Four letter Cycling Words

May 20, 2012


Day 2


WIND

Our group felt great satisfaction at the end of the trek today as we experienced one of evils of cycling: the wind. It is the one weather condition that demoralizes me because I know that I am working for nothing. I am flipping my pedals around as if I am climbing a 9% grade and yet the terrain actually flat.   Wind is unyielding and unforgiving. 

It reminds me of Aesop's fable in which The Sun and the Wind compete to see who can get the traveller to remove his jacket.  The moral being "Gentle persuasion is stronger than force."  This can guide us in determining the best way to ride in the wind.  

Your optimum course of action is not to fight it. You will not win. Choose an easy gear and spin as if you were climbing.  Even in a crosswind, you will have better control over your bike if you spin at a high cadence.  By doing this you will minimize the lactic acid production in your legs and you will be ready to go for it when (or if) the wind eases.

Ok!! Enough advice!

 So, how was the group?  I guess it can be summed up by the numbers:

Km rode:  54
Daily espresso: 6  Yes readers that is just my consumption!
Dinner courses: 5 (including a top 5 lifetime dessert for me)
Total riding time (hrs): 4
Flat tires: 2 (myself and one other guy)
Bottles of wine at dinner: 2
Riders voted off: 0 

I guess the wind did not prevail in our french fable either. 

Cheers :)

On our rides, finally

May 19, 2012

I have to say that I am spoiled to travel any other way than on my bike. It doesn't hurt that our guides make arrangements for the transport of our luggage right to our room.   The first day of group travel can be a bit stressful as we don't know each that well and like all good reality tv competitors, we want to  establish ourselves in an appropriate role.  One of my diva buddies made me promise to not over function during the trip. I had shared with her that since I had help bring this motley crew together, I felt responsible for everything from the food to the weather.  None of which I can control.  We left Avignon by van to rendez-vous (see how I am integrating French vocabulary!) with our bikes and our other guide.   As a group, I think I can safely describe us as heterogenous with cycling ability ranging from a daily bike commuter with century rides sprinkled in on weekend to one guy who is a self- proclaimed non-trainer and purposely did not prepare himself for the riding in an effort to prove all of us 'anal athletes' wrong.   We also requested a variety of bikes. I, of course, opted for a road bike and brought my own pedals.  As much as I love my own ride, the thought of schlepping it through airports and train stations was not appealing.  On the other hand, using  my own bike shoes and pedals gave me an instant comfort on my stead. At the other end of the spectrum were people who choose hybrids for the more comfortable upright feeling. We rode a lovely 20 km to lunch and then carried on.  It should be noted that it takes a special kind of discipline to get back on your bike after a few glasses of wine.  I am thankful to my system that quickly metabolizes the alcohol !!! The afternoon was beautiful with rolling terrain and some amazing vistas of classic Provence valleys.  We arrived at our hotel in Grignan, a quaint inn with colored themed rooms and antiques dating back 300 years, after a solid 40 km.  As it is the weekend, our guides decided,  last minute, to stay in and eat at the hotel so during our welcome reception, we were informed that we would have to eat "in the kitchen".  The table was set with pretty chantilly cutlery and china and adorned with rose petals. It didn't look like my kitchen.  Private formal service ensued and a great meal and conversation was had by all. 

So far, nobody will be voted off the island, but the week has just begun :)

train.write.inspire.travel

A Return to Provence

Hello readers,

 Again you find yourself wondering where is my favorite blogger. It is a good news/bad news story (good for me and, well you know the rest) What follows is an excerpt from my journal that I am writing while cycling in France for the next week. I will try to protect the identities of the innocent (emphasis on try). Please enjoy this post. I will be adding more as the week goes on :)

May 17 2012
Day 1 A Return to Provence

 I am sure there is no one in my immediate circle of acquaintances or, even anyone that I spend more than 15 minutes with, that has not heard me regale the amazing experience that my husband and I had in Provence in 2011. Deciding to return was the easy part (ah, duh!). It was more difficult to imagine how the trip could be even better or close to it!  I guess it all came down to what we truly value in this lifetime: friends and family.  The 2012 edition of our trip won't be as random as the last time.  Last year, we booked with a fantastic company, Great Explorations, and took our chances as to who our fellow cyclists would be.  We found ourselves with three other cyclists with whom we meshed very well.   This year we invited a few friends and my brother-in-law.  All have some touring experience and all are up for the challenge. The only thing left in question is, will we get along?  Now I don't want to set this up as the next Canadian reality show but stay tuned :)

Four Word Life Path

Happy Tuesday,

I can hear the deafening screams, "Where have you been!!!!"  

As a friendly reminder, I promised myself to only write when I really had something to say.  I have been listening and researching 'blog culture' and there are well defined camps divided by the main issue 'Is what you write about pertinent/interesting/relevant/etc?'  This only reinforced my commitment to only write and post when it felt right.  That was my attempt to apologize for not posting recently:)

I have been in questioning mode over the past few weeks.  It strikes me in spring as the invariable inquiries from friends and training buddies start popping up, "Hey Norma, are you racing this year?"  I usually skirt the conversation and never really give a straight answer as if I am not even thinking about it.  

The truth is. . . . it is ALL I am thinking about!!!!  Well until I heard a fantastic interview with another sister (or should I say sistah!).  Gail Simmons was on CBC radio speaking on the morning show Q about her new entry on her CV as host of Top Chef Just Desserts.  This is not a foodie blog so I will cut the important part of the interview (the entire podcast is definitely worth a listen: Gail Simmons on Q).  She shared a story about how she got to be a TV host and food taster which to most of us is the dream job.  Gail was visiting her mom and one of her mom's friends right after she finished university.  While trying to answer the age-old question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" her mother's friend offered some advice:  think of four things that you love to do.  Simple, right?  With no attachment to order or job prospects she slapped down:  eat, write, travel, cook.  And then she shared how she was doing exactly that.  

How is this related to "my race season"?  When I heard her four words, I knew what mine were and I also realized that we all have four words and they create a path for our lives and our careers.  If you had no attachment to what is logical or what will bring home the bacon.  What are the words that excite your soul?  The four things that would complete you and keep you engaged and enthused about your life?  

What are THOSE words?

Mine came to me in a flash and I realized that although racing has been and may still be a vital part of my life, it is actually the training that I love.  The feeling of accomplishment after a tough set; the satisfying latte after my hard ride.  These are the threads that make up the fabric of my life. So my answer to the question about my race season:

train...write...inspire...travel

Find your words :)

Trail Etiquette

Happy Tuesday Readers!

I was lucky enough to get outside yesterday for a ride.  I know you are thinking I am a bit timid to have waited so long but I was following sage advice from a fellow TriDiva who "never rides until I see double digits on the thermometer."  Don't get me wrong. . . .I have been working hard indoors all winter:  intervals or hills once a week, spin ladders, one leg drills and fun littles bricks in my basement (otherwise known as the bunker).  Outdoor spring training is always a marvel.  I am, at heart, a people watcher so when given the opportunity to observe behaviour, I am, as they say, ALL IN.

The trails are full of a mishmash of experience and fitness levels during early season training and as such, this is a perfect time to revisit some rules of the road as we all hit the trails this spring.

Work your most important muscle group:  

This is, of course, your patience muscle!!!  Whether you are running, riding, roller blading or strolling, be kind to the other outdoor enthusiasts.  The trails are there to share, after all.

"On your left" 

Try to use friendly language to inform someone that you are overtaking them.  As in downhill skiing, precedence is given to the slower mover.  Most riders have a bell with a jovial ring that lets runners and walkers know that they are passing.  When I get passed by a bike that used a bell, I like to acknowledge the fact by thanking them.  Being pleasant on the trails helps avoid those horrible letters to the editor complaining about cyclists and/or runners.

iPods, ear buds and other 'evils'  

The jury is definitely still out on this one (feel free to weigh in on the topic by posting below).  Should one be plugged into mp3s or smart phones?  I have to admit that I used to be quite self-righteous on the subject.  "I NEVER ride/run with music", I would brag to anyone that would listen, "You can't use one in a race so I say NO!"  Wow, I can actually hear my voice!  I tried my iPod about a year ago and I couldn't believe how well I was able to still be aware of my surroundings.  It all comes down to safety.  If you play your music (or whatever) so loud that you can't hear an approaching car or that friendly bell then you are putting yourself and others in danger.  It is no different from the pedestrian that is clueless to traffic because they are on the phone or posting to twitter.  The bottom line is BE AWARE.

Single-File or Pack Mentality  

This is similar to the previous paragraph but different enough to warrant its own title (playing havoc with my english teacher friends!!).  When out with buddies, it is can be tempting to ride in tandem or in a pack so you can visit (or just look cool if you have matching jerseys - Go DIVAS!) but be sure that the road or trail is big enough to accommodate this formation.  Be sure you are communicating to your pack mates so they are also aware of what is coming up.

The most important thing is to get out there!!!  Enjoy the runs and rides that come from the all too short summer months.

Be Kind and Have Fun!

The Men

Happy Wednesday Readers,

I am switching it up today instead of musing of about the ladies all that is female. . . .I will be speaking directly (or perhaps, indirectly through your partner) to THE MEN.  We love you guys. . . .we just don't understand you.  This is, of course, the principal reason why I don't write about the guys and their experience.

Since the beginning of 2012, there have been, I am sorry to say, many men who have passed on in my circle of acquaintances.  Some have been quite elderly but of late, there have been a few, too many really, that were far too young to leave us.  Two noteworthy men are Randy Starkman and Dr. Gord Sleivert.  I didn't know either of them but I did know of them.  There have been many deserving tributes to both these people.

I try to find the positive in all the events that occur and when people we care about pass away, it can be challenging.  What is the positive here. . . . it is real simple. . . .if you have a partner that you care about, a middle aged, weekend warrior, a casual gym rat or recreational golfer, make sure they are getting yearly physicals, eating reasonably well and moving regularly.


That's it.


If you want to know more about Randy Starkman (check Randy Starkman Tribute) or Dr. Gord Sleivert (check Dr. Gord Sleivert Tribute)

The Olympic Experience

Hello Readers,


I am sure you are wondering if I have gone into hiding as my last post seems like a bittersweet memory (no worries, I won't break out in song!).  I am, in a way, in hiding as I am away with my family.  But last week, I was privy to an amazing experience as I accompanied a group of up and coming swimmers to train and watch the Canadian Olympic Trials.


My volunteer work with age group swimming has afforded my some great opportunities to accompany elite athletes as they prepare and compete in many different venues.  This last week will be a highlight that I will share at future social gatherings.  In a word, it was AWESOME!!!


I wasn't going to write about it as I am sure you have read all the gory details written by professionals with much more finesse of the subject than I. (Of course, that has never stopped me before. . . . )  If you are unfamiliar, this competition is to select the swimmers for the 2012 Olympic team and it must be said (and the athletes agree) this meet is tougher than the Olympics itself.  It is pressure-filled and electric. . . .it is even worse for the competitors!


I was witness to many mini dramas rolling out on deck and in the stands.  In reading on, please keep in mind that this is only my perspective from a semi-knowledgeble swim Mom.

My first anecdote shows how humbling the experience of realizing your dreams is.  Tera Van Beilen is an 18 year old from Oakville, Ontario training at UBC where she is also a student.  I had the pleasure of 'meeting' her at CIS in the ready room.  CIS is the annual national meet held for the top Canadian university swimmers.  The ready room is where the finalists prepare before swimming their event.  My job was to escort them to their 'walk-on'.  Needless to say, there is very little conversation as the athletes are 'in the zone'.  We are told as volunteers to not engage the swimmers in chatter as it may distract them from their race.  This is a very difficult task for me as, let's face it, I love to talk and I LOVE to talk to fellow sistahs!  While Tera was in the ready room, her eyes happen to catch mine and it would have been rude not to say something.


"How was your swim this morning?", I ask, for lack of anything better!


"Good enough", she replies.  Simple. . . to the point. . . .incredibly intimidating!!!!  In other words, good enough to get me in a position to win.  I cannot describe the intensity in her eyes only to say, I would never want to run into to her in a dark alley.


I am sure she has forgotten but, that exchange stayed with me until I saw her again this past week.  During the week, she qualified for the 100 and 200 m breaststroke in a "come from nowhere" style.  Although, I assumed that this was part of her seasonal goals and the end result of that amazing focus I witnessed at CIS, I was also privy to a moment.  Under the main stage, surrounded by one of her teammates and the doping control official, there was "tough-as-nails" Tera weeping like a newborn.  I won't ever forget it as the Olympic experience had rocked her to the core.  The evidence of what happens when your dreams are realized.

Another one of my personal heroes is Julia Wilkinson.  She is, in a word, bad-a##.  A diva at heart.  I really questioned myself as to whether I should include a post only on swimming but after reading her writing on the topic, I put my hesitations to rest.  Her performance at Trials was outstanding and now she has qualified for her second Olympics and, on the surface, made it look easy.  I include quote from her blog (check out the entire article at Ecstacy and Agony at Olympic Trials) that I hope will inspire us all who continue to train and aspire to be better:


"And yet, I'm no better a person because I'm on Canada's Olympic team. All of the swimmers who almost made it, or maybe didn't even come close, have still put in long hours. They have still sacrificed. They still carry with them all the life lessons that swimming taught them. Being an Olympian adds to your resume, but failing to make the team does not take anything away from you."


All I can say to these young women is Thank you!  I will carry your tears and your words of inspiration with me as I continue to be my best.