...fasten your race chains

17.1.11

I dreamed of my old race chain last night...

13.1.11

While B.Chan was poppin' watts, I was overheating up SW Montgomery... God it's hot here in PDX, and rainy. I did 2x10's -nothing serious, and nothing great enough to write about- and when I climbed to the top of the hill I got disoriented in the mist, and, embarrassingly enough, got lost. Baaa! 20 minute test is coming up on Saturday and I'm taking it easy and trying to stretch a lot. Chan, you motivate me. Now I'm going to go make some scones!

*wattage nerd alert*

Who just smashed her 30 minute power record? This girl.

Maybe brutal trainer workouts aren't that bad???

Wait, wait. No, they still suck.
Philly is covered in snow and I am getting cabin fever-y. This is sure to be the cure!





11.1.11

NEW JOB!! YEEE!

I got a job!!

Oh man. Today has been craaazy. I don't want to sound too desperate, but this is just great news. I started freaking out when my credit card was declined. Then I went home and reviewed my accounts....and I was pretty much out of money. For thirty minutes I tried to compose myself so I could think of what to do next.... then I got the call, and I got a new job! Bingo! It couldn't be more perfect timing.  I'm a lucky gal.

It's a copywriting job for a youngish online cycling apparel company. I think it will be a of fun to write witty little blurbs about bike clothing. It's kind of my thing. And the company seems cool and easy-going and yeah... it is good.

Now I can keep my bike! I might sell those race wheels though. Selling those will allow for a couple more months of coaching, which makes me faster than the race wheels would. Excellent logic.

The morning has been productive since these events. I've called around to try to set up more job shadowing and volunteer with OT gigs. I've contacted people about babysitting/dog sitting for some quick cash. I've emailed someone who is looking to buy a set of Easton EC90 SLX wheels. And hour+ of yoga. My hips are open. I'm lifting kettle bells tonight. Getting faster and richer and more experienced by the minute... oh boy, what a life. I've never been broke before. Its weird. I knew it was only a matter of time though. If one decides to go back to school and not work, and ride bikes all the time, one runs out of money; that's just how things work. BAAAAAAAAAA!

Anyway, it is supposed to snow tonight, so I *might* have to ride the trainer. But there is a good chance of it clearing up before Thursday. Sorry East Coast kids!

Bam just scored an interview for volunteering at the hospital!

8.1.11

Snow sucks.

Spent three hours on the rollers and trainer today. Riding inside sucks.

5.1.11

Blending with BCHAN


As our loyal readers are probably aware, we here at FastGRRRLZ are huge fans of recovery smoothies. And now that I'm back in the saddle and logging some serious bike time, I'm back on the recovery smoothie bandwagon.

What is so awesome about the recovery smoothie, you ask?

Let me explain. Today for example-- almost four hours in the saddle, post ride core/stretching is over, my toes have defrosted, and I'm STARVING. Unfortunately, it's only 5pm. Too early for dinner, but eating another Clif Bar or those carrots I have in the fridge just aint gonna cut it...

Enter recovery smoothie.

I've been on a sunflower butter and banana smoothie kick lately. Yeah, it's a little fattier than your typical fruit smoothie, but hey, I also just burned 2,000 calories.

All you need is:
1 frozen banana (frozen is key! it maintains the overall consistency of this delightful treat)
Couple ice cubes
Splash of orange juice or other liquid, even tap water will do
A small dollop of sunflower butter (soooo much better than PB!)
2 dollops of low or nonfat plain yogurt
optional: 2 spoonfuls of Gold Medal Aminos*, protein powder or your favorite recovery aid

Throw it all in a blender, magic bullet, food processor, or, heck, I suppose you could even use one of those old fashioned hand held beaters (though if you choose this option, let me know how it goes for ya**). Pour your well blended treat into a glass, and zing! you've got yourself a recovery smoothie!

Bon Appetit!

*These Gold Medal Aminos have been pretty great so far and have really sped my recovery! I'd highly recommend giving them a try.
**Pics or it didn't happen!

2011 !

hi hi!

I had a faaabulous time with B.Chan and Axel in Champaign. We got to hang out all day and eat snax, x-mas shop, buy groceries that we didn't use, scavenge... just like the good ol' days. We also saw Nick, Nick's kitty, Nick's soap sliver, E.Mart, Sochacki, Ethan, Peter & Susan... and D.Penn's beard made an appearance. The crew. Awww. Tear.

Now back in PDX. I got up early and I think I've made the decision to do intervals on the trainer rather than go out in the rain. It'll be raining tomorrow, so I don't feel like I am missing out.

I got back late late Sunday night. Monday I woke up to SUN and thought I'd go out for a longish ride. Wearing a long sleeved jersey and wind vest, I left my house and rode to Sauvie Island (it's flat!) to knock out some 30 minute tempo blocks. 12 days off the bike, and I was flying. I was made for that bike. About 10 minutes to go of the 2nd interval I felt like I was bonking. But I had eaten and watered enough. WTF? I could barely turn the pedals over. I was getting cold. I limped around the rest of the island and started to make my way home. I took a couple of breaks. I almost cried. I almost puked. I felt like I hadn't been on a bike in years. My quads hurt. My hip flexors felt like they were going to pop out of my skin. My arms hurt. I was freezing, and I noticed that other people were wearing winter coats and balaclavas. It was in the 30's and I had been fooled by the sun into thinking that it was warm out. I finally made it home.

It took me 10 minutes to find my keys with my frozen fingers. I ate food and then had to shower and ride across the city to class. What a nasty ride. Uh.

So, 12 days and I feel really sluggish! It makes me happy that I am not 400 pounds. Or that I'm not sick, or hurt, or whatever... just that I haven't ridden in 12 days.

Yesterday I did a kettlebell workout with the coach, and it was hard. I couldn't lift what I normally lift, and I'm hella sore today.

It will come back, but right now, the thought of zone 4 intervals makes me feel ILL.

---
In other news, yesterday I finally became a member of People's Co-op and I am excited! Their bulk section is outta control! And..AND..they have FREE yoga for members, 5 days a week, and at different times. Hell Yes.

Also, I applied and interviewed for a job! I really hope I get it. More on it later, but it sounds like a lot of fun, and it fits perfectly with life. I think I would be good at it. And B.Chan and I can work from home remotely remotely together!

Yesterday we bought so much food. That's another thing: getting back from a hell ride and finding oatmeal and a can of corn leftover from Thanksgiving corn-casserole making supplies is the worst.

---
And I hear that Axel is coming to sleep on our futon?
And we are all going to ride the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic together?
Takers?

3.1.11

Happy Happy!!!!

Happy New Year, Y'all.

My 2011 resolution: Make good choices.

Naturally, 2010 was ended by making some not good choices. Certainly not bad choices, but perhaps ones that made for an uncomfortable New Year's Day train ride home from New York.

Now that the shenanigans are out of my system it's time to concentrate on the task at hand. I started my consulting job today, and I'm working on my thesis as we speak (okay, so I'm taking a little break...jeez cut me some slack). I also kicked off the 2011 road season today, with, as all road seasons should, an easy day.

There's lots to be excited about. This is is going to be a good year. I can feel it.