Pedal Through

Those who participate in weight loss reality tv shows have several HUGE carrots dangled in their faces motivating them to lose weight and get healthy. They are removed from family and jobs, each huge stresses, and then provided with top trainers and nutritionists to help achieve their goal. The winner could receive $250,000+, an expensive vacation, a new home, or a fancy car..... on top of a brand new body! What an incredible deal!  The last time I stepped on the scale the numbers 237 stared back at me.  I was beyond horrified and detested what I had done to my body, I hated myself.  Through past experience I knew that another diet wouldn't help, diets never work.  I needed a carrot.  And I wasn't going on a reality tv show.   My carrot came into the world, loud and proud on March 16th 2006. She was definitely a gift since there is a 17+ year gap between her and my son. Tickled pink to be a Mom again! And a girl! Within 60 seconds of life she had...

Wowzers! The month of  February went by really quick! If you have not been following my blog this year let me catch you up.  Very simply, I am setting 3-4 resolutions per month instead of yearly resolutions. In February there were four resolutions that I focused on: 1. letting people finish their sentences and not interrupting. 2. keeping my eyes on my own plate. 3. Recover and get more sleep 4. use my time more wisely. On a scale of 1 to 4, I give myself a 2.5.  Resolutions number one and four I absolutely nailed!  Numbers two and three could use more effort so they will be carried over into March.  Progress not perfection. I don't want to get ahead of myself only two months into the new year but, I feel pretty darn successful!  My January resolves are still present too.   The gym has seen me at least 2-3 times a week and I am drinking water like it is my part-time job. For March: 1.  I will continue to work on rest and ...

Recently I posted a short video of myself riding rollers.  Yes, myself!  A 49 yr old Grandmother!  This post sparked a lot of interest and the questions have been flying..... How do you do that?  Is it scary? Is it hard to learn? Why would I want to ride rollers?  etc...... First of all I need to express that riding rollers is NOT for everyone. In my opinion,  if you have difficulty removing your water bottle from your frame (while riding) or it is a challenge removing items from your jersey pockets (while riding) you may want to rethink this.  Balance is key, if you are uncomfortable doing either of the aforementioned moves you may not be a good candidate for the roller experience. Why ride rollers? #1.  Rollers will definitely help improve your balance and bike handling skills. While it may take a couple of weeks to get the hang of it,  don't give up.  Keep practicing. Currently I am riding with the kitchen chair within arms ...

    Resolution: A firm decision to do or not do something.    Fact:  By January 8th, 25% of resolutions fall by the wayside.  By the years end fewer than 10% have been fully kept.  (NY Times) Hey!  Happy New Year!  Did you make any resolutions? Having just finished our first month how did it go?   For the past 30 years I have made lists of: bad habits I wanted to quit, good habits I wanted to start, weight I needed to lose, foods I had to eat/give up, new things I needed to try, places I wanted to go... you name it.  Some were realistic resolutions, some were not.  At the beginning of January I would be filled with excitement and anticipation to absolutely CRUSH everything I had on my list. By March I had failed miserably, just like I failed all those previous years.  With this information in mind I decided that I would change my approach to making resolutions.  A few years ago I started to make monthly...

 I resemble one of those crazy people who thinks that they can change the world.  Even though I believe that I am realistic enough to accept that I can only do so much.  Helen Keller said it best, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much". Together we can change the world. Together we can make a difference. Together we can do great things.   I am convinced that if you give people an opportunity to help others they will rally, if you build it they will come.  They will definitely unite for children.  On January 7th, 2018, thirty+ cyclists gathered in the shivering cold to ride a distance of 13, 25, or 40 miles. The weatherman tried to scare me into canceling the event, but I refused. Everything was going to be fine.  The weather gods were good to us and the temps hit 40, the sun came out as the last riders finished.  My face hurt for hours after I got home, I could not stop smiling.  Kindness won today.  In a worl...

I am a Coach at an indoor cycling training facility, Power Up Cycling , located inside Big Shark West, Chesterfield MO. What is that?  Basically, after hooking up your own bike to a computrainer I will then guide/coach you throughout your workout as you maintain your individual power zones at a prescribed level.  All you do is pedal, there are no buttons for you to push or turn, the computrainer simulates every hill, downhill and flat section without your assistance.  In order to establish your zones you will be given a Power Test, also known as an FTP.  This test is 20 minutes long, you are pushing the pedals as hard as you can, it feels like you are breathing through a coffee stir stick, you could puke, and/or your legs feel like they may just rip off.... that's if we do it right.  Nah, really, it's not that bad, but some folks really dread it. This past Friday I gave myself a Power Test.  I felt rather indifferent about it, not good and not bad, k...

Did you win the DK200 lottery?   Congratulations!  Now what? How are you going to complete this daunting task?  Or maybe you have an eye on other monster gravel races/rides.... or maybe considering your first?  Over my last eight years of gravel riding, logging thousands of miles each year,  I have learned that success is achieved by good planning, to learn from others mistakes, and don't be afraid to ask someone with first hand experience. Hope is not a good strategy. Are you interested in a training plan or would a personalized custom plan designed to fit your goals, experience, time available, and your life be a good choice?  I have several options to choose from and I would love to be your Coach!  In June 2016, I completed my 5th DK200, breaking up the boys club and receiving the coveted 1000 mile Goblet. This past year I finished my 6th consecutive and knocked an hour off my best time. Very simply,  I know what it takes to get to th...

Thirty-one brave cyclists and two amazing volunteers layered up this morning to support the Gravel For The Love of It fundraiser gravel ride.  At 8AM it had warmed to a balmy 30 degrees and everyone was in great spirits.  There weather forecast predicted freezing rain and slick roadways. As always, I decided to stick to my forecast of Partly sunny and 100% chance of gravel! After a few quick words and a raffle the group rolled out on the Busch Greenway, and then sending riders westbound on the Katy Trail. After reaching the Hamburg trail riders split onto separate routes and branching off through the Lost Valley gravel and then on to August A Busch conservation area gravel roads and bicycle paths. The weather cooperated as I had hoped. In fact, towards the end it was 40*F and Big Orange was peeking through the clouds to smile on our day. Riders of all abilities chose one of the 3 suggested gravel routes (13, 25, or 39 miles) to ensure everyone got their daily dose of v...

Do you want to start 2018 off right?  Join us for Gravel For the Love of It - Part Two!  This is a fundraiser for Crossroads Elementary.  Every dollar raised will be put into the LOVE Fund, which loves on kids whose families are going through tough times.  The LOVE fund helps pay for school lunches, field trips, etc.... Last year Two Thousand dollars was raised!  You get a feel good moment and a chance to ride your bicycle with friends. Here are three suggested routes for this 2018. Route ONE is roughly 13 miles and is perfect for beginners.  A mix of paved greenway trail and Katy and Hamburg trails. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26663496 Route TWO is near 25 miles.  A mix of paved greenway trail and Katy and Hamburg trails along with some August A Busch Conservation area roads. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26663495 Route THREE is nearly 40 miles.  All the above with little bit more of everything! This one is tricky, keep an eye on t...