March 29, 2008
"My training wheels"
I finally took some pictures of "Lucy", my fitness bike. (I love Lucy) She is hooking up for a social event with her new training partner who is related to the Cycleops family of bicycle training equipment. Don't you think we can all use a partner to help us train? I know my friend Kathryn and I share a great friendship and most of the time we spend together is training.
All the Trek Women Who Ride received trainers from Cycleops and it looks like we all use them for different reasons. One is being used in the gym, some are in our homes that are helping for rehab and stamina and others provide exercise during the bad weather. My Cycleops has helped me with all those reasons as well as confidence and bicycle knowledge.
I wanted to explain further how important this trainer is to me. The trainer works with the bike. They support each other and in turn support me. They are helping me to build confidence and trust, in my equipment and myself. I know I keep driving home these safety issues on my bike but it is always on my mind.
I will never shut out the possibility that I need some help and support. It doesn't embarrass me. I think I get more help this way than if I was over confident. Seek out the support and check out the Cycleops trainer.
Come Ride With Me
March 28, 2008
"It Don't Come Easy"
It's time for a little looking glass wisdom. Sometimes I will be paging through a magazine and find something to write about clearly inspired by a picture. Today I was reading and came across a quote that was meant for me to see.
Courage does not always roar...Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow".
Life is meant to be tough so we can feel like we have accomplished something at the end of the day. The trick to making progress is Never Give Up. Whether we are talking about riding a bicycle, dieting, training, or holding on to a relationship, it's all a process. We see progress, we get discouraged, we are happy, we are sad and then, we are happy again.
Sometimes I am relentless with my training and this week it seems like so much work, I am really pushing, breathing hard and doing a lot of self talk to convince myself that I can do it all. I'm kicking myself that I took a few days away from my training to do something fun and social. Maybe I should have arranged to get more exercise when I was gone. Have you ever had one of these self talking conversations with yourself? It's almost freaky, and what a stupid guilt trip. I need more work on how to balance between exercise and rest.
Here is something I do when these down-turns occur. I teat myself to a "rest day" as Coach Mary suggests. It doesn't matter if you just had one, take another and let the guilt go (I will try again tomorrow). When the following day begins, Goddess Energy and Goddess Inner Strength show up to strut their stuff. Try it, it really works. Treat yourself well, then,
Come Ride With Me
March 27, 2008
"Pedal On"
I thought it was time for more tips of the trade and noticed that even in our Company's health newsletter, there was an article about cycling, which reinforces what I said previously. It never hurts to cycle these issues home. Here is what they had to say,
About 85 million American adults ride a bike at least occasionally. In addition to getting you around town, biking povides a great aerobic workout. But, take care - cycling crashes result in an estimated 540,000 visits to emergency rooms annually, most of them involve motor vehicles. Remember these tips and stay safe:
Head Injuries: account for some 60% of cycling fatalities. Properly fitted bike helmets reduce risk for head injuries by 74%-85%
Use gloves, eye protection, padded shorts: handlebar padding, reflective and bright clothing, lights and reflectors; and do regular safety checks on your bike.
Avoid overuse injuries: Only use a bike suitable for your body proportions, (Hooray WSD) keep the seat, handlebars, and pedals correctly adjusted. To prevent knee strain, keep your extended knee slightly bent when pedaling, and use lower gears when going uphill. I learned this one the hard way.
Follow the rules of the road: Always ride with traffic, obey all signs and yield to cars. Be sure you make yourself as visible as possible to drivers. AND Have a nice ride.
I know it's repetative, but I thought it was great that there was an article about bikes IN THE NEWSLETTER. The word is getting out there.
Come Ride With Me.
March 25, 2008
"Birthday Bicycle Briefing"
OK, the birthday is over and it's time to get back on track. I had a nice visit with my sister over the weekend and now the work begins.
Back to the gym today to get in a good weight workout
Plan my week to get in several sessions on the trainer
Complete a grocery list so I have all the right things in the pantry
Get the bike outside before it begins to rain this weekend
Recruit some new participants for an after work ride (Daylight Savings)
It's all about staying focused, so as I re-group myself for the week, and get pysched up again, give me a few days to get some new blogs going and think about things to discuss. By the way, they are setting in place some nice cycling programs in Sacramento, CA. I'll tell you about that later.
Come Ride With Me
March 20, 2008
"5 Long Years"
It's been five years now since my husband, Cliff Westrope passed away from Melanoma. As I promised him, I have continued to work for Cancer Awareness and to bring the message home for everyone ever affected. I am directing those efforts into "Trek Women Who Ride" as a Product Advocate where they have allowed me to write about my cause. As a result of that exposure, I have been invited to join Team Pelco as a participant in the Lance Armstrong Challenge. Cancer is an emotional experience with ups and downs; I did not want it to take away my hope for the future so I have turned my passion into energy to spread cancer awareness.
More than 10 million Americans are currently living with cancer, and more than 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year alone. It's time for us to do something about this. We must unite to make cancer a national priority. The LIVESTRONG challenge provides us with an opportunity to do just that. In honor of all my friends, family and the millions of people affected, I will be riding my bike on July 12th in San Jose, California. I have committed to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation which was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
I know I can do this with the support of friends like you. I'll keep you updated on my fund raising and training progress as I prepare for the event. Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
March 19, 2008
Baby I'm Amazed
So,,, here is how it started. I was born on or about Easter Sunday in the year that was. My parents promised to name me for my Aunt Marie who had recently passed, in honor or her life and my Uncle Larry who was also my Godfather.
Well, I was little, kind of, and the name Marie Annette was terribly sophisticated for an infant. I don't know who thought of it, probably my father, because he was the "Nicknamer" of the family. From day one it was little "Bunny". By kindergarten I was Bunny Marie and by the time I was in junior high school, as friends were calling the house, my brother and sister would summon me to the phone as "BUN". I had to stop this insanity immediately, and insist that everyone use the name Marie. The family respected that and from that time on until I had children of my own, no one ever mentioned Bunny again. Then, one night when I was sitting around a YMCA Indian Maidens campfire with my two daughters, the story came up and instantly people started using the reference once again. It's funny that as you get older, names that make you seem youthful are once again acceptable; although I love the reference Grand Marie. It's my birthday this Easter week so I have been thinking about some of these years gone by.
In case anyone wants to know how this story relates to two and three wheeled transportation, please note the whistling child in the photo. This is me at 9 months, very happy because I am in my first Tri equipment. Does anyone remember what these were called? It was a "Tailor Tot". You all know more about me now than my relatives.
Come Ride With Me
March 18, 2008
"Stop It"
Well, I am feeling it this week. For the first time in quite awhile I feel like my time is just being chewed up. I continue to find new things I want to accomplish toward achieving my goals and continue to push myself close to my limits of energy every day. I am beginning to feel pressed for time to accomplish my tasks and at the end of the day I am completely running on empty. Bla, Bla, Bla,
STOP IT right there. I am going to take the weekend off and fly up to my sisters home in Sacramento. I'll,,,
- Visit the Trek dealer
- See about getting Arnold a bike helmet
- Take in a little scenery.
I spend so much time inside my home and the office as well as so much training. It's all good and all part of my life now, but it's time to get outside and smell the "alfalfa". Spring is around the corner, my favorite time of the year. Stop and Smell The Roses
Come Ride With Me.
March 17, 2008
"My Other Trainer"
I received my CycleOps trainer this week. Thank you very much to this company for sending me such a fine piece of equipment. I promise it will really get used and tested with a shiny review.
HOORAY! This has changed everything. I have started to develop a brand new relationship with my bicycles. Just getting the bike in a stable mode in a safe place like my home, allows me to explore mechanical issues as well as the gears, clip pedals, seat height or gosh, stuff I haven't even discovered yet.
I am so excited because I can spend more time training and really work on getting stronger than ever. With the Lance Armstrong Challenge in July, I now feel more confident that I will be prepared. I have set forth some tough goals for myself, as far as I am concerned. The first one is to put in some serious bike time on the trainer, in the gym and outside. No need to spell out exactly what the goals are because everyone is different and it might not seem aggressive enough for some and might seem too lofty for others. Let me just say this about that...For the past two weeks, I have achieved what I wanted to in terms of my training. Oh, by the way, I also got a spin class in yesterday, that's getting easier too. Sometimes it's a good thing to pedal as fast as you can and not get anywhere.
Come Ride With Me
March 13, 2008
"Bandwagon Jumper"
That's me, a Bandwagon Jumper. I am always up for the latest and greatest Bandwagon passing by and if it's inexpensive and I haven't tried it before, I'm usually in. I just received my community center Spring Schedule in the mail. For those of you who have never looked into one of these, I am here to tell you it's a well kept secret. This is a great place to start if you have a limited budget, want to make some new friends or you want to learn about a new hobby. Through this opportunity I have dabbled into hypnosis, line dancing, tole painting and cooking, just to name a few. Next time one of those flyers come through your mail box, take a look, there might be some fun waiting to unfold. As a new owner of a Mountain Bike, guess what I am going to do. (see add to follow)
"Mountain Bike Basics: Did you get a new mountain bike for Christmas and don't know where to go or how to use it? Learn from the expert riders how to: ride safely, use the gears on your bike, fix a flat, where to ride and more. Don't miss this oppotunity to get started riding the trails of your city. (meet at the park by the dam). "
You don't have to tell me, everyone that shows up will probably be 12 years old. I don't care, because it will make a cute story and I will accomplish what I need to do. '
- Learn the basics
- Discover new safe places to ride
- Make new friends
- Put another ribbon in my "Self Confidence Bonnet"
- Hand out those "Sisterhood of the purple business cards"
Come Ride With Me.
March 11, 2008
"Soothe The Savage Beast"
My bicycle guru Bruce, is also a super runner as you can see him after a race in the mountains above Malibu California. Because our relationship, is what it is, we never exchange gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, Valentines Day etc.; we have evolved to supporting each other spiritually and help each other get through daily challenges. I value this friendship and try to make sure I give back as much as I receive. That usually consists of homemade chicken noodle soup or one of my special turkey panini sandwiches.
This week, Bruce bought me an I-Pod shuffle all loaded with bicycle riding music. I have the larger of the I-Pod family and he has given me more music than I could listen to in a month. The idea behind this new gift was so I could clip the small unit inside my bike helmet and not be bothered with cords leading up to the ears from my waist or inside my shirt. He knew if I bought a shuffle myself, it would sit there for months waiting until I was inspired enough to pick out some songs and load them up. I can also take this along on my gym workouts. I want to remind you just how powerful music can be as a training tool. It can also make you feel happy, and when you are happy you do positive things like training.
In some cases music will soothe and relax me, but in the case of Bruce's selections, I am jazzed because I want the "Beast" in me to jump out and push harder than ever before, and it will happaen with this type of music; all 250 songs. Thank you Bruce for the gift of music that will inspire and motivate me as I pedal my butt off, hopefully. By the way, the shuffle was engraved "Come Ride With Me"; wasn't that thoughtful.
Come Ride With Me.
March 9, 2008
"Look who I bumped into"
Boy, I'm reading the blogs and seeing that the sisterhood is getting out there in public view. I was invited to JAX Bicycle for an event on Mountain Bikes or thought that's what it was about. As I walked in I recognized Dave Hansen who runs the show as well as Trek field rep Greg Johnson. Along with all the other staff that works at the store, there stood someone I recognized right away. Standing in the middle of the room in a "Purple Wool Jacket" like an icon from the "Chocolate Factory" guess who held out their hand with a great big smille, GARY FISHER...
We viewed some rare home movies, participated in a Q and A directed by Dave, and many guests brought in their Gary Fisher bikes for autographs. Also scheduled for the next day was a local ride out to Carbon Canyon and Gary was going along. Maybe the next time he visits, I will be able to function on a mountain bike.
Gary is an interesting character and the history of Mountain Biking to which he has contributed has definitely help to mold the sport as we see it today. I felt privledged to meet him. We had a lengthy one on one conversation and discussed attending the Trek dealer show in August. Wow, I am experiencing so many great things and meeting such great people. Thanks again Dave Hanson and your staff at JAX Bicycle for thinking of me. By the way, you need to stop by and meet Dave some time, he is a character in his own right.
Come Ride With Me.
March 7, 2008
I'm Committed or Should Be"
It's official, I have committed my heart and soul to the Lance Armstrong Challenge this July, as well as my team mates from Central Cale-forn-ya. Captain Andrew will now be refereed to as the "Terminator" and his team. Yeah, we are out to terminate Cancer, or at least do our fair share.
So, another goal, another project to train for, and much work and perseverance. That's OK, but you know it would help if you send some tips my way. Do you just pedal, pedal and pedal more in order to prepare? Can I emulate some of the information from my indoor metric century?
Well, come along with me even if it's just on paper. I think back about a year ago and I find it amazing what I have accomplished in a year. If I can do it, you can pick a goal and accomplish it too. We just have to put one foot in front of the other and start going forward. By the way, Trek Sisterhood of the Purple Business Cards, Demo Chiclets, and WSD Ladies, I will be asking for info as usual and as you always do, will respond in kind with patience, kindness and encouraging words. Talk to you all soon.
Hey, by the way, where is Ahh-nolds helmet ? What a Geek! , just kidding!
Come Ride With Me.
March 6, 2008
"Biggest So Far"
Today, I heard from Andrew Sheref who is the young family man that invited me to join the Central California team riding in the Lance Armstrong Challenge. Not only did he take the time to introduce every team member (on paper), but gave me a good run down of the mileage and conditions of the bike ride. I appreciate the time he took to make me feel safe and comfortable and that he is encouraging me to participate.
I have asked Trek how I can get into a Road Bike in time to use it in this ride and they are working on that for me. That is what's great about Trek, they want to help me every way they can and in this case I am able to purchase a demo bike to work on my lofty goals. I have a lot of work to do from now until July but it's a great test for me to get out there and push myself more. Also, I would love to report my step by step progress to you as I prepare.
So, if I can get into a road bike, sit down and map out a plan for the next 4 months, which I will defer to Coach Mary, I bet You will be looking at pictures of me on the starting line. If I work really hard, maybe you will be looking at me at the finish line too.
Come Ride With Me.
March 4, 2008
"We TIP", or try not to
It was suggested to me that I should submit a weekly tip to those that could benefit. For the most part I will be remembering things that I come across in the course of learning the ropes myself. If something is not correct or I am way off base, please submit a new suggestion so we can all keep learning from our experiences. This morning I was making an appointment to renew my drivers license so I was looking around on the DMV website for the State of California. There is a wealth of information to gather and I was pleasantly surprised to find this resource. The rules I submit will pertain to the State of California: Here are a few interesting submittals:
Bicyclists on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Respect the right-of-way of bicyclists because they are entitled to share the road with other drivers.
Bicyclists:
must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it. This was hard for me to understand because when you are "running" the opposite applies.
must ride in a straight line as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical, not on the sidewalk. Seems much safer to ride on the sidewalk, but I refrain, that is why I prefer the "Bike Path"
I know these rules seem fundamental to the experienced rider, but the "Newby" such as I needs the reminder.
Come Ride With Me.
March 3, 2008
"A Footprint"
I found myself wide awake and unable to sleep at 2:45 a.m. this morning. For quite a while in my life this was one of my biggest fears to wake up alone in the middle of the night. Then I started using the time to connect with all my spiritual thoughts. I learned to meditate and reflect about the day before, and the day yet to unfold. I began to look forward to the process as a time to think more clearly about the mistakes I had made and how to adjust my path for future days ahead. That could be anything from how I handle my funds to how well I listen to my friends, their thoughts, ideas and worries. This morning while I was thinking about committing to the Lance Armstrong Challenge, and working something else out about the Danskin Tri, I was reminded of my recent visit to Trek when our WSD Team posed a question to me. "So Marie, how has this Trek, Women Who Ride experience changed your life so far?" I don't know if the girls caught on but I had the biggest lump in my throat as I was trying to gather my thoughts. I tried to let them know how much I appreciated the opportunity and how all the challenges were so good for me personally. I just wasn't finished, so to say a few more things;
- I have left a Footprint in Wisconsin
- I have learned to talk to strangers
- I have improved my self-confidence
- I have learned to transfer pictures to the computer
- I have made many close friends
- I have been able to travel to new destinations
- I have a new bike
- I have a great support group
- I have surprised people
- I didn't know I could inspire
- I didn't know I could write a blog
- I can't wait to learn more new things
- I can't wait to achieve more goals
Thank you Trek and the WSD Team including the Demo Chiclets
Come Ride With Me
