Friday, April 27, 2012

Training The Mind and The Behind




The Dirty Kanza is just five weeks away.  My opportunity to redeem myself in Kansas is at the fore-front of my brain. My goal is to finish the 200 miles and have a Pabst.  I did not spend eight weeks jumping around in my living room with Shaun T. to fail.  Adding in three miles of running every morning has been beneficial too, I will not fail.  Riding my bike as much as possible, I will not fail.  Eating healthy meals and spending time on the foam roller, I will not fail.  I WILL be the first member of Team Seagal to conquer this gravel beast.  Count on it!


I LOVE MY KONA



Even though I have been consistent with my mileage, as of today, my longest ride has been 50 miles on the  Katy Trail.  I arrived at the Weldon Spring Trailhead solo around 9am.  I asked my FaceBook friends if I should go right or left.  My first response was left, so I headed toward St. Charles telling myself there's beer there.




It was a beauty of a day, light wind and 80 degrees.  The ride would be minimally uncomfortable.  I planned on 12mph, consistent pedaling.  I stopped to take some pictures and watch two turtles play.   I reached Black Walnut MO, never heard of it, in two hours.  Right on time.

View to the left


I turn around and headed back.

View to the right




  This ride was necessary to build my mind, it did get a little boring. Even though the view was beautiful as I rode from town to town, it would have been nice to have company. I know I have to be comfortable with being alone. There were portions of the DK200 that I rode alone.   I need to build confidence, and this is one way to do it.

Explorers

 


Fly like an eagle


I need to get packing for our weekend.  Camping, trail work and secret stuff.  It's tough being me.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Building A Beast

Who is this? 2008


It has been three years since I was accepted into the all boys world of Team Seagal.  I was, and still am, honored to be a part of their group, which has grown quite a bit in the past year.  They accepted me, " As Is" and never complained.  For some reason, I feel like I have to earn my place on the team and have tried to step up my racing and fitness every year.   In addition, they keep ordering my kits too small.  How's that for motivation?


Sasha meets Ralph in 2009


This year has been no exception.  I started in January by having nooners with Shaun T, jumping around in a small space in my living room.  After a solid eight week performance, I can tell you.... my  " beast " is coming along nicely.  I feel fantastic, less jiggly wiggly, and have been on the receiving end of some major compliments.  At least I think they were compliments.  For instance, I went to get a haircut and my hair fella says, " Dude, you have arms like a man".  Here's another, my husband said, " your legs are getting so big... from riding".  He exited the room rather quickly, the look on my face might have puzzled him.  I mean, who in their right mind tells their wife that her legs are getting bigger?  I know he meant well.

Middle fork creek crossing 2011


I have been working on the beast, aka Sasha, for three years.  I have molded her, my alter ego,  like a child would mold a lump of play-doh.  She has been trained not to fear anything or anyone. She accepts every challenge with a smile and a can do attitude.  Sasha has religiously attended every team meeting to be injected with " superior state of mind" and " superior attitude".

That jersey used to be soooo tight. 2011


Just the other day, Sasha said " I will be the first Team Seagal member to complete the Dirty Kanza".  Sorry babe, that does mean beating you.   She is very strong willed and I believe she will be successful.  Training for the DK200 has entered it's third week and has been going well.  In order to accommodate life, a few adjustments have been made.  Such as, instead of walking in the mornings, I am running three miles.  Hoping to build a larger lung capacity, and stronger legs ( not bigger ).

Gotta go for now.  Sasha needs to ride.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

I'm Back

Several conversations, over the past few days, have lead me to change my mind about shutting down this blog.  This is where I started writing about bikes and such and there is NO reason why that has to stop. Who said a girl can't have two blogs?    I have missed you  APabstSmear.  Let's get reacquainted.

In case you missed it, I introduced a new blog, and have been writing there.   Let me catch you up...

I recently turned 43 and damn does it feel good. Actually, if 43 feels like this I can't wait to hit 44 and so on.   I  kicked out 8 solid weeks of Insanity with Shaun T.( blog to follow)  and feel amazing.  Starting off this year feeling strong, with a better core, and less jiggly is a great way to begin the 2012 season .


 My training for the DK200 began last week. Completing this race/ride is at the top of my goal list.
Week one complete


  I put in 120 miles of smiles on my Kona Jake  the Snake.  Not a bad start for being off my bike for a couple of months.   I also reached the 5000 mile milestone on that awesome beast.  Thank you Kona.  Your bikes kicka$$!


You and I will conquer DK


For my birthday, my wonderful husband bought me a Kona Big Unit frame.  As you can see..... it is quite superior and will match my Team Seagal kit nicely.  The bike will be set up single speed style, my personal riding preference.  It's almost ready to crush the trails.   Don't be jealous, buy your own.  I did score the very last 16in though.  I must have someone looking out for me.



New fella in the stable



The magazine article I wrote for the Ozark trail magazine is done and I have received several copies.

I cannot share it with you yet, but when I can I will post it everywhere.

Seeing my name in print was incredible, and holding my work in my hands was amazing.   I hope you will like it.



Goal achieved

Thanks for reading.  Stay tuned , I have a lot to tell ya.