Adventures of the Northwest

Back on Track, again!

WOW! Last night blew my mind away! I felt so incredibly strong getting back on the track. My legs felt a tiny bit tired but STRONG. I did things without thinking much about it. During warm-ups and the races I tucked down as much as I could to try to draft off people and save energy. I relaxed my hips and felt it was easier to pedal. I scooted to the front of my saddle and felt more powerful. It felt good to be out there and good to feel strong. This is the way I want the whole season to go next year so I can kick some butt! It feels good to be ending on a higher note so next year I won't be so discouraged.

The first race was an 8 lap scratch. I was able to stay with the pack. I even was towards the front across the finish line. It wasn't too bad and I felt strong. Jen made a comment while we were racing about how all the "Byrne girls" were blocked in. I told her where to go - competitively - and somehow we all got out of the box and kicked some butt! The second race was a 2 lap chariot. I hate that race. My heat was going a bit slow and the other 3 or 4 girls were at the very top of the track. I kept awaiting for an attack to occur. I was in the sprinter's lane. I decided to attack between turn 3 and 4. I stood up and stayed up until between turn 1 and 2. I then sat down and pushed, pushed, pushed, tried to relax knowing they were closing in on me.... and then they all came swooping around me for the finish line. I came in 4th or 5th. Not too bad as I usually am way off the back. The last race was a 4x4. I was able to - I think - take a few points on the 2nd sprint as I came in 3rd. I just kept trying to stay with the pack as well as I could and be as strong as I could. I felt stronger and faster which is good for me. I need that esteem booster after the week I've had. I also felt I was very aggressive in some of the races. I think it was the anger and emotions I've been withholding. It is a good thing. I was able to get past a lot of emotions and let out a lot of things.

Tuesday I did a body fat test. It was as I expected but not as I hoped. I want to lose 25 lbs this winter. I want to weight train, cycle, cross-country ski, roller skate, walk/run and so on. I hope to make major changes this year and come back stronger next year. Yet I was a bit down about it. Then I was told that Jane is making some major changes that are really positive for her. I am excited for her but also sad and concerned about how it will all change our friendship. It is ok though. I cried and cried and cried. Yesterday was quite emotional for me still. I don't know how I feel about all those things that have occurred to me - mostly on the track - but also off the track. I don't know how I feel about how it will all change and what it all means for next year. I just know I was in a zone last night. I had to be and I had to stay in it. It seemed to help.

I was also hurt that a 'friend' didn't even say hello. I am happy for him and another 'friend' as it appears they are connecting and happy. That is cool but I felt I got the cold shoulder and not even a hello. That's not what I consider a friend.... so bug off... if you aren't going to be a good friend then leave me alone.

I have a date on Friday night - at the track races. Should be a blast! We will see what happens. I've already met the guy. He seems nice but a bit hmmm.. not my type...but you never know. I got several dates lined up for next week as well. But most of all - I am going to focus on me for awhile.... focus on getting situated and setup for fall/winter training. I need to be on track for several goals for next year. I need to stay really focused and know what my expectations are to be able to succeed with them.

On another note, a girlfriend that moved away a couple years ago is back in town. I am SO excited. She and I really enjoyed doing things like hiking up Tiger Mountain in the winter, riding our bikes on week nights - down the trail, with our little lights in the winter crisp air and so on. It will be SO good to do those things with her again. I really enjoyed it. She is an incredibly - can do, doesn't bother me, independent woman. I've learned a lot from her and hope to continue to learn a lot. I am REALLY excited and I think this is the fresh air I needed right now. I want a lot of support for this winter with training! I am really excited for it!

posted by Seattlebiker @ 8:57 AM 0 comments

Slowly enjoying life again.... coming on up the hill.

I decided to get off the bike a bit. I had to take a mental and physical break from everything to get through these last few weeks with a positive attitude. Thursday, I did a bunch of errands and stopped by the track. I got to watch some of the practice but more importantly I took my roller skates and I went to where the Cirque du Soleil setup was and practiced. It felt VERY good to be doing something else, having fun and getting my skate legs underneath me. I then went to the local roller rink and skated with my girlfriend. I haven't done that for about 2 years. It was a lot of fun to see a bunch of old familiar faces. I definitely want to incorporate 2x/month, at least, roller skating in my fitness workouts.

Friday: I had off work. YEAH! I chilled, cleaned, chilled, cleaned. I went to Talledega Nights - awesome!!! TOOOO FRILLIN' HILLARIOUS!!! :) Definitely needed that. Then I cleaned my car - needed that. I then went to the track and watched the races. It was a lot of fun. Some people are definitely coming back strong these next few weeks which is awesome. I got to cheer people on with Sile, Jill and Jitka. Sile challenged me to not cheer on anyone during the Cat 3 Men's last race. MAN that was difficult. Kevin was doing awesome and bridged up really well from the pack to the breakaway! He's definitely a strong rider and is about to upgrade to Cat 2. His first Madison Race is this Friday. It will be fun to watch him do that.

Saturday: I did a short bike ride in the morning. Then Kevin and I got together and went to Rattlesnake Lake. We just sat, chilled and talked. We were easily amused by a bunch of middle school boys. It was fun to get away from the 'world' for a little bit - the city, the bikes, a lot of people and so forth. Definitely needed that time.

Sunday: I woke up at 6 am to get to Seattle by 7. I then fought traffic to deal with getting to the Danskin Triathalon buses. Got shuttled over to Genessee Park and watched my girlfriend compete. She did really well! she coached 65 women this year and did really well. :) I am very proud of her. I also saw one of my track buddy's wife's come across the finish line. LOL! He emailed me that she (along with my friend already trying) is going to work at convincing me to do this next year. After standing around for 3 hours I then went to the bus again and got shuttled back to Safeco Field. I then did some city type things until the "Sprints to Nowhere" happened. I got to Magnuson Park/Sandpoint to watch the races. Jane and Jill R, from Byrne, were there! They kicked butt! Jane won 1st place!!! She rocked!!! Jill took 4th place. Jose, from CounterBalance, did well too. Messman was there and he did well. Kevin was there and even though he said he didn't want to race, I guess he changed his mind with all the prizes that were available and the chance to win one of them. He did but I have no clue what he choose to take home. Jenny, Lara and Sharon were also there and 'working'. It was a lot of fun as the group of people that showed up are really cool. Afterwards Jane, Jill and I went out for dinner. I was tired though. I was comatosed essentially and could barely stay up or have a conversation. I then drove home and my dang GPS system took me the most direct route from where I was but it was SLOW! :( UGH! I didn't get home til about 10:30. I was very tired.

Monday: Some interesting developments are occurring in my life. On a personal note, I look forward to the changes, the challenges and so forth. It is also making me nervous and a bit sad. It will be ok though. I'll be stronger for all of it and keep working at moving forward, progressing forward. It felt better to be at the track and hang out. It was fun to watch Jane practicing her cyclocross mounts and dismounts as the newbie track racers were racing. I also sold my Fuji track bike to one of the Starbuck's girls. I hope she really enjoys it next year and will have fun with all of us! :)

Jane and I are looking forward to racing at Alpenrose on the 7th. We plan on getting down there early to practice on it and then just racing to have some fun. The 8th we may stay to practice a bit or head on home. We haven't co-ordinated about that yet. Unfortunately, my friend Brian gave me horror stories about racing down there that I SO did not need to hear about. Thanks Brian! :) I'll keep your reminder in the back of my brain and try to be as safe as possible.

Tuesday: Today, I woke up at 6:15. I was ready to get on my rollers at 6:30. I could not pedal to save my life. UGH! What is going on? I'm barely awake and I'm trying to figure it out. Is the band broken or off the roller? No. Is my tire flat? Yes. What the?! Why is my tire flat. Dang, I buy the bike on Wednesday and now the first thing that happens to me is my tire is flat?! Great. So I pump it up with no confidence that it will stay inflated and that I'd be spending my workout time fixing a flat rather than working out. Then it dawns on me.... KEVIN! Kevin let air out of my tire last Wednesday night to see what type of tires I had. OK Kevin! You are now on my: "Track men are bad" list. #1 Position. LOL!

Tonight, I am going to meet up with Jane after work and do a fat test. The hydrostatic body fat testing. That will give us a starting point. I am excited to be getting into the gym to lift weights. It will be fun to watch what happens this year as I do more weight lifting (as I've got away from that the last 2 years), eating less again for the winter, working with Kenny and doing more cross-training type work. Should be a fun, powerful, challenging and life changing winter. I am looking forward to it and seeing where it will progress to for next year.

posted by Seattlebiker @ 8:52 AM 0 comments

Welcome to Molly's Burntoutland - how may I help you?!

Welcome to my Burntoutland. We have fun here! There are tons of things to do with so little motivation and energy to do it. We deprive you of sleep by making you stay up until midnight, wake you up around 5:30 am, 6 am, oh wait! last night we changed that for giggles and did 3-4 am. We did let you sleep 'til 7 am though so aren't we nice? We zap the energy out of you and make you tired as all get out. You may feel you have the physical endurance with your muscles but your upper body will feel very lethargic, very heavy, your breathing will become fast and heavy, your heart rate will not recover quickly, your lungs will feel as if they will implode and your upper body will completely feel tired. Don't forget, we know you aren't working out as hard as you used to so cutting back calories is a must. You're body will need to adjust to your 'winter' setting again. Zapping you of all energy will build your character to be stronger and better in the end.

You will not race. A warm-up is all we will allow and then you'll feel completely like a weenie. You'll feel like you let yourself and others down. You'll feel like - what's wrong with me? Why am I not pushing myself harder, challenging myself, not backing down and giving it all you can? The answer: Cuz you are just completely beyond yourself with exhaustion mentally and physically.

So once we strip you of all your worth we will build you up again. We aren't cruel enough to just let you lay by the wayside. No, no... this is where you will go out for fun! FUN!!! Fun I say!!! So now you are off to go shopping and then go roller skating. You will enjoy the gym tomorrow and then relax, have fun, go to a movie and then go watch the races! :) YEAH! Saturday - not sure what is up yet but you are going to go have fun followed by dinner with college buds. Sunday you will support a friend in the Danskin triathalon, relax, have fun and then go watch the "Sprints to Nowhere". This should be very relaxing for you. You should have fun and be ready to come out like a frickin' maniacal bull - seeing red - and ready to tear off people's heads for the next two races! YEAH! You will be driven, you will be rejuvenated and you will have fun! You'll end the season feeling like yeah - I was burnt out, yeah I needed to take time off but I did it and next year will only get better.

Soon you'll just enjoy life. Go have fun, get to do a pedicure, manicure, go to a bachelorette party, be in a wedding, do some recreational rides, do other fun things and settle in for the winter. Work with your new coach, Kenny Williams, when he returns from Europe and he will light the firecracker under your rear and get you stoking again! HECK YEAH! You're into it! You're feeling the drive, the inspiration, the motivation... it's just gone for this season but it will be back 10x stronger for next season! Then you'll be in happy land again! :)

Thank you for stopping at Molly's Burnoutland. We appreciate your participation. Please do not forget your belongings as you exit to the right, stand tall, feel proud and know that you can ride this roller coaster again - just don't throw up next time.

posted by Seattlebiker @ 10:26 AM 0 comments

Ready for the season change...

Last night, while at home and making my famous vegetable salad, I realized I'm ready for the season change. I'm feeling more 'domesticated' right now. I'm ready to slow down. I'm really examining what worked well for me this year, what didn't work well, how much time I should let myself play this fall/winter before starting up training again.

Racing at the Marymoor Velodrome has been fun this year. It has been a great challenge, great learning opportunities, a place for fun, making friends and learning more about myself. I have enjoyed this year tremendously even though it feels different from last year. I think I'm settled in, feel more comfortable, feel more grounded about what it takes and what I have to give as well as what I want. I am a bit disappointed that I did not see better results for this year. I like to push myself beyond my comfort zone, beyond what I mentally feel I can do and handle with pain (without hurting myself), to strive to be stronger, to get past my quitting zone. To give all I can and then some - as much as possible. But I'm tired. Really tired and burnt out. I've trained since last November. I barely took time off. I hit the track semi-hard in March, April and harder in May as I wound up for the racing season. I was really strong in June and felt I was making a lot of progress. I was feeling hard core strong and dedicated. Then, I believe due to many things, I fizzled in July. Now I feel I am making a slow comeback for the last 3 weeks. It's ok.... I'm ready for change.

Jane and I have discussed this at great length. She is feeling the same way. Although, she will have a blast with cyclocross and I will have a blast watching everyone doing cyclocross since it is not my thing - by any means! I had fun watching, cheering, taking pictures and helping take care of everyone during the race season. It will be a lot of fun and something worth looking forward to - for me. Then, afterwards I can come home and do my own workouts and/or go play. I hope Jane will not get burnt out not getting time off but I know she will after cyclocross season is done. *sigh* Balance is the key word for both of us for this upcoming year.

I'm saddened by the fact that I was driving to the track yesterday, to lift my spirits up and get my inner motivation to be out there for the last few weeks and I got a wiff of what smelled like camp fire. *sigh* I haven't camped at all this year! I am bummed. Next year I think I want to be more balanced with other activities, other ways to have fun and not be so focused on track. Take my bike up to Mt. Rainier and ride around Mt. Rainier for the weekend like I did a few summers ago. That was a blast! Or over in eastern Washington to ride out by Roslyn area.

*sigh*... I don't normally look forward to winter. Fall, yes, with the change of the leaves, the fresh fall air, the smell of the leaves and the crinkling under the bike tires or your foot as you walk. Ah yes, fall is gorgeous and I hope to do some small bike rides or go for a drive up in the mountains with tons of scenery to take spectacular pictures. But winter.... I don't know... rain? Darkness? Gloomy and cold days? But it does bring to light winter training, cross-country skiing, working in the gym, curling up to books on a rainy day with hot chocolate, sleeping in on a rainy day and later going for a bike ride in the cold and rain, hanging with friends and family. It will be a good time.

I feel this year really created a good base for me. My coach did a wonderful job working with me and putting together a program to teach my body how to work well within each zone. I think this year may be a bit easier for me and I might be able to do some more 'fun things' even during the season. I think that is key so I don't feel so burnt out again. I also think I'll be volunteering less to help with Monday night racing and/or classes. I love teaching the classes though and don't want to give that up. But I think going to EVERY Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, some Fridays and then training some Saturdays/Sundays is too much. I need to find more balance (on and off the track), fun, cross-training type fun, etc. for next year. I think I can succeed with that. I am more nervous about starting with a new coach, starting to road race and getting my butt handed to me. I am WAY MORE EXCITED to see what potential I have and to see how well my coach can work with me to get me to my goals!

Onward and Upward for next year! I am very excited to continue to see more people out there, to meet the track 'friends' again, train hard, go faster, stronger and just plain ol' have tons of FUN in the SUN! WOOHOOO!!!

posted by Seattlebiker @ 8:54 AM 0 comments

Weekend full of just living...

I first went to the track races at the Marymoor Velodrome Friday night. Unfortunately, I let myself get a bit wild and let my hair down. I don't normally allow myself to be so vulnerable but with people that I really trust it seems easy. A couple people had my back - thank goodness - and took real good care of me. THANKS GUYS! I appreciate you more than words can say! Thank you!! I had fun watching people race on Friday. I had fun talking with Tye as I spilled my guts to him and his girlfriend - see what state I was in? Not a good state - Molly all out, true, honest, open book WAY more than she usually is. Not necessarily a good thing. :( I had fun cheering people on and seeing them race. I felt bad I didn't go talk to one person in particular, that I usually talk to, and hope I can talk to them this week.

Then I went to Carnation on Saturday to watch the girls race. They did awesome! I then zoomed down to Tacoma for a bridal shower. Yes, I was late and they knew I'd be late. :) It's ok... the party didn't really start yet. The bride is an old personal trainer of mine - back in 2001-2003. She is fantastic! I am in her wedding on September 16th which should be pretty magnficient. Some of the girls were as wild as I usually am but I wasn't. I think I was subdued because there were parents around and so on..... I'll really cut loose at the bachelorette party. I guess we are getting a limo to take us around town - Seattle - and then dropping us off in Tacoma. I can probably get my mom to pick me up and crash at her place since it is like 10 blocks from the bride's.

Sunday I woke up around 6:30 to get ready to ride from Olympia to Tacoma to mark the last half of the RAPSody course. I carpooled with several people and we got there around 9 am. We didn't start til later. It was hilarious to be standing around, waiting for everyone, and to hear about Bob's mishap. The spray paint can cut loose, busted the top, in the Mason Lake area. Bob's shoes were a fluorescent green and he was trying to scrape some of it off. Poor guy. His legs still had signs of paint, his bike (cogs, spokes, wheels, etc.) were all green! His wheels looked like the cheap man's version of Milly's speedblend tires. YEAH! LOL! I sure hope he can get it all cleaned off his carbon bike.

The ride was awesome. I had a lot of fun just riding. Riding with people, riding by myself on some stretches, doing short sprints against Kristin. It was a lot of fun. I want that fun of riding back! :) I'm feeling burnt out and I think I need more social/recreational/fun riding. I'll make sure to get that in this winter! :)

Afterwards, I had to drive towards the Mason Lake area to pick up my old car rack as I found a buyer for it - in W. Seattle. I chose to take the Southworth ferry over. It was a 2 hour wait! UGH! Ok... whatever... I get to chill. Eat, relax, listen to music and chill. Ah the life! :) Got to W. Seattle at 9:15 and sold my rack. We talked about biking a bit. Ironicially his physical therapist is my coach. I got home at 11 pm. Kind of funny... the next day I got an email from this guy. He asked if it would be ok to see me again and call me. I said sure. I mean why not? What do I got to lose?

It's been interesting... I've had a 'dry spell' of just living life, hanging, training and so forth. Not really dating which is fine by me. I'm in no hurry, I'm not into finding someone just to find someone or to play games and so forth. Seems like as the season winds down tons of guys have been coming out of the wood work. What is up with that? You can have really good friends, for a very long time. I find it incredibly fortunate to have such great connections with people - regardless of age differences, distance or what have you. It is way better to have positive people in your life to influence you (even if briefly) than keeping negative ones. REALLY good friends are hard to find and I would welcome the right friendship for a long time. In no hurry.... come out of the wood work all you want... but this woman is going to be very particular about which one won't go back.

posted by Seattlebiker @ 10:48 PM 0 comments

USA Cycling Master Track National Championships

My soon to be coach - Kenny Williams - ROCKS!

Williams, Copeland add to master track titles


Williams added a 3000m time trial title to his kilo and points race crowns (photo: Casey B. Gibson)

Colorado Springs, Colo. (August 12, 2006)—Sixteen more stars-and-stripes jerseys were handed out Saturday at the penultimate day of the 2006 USA Cycling Master Track National Championships at the 7-Eleven Velodrome in Colorado Springs, Colo. Among the national championship-worthy performances were two more world records – bringing the total to six after four days of racing.

The two world records were broken in the men’s sprint competition courtesy of Stephen Hill (Winston, Ga./East Point Track) and Rich Voss (Littleton, Colo./Hammer Racing). Hill posted an in-competition time of 11.117 seconds over the final 200 meters to best the previous mark of 11.338 seconds in the men’s 40-44 age group. Voss lowered the same world record in the men’s 50-54 division from 11.970 to 11.528. Both riders subsequently earned national titles in the sprint. Dave Lindsey (Colorado Springs, Colo./Excel Sports) rounded out the day’s sprint victors, capturing the men’s 45-49 category.

In time trial competition, Randy McLain (Boulder, Colo./Hammer Racing) won the men’s 30-34 3000-meter race against the clock, turning in a winning time of 3 minutes, 34.756 seconds to give him his second national title of the week. On Thursday, McLain also captured the points race. Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) added a third national title to his résumé this week, adding a men’s 35-39 title in the 3000-meter time trial to his victories earlier in the week in the kilometer time trial and points race. Williams clocked a winning time of 3:26.920.

In women’s competition, Annette Hanson (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) captured the women’s 40-44 2000-meter time trial with a time of 2:33.611 and Melissa McCafferty (Manitou Springs, Colo./Hammer Racing) posted a 2:44.379 to earn a stars-and-stripes jersey in the women’s 45-49 2000-meter time trial. Hanson’s win was her second of the week after taking home the points race title Friday.


Copeland won the points race, 500m time trial and sprint (photo: Casey B. Gibson)
Saturday also saw seven points race competitions. In men’s action, Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters) added a men’s 60-64 10-kilometer points race title to his 500-meter time trial and sprint titles, giving him three stars-and-stripes jerseys for the week. Charles Watson (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Southbay Wheelmen) rode to a win in the men’s 65+ 10-kilometer points race, complimenting his 2000-meter time trial win Friday. Paul Mack (Boulder, Colo./American Cycling Association) captured a win the men’s 55-59 10-kilometer points race, scoring 40 points and lapping the field once. Kele Murdin (Kenmore, Wash./Velo Bella-Kona) won her second national title of the event, adding a win in the women’s 30-34 10-kilometer points race to her 2000-meter time trial win. Renee Eastman (Colorado Springs, Colo./Vitamin Cottage) won the women’s 35-39 10-kilometer points race, Louella Holter (Flagstaff, Ariz./Greggs-Specialized) won the women’s 55+ 10-kilometer points race and Melanie Petersen (El Segundo, Calif./South Bay Wheelmen) won the women’s 50-54 10-kilometer points race.

Two more national champions from Friday’s program were also finally made official on Saturday. Dan Vogt (Corona Del Mar, Claif./Vision Velo) earned a national title in the men’s 40-44 25-kilometer points race with a final score of 55 points and Karl Kiester (Denver, Colo./Cody Racing) captured the men’s 45-49 20-kilometer points race with a final tally of 70 points. Both riders competed Friday, however final results were not confirmed until Saturday morning.

The 2006 USA Cycling Master Track National Championships conclude Sunday.

A complete schedule of events can be found at www.usacycling.org.

2006 USA Cycling Master Track National Championships
7-Eleven Velodrome
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Aug. 9-13

COMPLETE RESULTS

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS:

Saturday, August 10

3000-Meter Time Trial
Men’s 30-34: Randy McLain (Boulder, Colo./Hammer Racing) 3:34.756
Men’s 35-39: Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 3:26.920

2000-Meter Time Trial
Women’s 40-44: Annette Hanson (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 2:33.611
Women’s 45-49: Melissa McCafferty (Manitou Springs, Colo./Hammer Racing) 2:44.379

Points Race
Men’s 65+: Charles Watson (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Southbay Wheelmen)
Men’s 60-64: Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters)
Women’s 30-34: Kele Murdin (Kenmore, Wash./Velo Bella-Kona)
Women’s 35-39: Renee Eastman (Colorado Springs, Colo./Vitamin Cottage)
Men’s 55-59: Paul Mack (Boulder, Colo./American Cycling Association)
Women’s 55+: Louella Holter (Flagstaff, Ariz./Greggs-Specialized)
Women’s 50-54: Melanie Petersen (El Segundo, Calif./South Bay Wheelmen)

Sprint
Men’s 40-44: Stephen Hill (Winston, Ga./East Point Track) (WR)
Men’s 45-49: Dave Lindsey (Colorado Springs, Colo./Excel Sports)
Men’s 50-54: Rich Voss (Littleton, Colo./Hammer Racing) (WR)

Friday, August 11

2000-Meter Time Trial
Women’s 50-54: Charlotte Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gulf Coast) 2:53.397
Women’s 55-59: Louella Holter (Flagstaff, Ariz./Greggs-Specialized) 2:51.314
Women’s 60+: Marsha Macro (Littleton, Colo. / Hammer Racing) 2:43.982 (WR)
Men’s 55-59: Woody Cox (Redmond, Wash./Byrne Specialty Gas) 2:24.439 (WR) (NR)
Men’s 60-64: James Murdock (Loveland, Colo./Hammer Racing) 2:30.993
Men’s 65-69: Charlie Watson (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Southbay Wheelmen) 2:42.752
Men’s 70+: Richard Simons (Oak Park, Ill./Midwest Masters) 2:52.750

Sprint
Men’s 30-34: Brant Hendler (Grand Rapids, Mich./West MI Coast Riders)
Men’s 35-39: James Tainter (Minneapolis, Minn./Loon State Cyclists)
Women’s 30-34: Cari Higgins (Madison, N.J./Somerset Wheelmen)

Women’s 35-39: Julie Bautista (San Diego, Calif./Ranchos Cycling)

Points Race
Women’s 40-44: Annette Hanson (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 24
Women’s 45-49: Tracey Huber (Louisville, Ky./Texas Roadhouse) 10
Men’s 50-54: Kent Bostick (Knoxville, Tenn./AMD Masters) 40
Men’s 40-44: Dan Vogt (Corona Del Mar, Claif./Vision Velo) 55
Men’s 45-49: Karl Kiester (Denver, Colo./Cody Racing) 70

Thursday, August 10

3000-Meter Time Trial
Men’s 40-44: Curtis Tolson (Louisville, Ky./Texas Roadhouse) 3:37.257
Men’s 45-49: Larry Nolan (Fremont, Calif./ Discovery Channel Masters) 3:35.132

2000-Meter Time Trial
Women’s 30-34: Kele Murdin (Kenmore, Wash./Velo Bella-Kona) 2:33.939
Women’s 35-39: Maatje Benassi (Colorado Springs, Colo./Excel Sports) 2:36.909
Men’s 50-54: Kent Bostick (Knoxville, Tenn./AMD Masters) 2:20.858 (NR)

Sprint
Men’s 55-59: Kevin Worley (San Mateo, Calif./Easton-Specialized)
Men’s 60-64: Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters)
Men’s 65+: Earl Henry (Pinellas Park, Fla./BBC)
Women’s 40+: Michelle Bono (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii/Hawaii Cycling Club)

Points Race
Men’s 35-39: Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 96
Men’s 30-34: Randy McLain (Boulder, Colo./Hammer Racing) 102

Wednesday, August 9

Kilometer Time Trial
Men’s 30-34: Jason Garner (Glenview, Ill./Northbrook) 1:07.462
Men’s 35-39: Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 1.06.799
Men’s 40-44: Stephen Hill (Winston, Ga./East Point Track) 1.05.684
Men’s 45-49: Larry Nolan (Fremont, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters) 1.07.888

500-Meter Time Trial
Women’s 30-34: Heather Vanvalkenburg (Vancouver, Wash./Team Rubicon) 38.388
Women’s 35-39: Julie Bautista (San Diego, Calif./Team Ranchos) 38.055
Women’s 40-44: Michelle Bono (Kailua Kona, Hawaii /Hawaii Cycling Club) 38.249 (NR)
Women’s 45-49: Ann Marie Love (Ft. Worth, Texas/Matrix) 40.521
Women’s 50-54: Donna Smith (Cowiche, Wash./Chinook Cycling) 39.862 (NR) (WR)
Women’s 55-59: Linda Miller (Valley Center, Calif./EddieBCycling.com) 41.558 (NR)
Women’s 60+: Marsha Marco (Littleton, Colo./Hammer Racing) 42.884 (NR)
Men’s 50-54: Roy Simonson (Colorado Springs, Colo./Hammer Racing) 34.478 (NR)
Men’s 55-59: Kevin Worley (San Mateo, Calif./Easton-Specialized) 36.096
Men’s 60-64: Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters) 36.482
Men’s 65-69: Earl Henry (Pinellas Park, Fla./BBC) 37.242 (NR) (WR)
Men’s 70+: Luigi Fabbri (Hallandale Beach, Fla.) 40.102

(NR) National Record
(WR) World Record




Eleven more titles at master track nationals


Kent Bostick set a national record in the mens' 50-54 2000m time trial (photo: Casey B. Gibson)

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Aug. 10, 2006) – Eleven national titles were awarded Thursday at the second day of the USA Cycling Master Track National Championships at the 7-Eleven Velodrome in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The day kicked off with the 3000-meter and 2000-meter time-trial events. 1996 Olympian Kent Bostick (Knoxville, Tenn./AMD Masters) set a national record in the men’s 50-54 2000-meter time trial with his time of 2 minutes and 20.858 seconds. Also receiving stars-and-stripes jerseys for national time trial titles were Curtis Tolson (Louisville, Ky./Texas Roadhouse) in the men’s 40-44 3000 meters, Larry Nolan (Fremont, Calif./ Discovery Channel Masters) in the men’s 45-49 3000 meters, Kele Murdin (Kenmore, Wash./Velo Bella-Kona) in the women’s 30-34 2000 meters and Maatje Benassi (Colorado Springs, Colo./Excel Sports) in the women’s 35-39 2000 meters.

Also on Thursday, four national sprint titles were awarded in various age categories. In the best-of-three format for the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, all races but one were decided in just two rides. Seeding was based on Wednesday’s flying 200-meter time trial results.

Taking home one of three women’s titles awarded Thursday was Michelle Bono (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii/Hawaii Cycling Club) who won the women’s 40+ sprint. With the nearest velodrome across an entire ocean, this national champion has had to travel to San Diego, Calif. to hone her track skills.

“I’m a little bit behind the ball because I don’t get the amount of training,” Bono said, noting that several Kona-area businesses chipped in financially to get her to these national championships. Just a year-and-a-half ago, Bono didn’t even know how to ride a bike. “Most people here get two times per week on the track, but when I come over here, it’s like a crash course because training gets crammed in my head to get me up to speed, but I just take each race one at a time, as if the other person has never seen me before.
Michelle Bono won the women's 40+ sprint (photo: Casey B. Gibson)
“

Other sprint winners include Kevin Worley (San Mateo, Calif./Easton-Specialized) who won the men’s 55-59 category, Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters) in the men’s 60-64 category and Earl Henry (Pinellas Park, Fla./BBC) in the men’s 65+ category. Henry set two world records Wednesday in the flying 200-meter and 500-meter time trials.

Winning the sprint 5-8 finals to claim the final spots on the podium were Christi Chenowth (Dallas, Texas/Hard Time) in the women’s 40+ category, Charles Watson (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Southbay Wheelmen) in men’s 65+ category, Stephen Witsitt (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Southbay Wheelmen) in men’s 60-64 age group and Andrew Buck (Dresher, Pa./Bikeline) in the men’s 55-59 category, placing them fifth in the overall standings.

Thursday’s competition concluded with two dominating performances in the men’s 35-39 and 30-34 points races. Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) won the men’s 35-39 points race with 96 points – 54 points ahead of his closest competitor.

“I thought I’d get some good separation so just in case if late in the race I were to cramp or whatever, I would have already secured the points,” Williams said. “With 18 laps to go, they set me up to go again so I thought I’d roll along until they’d catch me and they never quite did.”


In the 75-lap contest, Williams not only lapped the field twice to earn him 40 points, he won 10 of the 15 sprints that occurred every five laps and distanced himself from the field to easily secure the win.
Kenny Williams won the men's 35-39 points race (photo: Casey B. Gibson)


In the men’s 30-34 points race, newcomer Randy McLain (Boulder, Colo./Hammer Racing) also won with a strong 102-point performance, 23 points ahead of second place.

“I was really looking forward to this points race – and I only took up track cycling in May,” said McLain, who is also a veteran road cyclist and triathlete. “I can sprint a little bit, so I stayed in there taking third or fourth in the first couple sprints, waiting for an attack to go that I thought would stick. When that happened, I went with it and worked with another guy for quite awhile. We were just fighting for the sprints and we just held on. I knew I had it, but I tried to give it all I could.”

The 2006 USA Cycling Master Track National Championships continue through Sunday. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.usacycling.org.

2006 USA Cycling Master Track National Championships
7-Eleven Velodrome
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Aug. 9-13

COMPLETE RESULTS

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS:

Thursday, August 10

3000-Meter Time Trial
Men’s 40-44: Curtis Tolson (Louisville, Ky./Texas Roadhouse) 3:37.257
Men’s 45-49: Larry Nolan (Fremont, Calif./ Discovery Channel Masters) 3:35.132

2000-Meter Time Trial
Women’s 30-34: Kele Murdin (Kenmore, Wash./Velo Bella-Kona) 2:33.939
Women’s 35-39: Maatje Benassi (Colorado Springs, Colo./Excel Sports) 2:36.909
Men’s 50-54: Kent Bostick (Knoxville, Tenn./AMD Masters) 2:20.858 (NR)

Sprint
Men’s 55-59: Kevin Worley (San Mateo, Calif./Easton-Specialized)
Men’s 60-64: Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters)
Men’s 65+: Earl Henry (Pinellas Park, Fla./BBC)
Women’s 40+: Michelle Bono (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii/Hawaii Cycling Club)

Points Race
Men’s 35-39: Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 96
Men’s 30-34: Randy McLain (Boulder, Colo./Hammer Racing) 102

Wednesday, August 9

Kilometer Time Trial
Men’s 30-34: Jason Garner (Glenview, Ill./Northbrook) 1:07.462
Men’s 35-39: Kenny Williams (Kenmore, Wash./First Rate Mortgage) 1.06.799
Men’s 40-44: Stephen Hill (Winston, Ga./East Point Track) 1.05.684
Men’s 45-49: Larry Nolan (Fremont, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters) 1.07.888

500-Meter Time Trial
Women’s 30-34: Heather Vanvalkenburg (Vancouver, Wash./Team Rubicon) 38.388
Women’s 35-39: Julie Bautista (San Diego, Calif./Team Ranchos) 38.055
Women’s 40-44: Michelle Bono (Kailua Kona, Hawaii /Hawaii Cycling Club) 38.249 (NR)
Women’s 45-49: Ann Marie Love (Ft. Worth, Texas/Matrix) 40.521
Women’s 50-54: Donna Smith (Cowiche, Wash./Chinook Cycling) 39.862 (NR) (WR)
Women’s 55-59: Linda Miller (Valley Center, Calif./EddieBCycling.com) 41.558 (NR)
Women’s 60+: Marsha Marco (Littleton, Colo./Hammer Racing) 42.884 (NR)
Men’s 50-54: Roy Simonson (Colorado Springs, Colo./Hammer Racing) 34.478 (NR)
Men’s 55-59: Kevin Worley (San Mateo, Calif./Easton-Specialized) 36.096
Men’s 60-64: Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Discovery Channel Masters) 36.482
Men’s 65-69: Earl Henry (Pinellas Park, Fla./BBC) 37.242 (NR) (WR)
Men’s 70+: Luigi Fabbri (Hallandale Beach, Fla.) 40.102

(NR) National Record
(WR) World Record

posted by Seattlebiker @ 9:32 PM 0 comments

Climbing to the peak again...

After having not so much success these last two weeks, it was nice to be out on the track and to feel good. I did a VERY focused, quick workout on Tuesday to open my legs mostly but also to feel more comfortable on the track bike with the saddle position.

I warmed up - I feel quite well - although I felt a tiny bit off. I was in a good mood and felt comfortable on the bike with minimal discomfort. I got to talk to Carol and some other ladies as we rode around. It felt good to be out there and feeling positive again. I feel I am getting past the things that took the wind out of my sails and that was really important to me. I needed that and I need to end the season on a positive note. I also had a good conversation with Annette on Tuesday night which helped me feel quite more positive about the track again. Well that and staying VERY focused Tuesday night.

It was hard.... 8 lap scratch I did lead out a tiny bit and tried to stay more in
the front for a bit. I did come in last - barely by half a wheel. Second race I was kind of dead. In fact the last 2 or 3 laps I was so behind - 1/5 of the track or less to the most part with the distance gaining, that I felt like why am I killing my legs to try and catch up? So I backed way off and tried to save my legs. I then came in and just tried to rest, drink, go to the bathroom and all that. Third race, I got out there and tried my hardest to kick butt, stay on a wheel, helped bridge Jane back to the group and barely missed a possibility of getting points. I was just way too tired though. I did better then I thought since the second race made me think - oh boy I will be going into this last one with 16 laps on my own.

Actually it felt like the races back in June when the following week or two I kicked butt. Kevin and I briefly talked about that and he said well you peaked, you came down and now you're peaking again. Perhaps that is true. We will see. I know Martin, one of my team mates, was really trying to pump me up again and encourage me to do different things tonight. So I rode real strong on the first race, couldn't quite perform on the second and held up ok on the third. Next week I want to do that much better.

This weekend I am supposed to ride from Olympia to Tacoma and help mark the course. It was supposed to be Shelton to Tacoma and even now the arrangements are changing again so who knows how much mileage I'll really get. Either way a good spinning recreational ride will be nice. :) I'll get to enjoy it for what it is worth and have an upbeat attitude for next week's races. :)

posted by Seattlebiker @ 9:47 PM 0 comments

Saddle did not do a bum good! :(

So I was sooooo stoked to try out the Tsunami bike I am borrowing from another racer. I was going to test ride it and race on it last night to see how I liked it, how it felt and see if I'd like to purchase it. Hey - it looked great in my apartment so I could stand for it to be a permanent fixture. ;) I got to Marymoor pretty early and got settled in. I spoke with a few people like Sile and had fun hanging out while getting ready. I then hopped on the bike and started out for my warm-up.

My legs were actually feeling pretty good after trying to take a rest week. I felt slightly dehydrated but not enough to impede on me. I got some efforts in after toodling around a bit saying hi to people as we passed and shortly talking to Kevin. Poor guy, his pedal broke the night before and although he wasn't racing he wanted to get a workout in. At some point my bum started to get more and more agitated. I felt like I was sitting on the seam and it was riding up on me. I decided to come in and spoke with John Hansen about switching things up again. We made some minor adjustments and I went out again. I felt a little bit better and tried a pace line again. Wasn't feeling completely good. I then did an effort and was 'bouncing' during the effort which completely did me in. I pulled in and was trying to get comfortable as it was almost time for the rider meeting. After the meeting, I realized from some physical signs that this was not the night for me to try and race with this issue. Some of the girls encourage me not to race so I wouldn't make things worse and also to get credited for racing next week.

*sigh* I am really frustrated. I guess I should have assumed I would have had problems with the saddle that was put on that bike. I have now taken the saddle off my old track bike to see how I feel after doing the workout tonight. We will see how that feels. *sigh* I'm really discouraged right now. I was feeling pretty rested, pretty strong for last night. I was so disappointed I could not do the races. I just feel like I'm sliding downhill with energy and/or strength since early July. A matter of the lack of proper workout schedules, time with family, motivation due to some track events that occurred and then my overall energetic level. Perhaps it is true burnout like I've never felt before. It is frustrating. I want to end the season on a high note. I want to feel good, to feel strong, to feel fast. At this point, I feel more excited to get my winter training going. To get into the gym to lift weights, to spin, to go for winter rides (and I HATE the rain! UGH!), to do cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, hiking, running and all kinds of things. I am excited to get with a new coach that I think can take me up to the next level and will force me to do road racing which I know will make me faster and stronger. I want that BAD! I want that so BAD it hurts. I think that is why it is so hard to feel the way I am now. After last week's race and not feeling any energy and then this week's saddle problems - I just want to do the best I can for the next 4 weeks and end on a good foot.

Oh well... there's always next year and I know next year I'll be on a whole new track level of physical strength and endurance. I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to ending this season, resting, watching my friends do cross (and dog sitting- WOOHOO!), having winter fun, losing more weight and just moving forward to spring racing, track racing and lots of FUN! :) I am looking forward to the difficult challenges that lay ahead.

posted by Seattlebiker @ 4:25 PM 0 comments

FSA Grand Prix – Sweetness at the Track! Sailing on the Sound and Weddings all around.

I started my Friday morning off with a short, easy spin around my neighborhood. Then I got ready to go down to the velodrome for the FSA Grand Prix. I helped setup and do registration starting at 10:45. I was able to help another teammate with all the registration and then we were just quietly sitting, talking and listening to how the riders were doing with their Time Trial events. I got to watch a few of the Time Trial riders and a few of the pursuit teams. I took many pictures. I was able to hang with a few people like Sile, Jane and Cole. It was awesome to watch the team pursuits and even the individual pursuits just to see the time differences, the strength, the speed yet semi-boring at the same time. Then Cole stopped by with the Tsunami bicycle that he was going to let me test ride to see if I want to purchase. When the time trials were done, prior to the Friday night racing, I was able to take it out for a short spin. It felt good. The feedback I got from many of the riders was that this bike looks like it fits better for me then my Fuji bike. They stated my hip placement looks more aligned and my back looked more flat. It felt good to be on it despite me trying to still figure out the balance of it and the feeling of my legs being like dead weights getting pedaled around the track.

Cole and I then went out for dinner and had fun talking. I ordered my usual northwest garden salad – entrée – and I just couldn’t finish it. I don’t know why as I thought I was really hungry. *shrug* We had a great conversation and then he drove us back to the track. We watched, from the beer garden, as he talked to some (former) teammates and I got to talk to Sile, Yitka, Jill and some others. As he was saying good-bye, I ran into another guy I vaguely know and we talked a bit. It was his first time at the track and he was really excited to see the racing. His neighbor – who started to race – was there and was introduced to me. Afterwards, Kevin was in the beer garden. He did awesome on his racing for the day – pursuit and team pursuit – as well as the Friday night racing with some great sprints! We discussed his recovery after the race and I offered him a recovery drink since he didn’t have anything and was racing the following day. We then talked for quite a bit about all kinds of things – road racing, coaching and so forth. It was great to hear his experiences, get his knowledge and support regarding where I’m at and where I’d like to be. He's a really sweet guy and real easy to talk with. I've really enjoyed our conversations since we've kind of been hanging for the last few weeks.

Saturday morning started out the same. I got up to do a short, easy spin around my neighborhood. I finished packing up to go to the FSA Grand Prix to see many riders take on their races for the day. I also had to be ready for one of my cousin’s weddings later that day. I went to the track and got to talk to many people, enjoy the music, enjoy the racing and take tons of pics. I connected up with my birthday twin again – Glenn Barr from Canada. He gave me his email address so I could send pics and keep in touch regarding their velodrome activities over winter. I was able to also talk to Kenny, with Jane, regarding having him coach us over this next year. He seems like he’ll be very good for us based on what I heard. I think I’ll really enjoy it and now I’m really looking forward to winter training. It was fun talking to people, cheering them on and taking lots of pics. I enjoyed more conversations with Kevin and discussing with him different coaches, styles, my goals and needs and so forth. It was fun to hear how everyone felt they did and to watch them give all that they could for their particular races or time trials. It is fun to see how people are progressing. I really wish I could have been out there and hope to be out there next year. Next year I hope for a lot of improvement, a lot of changes, a lot more strength, speed, better recovery and so forth.

Also, Jane made it to a sprint match. Her first sprint was against Jennie Reed – National/Olympic champion. We took tons of pics for Jane with her going against Jennie. Jennie is a high class competitor that gave Jane a run for her money but did not rub her face into beating her at the line. Jane later called me – as I was at the wedding reception – that she actually made it to the finals! She kicked butt, took 4th place and won $60. She said some of the girls underestimated her and she surprised attacked them with her top speed she hit. I wish I could have been there for her!!!! Dang! Wish I could have seen her kick butt!!! I was so proud of her that the next day I brought her a dozen roses. She, Randall and I went out for breakfast and she decided she wanted to treat us. We all then went out on Randall’s new sailboat. IT was a BLAST! We got to learn more about sailing and had a relaxing, fun time! WOW! It was really fun and peaceful to be on the water. We started at Shilshole Bay Marina and we tacked back and forth to Bainbridge Island up towards Edmonds and then back to Shilshole. It was a long and fun day and I definitely felt the muscles the next day that I was able to give a good workout while tacking as well as just sitting on the boat – like abs, legs, etc.

The wedding was very spectacular. The bride was gorgeous, the groom (my cousin) was handsome. They had a very nice wedding which after the ceremony had a bag pipe player outside the church. Then my sister’s yellow skylark convertible for them to drive away to the reception in. This is typical for the weddings since my sister has moved out here with both the yellow and red cars.  Then we went to the Fircrest Golf Course for the reception. It was very elegant, quaint and peaceful. For once our family members didn’t have to run around crazy for getting all the food, decorations and all that done. It was nice. Fully catered, nice music, nice setup with the bar, chairs/seats and so forth. They had a wine glass for each person with their name and the date etched on it. It was very nice. They had a great video that showed their lives growing up. They are both twins so they played that a lot in the video – past, present and so forth. It was sad when they showed pictures of our grandparents that have passed away. Many of us were crying and yet very happy to see the pictures. Her family created the video and will give us copies which is really cool.

She threw the bouquet – of course – and I had to take my great niece up there. I accidentally stepped on her foot on the way up there so she was screaming. OY! I felt so bad… but when she caught the bouquet all her pain went away! YEAH! She was gorgeous with her dress outfit and the flowers were gorgeous. She got pictures with the bride and her flowers which was very sweet. Then she ran up to her grandpa and told him she could marry him now as she got her flowers. She was too cute.  That was sweet!!! She also cried and cried and cried when she couldn’t dance with the bride longer than was possible. We had to take her out and away from people. Chances are she was getting over stimulated and tired. I think with her fantasy of ‘weddings’ and ‘princesses’ and seeing the bride she just so desperately wanted to be a part of it all. My sister took her home to get her calmed down and out of the situation.

posted by Seattlebiker @ 1:50 PM 0 comments