Solo mind and body
Cows munching
Wind resisting me
Fast, tan legs
Conscious breath
Rollers to play on
Sunshine all over
Silky road
Little cars
Sunflower smiles
Dodging grasshoppers
Deep, brown cattails
Horse tails sweeping in the wind
Birds flying overhead
Leaves blowing
River flowing
A tailwind to sail me home
Electric sky
Raindrop in my eye
~ Julie Feilen
… clearly one of my Top 10 spins
Photo courtesy of Chris Jules
Here goes my Ironhorse Bicycle Classic road race experience:
The morning was sweet. Sun was a risin’, weather was perfect, breakfast was stomached well and my routine was intact. I was smooth as silk breaking into the day without jitters or any major breakdowns.
I prepped for the ride with my new kit (translation: Cool bike clothes that make you feel faster), scanned the bike and was ready to roll… on time. For me, that’s a miracle in itself. I really didn’t have a choice when the race doesn’t wait for me, but my friends will.
I wanted to warm-up with my ipod to some rippin’ music, but then I decided to be with my thoughts. I needed to center myself on this new fast feat of feet; 5,570 feet of climbing to be exact. I learned this new breath watching technique that calmed me before a hefty ride, so I put it into action.
Then the time factor crept in. I finished my warm-up with excitement and headed down to the start not totally knowing what time it was. 7:50 was race start and I knew that I needed to hustle. Time was ticking and my heart started beating fast, knowing that it was going to be close. I got to the spot and saw the groups all lined up, so I jumped a curb on my road bike (bad) and bolted to the start. Whew! I had 2 minutes to spare, trying to look cool like I planned it. The pros call it a “pro-start”, but my nerves were a rattled like a sweating amateur. I don’t think I’d do that again on purpose.
And we’re off! Cruising with “the girls” was amazing. Estrogen rolling thunder is how I describe the sound. 42 women in a pack all squeezed together whirring with the road in harmonious unison. The energy was definitely addicting and swept me through the Valley with ease. As we carried each other through the only flat section, the group morphed into different shapes: Ovals, squares and circles, all snuggled together like bugs in a rug. Some women got pushy (surprising, huh?) and one feisty chick sneaks into my spot within an inch of my bars, intimidating me to back off. I didn’t feel like wrecking (crashing) right out of the gate, so passing her on one of the climbs was definitely satisfying. Girls can get nasty!
As the group broke up on the first tough climb, one rider had an asthma attack. We were all gasping for air pushing as fast as we could up, but hearing someone breathing through a straw was rattling. And I thought MY body was crying for air!
I looked over to make sure she was okay, and she nodded a yes. This was the easy climb… I couldn’t imagine what the rest of the ride would be for her.
The rollers (translation: Small hills up, but not as much down) began with speed. The best part about this section of the race is that your heart gets somewhat of a break before the wicked, high altitude, 6-mile climb up Coal Bank Pass. I was with a pack of 4 women sailing past the touring folks just enjoying the ride. I picked up another water bottle on-the-fly from my husband, and then lost my chain and had to stop. I fixed it and hammered up ahead to catch my little posse, otherwise I would have been “behind” in my race game.
There’s a feeling I get after I’ve ridden mainly uphill for 29 miles or so and when I arrive at the Coal Bank climb, it always humbles me. At an altitude of about 9,000 feet to start, the body doesn’t quite function at optimum power. My head starts to mess with me too. A sharp turn begins the 6-mile climb, trying to suppress the feeling of dread that starts to wash over me.
How much can I put out? Will the climb go faster today? Have I eaten enough? Can I keep my thoughts in check?
The mental game begins. Drink. Eat. Power, steady but fast. Keep looking up. Strong legs. Stay relaxed. Positive self-talk throughout. Stand, sit and listen to waterfalls flow as I pass. Soak it all in… and then I was at the top!! A joy worth breathing for.
Now is where the fun begins. This is not for the faint-hearted. I fly down a mountain at 47 mph+ on a windy, twisty road with tight turns, no guardrails in places and descend 808 feet in 2 miles. It’s like jumping out of an airplane (I imagine), hoping and praying that everyone stays out of your way and your bike doesn’t spontaneously explode at any second. It’s one of the biggest rushes ever.
Back to climbing… again. One more climb. Molas pass tops out at 10,900 feet and kicks my butt! It’s deceiving because it doesn’t look steep and it’s not too long, but the body revolt starts to kick in: Crampy legs, achy back, lungs are tired, but morale can empty the tank. The climb begins with a hairpin turn and a gusty headwind EVERY time! The sharp wind in the face is enough to zap the energy out of my legs. I just always remember it doesn’t last and as soon as you round the bend, the wind calms. I felt super strong all the way to the top. I love to climb.
I topped out at Molas Pass with one more descent to go… the tough one. Winter was brutal on this road. Pot holes, ruts, rough asphalt, and blue circles painted everywhere to warn you of obstacles. I compared it to a mountain bike ride on singletrack where you had to pick a line through rough terrain. Trying to go as fast as I can, navigating through tight turns, people and freaky drop-offs. Danger at it’s finest… yes, I’m a thrill-seeking junkie.
The final stretch was the sprint to the finish. 3 hours 14 minutes later. My best time yet, and one of the biggest smiles ever.
Wanna join me next year? It’s a ride you’ll never forget…
Photos courtesy of Animas Media
“When you find yourself being ruled by the scores and outcomes of your physical tasks, build a stronger, more sublime base; focus on the process and appreciate each moment of play. You can do this by asking the question: ‘Why am I doing this… really?’ Get in touch with your inner, deeper motives for entering this particular arena of sports and fitness−why you play the game. You’ll discover that much of it has little to do with the outcome or the product. It is the process, joy, satisfaction and fun in the execution of a particular skill or move that turns you on. There is a strong divine connection between you and your sport. This is the dance that we refer to in which you totally give in to the natural movement of your physical routine. No need to think; silence the conscious mind. Put all aside; just play and dance the dance.” Working Out, Working Within, Jerry Lynch and Chungliang Al Huang
No more training for me… just dancing!
I wish I could just eat cake and ride. As a pro rider brags about eating 10 oatmeal creme pies in a race, that’s not me! I wish I had a “gut of steel”, but I think in the long run (hopefully) I’ll have less wrinkles, inflammation and dodge diseases like diabetes or cancer. Now I just have to get rid of all of my stress…
Here’s some more wholesome ideas to keep you going on the bike, run or hike:
Dried Plums (or prunes)
Obviously, you don’t want to eat five of these and expect to be happy exercising. They are loaded with fiber, so a couple are sufficient. The “prune stigma” is overrated; they sound gross and gut-cleansing, but they have nutrient-dense energy. They contain phenolic compounds that have been shown to lower cholesterol, along with plenty of antioxidants, vitamin A, and potassium. They contain a unique natural sugar called sorbitol, which has a moderate glycemic index and makes them sweet. Two recent studies revealed that dried plums and dried plum bars elevated blood sugar slowly and provided sustained energy for athletes. In these studies, prunes compare favorably to Power Bars and other energy bars in providing steady fuel for athletic endeavors.*
Almonds
Considered in Ayurveda to be the most beneficial of all nuts, almonds help build ojas, or vital essence. In the Indian science, foods like almonds not only nourish the body, but increase our spiritual and intellectual abilities. Almonds have a high concentration of protein and nutrients and a good source of vitamin E, calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium and iron. Almonds are also the only nuts that alkalize the body.* I eat tamari almonds on the bike because I crave the salty flavor on a hot ride.
Dates
Dates are an excellent unprocessed alternative to sugar. With plenty of fiber, B vitamins and minerals, dates even help reduce poisons and toxins from the body. Dates’ cleansing tannins help with daily housecleaning of the body, mopping up the effects of accumulated wastes and exposure to unhealthy substances. Unlike many other sugars or sweet foods that leave the body more acidic after consumption, dates are alkalizing to the body. Rich in antioxidants and anticancer compounds, date extract also protects against free radical damage, according to one study, and successfully combats the ravaging effects of a dangerous cancerous chemical, benzo-(a)pyrene.* I don’t overdue on dates because they are so sweet. I usually buy the date pieces rolled in oat flour for a small bite, then balance it out with some almonds or cashews.
Shaved coconut
In the Philippines the coconut palm is called the tree of life. Coconut contains fiber, MCT’s (multiple chain triglycerides) that provide long-lasting energy, and it’s naturally sweet. Although some people believe that saturated fat MCT’s are not healthy, there have been many studies to prove otherwise. Last year I spoke with a well-respected, local cardiologist, and he was finding great results with MCT’s (coconut oil) and his heart patients. Fat on the bike is supposedly taboo, but MCT’s are much easier to digest than a more complex fat, like butter. Coconut oil is also naturally antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.* And it makes great chamois butter on those long rides bound up in spandex.
I gave you healthy fuel, now go ride!!
*Info taken from “An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion” by Elise Marie Collins
(Cake photo)
(Plum photo)
(Almond photo)
(Date photo)
(Coconut photo)
