WI Rapids

It was a weekend full of excitement. The boys made it to the podium again. Captain's SECOND best finish of the year. CK took 12th overall, Captain took 22nd overall. Nice job boys.

I thought I'd try a new strategy since I'm not really sure how my body works anymore. I started in the back of the pack at Sunburst, but there wasn't any single track there. So I thought I'd start in the FRONT of the pack this time around, hooking Holly's wheel off the start line. One minute into the race I was so maxed out I was hyperventilating. . . . .I thought it was probably in my best interest to just "ler her go". Why can't I be in shape like that?!?

Rode one lap of single track maxed out, lots of silly little mistakes, a couple "oh my GOD I almost bit it" mistakes. . . . .lap 2 was "holy cow am I tired, what was I thinking? I should be in Citizen I have no CLUE how to ride this crap". . . . . .ending with lap 3 "Why couldn't I ride this stuff this good the FIRST two laps???".

My age competitor (Tammi) volunteered so I took 2nd in age. 3:55 behind Holly (ouch), but almost the same ahead of 3rd. 13th overall. . . . .a little lower than I was hoping for, but I guess my standards for myself are still a LITTLE too high at this point in the game. It hurt, but it was awesome. . . . . at least the 3rd lap was.

Bill's brother BOBBY!! came to visit. . . . . . .hung out on Sunday and harrassed our competitors (and the significant others of our competitors).

This guy won "games" Saturday night, and now he thinks he's "number one". . . . .he doesn't know we LET him win. . . . .


Then when I hit the hot tub this morning, "they' were there again. . . . . . .


Try and scoot them away and they just hang on. . . . . .

The last fun-filled camping event of the year. So sad. Now it's time to focus on Sheboygan and see what happens. Stick a cyclocross race in there. . . . .sweet. Before you know it, it will be time to "take a break".

Friday Funny

I still think this cartoon is a riot, no matter how many times I see it. It's something my dog would do.

Almost the weekend

It's almost Friday as I enter my last update for today. I was boycotting updating for a bit there, but then some of my "fans" called me on it and I figure I owe it to my fans. . . . .

Wednesday CK took off work and we hit Sheboygan for a ride. It's nice to have a slacker job sometimes. Although that can bite you on days when you work 12 hours straight, but Wednesday was not one of those days. . . . . . .and that was a good thing.

The course at Sheboygan is in pretty good shape. Leaf covered. . . . .but in good shape. I was the "seeing eye dog" on the first lap and of course I took a few wrong turns. . . . .oooops. . . .I was really testing CK's patience. . . . he passed - THIS time. Thankfully the second lap flowed nicely and then we were set.

Last year was my first attempt at "the jump". I remember riding there with SS Amy and Lori (aka "squirt" or "minigoat"). They tried their hardest to get me to do the jump but I was just too chicken. I didn't want anyone to see me do it. So I waited. . . .I waited until I was all alone. Then I sat up top of the hill for a good 15 minutes, talking myself into just DOING it. I was so scared. What a pansy I was.

This year I chickened out on the first lap. . . . .since I was with Jeff. . . . .I wanted to be able to do it on my own first. The second lap I went right over. Jumped it good. Just to make sure that it wasn't a fluke, I went back and did it 4 more times. Sweet. Now I'm even MORE excited for Sheboygan.

I know the results won't be what I want them to be this year, since I was derailed on my training. But it doesn't matter. Sheboygan is one of those places where you can just ride and feel like a rock star. I'm SO thankful I now have "skills". It makes riding SO much more fun. I think back to the last few years when I was lacking those skills. Even last year, being afraid of the jump. And now I think "what in the world was I ever afraid of??".

Hopefully Rapids will bring those same feelings out. . . . . .and hopefully they won't have to carry me off and give me oxygen. Coming back to do a 68 minute race is one thing. . . .but coming back to do an all out heart attack 90+ minute race is another. I hope my body is up for the challenge. My mind certainly is.

TOO FUNNY

Happy Thursday.

The Devil

The Devil got them.

Isn't it interesting how we all have our different looks while we're riding. Some look friendly, some look "mean", some look like they're laughing when they're really dying. . . . . . . .





I'm going to try to ride the road bike today. She hasn't been out since the July 4th weekend. We'll see how that goes. I wish there was a manual I could pick up so I could know exactly what to do each day. . . . . .what my body/back will allow for.

I know the back muscles have been tight. . . . . I'll have to hire my own personal massage person. That would be nice.

Oh Yeah, OUCH is the word of the day

Wow. What a day. I woke up last night in a pool of sweat and figured today was going to be bad. The congestion from the cold was in my head pretty good. Decided what the heck, as long as my back allows me to, I'm racin'.

We set out for our LONG 4 minute drive to Sunburst, wishing it was just a TINY big warmer, and maybe a bit less windy. Somehow time got away on me, and suddenly it was time to get ready. My "support team" abandoned me and I felt stressed out. I had to do it all! I had to put my own number plate back on my bike, get my tires ready, pin my number on my jersey (that alone took about 10 minutes and 18 tries and then SS Amy STILL had to fix it). Headed out on pre-ride, expelled a TON of "stuff" from my head and was out of breath before we were down to the end of the street.

I got to the start line, and Don must have been feeling generous because he called up 4 deep in our age class. . . .or maybe it was a sympathy call up. . . . . .but there I was on the start line and it was all I could do not to cry (what a girl).

He yelled "GOOOOOOOOOOOO" and I went. I stayed at the back and tried to listen to the body. If the back was angry, I was toast. I didn't spend all that time OFF my bike to be set back again. But it hung in there.

There were people cheering for me EVERYWHERE. It was so exciting. Of course I could barely hear them over my profuse PANTING & HYPERVENTILATING, but I was on my bike, and I was RACING. Sweet. I thought I forgot what to do, but somehow I pushed myself beyond where I've ever been pushed. My lungs were on FIRE, my legs were screaming, but my back was ok and that's all that mattered.

1 hour 9 minutes, AHR 182 (my lactate threshold), several tears shed and somehow I ended up 10th overall (minus SS's) and second in age. Tammi had a mechanical and as short as that race was, must not have the time to catch up again. I rode the whole thing and didn't even have to walk. Sweet.

Here's my podium picture. . . . .I didn't make it there as I was doing handoffs for the boys.



We'll see how the body feels tomorrow. Hopefully I didn't dig a hole, my back is OK, and THEN I can officially say "I'm BACK".

The Week

The sore throat set in Tuesday evening. Woke up with the cold Wednesday morning. . . . .thanks guys. Figured I'd set off to "Mad Town" anyway.


Had to visit Lori in DETOX. . . . . . . .



After our pillow fight we watched SS Amy iron her pants. . . . . . .



I stared at my feet for a little while. . . . . . .




Then we went to breakfast. . . . .well, Amy and I did. . . .Lori still can't eat. . . . .

Then I went home to sleep. What an exhausting trip. Being out and about until 9:15pm, wow, that was tough. Hope I can kick this thing by Sunday. . . . .

The return to work

After a long weekend of eating, sleeping, riding a little, and generally laying around. . . .it's hard to have to jump back into the "real world". I'm SOOOO glad I don't have a "real job". I'd never make it. I'm so burnt out after one day I'm thinking of heading to Madison for a day to meet some friends. . . . . .

Bill's got "the cold". . . .somehow I think Team Wisconsin passed it along. We're working the system though cuz he breathed on SS Amy this weekend and now she has a sore throat. . . .although I have kind of a scratchy throat tonight too. . . .Hhhh. . . .that plan might of backfired. . . .

Retirement?

Although Sunburst is just about the worst race to come out of retirement for. . . .I might just be able to do it.

I actually rode 3 consecutive laps yesterday. They weren't fast. . . .and they hurt a LOT (in terms of my muscles and cardio), but I did them, and I didn't have to walk. And better yet, I'm not bent over today in pain. The chiropractor seems to be helping, along with all the extra stretching and strengthening I've been doing. The chiropractor also used the TENS thingie on me yesterday a couple hours before I rode, and this time it actually seemed to loosen up my muscles.

Today the body is sore, and the back muscles are sore, but the disk feels pretty good. Perhaps just a tiny bit agitated, but this seems likely from the sore muscles.

I'd be happy with the one day on, one day off thing for now. I'm still easing back in to things. Haven't done anything longer than 80 minutes for a while. . . . . .and "race pace" now takes on a little different meaning for me. But all is well. There's always next year. I'd rather be slow and CAREFUL to recover and still be able to ride my bike when I want to. . . . . .than be laid up in the pain I was in a couple months ago.

Sweet. I guess we'll see how the body feels this week before I formulate my plan. It's one day at a time with this vehicle. I'm no Spring chicken anymore. :-)

Sunburst

I rode Sunburst today. Wow. I feel bad for anyone on a rigid bike. I had to stand up quite a bit just so my back didn't go out! It's a little different than past years, but not all that much. It's somewhat marked. . . . . .I think Dave ran out of arrows 1/2 way through though, cuz all of a sudden they stop.

The single track up top (and below) needs to be clipped back, and raked. I'm sure we'll do this again. . . . . .as in past years.

There's one place up top where you can catch air, then that curves to the left and I can see many-a-rider losing it there. I almost did a skid on my butt, but thankfully I still have "skills" (even if I don't have endurance).

I only did two laps. . . .not sure I could handle a third. Not necessarily from a soreness standpoint. . . .but from an "oh my gosh am I tired" standpoint. It sure sucks being out of shape. Hopefully that stage won't last long.

Caught at last

Someone caught me. . . . . . . . . .

Curses!

One of our administrative assistants quit today. Handed in her resignation and walked out the door. So much for giving notice. Tuesday is the day our AA's do all our ads, and she was "the ad girl". Fortunately for our office, I have helped in that department in the past and I'm just about the only person who knows how to do that stuff. So I got to step into her shoes and piece things together so we could "go on" with our real estate lives.

I was hoping to take some time to myself now that my nightmare transactions closed. . . . . . but now I'll be picking up the slack for her until we find a new person, on top of doing my full time job. It's a good thing I'm still not back to riding in full force . . . .BUT I'm getting there.

Today was my first day of PT. This therapist was good. She knew what she was talking about and thought it was pointless for me to see her 3 times a week when she could be teaching me this stuff and having me do it on my own. Sweet.

The general consensus is that I need to listen to my body and if it hurts, don't do it (at least right now). Seems with each passing day my disk gets a little stronger and with the PT, the chiropractor and the NMT, I'll soon be able to "climb" without my butt hurting again.

Although it probably won't be for Kewaskum. . . . .but who knows?? Anything can happen. :-)

The dog

What does one say about a dog wearing a cone and slippers?

Devil's Head

So much to say. . . . . .the "horns" made an appearance, because my "fans" asked for them (no picture, sorry).

Then there's the race course recreated in spaghetti for your viewing pleasure. . . . . . .

Princess Amy hanging out with a tummy ache. . . . .
CK before. . . . . . .

And of course, CK after he tangled with a tree, broke his seat off, and earned the new nick name "Gimpy". . . . . . . . .

Nice calf!! It's only twice the "normal" size. . . . . .maybe next race will produce good results without catapulting OFF the bike. . . . . .

Spectating is hard work. Off to bed I go.

Hanging by a thread

Thank god it's almost Friday! This past week has been one of THE most difficult in my real estate career. Combine that with the fact that I can't relieve the stress by going out for a long ride on my bike and that makes things even worse.

I had a family almost homeless. . . . .and I managed to pull their transaction together with 15 minutes to spare. Their house closed here as they're sitting in South Carolina and the builder got the wire of funds just before close of business so he could hand them their keys. It was touch and go but in the end all went well and they had a place to sleep.

Today I went for chiropractic adjustment #2 and so far, so good. Also had my NMT massage (neuromuscular therapy massage) and she found a ton of spots/knots in my quads. . . .go figure. It's not like I've been using them. Also found some serious stress knots limiting the mobility of my shoulders. I think I'm falling apart MORE by NOT riding. Too funny.

Tomorrow has me attending one last nightmare closing and then I'm home free. . . . . .pack the camper & head to Devil's head. Both the chiropractor and the NMT (and the surgeon) Ok'ed riding the MTB as long as it's "easy, for a short period of time and doesn't inflict any pain". Sweet. I think I'll preride Devil's Head. Then I'll party cuz I don't have to race it. I HATE that race.

Taking Control

Have you ever felt so many things were beyond your control? I think I must be somewhat of a control freak - at least where my own health is concerned. Yesterday I decided waiting around for this disk issue to heal just isn't my style. I don't particularly like guessing at what I can and can't do, asking questions and getting no answers, being patient and seeing no results. So I decided nobody knows my body better than I do. . . .I might as well be the one to find the solution to fix it.

I started with ordering some books off Amazon.com to better inform me of exactly what's going on. I think part of my frustration is that I don't understand why I have to just "wait". What is that accomplishing? Hopefully some self-education will help in that respect.

Then I called my doctor to have him put me back in physical therapy. . . . .this time with a sports specific therapist. Someone who understands my need to be active and on my bike, someone who will help me find a way to ride. . . . .maybe not compete just yet, but at least RIDE.

Then I found a new chiropractor. A younger guy in West Bend who specializes in sports injuries and also works closely with physical therapists. I see him for my "free consultation" today. We'll see what he thinks is a good plan of attack.

And lastly I see my massage therapist on Thursday. She specializes in neuromuscular stuff. . . .and has training working with athletes as well. Hopefully she can help me with a plan to loosen my hamstrings, get the lumps out of my quads, and get my butt to stop hurting.

I'm thinking between ALL these professionals, and by educating myself, hopefully I can form a plan of attack that has me feeling like there's hope to race again. Whatever it takes to be back on my bike in a timely manner, without causing more damage, I'm in for trying. But sitting back for 6 months and "waiting" is NOT an option. I may not make my living as a professional cyclist, but my entire life is built around cycling. . . . . my friends. . . my activities. . . . my stress relief. . . .my fitness . . . . .everything. To NOT bike is not an option (unless it means I will DIE if I ride, then MAYBE I'll rethink that).

Cross your fingers for me and if you or anyone you know has back problems/issues, please share your stories with me. I'm trying to learn from this process and hopefully help others in the process.

So much to catch up on

There's so much to catch up on today. Yesterday we took the Virgin out to teach her some mountain bike skills. We found out she definitely needs clipless pedals & shoes. She rode the trails pretty good and seems excited to go back again. Maybe we'll hook her yet!

Then there were games. . . . . . .which I might point out I dominated at. And the tables were flipped with CK getting it handed to him this time (usually HE'S the one handing it to everyone else). And of course Bill & Squirt's battle. . . . .

Then today was the "girl thing". . . . . . .Amy's "bridal shower". Isn't it just fitting she climbed on the bar to open her gifts??

And of course here are the "3 hotties". . . . . . . . or as Amy referred to us at the shower "the 3 hottest girls in WORS". . . . . .

Amy got some cool stuff. . . . .lots of cookware. Maybe now she'll make us that "PIE" she keeps talking about. . . . . . .

3 Week Body Makeover

Sweet, I found this article today. It says all I need is a set of walking shoes, a set of dumbells and 21 days to get a new body.

I have that!! Maybe I'll "get a new body". Sweet. This is the fun part about not having to follow a "training plan". I can do whatever I want.

Time for other things

This "down" time has given me the opportunity to catch up on a few other things. . . . .besides trying to piece together several real estate transactions that are hanging by a thread.

I've finally just about completed the living room project. I started back in January. . . .painting the living room portion, but not the bar area. This week I finished that. Now I just have to put the 58 bottles of alcohol back into the bar (I swear there must be that many) and put the light switch covers back on and we're good to go.

Then it's time to tackle the laundry room. . . . . . .

Aren't home improvement projects so much fun? It seems you finish one and then there' s always another, and another, and another. I think that's why we moved the last time. . .too much to do!

Realization

I've come to realize that no one is able to tell me what my body can and can't do, and how it will react to different rides of different exertion levels. Apparently every person is different, and every circumstance is different and there is no "handbook" of how to recovery from a back injury.

After this past weekend's rides my "disk" appeared to be a tad bit aggravated. While I am not experiencing the severe pain I had prior to my 2 epidural injections, I did get the constant numb & tingly feeling back in my left leg, all the way down into my left foot. I also got the deep aching pain in my left glute back, which I've come to realize is the actual disk being irritated. I understand this is how the whole thing started, so obviously I'm more than a little cautious about pushing it too much.

I've spent the week researching my disk issues, looking for information that may help me make an intelligent decision as to how to proceed with "my life", and I just haven't found the answers I'm looking for. . . . . .or any answer for that matter.

Yesterday, after taking 2 days off the bike, I rode at Blue for about an hour. Today it seems my issues are the same. I don't think they've worsened, although they definitely haven't gotten any better. I guess that means I keep taking it one day at a time, one step at a time. Sooner or later it's either going to get better, or revert back to where it was. At least then I'll know.

I broke down and finally took my WORS plate off my bike yesterday. It was a sad moment, because it was me admitting that unless some miracle happens, I'm not getting back to racing any time soon. I was not prepared when this whole thing happened for the possibility that I might not be able to bounce back quickly. But again. . . . .baby steps. Right now I'll ride for fun at 60-75 minutes at a crack and hopefully soon I'll be able to ride "hard" and/or "long" again without pain or "issues". When that happens, I'll be able to kick the training in again. Right now, I just hope to not lose any more fitness than I already have.

This may be a long road back. . . . . .but I'll get there. It may be next year before I'm lining up on the start line again. . . . . .but I can wait. I have to.

Gotta pee?

It's just not fair. It's just so much easier to be a boy and pee.

Hatfield

Well, we thought since we had a two weekend break from WORS, we'd actually get up to Hatfield like we say we're going to do every year to ride. Those trails are so much fun. So we set off to do the 3 hour WEMS race.

I'm not sure what Captain was digging for in the garbage here. . . . . . .I think he just does that when nobody is looking.

This was the debut for CK's new ride, which he picked up from the shop on Thursday. With all the Trek problems the boys have been having, it seemed like a good idea to stray from Trek and try something else. . . .and why not make it a hardtail.

Riser bars??!? I thought those were only for Single Speeders and recreational riders.

The boys raced the 3 hour at Hatfield and rode the first half of the race together. Captain was experimenting with his race strategy, trying the going out hard theory to see where that got him. About 1/2 way into the race another 3 hour boy was starting to catch them so Bill gave Jeff the word to "go" and he went.

Jeff won the 3 hour, the "other guy" managed to finish just ahead of Bill and Bill took third. Afterwards he felt like crap and made this little pile. . . . . fruitpunch Gatorade. . . . . Mexcian was out as dinner options that night. . . . . . . . .

I was given the "ok" by my doctor to "slowly ease my way back into normal life" on Friday, so I tried an easy 2 laps of the race course Saturday, but the boys wouldn't let me race. :-( It was SOOOOO much fun. On a scale of 1-10 my desire to race the 3 hour was about a "12". But two easy laps had my body feeling a little tired and irritated so I decided to listen.

Sunday Captain was feeling much better so we tackled the trails together. The 3 of us rode the loop the 6 hour used (or so we think). There was some climbing in there and I could tell the body was/is still not "normal". I just need to understand what I can and can't do right now so I don't end up in the same position again. Thank GOD I didn't lose any skills. . . . .cuz I sure lost a LOT of fitness. But it's ok, because riding my mountain bike "out of shape" is a million times better than not riding it at all.

Forget it

I've made an executive decision.

You people will have to type the word verification if you want to comment.

What do I do everyday?

For the most part, I enjoy my job. It's never the same, and often times when I think I'll be doing one thing, a wrench is thrown into the plans and the day totally changes. For people who don't like "routine" jobs, real estate is great. For people who like a "regular paycheck" and "regular hours" real estate is not the job for you.

This week I've spent a number of hours in crisis mode. I've had to talk several people "down off the ledge" including one family who are moving out of state (the truck comes FRIDAY) and we've just found out their whole transaction might fall apart, giving them two mortgages in two different states. Their kids start school next week, they're closing on a new house in 2 weeks and neither of them have found a new job. . . . .and now their whole world has been turned upside down.

Then there's the family who is struggling with health problems as well as financial problems and can't afford to stay in their house. . . . .and we can't find a buyer for their house. Helping them cope with how their going to live was another trying matter this week.

And then there's the foreclosure property I have listed, that I've had 5 different offers on, none of which have gone to closing for various reasons. Yesterday consisted of yet 5 more messages left for the bank on what they want to do with the current buyer, and the next buyer who's waiting to put their offer in.

Real estate isn't just showing houses or listing houses. That's the easy part. It's being there to listen and pick up the pieces of the lives of your buyers and sellers when their real estate deals fall apart at the 11th hour. It's being there to listen to them rant and rave that their house hasn't sold and it's WAY better than everyone else's house. It's being there to assure them that everything will be ok. . . . . .or to explain to them that it's not going to be ok and help them figure out a solution so they can move on.

And then sometimes it's leaving work in the middle of the day to go ride your bike, or packing up every other weekend to go camp & race bikes. That's the part I like the best.

Word verification

Had to add the word verification to my comments page, sorry for the inconvenience. Someone keeps hitting my blog with crap posts. . . .links to junk.

Calumet

What a weekend. Calumet is always a fun place to camp. Once again we were on the "water", moving up in the world again. Aren't we just a good lookin' crew?

The course was fun to walk. . . .I did a lap Saturday since I can't ride my bike yet. It took me about an hour and 15 minutes. . . .and I'm TOTALLY counting that as training. Of course I was sweating, huffing and puffing as I was out of breath, and I'm sure my heart rate was a little higher than it should have been. But it felt good to do SOMETHING.

I'm finding out it's REALLY hard to be a cheerleader and just watch when you're feeling almost normal. I know. . . .patience is a virtue. . . .I think it's one I do NOT have at times. But knowing if I'm NOT patient I'll drive them to cut into me to "fix" the problem has me being just a little more obedient than normal.

Bill had a great finish today. He looked incredible. Wasn't even breathing that hard when I saw him. He took 3rd in age which gave him another podium finish. CK wasn't so lucky. He took yet another spill, this one all of his own doing, and had more bike issues. I think Trek is hitting the crapper. I got my workout today running up and down the hill a number of times for handoffs. I actually had fun. My butt started to hurt a bit. . . .but I think that's still ok. I guess I'll find out later this week.

Home at a reasonable hour. How exciting. I guess I'll clean up now and actually relax a bit before it's time to hit the sack.

Off to Calumet

Last race at Calumet this weekend. While last year was relatively good to me (8th overall in Sport). . . .usually Calumet isn't very kind to me. It's more of a "roadie" course. . . .one for those "in-shape" people who like less technical stuff. . . .NOT me. While I'll be sad I won't be able to race the LAST WORS race there (or so they say), I think I'll get over it.

And I'll DEFINITELY get over missing Devil's Head. I hate that one.

I hope to try riding again next weekend. We'll see how that goes, and figure it out from there. Until then. . . . . . .I'm still a cheerleader.

Second one down

Today was my second "epidural steroid injection". They held my feet down, just incase they spasmed involuntarily like the last time. It wasn't as painful as the first one, as there must have been more room for the medication to go, so it didn't press directly on my nerve. I still felt it all the way down my leg. . . . .but definitely not as intense as the last shot.

Having these injections take a lot of out of you. I came home and plopped on the couch to watch a movie, then prepared a new recipe for dinner. Moving around to some extent was good, because these shots make you very sore and stiff. This evening I feel like I did before the first shot. :-( But I'm sure that will pass.

Hopefully #2 will help me "heal" enough to actually ride my bike. I've got one more chance after this one, and if that doesn't do it, it's off to the surgeon. I miss Phoenix.

For your amusement

Ok, so I'm not happy about the whole Floyd thing, nor do I want to spark a debate on the issue. . . .but this was pretty funny.

He's adorable

I had the privilege of seeing the Saroldi-Gonzalez baby today. What a cute one! I pulled out my camera to snap a shot or two, only to find out my battery was dead. Nice. So check out Tony's Blog for some new pics.

Francisco was awake when I got there, but he decided to grab a nap soon after that. . . .and that was the last time I got to see him "active".

Ulla looks as radiant as ever. Her feet are all ballooned up though. . . . .just like the time I used that stuff on my face and it got puffy. . . . .but she's still just as beautiful as ever.

And Tony was just beaming when he arrived and went right to little "Frankie" to pick him up and kiss him. Pretty easy to see the love there.

I snuck some Godiva sweets into mom. . . . . . because I believe she's entitled to a "treat" after squeezing out that 7lb, 5oz, 21 inch "cutie pie".

Congratulations again to Tony & Ulla. Soon we'll see Ulla out training again. . . . .pulling little Frankie behind her in the burley. . . . .then she'll come out of "retirement" to kick my butt in WORS again. I can't wait.

He's ARRIVED!

Francisco arrives into the world at 3:59am.

A big congratulations goes out to Tony & Ulla.

Of course he has a great birthday. . . . .the same as my most favorite cousin, Kim. Happy birthday Kim, and Happy "birth" day Francisco.

Check out Tony's blog for pics.

STILL no baby??

I received word from Ulla (aka "Chicklette") this evening that she has planted herself in a hospital bed in West Allis. . . .waiting to give birth to "my" baby. When I had talked with her, she had already endured 21 hours of labor and FINALLY they broke down and gave her an epidural.

When I spoke to her she was "feeling pretty good" and "recommended the epidural to anyone who has the option of getting one". As of 6:00ish, she still had a "number of hours" to go before the pup makes his appearance in the world. I guess the kid is a bit stubborn. . . . .hmmm I wonder where in the WORLD he would have gotten that?!?

Could I BE more wrong?

Being off the bike for over 3 weeks puts you through a lot of different emotions. At first you're angry, then that turns into depression which gives way to apathy. Pretty soon you're looking forward to plopping your butt on the couch and stuffing your face with junk food & a beverage while your friends go ride.

I had reached that final stage. . . .and I thought I didn't miss riding my bike at all. I couldn't have been MORE wrong.

Hit the flat stuff at Glacial Blue on my way to the gravel trail. I had NO IDEA I missed my bike that much. I even shed a tear . . . . .I'm such a pansy.

40 minutes in the saddle. . . . .slammed some advil when I got home and put the ice pack on. I can feel it, but it's not shooting. . . .and I'm pretty sure that's still ok. We'll see how it feels as the day progresses. If I can move, I'm doing it again tomorrow. . .and the next day. . . and the next day. . . .

Finally Friday

It's finally Friday. I've waited for this day all week. It means today is the day I can start "slowly" back on my bike. Yippee. My mountain bike (Phoenix) has been whimpering for a whole MONTH, poor thing. Today I'll get her out for a "test drive".

I though this article might be appropriate to read since I'll be attempting to get "back into shape" now. Isn't it interesting that they say bicycling is the worst exercise for your abs. . . .as it doesn't engage those muscles. Hhhmmm, they must have never mountain biked.

And one of the "tummy tips" they give is to have a cup or two of coffee to "get things moving". Is that why "CK" is so thin? Coffee??

Soon I'll look like this. . . . . . . . . .
Oh wait, I look like that now. . . . . . . .

I'm finally "with the technology times"

So for my birthday this year, I finally joined the ranks of the "technologically cool" people and I got an iPod.
Maybe it's because I whined enough. . . . .or maybe it's because CK WON one at Eau Claire and I REALLY wanted one. . . . .or maybe it's because The Captain and CK like me enough to splurge. . . . .but whatever the reason, I'm all hooked up now.

I even received a gift card from "the girls" (AKA - our dogs) to go to Best Buy and get some "accessories" for my iPod. Sweet. I'll have to do some research on that. I'm quickly becoming one of those behind the times people who have trouble getting a DVD to play. At least I know what a DVD is. . . . . . . . .

Phillips

Our camping space was a LOT better for Phillips than it was for Kewaunee. We're movin' on up in the world. . . . .to LAKE FRONT property.

Beautiful sunsets. . . . . . .


And Phillips was good for the 35-39 age group of our team. CK and the Captain made it to the podium together. I think they're holding hands here. . . . .

And who are these punks? I guess it was a little dusty at Phillips. . . . .or something. . . . . .

I LOVE squirt's new hairdo. She's even HOTTER this way, don't ya think?

Can't wait till next year. Maybe the drive will get shorter. . . . .

"No shot, dog bite". . . . . . .

Ok, so I haven't updated in almost a week. Pretty lame considering I have nothing else to do with my life right now.

Friday I spent most of the day waiting to get my steroid injection. What a fun way to spend your birthday. . . .waiting for HOURS for someone to shove a needle in your back. When I finally got in there it took about a whole 2 minutes. And it would have gone faster except they hit a nerve which made my left leg and arm jump about a foot off the table (all on their own I might add). It seemed to surprise them. . . .that must not happen often. They held my legs and arms down as they finished, guess they didn't want them moving involuntarily since there was a HUGE needle stuck in my back. The whole nerve thing hurt like the dickens, but if it helps, I'd gladly do it again. The 4 hour ride to Phillips was fun after that. . . I just curled up in a ball in the back seat.

But Saturday morning I actually felt a little better. Sunday was about the same. Even staying at THIS level on the pain/discomfort scale would be fine in my book. Doc says MAYBE I can start short (30 minute, non-jarring) rides come this weekend IF I'm feeling better. Next shot is set for August 3rd.

Phillips recap to come. . . . . .

Moving Day

Today we moved to a new office.

Here's our OLD office. The one GOOD thing about it was that it was next to a liquor store. . . .

Here's our NEW office. Several years in the making. . . .intense searches for land to build a new building on. . . .delayed move-in dates from contractors. . . . .and FINALLY. . . . .a PROFESSIONAL building.

And here's my "work space". I was either really good, or really naughty because they stuck me in a cube all alone. The morning sun shines on me and I SWEAR it's 20 degrees hotter than everyone else's space. I've been told I can wear a swim suit if I want. . . . .


We weren't supposed to "personalize" our space TOO much. I did anyway. Gotta have those pictures. . . .I'm a visual one. See those kick a$$ flowers? Those are from Keith and Colleen. Thanks guys. They are perfect.

I'm calling it a day now. Off to change and perhaps watch some Super Week racing.

Depressed or stressed?

So this is why I've been "depressed and stressed" lately. No massages!!

"A recent review of more than a dozen massage studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine concludes that massage therapy relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body's biochemistry. In a series of studies including about 500 men, women, and children with depression or stress problems, researchers measured the stress hormone cortisol in participants before and immediately after massage and found that the therapy lowered levels by up to 53%. (Cortisol can drive up blood pressure and blood sugar levels and suppress the immune system.) Massage also increased serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help reduce depression."

Crystal Ridge

It sure was a HOT one. I did the VP thing today and I'm pretty sure I sweat just as much as I would have if I were racing. I was parked on the craters climb with absolutely no breeze and I'm fairly certain I sweat out a gallon or so. I did get a lot of compliments on my horns though. . . . . .several propositions, one guy even kissed me. It was hotter than "hell" today so it was only fitting.

Even with the high temps, I still missed racing. It was good to keep busy though and encourage all my friends and fellow teammates. I started the process of evening out my "biker" tan. . . . .I'll have to work on the shorts line yet.

Nice job to everyone out there today. And shame on the "expert guy" who took out my BFF. I'll be waiting at the bike rack at Phillips for you pal. Maybe I'll jump out from behind a bush and jam a stick in your wheel and see how you like being thrown off your bike. Rubbin's racin', but "throwing someone down" is just plain dirty.

Normal?

Since I've joined the ranks of "normal society", I just don't know what to do with myself. It's only been a little over a week since I was banned from my bike, but I feel like it's been 4 months. It's kind of strange only having to shower once in a day. . . . . .not having to lay out my day to squeeze in a ride of some sort. . . . .not having my "girls" checking in on riding times and places. . . . .having to actually watch what I eat since I'm not burning those calories anymore. . . . .

But there are good things too. I can sit my butt on the couch while everyone else is working out. . . . . . .I don't have to ACCLIMATE (that one is pretty good). . . . . .and I can drink whenever I want because I don't have to worry about my performance being hampered by a hangover (that one's good too). Sweet.

I'll be getting a work out Sunday though. I may be one of the few "spectator" they have to carry out on a stretcher for heat exhaustion. I'll be sipping my "secret concoction" from my Brittany Nigh bottles, and cheering for everyone as I'm volunteering out on the course. I've already offered to stuff ice cubes down rider's shorts to help with the heat factor. . . . . .and I'll have a few extra water bottles awaiting for anyone who's in need. I'll make sure not to mix those up with the "other" bottles. . . . . .

See you on the course SOMEWHERE Sunday. I'll have to find my devil horns to wear as I chase you people up the craters hill. . . . . . .yeah, that should help my back, especially when I fall off the side of the hill. Sweet. It's going to be a fun weekend.

Lori's Bike

On a ride a couple weeks ago, we saw Lori's bike on the top of a pop up camper. . . . . .yeah, the one on the left that kind of blends in with the surroundings. . . . . . . .

My sister ties the knot

My sister finally tied the knot today.

This is my new brother-in-law.

Um, Heather, you have something on your nose. . . . . .


How the heck did she get the "skinny" genes?!?

Do we look alike? People say we do. I just don't see it.

Congratulations Heather.

Thanks!

Thanks to all who have called, e-mailed and posted positive comments on my blog. I think "blogging" is therapeutic. I truly appreciate the support. I've met some REALLY great people in the time I've been doing this "biking" thing. And I have to say my fellow biking friends are just THE BEST.

Look for me on the side lines at the upcoming races, cuz I'll be SCREAMING for you & riding your butts to gooooooo FASTER! And yeah, that will be "water" I'll be sipping from that Brittany Nigh bottle. . . . . . .yeah, water. ;o)

The Update

Well, today was the big day. I saw the surgeon. I guess there is good news, and bad news. The good news is I'm likely going to live a few more years. The bad news is I need to take an unscheduled "season break".

I'll be off my bike(s) completely for at least 3 weeks (and two of my favorite races). During that time I'll be getting the steroid shots in my back to see if my body can heal itself, or if they have to do surgery to fix it. I guess my odds aren't as good as "normal", because I've got some other back issues going on. But if they do have to do surgery, they'll only be removing part of my disk that's bulging. . . . .with the hopes that will do the trick.

I guess if Lance Armstrong can come back from cancer to be a 7 time Tour de France winner, I can take a month or two off my bike and hopefully come back stronger next year. I'm trying to put a positive spin on this gloomy news because I know it could be worse. . . . .a LOT worse. But right now having someone tell you that you can't do the one thing you LOVE to do, for who knows how long, seems pretty bad.

Tomorrow is another day. Baby steps.

Silent Sports

If you haven't seen the latest issue of Silent Sports, here it is. That would be fellow teamate Ben Swart on the cover (aka "the General"). I'm just surrounded by famous people. Sweet.

Yes, I'm Alive

Yes, it's Wednesday already, no posts since last week. . . . .for all those who are concerned, I am alive. . . . . just barely, but I am.

Had our niece's wedding Saturday, it was a beautiful day, complete with a delicious dinner, a beautiful bride and lots of laughs. But it threw us off our "pre-race routine" more than a little bit. Hind site is 20/20, but we should have packed just a little bit better for Sunday, a few more hours of sleep would have been better, a LOT more calories & liquids taken in would have been better and sitting a lot LESS would have been better (at least for MTB girl).

Sunday was marginal at best, but we were there, and I finished despite a number of girls passing me asking if I was alright. I wonder if it was because I was sobbing as they passed? Or was it because my goosebumps started about 30 minutes in, right after which the sweating almost stopped? Or was it because I was seeing little "Christina Aguilera Spiders"? Live and learn.

Cyrstal Ridge has become of my favorite races. . . .now that I'm just a little bit faster in the single track. I hope to be able to ride it next weekend, before it's time to retire for the season. This was supposed to be my break out year dammit. Oh well, there's always next year.