Sunday, December 12, 2010
Cross Nationals - Photographic Reflections
Cyclocross Nationals, Bend OR... 15th/40 in Master's Women 30-34... What a fantastic experience... Can't wait for next year in Madison, WI!!!
Cross comes to a close
After beginning my new PT job in mid-November, time for training got a lot shorter, and adjusting to the new schedule and conditions brought some undesired stress. My focus remained steadfast in keeping good form for a good shot at Nationals. My final races in Colorado brought some unexpected, and undesirable outcomes... but hey, that's racing.
Thanksgiving weekend brought some summery temperatures in the mid 60's and a sizable crowd to Golden for the GMS #2 race.
I got an excellent start off the line... However within 2 minutes of the start, I was caught without an escape when a girl slid out in front of me on the loose sketchy course. I crashed hard, with a couple riders piling on top of me. (Unfortunately no cool photo for evidence!) I was slow to get up having landed on my head, right palm and right knee.
I was also MAD! So I rode myself from dead last back into the race as fast as possible.
Being down over 3 minutes is a lot to make up, so I was happy to finish 6th of 16, and with some war wounds but no broken bones.
A week later, the temps dropped back into the low 30's, setting the stage for the CO State Championships. Again, another fantastic start (one thing I'm happy to report that has improved in such a challenging year).
I bridged up to 5th, sitting in for 2 laps, before a minor bobble on a loose uphill transition to pavement, landed me back on my sore and bruised right hand and knee. Dang it!
My lapse in attention cost me 2 places, and on the fast, power course I was destined for 7th for the remainder of the race. Still a good result to end what has been a very trying season.
Thanksgiving weekend brought some summery temperatures in the mid 60's and a sizable crowd to Golden for the GMS #2 race.
I got an excellent start off the line... However within 2 minutes of the start, I was caught without an escape when a girl slid out in front of me on the loose sketchy course. I crashed hard, with a couple riders piling on top of me. (Unfortunately no cool photo for evidence!) I was slow to get up having landed on my head, right palm and right knee.
I was also MAD! So I rode myself from dead last back into the race as fast as possible.
Being down over 3 minutes is a lot to make up, so I was happy to finish 6th of 16, and with some war wounds but no broken bones.
A week later, the temps dropped back into the low 30's, setting the stage for the CO State Championships. Again, another fantastic start (one thing I'm happy to report that has improved in such a challenging year).
I bridged up to 5th, sitting in for 2 laps, before a minor bobble on a loose uphill transition to pavement, landed me back on my sore and bruised right hand and knee. Dang it!
My lapse in attention cost me 2 places, and on the fast, power course I was destined for 7th for the remainder of the race. Still a good result to end what has been a very trying season.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
South of the Tropic of Cancer
Alas, the studying is done, the tests are taken, and Chris and I got to enjoy a much-overdue vacation in Cabo! After a relaxing week of fun, sun, drinks and beach frolicking, we are reliving the memories!
No shortage of fabulous weather, scenery, and fun in Cabo!
It was like a second honeymoon - so much fun!!
The poolside bar... always a comfortable spot!
Warm, clear water at Chileno Bay... heaven!
One of Cabo's famous landmarks: El Arco - where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez
Chris' first time snorkeling... the fish loved him!
Fish everywhere!
First time ever surfing... it was an adrenalin blast!!
Good times with Liss and Chris... and of course lots of refreshing beer!
The baja sun gives the skin a nice glow!
I'm certainly going to miss the amazing sunsets and serene beauty of the ocean!
No shortage of fabulous weather, scenery, and fun in Cabo!
It was like a second honeymoon - so much fun!!
The poolside bar... always a comfortable spot!
Warm, clear water at Chileno Bay... heaven!
One of Cabo's famous landmarks: El Arco - where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez
Chris' first time snorkeling... the fish loved him!
Fish everywhere!
First time ever surfing... it was an adrenalin blast!!
Good times with Liss and Chris... and of course lots of refreshing beer!
The baja sun gives the skin a nice glow!
I'm certainly going to miss the amazing sunsets and serene beauty of the ocean!
Monday, November 15, 2010
UCI newbie
At the last minute I decided to plunk down the cash and get myself a UCI license to race 3 of the premier events present in Colorado this year.
The Colorado Cross Cup was my first experience on Halloween eve. Set at Boulder Reservoir (which I HATE with a passion) on a course that pathetically resembled a dirt criterium, maybe I psyched myself out, or got scared, but I pulled my first DNF in a cross race. The 80F heat certainly didn't help, and I crashed head-first into a haybale and flipped over the bars on the second lap. I continued deliriously for another half lap, and then pulled the plug for better efforts the following day. I later discovered a bent rear derailer from the crash.
The next day at the Boulder Cup provided me a new day with new opportunities, and a course much better suited to challenge the physical and mental aspects of cyclocross. Held at the Flat Irons Mall in Broomfield, the course was a challenging mix of off-camber steep little hills, and super slick descending switchbacks. After sliding out and crashing hard on my left knee and elbow during the warm-up, I raced with more caution, but still crashing twice. However, I had a positive and successful race, finishing 16th of 34 of the best girls in the country!
The "icy" slick dry grass laid me out flat!
Upon returning from our awesome vacation in Cabo, we jetted up to Ft Collins for the 2nd day of the USGP. It was definitely a shocker "warming-up" in 38F temps and back at altitude, after spending a week at sea level in balmy 85F weather. I quickly erased the mental rust from my "still-in-vacation-mode" brain for a lung-busting effort. My goal was top 20 seeing the depth of the field and the greasy, muddy course conditions. Maybe I still had some residual tequila fueling my efforts, as it was one long 45-minute slog. But I felt so inspired by having Chris there manning my spare bike in the pits (as I actually had to change bikes due to the conditions), and cheering me on in spite of my grimacing suffering face. 19th/34 was exactly what I'd hoped for, and I'm now feeling like I'm gonna be ready really fly in one month at Nationals!
The mud was like glue and I had to pit after just 1 lap.
New skin suit is insulated and warm for cold weather bouts!
The finish could not have come soon enough!
The Colorado Cross Cup was my first experience on Halloween eve. Set at Boulder Reservoir (which I HATE with a passion) on a course that pathetically resembled a dirt criterium, maybe I psyched myself out, or got scared, but I pulled my first DNF in a cross race. The 80F heat certainly didn't help, and I crashed head-first into a haybale and flipped over the bars on the second lap. I continued deliriously for another half lap, and then pulled the plug for better efforts the following day. I later discovered a bent rear derailer from the crash.
The next day at the Boulder Cup provided me a new day with new opportunities, and a course much better suited to challenge the physical and mental aspects of cyclocross. Held at the Flat Irons Mall in Broomfield, the course was a challenging mix of off-camber steep little hills, and super slick descending switchbacks. After sliding out and crashing hard on my left knee and elbow during the warm-up, I raced with more caution, but still crashing twice. However, I had a positive and successful race, finishing 16th of 34 of the best girls in the country!
The "icy" slick dry grass laid me out flat!
Upon returning from our awesome vacation in Cabo, we jetted up to Ft Collins for the 2nd day of the USGP. It was definitely a shocker "warming-up" in 38F temps and back at altitude, after spending a week at sea level in balmy 85F weather. I quickly erased the mental rust from my "still-in-vacation-mode" brain for a lung-busting effort. My goal was top 20 seeing the depth of the field and the greasy, muddy course conditions. Maybe I still had some residual tequila fueling my efforts, as it was one long 45-minute slog. But I felt so inspired by having Chris there manning my spare bike in the pits (as I actually had to change bikes due to the conditions), and cheering me on in spite of my grimacing suffering face. 19th/34 was exactly what I'd hoped for, and I'm now feeling like I'm gonna be ready really fly in one month at Nationals!
The mud was like glue and I had to pit after just 1 lap.
New skin suit is insulated and warm for cold weather bouts!
The finish could not have come soon enough!
Friday, November 5, 2010
PT, DPT
3 years Doctor of Physical Therapy education: ~ $125,000
Registration for National PT Board Exam: ~ $500
Time spent studying: 8 weeks
Passing the exam and having an career that I love: Priceless
Registration for National PT Board Exam: ~ $500
Time spent studying: 8 weeks
Passing the exam and having an career that I love: Priceless
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Maynard sister mayhem!
My sister Liss flew in from Phoenix for the weekend filled with lots of exercise, laughs, good food and good times. I swear she brought the heat with her, seeing that we've been having an unseasonably HOT fall so far. Saturday we ventured to Rocky Mountain National Park for a good glute-busting hike in the thin air and 80-degree temps.
Got my double workout today, as I'd already biked 1.5hrs before we went hiking... but I wouldn't turn down an awesome day with my sis ever!
6.5 mile round-trip hike to the Loch (lake) and back, with Andrews glacier in the backdrop.
Liss finds her inner peace in the serenity of nature!
What an amazing site! The biggest elk I've ever seen, and right in the middle of the lake!
That elk was definitely "cooling" off because I could barely stand 10 seconds the lake was sooooo cold!!
Finding a zen moment aside the beautiful trail.
Heading past Alberta Falls. It was only 4 'o clock, and the sun already slipping away.
Post-yummy dinner at the Sushi Den... my favorite restaurant!
Got my double workout today, as I'd already biked 1.5hrs before we went hiking... but I wouldn't turn down an awesome day with my sis ever!
6.5 mile round-trip hike to the Loch (lake) and back, with Andrews glacier in the backdrop.
Liss finds her inner peace in the serenity of nature!
What an amazing site! The biggest elk I've ever seen, and right in the middle of the lake!
That elk was definitely "cooling" off because I could barely stand 10 seconds the lake was sooooo cold!!
Finding a zen moment aside the beautiful trail.
Heading past Alberta Falls. It was only 4 'o clock, and the sun already slipping away.
Post-yummy dinner at the Sushi Den... my favorite restaurant!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Missing Video
It's nice to have an iPhone for the convenience. I knew I had a video from Montana... just found it in plain sight on my desktop. :) Chris on the Continental Divide Trail, Butte, MT.
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