Bike Race/Testing/Saas Fee
When I was last home, Kevin and I competed in a bike race, called the Centurion. Kevin and I raced the 25mile race on Saturday.
On Saturday, after a good breakfast and warm up, Kevin and I headed to the start corral. We both had a plan for the race. Kevin was in the first group for the entire race (he is in 4th in this picture). He fought through the rain and the cold weather, avoiding the rooster tail from the bike in front of him! About 800m from the finish line he started sprinting, however that is a long way to sprint. He was winning until the last 200m and then he was passed!
I made sure that I didn't go out too fast, knowing how competitive I am. I ended up 5th out of all the women and 1st in my age group. However, I have a lot of work to do in regards to climbing!
Later that Sunday, I flew to Calgary for a last check up before I left for Saas Fee. I realized almost immediately that I was quite sore from the race, so I saw our physio, Jenny, and our osteopath. The week turned out to be quite stressful to say the least.
One day I was sitting by the river waiting for the oil to be changed in my car and I was feeling quite stressed and tired. I thought, "I usually see an elk when I sit here. If I see an elk today, it will make my day." About 7 minutes later, an elk walked through the water on the opposite side of the river... day made.
That afternoon I went for a 15km run, or so says my new foot pod. Since I am hopeless at mountain biking, I run the trails that everyone else bikes, so that I know what they are talking about. However, I may invest in bear spray for next time. I didn't see any bears, but the thought is unsettling. A small squirrel almost tore my heart right out of my chest.
We had testing and I found out that I have built more muscle since the summer and maintained much of my power. This was very encouraging news to take away with me as I ventured to Saas Fee, Switzerland for 2.5 weeks!
When we travel within Switzerland, we usually fly into Zurich and then take the train/bus to our destination. this time was slightly more tricky with 3 wheely bags and a back pack, however Britt stepped up as usual and helped me though.
Here is a shot from the train... my Dad would not be proud. (#glare)
Now that we are in Switzerland it is a bit of a battle. Every day seems to bring something different, whether that is wind, sun, soft snow or hail. We have missed quite a few days of skiing, but we are fighting through because that is what our team does.
My next day will be GS, which I am very excited for! This year I will start the season in Solden to get the cobwebs from my legs and my race gear in check.
Hopefully Mitch, MP and Chemmy can give me some encouraging pointers!
We have the biggest team here than I have ever traveled with. We have bout 12 athletes, and including staff there are over 20 people here. However, soon the speed girls will head home, but until then we will make the most out of it!
Yesterday, the sun finally shone through! When it is sunny it is quite warm here, so we can practice our beach volleyball skills.
Today is one of those slow, cloudy days. We woke up at about 6am to ski, waited on hold until 8am, and then we heard that skiing was cancelled.
So this picture cheered me up and I hope that it does the same for you!
Until next time!
On Saturday, after a good breakfast and warm up, Kevin and I headed to the start corral. We both had a plan for the race. Kevin was in the first group for the entire race (he is in 4th in this picture). He fought through the rain and the cold weather, avoiding the rooster tail from the bike in front of him! About 800m from the finish line he started sprinting, however that is a long way to sprint. He was winning until the last 200m and then he was passed!
I made sure that I didn't go out too fast, knowing how competitive I am. I ended up 5th out of all the women and 1st in my age group. However, I have a lot of work to do in regards to climbing!
On Sunday morning, I was allowed to be a spectator. This is a shot from the beginning of the 50 (not my photo). There were about 4500 riders racing the Centurion in Collingwood this year. The majority of which raced the 50.
Here is a little video summary from the race, and scenery from around my house!
Later that Sunday, I flew to Calgary for a last check up before I left for Saas Fee. I realized almost immediately that I was quite sore from the race, so I saw our physio, Jenny, and our osteopath. The week turned out to be quite stressful to say the least.
One day I was sitting by the river waiting for the oil to be changed in my car and I was feeling quite stressed and tired. I thought, "I usually see an elk when I sit here. If I see an elk today, it will make my day." About 7 minutes later, an elk walked through the water on the opposite side of the river... day made.
That afternoon I went for a 15km run, or so says my new foot pod. Since I am hopeless at mountain biking, I run the trails that everyone else bikes, so that I know what they are talking about. However, I may invest in bear spray for next time. I didn't see any bears, but the thought is unsettling. A small squirrel almost tore my heart right out of my chest.
When we travel within Switzerland, we usually fly into Zurich and then take the train/bus to our destination. this time was slightly more tricky with 3 wheely bags and a back pack, however Britt stepped up as usual and helped me though.
Here is a shot from the train... my Dad would not be proud. (#glare)
Now that we are in Switzerland it is a bit of a battle. Every day seems to bring something different, whether that is wind, sun, soft snow or hail. We have missed quite a few days of skiing, but we are fighting through because that is what our team does.
My next day will be GS, which I am very excited for! This year I will start the season in Solden to get the cobwebs from my legs and my race gear in check.
Hopefully Mitch, MP and Chemmy can give me some encouraging pointers!
We have the biggest team here than I have ever traveled with. We have bout 12 athletes, and including staff there are over 20 people here. However, soon the speed girls will head home, but until then we will make the most out of it!
However, Britt always finds new friends to make...
Yesterday, the sun finally shone through! When it is sunny it is quite warm here, so we can practice our beach volleyball skills.
Today is one of those slow, cloudy days. We woke up at about 6am to ski, waited on hold until 8am, and then we heard that skiing was cancelled.
So this picture cheered me up and I hope that it does the same for you!
Until next time!
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