Snow Bengals

After our brief spring storm and with a foot of new snow in the backyard, we couldn't resist letting the kitties outside to explore!

The kitties were busy sunning themselves on the dining room table.

They both scurried outside in excitement and began romping around in the white stuff.

Jameson immediately took to the adventure and headed for the deep snow!
Guinness however was less than pleased about getting her paws damp, and pouted as she stood in the footprints.

Cult Cross #2... Sealing the deal

Today, another trip to Eagle for Cult Cross - the second and final race of the series. After having such a blast last weekend, I couldn't wait for today to arrive! Chris was my ever-supportive cheering section; again sprinting around the course to get some great photos!
As with last week, the course was again a creative conglomeration of rough terrain and innovative obstacles: 3 wooden bridges, 2 treacherous ditch crossings, a bmx-style sand whoop section, a jump, and one set of requisite barriers.

The day was sunny and beautiful, and a nice 60F. There's a big snowstorm making its way to hit tomorrow, so the winds were kicking up to a strong 30mph. The course dried up considerably since last weekend, and the tacky ground turned to loose sandy and dusty terrain today.

Lining up for the start, I was a bit disappointed to be 1 of only 3 women; I was hoping there would be more competition. As it turned out, I was in a dominating position from the get-go, only to drop my chain halfway through the first lap. As I frantically struggled to get it back on, I lost several minutes, and my lead. Chris ran over and helped me out, and I was back riding and passing the 2 other girls within the end of the lap. For the rest of the race I extended my lead, riding a steady tempo, battling the wind each time I turned west, but all the while having such a great time!!


Airing it out over the jump!
Nice sponsor shot for squirtlube!

It is not often that I win a race outright, and I got to perform the victory salute!

For my efforts, and for being the womens' overall winner for the 2-race series, I got a messenger bag and gift certificate to a steakhouse in Beaver Creek! I am stoked!!Thanks much to Larry Grossman for his time and efforts in putting the Cult Cross series together. This is one of the most fun, and best run cross races ever! And the prizes and swag are so cool!!!

I'll be back next year for sure!!!

This Season is Dedidcated to...

... My Dad!!

In memory of my dad, COMotion has dedicated this season in his honor. This really means a lot to me because the past 9 months have been extremely difficult for me. Every time I pull on my jersey or 'cross skinsuit I see "Big Jim" on the inside collar, and I am reminded that he is here to support me and help me every step of the way. "Big Jim" was one of our family nicknames for him, and I am glad that everyone on the team can appreciate how special this is on our uniforms.

Spring 'Cross

As promised, here is my full report on Cult 'Cross #1 in Eagle, CO on Sunday, March 15, 2009... Chris was on his way back from the team training camp in Fruita, and I managed to get away from studying for the day, so we met up perfectly at the race course at the Eagle County Fairgrounds. It was a fantastic spring-like day!

There we just enough people to make the race worthwhile, but not the usual crazy atmosphere of the 'cross scene. Maybe it's just more chill in the spring?! Chris warmed up on the course with me, and we did just one reconnaissance lap after realizing how bumpy and rough the terrain was.

There were just 5 of us women on the start line, and we all took off surprisingly fast! I have basically done zero training so far this year, so it was a shocker for the legs and the lungs from the get-go. Lindsey Bishop basically dusted me within the first half-lap, so I was relegated to hang out in 2nd for the entire race.

There were some crazy, cool obstacles on the course that you don't usually see... the "truth or dare" bridge, the fallen tree with 3 consecutive branches to hurdle, and the little sand pile hills and rough terrain. All the while I was suffering, I was having a complete blast!! Chris was so awesome, sprinting across the course to snap tons of photos and cheering like crazy!
After 45 minutes in the pain cave, I was elated to be finished, but actually refreshed at the hard effort I put in!! My back was pretty fatigued from the bumpy ground, and I felt some sore muscles that have been in hibernation for a while!

I do have the distinction of being the first person on the COMo team to race this year, and the new uniform is tight!
I can't wait for this next Sunday to come, the second and final Cult 'Cross race of the spring!!

Cult Cross #1

Today was my foray into spring cyclocross racing, and a humbling one at that.... Nevertheless, it was so much pain and so much fun that I can't wait to do all over again next weekend!!

... Full race report and photos coming soon...

Newest Nephew!

I have a new nephew born today to my brother Dan and sister-in-law Lisa!! Michael James Maynard arrived at 8:00a, weighing 8 lbs 7 oz, and measured 21.5 inches long.

Mother and baby are doing great, and my whole family is proud! I now have a total of 4 nephews and 2 nieces... spanning 20 years in age! I am the only one of five children who doesn't have any kids!! Ooooh, the pressure is on... but Chris and I are content to just baby our two kitties for now!! :)

Continuing the streak...

Today, we continued our respective streaks, at a new venue for us, Copper Mountain. We took advantage of the 2-for-1 deal available at Phillips 66 gas stations, and split the ridiculous $92 lift ticket in half!Chris started skiing at age 5 and has skied at least 1 time per year since!
I started snowboarding at age 15 and have done so at least 1 time per year since!

View from the lift.
We only covered a small portion of the terrain available.Copper was a great mountain, and despite the blustery weather, we had a great day!! This may end up being our only skiing day of the year, but the streak will stay alive!

Getting to do what I want!

I'm on spring break this week, so I'm making a huge effort to get caught up on everything I've been putting off for the last 3 months, as well as getting some time in on the bike. I've slept more in the last 3 days than I have for 3 months, and am taking advantage of some time off to do what I want!

I've only done one ride outdoors this entire winter, and that was a balmy day in January before I started school. With the weather recently warming up, I was chomping at the bit to get outside. Sunday we met up with our fellow COMo teammates for a great 3-hour jaunt at Buff Creek. I've been out there about a half-dozen times, and am still riding new trails. It was relatively relaxed pace, but seeing how my longest ride since September has only been 1 hour, I was redlining all the climbs, and my average HR was in the 160's! Yikes! Still, there's nothing better than riding run trails with fun people.Yesterday I got my 'cross bike fit by Todd at his Retul studio. His new location is pretty sweet! He made quite a few needed adjustments, and guaranteed me an upgrade to Cat 1 this year! Haha, just kidding... I'll have to do the leg-work for that to happen. I'm very pleased with my new position on the bike, and am anticipating the suffer fest in Eagle in 10 days!
Today I went out to Lair 'O the Bear for a moderate 1.5 hour ride. It was super windy in Denver, so taking shelter in the trees for the ride was sweet respite. The trail was in good shape with about 1/3 sand, 1/3 tacky, 1/6 mud, and 1/6 ice.
After two rides this week, I've realized that my legs are strong, but my heart is not yet up to the task of climbing hills. I was still hitting the 170's on the climbs, and that was in granny gear! I'll need to work on my endurance and power over the next couple months. On a good note, my descending skills have consistently gotten better, as I was flying like a banshee down the trail, and I think racing 'cross really helped out my balance.

It's gonna be a rough next two months, finishing out this semester, so I'm still keeping my expectations for training realistic. I likely won't race until June or July, so keeping in consistent shape is my focus at this point.