June 9, 2008
MY GUT
I'm so sick of having a gut. It could singlehandedly be the most unattractive quality I have. Its pretty disgusting but I have grown to live with it like one might live with a mole or buck teeth or some other random bothersome quality. My tombstone will read "She was a nice girl, had great legs and arms but her gut was always a little large."
My gut has always been there. It has always been large and it has always been a problem. I must admit that genetics play a big part. Just like some women are bipolar or have some mental illness or another, I have a big gut. Large guts run in my family. My father has a big gut and my brothers have big guts. It's all part of being a Mele.
So now that I'm done complaining I'm going to let you know what I do about my big gut...other than over eating on a regular basis and drinking beer. I work out, yes...but do I focus enough on my gut? No. Do I do a hundred sit-ups every day? No Have I been good with my diet over the last month? No.
So basically I have nothing to complain about because I have a bit of a gut slacker. Did I ever really believe that I would wear a bikini? Maybe I'll go eat something really cheesy and feel better.
June 6, 2008
PLEASE USE CAUTION
Mom's can be total goobers at times. We have our moments but sometimes they're not so good.
Instead of going to the gym today I decided to take Seamus and Kiley out in the bike trailer. I planned a nice route forgetting that I would be pulling an extra 65 pounds... but all in all it wasn't too bad. We visited friends, dropped by the post office and stopped at Dunkin Donuts for some coffee and donuts.
We were almost done and about a mile from home. We were going down a slight downhill and we started picking up speed. The kids were laughing, I was loving it and we were flying high. At the bottom of the downhill we took a left. I was so in the moment that I neglected to slow down ENOUGH. As we turned the corner the trailer went up on one wheel and the kids shrieked. There was a slight sideways flip of the trailer. Did the kids fall out? No Where they strapped in the double kid strap system? Yes Were they wearing their helmets? Of course
I stopped immediately (instead of dragging them sideways the whole way home) and they were completely fine, just a little wigged about their bike ride that had suddenly turned into Mr. Toad's wild ride. The worst part was that Kiley got herself so worked up coughing that she puked (see photo). After about 2 minutes we continued down the road as I explained to them that what they had experienced was nothing compared mountain biking.
Yes, I will REALLY slow down on the turns in the future. For my kids sake. Now I know how far I can go. Bad mom!
May 23, 2008
ONE BRICK AT A TIME
After my first brick I decided to continue in this fun and overly abusive type of training. Yes, I run, bike and swim at the gym, and sometimes all on the same day but never in an intense outdoor training session. Why would I ever do something crazy like that?
This week I hung with a group of tri-trainees lead by fitness guru Kim Kelleghar. Kim is a great girl, a super mom, a good friend and someone I enjoy riding with. I am always interested in doing what she does. My reason? Maybe because she is rock hard and barely a size 2? Maybe because she has less than 1% body fat? Maybe because I think if I do what she does than my body will look like hers? Bingo! There you have it.
Well clearly that will never happen but I still showed up for her "brick training" session. We ran 2 miles, biked 19 miles and then ran 2 more miles (because the first 2 miles weren't enough). Yes, running sucks and it sucks even more when you have to do it twice.
The ride was way fun and Kim ran with me and gave me a few basic pointers
1. Carry oxygen next time you run you idiot!
2. You could go faster if you were walking!
3. My mother could run circles around you!
4 Maybe you shouldn't have partied last night!
Yes, I completed the run, did fine with the ride (my favorite part) and ran the last 2 miles with a big fat grin (and gut) because I knew I was almost done. I am really looking forward to doing my first tri this summer at the Danceskin Boston Tri and the Columbia Irongirl. We shall see! Maybe I'll see if Trek can get me one of those super flattering one piece tri skin suits. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress! Enjoy the ride...whatever it may be.
April 27, 2008
MY FIRST 5K
This has clearly been a big week of firsts for me. First brick, first mammogram and first 5K. This morning I participated in the Women's 5K by the Bay race. It was a beautiful 5K run in Harve de Grace, MD.
I have a few friends that are runners that asked to me to do the run with them. I thought, "What have I got to lose?". I have been harassing my friends to start riding so I figured I had to get out and do a little running with them. Fair is fair. On top of that I plan on doing some triathlons this summer so I thought this could help.
I had been training on a treadmill for a few months and had run outside maybe twice. Yes, I know (as I've been told 100 times) that running outside is totally different than the treadmill. So there I was this morning out in the cold at 7:30am and hating life (I'm not a morning person). Oh ya, and did I mention I don't like running? I was also having a hard time getting past the fact that this would be a short workout (i.e. waste of my time) as opposed to riding 30 miles and getting a great workout on the bike.
With all of my negative thoughts in check I shimmied up to the starting line and ran my big butt off. I kept trying to visualize getting into the "zone" but I don't think I actually ever found it. Finally I crossed the finish line as I watched the clock switch to 28:00. I came in 79th out of 340. So there you have it. I made it and it wasn't bad at all. My friend Jen even took 9th place overall! My goal for my next run will be to beat her time of 21:00. Yah right, in my dreams!
April 24, 2008
MY FIRST BRICK
Back in January I decided I was going to start doing triathlons. (You can start laughing now.) This meant I needed to start swimming and running. When I was younger I was on a swim team and I have always been a pretty efficient swimmer. I like to swim and I have good staying power. Needless to say I wasn't too concerned about the swimming.
Now onto the running. I have always hated running. I find it boring, boring, boring. With that being said I decided to give it the old college try. I figured if I could ride my bike forever then I could run a little bit, right? So I started on the treadmill, a little at a time and now I'm kind of a runner...I guess...but not really. I got new shoes. Doesn't that count?
A couple of days ago my friend Kim organized a group of people to do a little ride (22miles) immediately followed by a little run (3 mi) in preparation for triathlons. When I got there she asked me if this was my first brick. I know the look on face was like "What the hell is a brick?"
When I was a kid my mom used to refer to our "poops" as "bricks". I honestly thought to myself, "Why is Kim talking about poops?" She brought me right back to my youth. Then she explained when you combine the elements of the tri its called brick training. Duh. Yes, I'm a little slow sometimes but now I get it!
I am happy to say that I did my first brick and it felt pretty good. I can't wait to do more brick training...minus the poops.
March 30, 2008
HOW TO GAIN 5 POUNDS ON EASTER VACATION
Yes, I am still a part of the biggest loser contest and am trying to be strong but the strangest thing happens when I get around my family. I am no longer the girl that eats right but instead I become a food junkie. With that I bring you the top ten ways to gain 5 pounds in a week. I did it and so can you!
- For breakfast always start out with coffee and add some heavy flavored cream. After coffee time treat the rest of breakfast as if it is a 3 course meal. Donuts, then cereal, then pancakes.
- Make sure to order out as many meals as possible and don't forget about the sides, they're the best part...especially garlic mashed or mac and cheese which are offered on almost every carry out menu.
- Try and eat some type of cheese product with every meal and then throw in a glass of whole milk for good measure.
- Keep your children's easter baskets easily accessible so you can pop several pieces of candy in your mouth all day long without the kids ever noticing.
- When eating at a restaurant, first finish your plate, then try and help out all the skinny people at the table that are "too full" to finish their meal.
- Don't worry about filling up on bread at a restaurant. Eat it up, slather it in butter or olive oil with cheese and always ask for more, even if you have an appetizer, salad and entree on its way.
- No matter how full you are, always order dessert and don't share it with anyone.
- Every day between lunch and dinner a trip to the ice cream parlor is a nice afternoon pick me up. Your order should include a large chocolate malt or shake.
- Have an all junk food lunch with the whole family that includes doritos, twinkies, cupcakes and cheese puffs. You'll suddenly become popular with all the kids on the beach, not just your own.
- Every night before bedtime check your fridge for any leftover pizza or pasta and get in a good bedtime snack. There's nothing like listening to your stomach churn when you're trying to fall asleep.
Good luck! If you follow all the steps I'm sure you'll have no problem being as successful as me!
March 10, 2008
IF YOU CAN OVERLOOK A BAD HAIRDO.... THAN YOU REALLY LIKE YOUR BIKE A LOT
I RECENTLY RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM A NEW GUEST BLOGGER! ENJOY!
It is the beginning of March and we are in the midst of yet another Chicago snow storm. You might think that this would depress me as we have had several large snow storms this season, but I am actually encouraged. Why am I encouraged during a storm that is predicted to drop another 8-9 inches of snow on top of the 11 inches that fell several weeks ago? I am encouraged because it is the beginning of March and this absolutely can't last much longer.
March means the end of winter - the beginning of spring and the start of the biking season. Everyday when I pull in and out of the garage, with my tire treads full of snow, I see my Trek FX 7.5 WSD and it lifts my spirits. I bought it last fall on the advice of Susan and Jim (the Loveman).
I had taken cycle classes for years but I started riding outside last summer when the club where I work out at bought six Trek bikes for members to use. I must admit that I sought the advice of several people when looking to buy a bike but Susan's enthusiasm for and loyalty to, Trek bikes, won me over.
I did my research and narrowed my selection down to several models. Being a new rider, I wasn't sure if I was ready for a performance road bike. Everyone I consulted said to buy the road bike but I had reservations about the low position of the handlebars that would place me in a hunched over position. I had back surgery for a herniated disk three years ago and I am still careful about exercise and posture. That is why the Trek FX 7.5 WSD, which is considered a hybrid performance bike, was so appealing to me.
The Trek FX 7.5 WSD is lightweight with thin tires (not as thin as a road bike) and a more upright handlebar position. It is perfect for me. Besides being a great ride (very zippy) it is also very stylish. My FX is black with light blue swirly, modern looking details. Because light blue and black are very trendy, I have had no trouble finding biking wear that matches beautifully with my bike. I even found a helmet that is light blue and silver. The fact that the helmet matches my bike almost makes up for the fact that when I take the helmet off, my hair is ruined. If you knew me and the trouble I have keeping my fine hair looking full, you would know that for me to place a helmet on my head and risk not looking my best, means that the Trek FX 750 WSD, black with light blue styling, must be a good ride!
So on this snowy night, with winter seeming like it will never end, writing this blog and thinking about springtime rides followed by hot summer rides, has put me a good mood. Thanks for inspiring me, advising me, and for letting me write this blog that keeps me thinking spring!
THANKS MARY BETH! I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF!
FYI - THE TREK FX 7.5 WSD IS UNDER $800! PRETTY DARN AFFORDABLE!
February 18, 2008
THE BIGGEST LOSER - Part 2
Yes, yes and yes, the biggest loser is still happening!!! I know I have been ignoring the topic for a while and I apologize but sometimes dealing with weight loss can be such a drag. Just looking at my back fat in the mirror can put me over the edge. Is there really any reason why we can't just shave our fat off with a big ass potato peeler? If life was so easy...
So it's week six and I am down 12 pounds. I am steadily losing a pound or so week and I'll take it. Yes, I'm eating right, working out and sending some pretty serious voodoo to the other contestants. But, come on, losing weight sucks! I can be a little bitchy about it if I like, right? Although I must admit that I am enjoying my daily breakfast of low fat oatmeal with a spoonful of flaxseed for got measure. If nothing else it keeps me clean as a whistle.
Here's my strategy...I'm gonna be slow and steady and then in the last two weeks I'm gonna spend 3 hours a day in a sauna in addition to working out, eating only figs and drinking water with lemon. I am not prepared to lose this competition so ladies, "Get ready to rumble!"
PS - The above photo is my fab friend Molly (who I work with) and I in the Bahamas. Molly is the organizer of the biggest loser contest and I must say she is going strong. If there's one person I wouldn't mind losing to it would be Molly...but that's it!
PSS - The photo of me...I just couldn't resist.
PSSS - I still have no idea why every bloody person that comes to the Atlantis has to have their picture taken in that silly chair...but hey I was doing it just like every other idiot that walked by. Peer pressure I guess.
February 16, 2008
AN AWESOME RIDE, IN MY GARAGE
Tonight I had a great ride. It started in my garage, continued in my garage and ended in my garage. I didn't use lights nor did I wear my helmet or any of my winter gear. If I can't be outside with my new love then I need to start riding him inside.
It was also my make-up session for the Cranky Cupid Spin Challenge. I had every intention of being a part of the challenge but that thing called life just got in the way. My daughter Kiley had a class party where I painted faces, I picked up V-day presents for my monkeys, I picked up my girlfiend's 3 darling children so the parents could be free for V-day, then I made a big spaghetti dinner and had a bottle of red wine. Before I knew it there went my day and my workout. Sometimes you need a rest day.
So there you have it...me, my new love, in a garage. Nice.
PS - Feel free to keep submitting names for my Trek Madone 6.5 WSD!
February 14, 2008
SPINNING SLACKER
Remember my trainer, Mary Daubert? You know, the former Olympian and mountain biking world champion (still wondering why she trains me)? She is one cool cat and I had the pleasure of meeting her when I was out at Trek in January. She sends me schedules, advice, different programs in strength training and is all around supportive of what I do.
While we were in Madison we did some spinning together and she touched on some important points. Yes, we've all heard many of these things before but whether or not we're actually doing them is another story. The constant reminders are very effective for me because it is so easy to become a spinning slacker. You figure, what the hell, no one is watching so you can get away with whatever you want. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've all been there but bottom line we are the one's that suffer in the end.
So here are some basic reminders...
1. Make full circle movements with your legs. Feel the power all the way around the circle. It you don't feel the fat jiggle constantly then you are not doing it right. Feel the power from within baby!
2. Pretend you are wiping poop off of the bottom of your shoe. Poop stinks and you want to get it off...plain and simple...on the bottom of the pedal stroke of course.
3. Keep your shoulders and elbows relaxed. No one wants to look like Pee Wee Herman on a bike.
4. Keep a light grip on the handlebars. Tight grips lead to teeth clenching which leads to butt clenching which leads to constipation. Need I say more?
5. Look up!!! What is so freaking important about looking down at your bike (unless you're riding a gorgeous Trek Madone 6.5 WSD). But seriously, raise your chest and tuck in your chin to raise your head rather than hyper extending your neck. Do you think giraffes are sexy?
6. Don't move your freaking body like you're at an 80's disco party. Stop looking like your having an epileptic seizure on the bike, just stay still. No rocking allowed!
Ok - so now go and practice. That's what I do every day. Keep up the good work riders.
December 9, 2007
PITFALLS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
While the holiday season is full of fun and excitement there are several pitfalls that can easily take you off the straight and narrow path. You’re probably surprised that I ever make it off the straight and narrow path, but yes, it happens to me too.
1. You pass Dunkin Donuts on the way to the gym and you decide to go inside and do a virtual workout while eating donuts and having a cup of coffee.
2. You start making a different Christmas cookie every day until Christmas and tell your friends you’re just doing it because the kids really love them.
3. You can barely fit into your holiday wardrobe so you start wearing your cycling shorts underneath your clothes because you’ve already worn out all the elastic in your spanx.
4. You get a Santa hat, fake beard, red bucket and a bell and stand in front of the shopping mall collecting money for your own personal emergency holiday relief shopping fund.
5. You start mixing your morning V-8 with a shot of vodka as a way of celebrating the holiday season.
6. Before heading out on a winter ride you attach a couple of sticks to the top of your helmet and ask all of your cycling buddies to refer to you as Rudolph.
7. You show up at spin class with a basket of cookies and ask the instructor if you can do a cookie exchange before class starts.
8. Every night before bed you do some serious carb loading in case Santa calls you to help out with some of the sleigh riding.
9. You stop at the grocery store for your weekly shopping trip and you end up next door at the liquor store doing wine tastings all day.
10. On Christmas Eve you dress your whole family up as elves, put them on bikes decorated with balloons, streamers and bells and pretend to be having your own holiday parade through the neighborhood.
So watch out and try to be good. Believe me, I know it’s not easy.
November 20, 2007
TRAINING IS FUN FOR EVERYONE
My personal trainer (I love the way that sounds), Superstar Mary, needed some information from me in order to come up with my program. One of the most important things was my resting heart rate. Apparently you have to get this before you get out of bed. Do you have any idea how hard that is to get? Every morning it seems as though I am quickly driven out of bed for one silly reason or another. Most of the time it’s because I have overslept and I have to bust out of bed to wake the kids so they can make the bus. 
You would think I would try setting the alarm. Yah, right, and monkeys are gonna fly out of my butt. But as I have said before, I am not a morning person and I would rather pretend it doesn’t exist. So bottom line getting my resting heart rate to Superstar Mary took me a while.
Eventually we moved on from that point and she gave me my training plan. I laughed out loud when I read it. On it there was a “rest day” listed. Hmmmm, a rest day….what the hell is that? I don’t even know how to rest. It is rare that I sit in one place for over 5 minutes. I always gotta move! The first day on my training plan was a rest day so I had made the decision of going to the gym anyway to do a light work out. To be perfectly honest, it didn't matter what I did at the gym. If I don’t go to the gym 
I lose my 2 hours of free daycare and my ticket to sanity for the day. I need that time at the gym…bad.
As I’m on my way to the gym I got a call that Liam was sick and I had to pick him up at school. Suddenly I had a day of full rest and 3 monkies at home. On the second day of my training plan I had strength training on a big fat inflatable ball. I couldn’t go to the gym because Liam was still home sick and I didn’t have a big fat inflatable rubber ball, so I made do. I worked out with cans of chili, a couple of 8 lb. weights and my leather cube. It worked out nicely. I had a full audience and I kind of felt like I was teaching a class…. in another language. If nothing else I’m not a quitter. Superstar Mary would be proud. But please don’t try this at home, unless you’re crazier than me...and don't tell Superstar Mary, she may drop me as a client.
November 16, 2007
I'M IN BIG TROUBLE
This is scary stuff! No, not my life (that’s already scary enough) but now I have a new “trainer to be” and I'm in big trouble. I feel like I am getting a new confidant in a way. It's really kind of nerve wracking. OK, I feel the need to explain. After I started this crazy venture I talked with Trek about things I wanted to get moving on and goals I wanted to accomplish. I thought a trainer would be a nice addition to my stupidly lame “a little bit of this a little bit of that" training plan. So my dear friend and favorite Trek Chiclet, Krista, hooked me up with a trainer named Mary Daubert (formerly known as Grigson). I know what you’re thinking right now, “Wow Susan that’s great, your own personal trainer! What a perk to the job!” Believe me, I thought so to until I received a daunting email of which I will only include the highlights.
“Hi Susan, I understand that you are interested in personal training and Krista has given me your info. I am qualified as a NESTA certified personal trainer and a level 3 USA cycling coach. I spent 4 years with the Australian Institute of Sport as a developmental rider focusing on the 2000 Olympics. In 2000 I turned professional and rode for the Subaru Gary Fisher Mountain bike team until I retired in 2003. My major achievements are 5 time Australian Mountain bike Champion, 2 time American Series Mountain Bike Champion (see photo), 2 time World Cup Winner, 2 time Olympian, 24 hour Solo World Champion (2001) and I have also raced extensively on the road and have participated in triathlons.”
So after I read this I started thinking to myself, "What I am going to say to her that doesn’t make me look like a total loser?" Let’s see … I am a flabby mother of four that wishes she were in better shape. I carry an extra 20 pounds around just for warmth. I have no upper body strength BUT I nursed all my kids and my boobs look great in a push up bra. My greatest accomplishments are riding my bike instead of doing shots and popping pills all day every day…oh ya, and becoming the greatest actress of all time (in my head of course). I should be your most challenging client ever but I promise to make you laugh the hardest.
I’m a little nervous. Wish me luck…no, wish her more luck. She has no idea what she’s in for.
October 19, 2007
I DON’T KNOW HOW TO RIDE A BIKE
The Loveman comes from a family of eight. His parents were Irish Catholic...in case you couldn’t figure that out. The Loveman is 40 years old and his oldest brother is 58 years old. His parents were very busy people if you know what I mean. About 6 years ago his oldest brother Tommy moved to Maryland. Tommy is one of those super smart academic guys with too many degrees (like the Loveman) and moved here for a pretty impressive job in academia. He is now chair of the history department at a major university in Maryland.
Soooooo…..Tommy meets this chiclet in Baltimore last year that is 15 years younger than him (go Tommy!) and totally fabulous. She is a fireball of energy and easy to be around. She loves kids and digs everything about our children. She is generous, nice, sweet, fun and thoughtful. My children love and adore her and always ask why we call her Melissa and not “Aunt Melissa” if we call Tommy, Uncle Tommy. It’s confusing to a kid. Good question when you’re a kid and you have no idea what all the “stuff” is that goes along with having an official title.
Since I’ve met Melissa we have clicked. She has been a religious reader of my blog and currently has her entire office, her friends and any random people she meets reading it. The other day I called her and she said I have to tell you something. I immediately thought, “Oh no, did you and Tommy break up?” She proceeds to say, “I don’t know how to ride a bike and I have been afraid to share that with you…but I think I want to learn.” I said, “I don’t give a rat’s ass if you’ve never been on a bike and I am teaching you as soon as you’re ready.” I promised her that her life was about to change in a really fabulous way. She is an incredibly brave person that is about to become a Women Who Rides. I am so proud of her and I can’t wait for our first lesson.
October 15, 2007
SCARED TO DEATH
About a week ago Jill from Trek with WSD demo trailer asked if I would be attending the Mountain Bike Festival in Maryland, sponsored by the Delaware Trailspinners, about 45 minutes from my house. The Loveman and I have mountain biked and done races in Fairhill where the ride is being held. (FYI - Race for me does not mean that I am a rock star mountain bike rider. It just means I signed up and completed the course and had a blast.) I told Jill I would be attending and riding on November 4, 2007 with the whole family. I also asked if she would put aside one of the WSD mountain bikes for me to ride.
I absolutely love to mountain bike but I never seem to have the time for it. It is so much quicker to roll out of the driveway on your road bike than it is to pack up your bike and head to the trails for a ride. Yesterday the Loveman insisted that I pass on the club ride and go mountain biking with him and his mountain biking buddies. He pointed out to me that I needed to go at least once before the festival. Good point. Now these guys go about twice a week and they’re pretty darn good. One of the guys in particular, Rick, is really amazing and fun to watch. He was hopping on and off of logs (one wheel at a time) while he was waiting for the group. Not too intimidating before going on a ride for the first time in 2 years. Yes, that’s 2 years…talk about cobwebs on a bike!
Ok, so I was having a little anxiety for the first ten minutes. I was actually stopping and walking my bike over log piles. That is so not me. Then I got behind Rick and every time he did a trick over a log pile he inspired me to do something also. Next thing you know my skills kicked back in and I was riding over everything and doing pretty well. Then we were on a crazy fast single track with switchbacks that went down a hill, over a steep mini cliff and then you had to pull a hard left. I was in the zone and going wild. I came down the hill so fast that I lost control, missed the left turn and had a major crash. Loveman was behind and came running to my side. He immediately asked if I was ok and then said, “As I watched my wife careening down the hill I thought to myself, that would really suck if she died.” I said, “No I didn’t die but I peed in my pants.” I was so scared when I lost control that I really lost control. He got hysterical and said, “Oh we’ve got to tell the guys.” Everyone had a good laugh and I continued riding in my wet pants. What was I going to do…ride naked? I had no choice. Now I know how my kids do it and I proudly told them about it when I got home. But I must say that my Trek WSD shorts worked very well as a super absorbent pad. Out of all the shorts I have ever worn the Trek WSD shorts have the largest most comfortable pad I have ever seen. So now I know that the shorts are not only used for comfort but also for those moments when you get the pee scared out of you.
September 19, 2007
WORLD CYCLOCROSS CHAMPION
My oldest son Liam is 7 years old. When he was born I remember thinking to myself “When I have children I am going to play with them.” Growing up my parents always played with all of my siblings as well as our friends. They swam, rode a tandem and played tennis. They were very athletic people. My house was the place that all the kids in the neighborhood wanted to come and hang out. It was the fun house. As I grew older I began to observe all the parents that never really “played” with their children….and there are a lot of them out there. What I mean by this is that parents take their kids places, buy them things, give them parental advice but they never actually get out and “play” with them. Playing with your child would include things like riding bikes, playing ball, running, swimming or taking hikes with your child. We all know only too well that instead of getting active many parents opt for TV or video games. We’re either too old, too tired or too busy, it's an easy out. Don’t feel bad, everybody does it.
In my house I have a no TV during the day rule and I also have a rule that if I hear you say you are bored you get a swirly in the toilet. Luckily none of my children have ever said that to me. Boredom is an excuse for laziness and I don’t tolerate laziness too well. I am far from being a perfect mom but one thing that I do know is that kids need to exercise just like adults. 
It affects their mind, their mood and especially their weight. We all know the reason behind why the obesity rate in children is sky high so I won’t get preachy. BUT there is something that each and every one of us can do with our children. Involve yourself in some type of physical activity with them. Play with them!
Liam loves to ride his bike. He watches the Loveman and I do it constantly so as a result he has a passion for it. He has taken 10 mile rides with me and has done an incredibly great job. The Loveman races cyclocross and Liam started doing it with him last fall. Any race that Jim competed in he signed up Liam for the kids’ race. The sad part of it was that at each race there were only about 10 kids competing. The good part is that at least some kids were getting out and doing it. Liam took last year’s season very seriously and even placed in a couple of the races. He truly believes he is a World Cyclocross Champion in his age group and I think that’s pretty cool. The Loveman even set up barriers in the yard so he could practice at home. He’s dying for this year’s season to get started.
My five year old Fiona is working hard at riding her bike and I continue to push her. Sometimes she would prefer to dance in her coconut bra and her grass skirt over riding her bike and that’s ok by me. At least she is doing something and we can do it together...except I don’t wear the coconut bra. Who knows, maybe she’ll be a belly dancer. It really is a killer workout for your core and you can make some decent money as dancer.
As parents we always have to keep in mind that we are the bosses of our monkies, not the other way around. So get out there and play with your kids. Do something! Dance, run or ride your bikes around the block! It will stay with them for a lifetime. Who knows you too could have a World Champion on your hands.
September 14, 2007
TRAINING TIPS FROM THE NON-PROFESSIONAL #2
Loveman the Tech likes to refer to me as Susie D after a ride. No this is not a term of endearment. It is merely because immediately after a ride I am severely dehydrated. I would like to share a few tips with you as to how one can recognize dehydration.
1. If your tongue starts feeling really thick and sticks to the roof of your mouth.
2. If you have a migraine headache and can’t remember what your name is or where you live.
3. If you haven’t urinated in days and when you do its only a few yellow drops.
4. If you get light headed, fall off your bike, and wake up dressed in men’s clothes.
5. If you start picking your scabs and sucking the blood out of your wounds after a ride.
6. If you return from a ride with two full bottles of liquid and start speaking in tongues.
7. If your lips are cracked and you have lots of white thick disgusting crust around the edges.
8. If you start seeing double while riding your bike and ride into an oncoming school bus.
9. If your skin has a thin covering of white crystals and your dog won’t stop licking you.
10. If you don’t recognize your family after you return from a ride and insist that your neighbor is a terrorist.
If any of these tips sound like you than you are a victim of severe dehydration just like I was. I suggest next time you go out riding you have 2 tall glasses of water before you leave and drink 2 full water bottles while on your ride. If you don’t follow my recipe for good hydration you run of the risk of severe dehydration and that can only lead to death and god knows we don’t want that to happen! Remember, it’s not easy to ride your bike when you are dead. Less talking, more drinking. Happy riding!
September 12, 2007
THE NEW MAN IN MY LIFE
After I won the Women Who Ride contest we were all asked to pick a local shop that we wanted to use as our personal bike shop. They wanted this shop to be a place that we were familiar with in our area and felt comfortable using when we needed bike help. Loveman the Tech had pretty much been to every shop in Maryland. (As a matter of fact, I think all the money we have saved for our monkies' education has already been spent supporting bike retailers). I had only been to a few shops in our area and after I mentioned it to the Loveman he said, “Well, who are you using?” For me, this was a no brainer. I immediately said, “Joe’s Bike Shop in Mt. Washington.” He nodded his head and told me I had made a good choice. He had been to Joe’s Bike Shop (also known as Mt. Washington Bikes) several times and I had only been there a couple of times.
The first time I walked into the shop was a few years ago and I remember thinking “I wonder if I’ll get to meet Joe?” I’ll admit I was a little nervous at first. 
I can’t help it but I kind of feel like all the guys in the back snicker when I woman walks in. Sorry, but some chics feel that way and a lot of guys do stupid stuff like that. You know, the male intimidation factor. But much to my surprise I met a nice, handsome, soft-spoken, easygoing guy.
When I left I thought, “I wonder is that was Joe?” Being a little shy (which I am normally not), I never asked his name. The second time I met him I was at the 2nd annual She Got Bike Festival. He was hanging in the Trek demo trailer answering all the women’s questions about bikes, bike maintenance and god knows what else. This guy totally knows what he’s talking about and he says things in a non-condescending manner that doesn’t make you feel like a total bike idiot….a very impressive quality. So of course, when I had to pick a shop Joe’s Bike Shop came to mind.
When I walked in the shop yesterday I was a little anxious because I knew I had to tell Joe what was wrong with Sweetness. I had gotten caught in the rain on a ride and my shoe slipped while getting back into my pedal. Loveman the Tech had looked at it and said, “Wow, that must have been a pretty good fall. It looks like you bent your rear derailleur and I don’t have the tool the fix that.” I took a deep breath and told Joe what happened.
I was ready for him to laugh outloud and then run to the bathroom and laugh even harder. He did no such thing. He put Sweetness in the repair stand, fixed the rear derailleur, cleaned the chain and gave me a really sassy Joe’s Bike Shop women’s t-shirt and a cool cap for the Loveman and I to fight over. He even said he was going to try and see Woman on the Rag. Sweetness looked so great that we even posed for some photos. As Joe walked me out to the car I thanked him and thought to myself, “Watch out Loveman the Tech…it looks like you’ve got some real competition.”
When I got home I told the Loveman about my visit with Sweetness just to see if I could get a rise out of him. He turned me and said “Don’t worry honey I’ve got an awesome set of tools.”
September 10, 2007
WHY THE HECK DID SHE WIN?
OK ...Here’s my essay. 
When I first saw your ad for Trek Women Who Ride I thought to myself, “this is so me”. I am definitely the poster chiclet for Trek. No, I am not some buff athlete that races for a living. I am the mother of four small monkies who has used her bicycle as her saving grace. Without my bike I could easily become a horrible, fat, angry, out of shape mother and wife. Who wants to be around that person? Not me! Through my bike I have been able to channel my mental, physical and social needs in such a way that it has completely changed my life.
Over the past seven years I have been pregnant for forty months, gained two hundred ten pounds, lost two hundred ten pounds and nursed for a total of forty eight months….not to mention my body has a been a hormonal battlefield. My bike has gotten me through all of this. Without cycling I would be a mess. Some women eat, some take happy pills and some beat their husbands. I made the decision a long time ago that I didn’t want to do any of those things.
Physically I have used my bike to keep me in shape during each of my pregnancies. I rode until my sixth month of each pregnancy and then stopped riding when I could no longer reach the handle bars….of course I continued taking spinning classes up until the day I delivered. Once I delivered I was back on my bike within seven days and I even have the pictures to show it! I knew it was the only way I could get out of the house and remain sane as well as drop fifty five pounds. Unfortunately I am not one of those women whose baby weight just falls off. I needed my bike and luckily I was able to lose all of my weight after each pregnancy.
Getting up and out of bed, managing my family, holding down a part time job and keeping my life together is pretty hard. Getting my kids taken care of, preparing my bike and riding for thirty miles every other day is even harder. But I do these things because I know I can eventually get out on the road, get some good exercise, clear my mind, get my endorphins going and feel totally refreshed when I get off my bike. I am always a much nicer person to be around after a ride. I not only ride for myself but for my seven year old Liam, my five year old Fiona, my three year old Kiley, my eleven month old Seamus and of course my husband Jim.
I am a huge advocate for using your bike to make a total lifestyle change. My bike is my life, my religion and my world. There is nothing I would love more than to share these passions and my story with Trek.
August 24, 2007
TRAINING TIPS FROM THE NON-PROFESSIONAL
1. Get off the couch, away from your computer and turn the TV off. Take the left over bowls of mac and cheese to the garbage can and put the powdered donuts away. Think about the possibility of having your jaws wired shut.
2. Walk into the garage and find your bike. Do you even remember what it looks like? Did you sell it in a garage sale? Hopefully you didn't. Just try to focus on finding something with 2 wheels.
3. Clear the cobwebs off your bike and make sure it belongs to you. There's no way you could fit on your child's bike...I've tried...it doesn't work unless you are a circus freak.
4. Borrow a pump from your neighbor and put air in your tires. If you don't know what a pump is just flashback to the days of nursing...it makes almost the same noise as a breast pump except it doesn't hurt.
5. Find a pair of gym shorts that suck your fat in. If you don't have any just get an old pair of control top pantyhose and cut the legs off. You will suddenly go from a mom that hasn't been out the house in weeks to a sexpot.
6. Wear a shirt. You don't want to scare the neighbors again. Don't they already think you are a weirdo ?
7. Put your helmet on - tightly. So you don't have a helmet? How about an aluminum bowl? Everyone has a set of those from their wedding. Time to use them. Take one from your cabinet and strap a belt around it. We'll call it a fashion statement.
8. Congratulations! You are finally ready to ride out of your driveway. I know this seems a bit scary but imagine yourself on a first date ...yes, you will have butterflies and everything...you just won't look as good.
9. Stay on a flat road and whatever you do don't touch the gears. That will be included in the next lesson...but if you like to play with buttons, don't fight the feeling, switch it up and roll with it.
10. Deep breath...ahhhh. Take time to enjoy the moment that you have created just for YOU! Yes you! I don't care if you ride around the block once or if you ride 30 miles. You got out of the house and rode your bike AND it felt good...I hope :)
Side Note - Oh ya...those kids...don't be a cheap ass, get a babysitter for 2 hours...I guarantee it will be worth every penny. If not, you contact me and I will personally reimburse you for your sitter. I'm not kidding.
