The day after I finished my first (and only) marathon in 2005, a group of friends from Team in Training went to The Price Is Right. I tagged along, dreaming of Plinko and winning a Red Ford Escape. I wore my finisher's medal around my neck that day, and at a commercial break Bob Barker asked me about it. I told him I had just completed the Rock 'N Roll Marathon in San Diego. He asked me if I won and, when I told him I did not, he asked me why I got a medal.
People who don't run or walk marathons usually respond to hearing about someone completing a marathon in the same way. This is a very funny and widely-know fact in the running word. I would guess that every runner (or non-runner like myself) who has completed a marathon has heard at least one, if not all, of these questions.
1) Did you win?
2) How far was that marathon (as if marathons are different distances)?
3) Wow, I don't even like to drive 26.2 miles!
I'm not a cyclist. I have a bike I bought two years ago to keep up with my friends who cycle. My friend Amy took me on my first-ever ride and we went about 8 miles on Foothill Expressway. I thought that was a huge deal and was so proud of myself for cycling 8 miles. That night, after Amy helped me put a roof rack on my car that she had given me, I drove my new bike (on top of my car) into my carport, ripping the bike (with the bike rack) off my car and into my windshield. I fixed my bike and car and vowed never to use a roof rack again. I am not a cyclist.
I am not a cyclist. The longest ride I've ever been on was about 40 miles and I slept for two days afterwards (not really). I can ride my bike without tipping over (for the most part), I don't have a problem (anymore) with my clip-in pedals, and I really like riding my bike (when I don't feel like my lungs are going to collapse going over an overpass). I don't know how to change a tire or drink/eat while on my bike, but I will learn to.
I am not a cyclist, but am looking forward to training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. I am not a cyclist, but I will soon by cycling well over 40 miles, and hopefully not having to sleep for two days afterwards.
Maybe after I cross the finish line I will be a few steps closer to being a cyclist. But for now, I am not a cyclist. And I don't even like driving 100 miles.
People who don't run or walk marathons usually respond to hearing about someone completing a marathon in the same way. This is a very funny and widely-know fact in the running word. I would guess that every runner (or non-runner like myself) who has completed a marathon has heard at least one, if not all, of these questions.
1) Did you win?
2) How far was that marathon (as if marathons are different distances)?
3) Wow, I don't even like to drive 26.2 miles!
I'm not a cyclist. I have a bike I bought two years ago to keep up with my friends who cycle. My friend Amy took me on my first-ever ride and we went about 8 miles on Foothill Expressway. I thought that was a huge deal and was so proud of myself for cycling 8 miles. That night, after Amy helped me put a roof rack on my car that she had given me, I drove my new bike (on top of my car) into my carport, ripping the bike (with the bike rack) off my car and into my windshield. I fixed my bike and car and vowed never to use a roof rack again. I am not a cyclist.
I am not a cyclist. The longest ride I've ever been on was about 40 miles and I slept for two days afterwards (not really). I can ride my bike without tipping over (for the most part), I don't have a problem (anymore) with my clip-in pedals, and I really like riding my bike (when I don't feel like my lungs are going to collapse going over an overpass). I don't know how to change a tire or drink/eat while on my bike, but I will learn to.
I am not a cyclist, but am looking forward to training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. I am not a cyclist, but I will soon by cycling well over 40 miles, and hopefully not having to sleep for two days afterwards.
Maybe after I cross the finish line I will be a few steps closer to being a cyclist. But for now, I am not a cyclist. And I don't even like driving 100 miles.
The beginning!
As many of you know, I have been involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training since 2005 – when I went from not being able to run around the block to crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles at the Rock ‘N Roll Marathon in San Diego, June 5, 2005. Over the past four year I have played many roles on the TNT Run team and have raised over $8000 for the cause!
This year I’m up for a new challenge, something I never imagined I’d do! I just joined the TNT Cycle Team and am training for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride on June 7, 2009 – four years and two days after the first endurance race of my life!
America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride is a 72 mile race around Lake Tahoe, and just for fun the Team in Training crew will be adding 28 miles to that race, making it an even 100 mile event! You can find out more about the ride at http://www.bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html
I'm once again raising money for an important cause- the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Society is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, myeloma, and other blood-related cancers, improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Personally, I have made the commitment to raise $2500. Of this amount, 75% will go directly to research and patient programs (such as incurring some medical expenses, helping with the drive to and from treatment, and other such programs). I would very much like your financial and mental support in this challenge. It's easy for you to help - 100% tax deductible, and NO BICYCLE REQUIRED!
While this challenge, both training and fundraising, may seem extreme to you (as it does to me), it is nothing compared to the race with cancer that people compete against everyday. If you can help with any sort of donation, please access my website and donate online by going to this address: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/ambbr09/amcnutt
If you are unable to donate at this time, I would still love your support and encouragement! Please continue to visit this site to track my training progress!
Thank you,
Angela
This year I’m up for a new challenge, something I never imagined I’d do! I just joined the TNT Cycle Team and am training for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride on June 7, 2009 – four years and two days after the first endurance race of my life!
America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride is a 72 mile race around Lake Tahoe, and just for fun the Team in Training crew will be adding 28 miles to that race, making it an even 100 mile event! You can find out more about the ride at http://www.bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html
I'm once again raising money for an important cause- the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Society is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, myeloma, and other blood-related cancers, improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Personally, I have made the commitment to raise $2500. Of this amount, 75% will go directly to research and patient programs (such as incurring some medical expenses, helping with the drive to and from treatment, and other such programs). I would very much like your financial and mental support in this challenge. It's easy for you to help - 100% tax deductible, and NO BICYCLE REQUIRED!
While this challenge, both training and fundraising, may seem extreme to you (as it does to me), it is nothing compared to the race with cancer that people compete against everyday. If you can help with any sort of donation, please access my website and donate online by going to this address: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/ambbr09/amcnutt
If you are unable to donate at this time, I would still love your support and encouragement! Please continue to visit this site to track my training progress!
Thank you,
Angela
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