What's 6 more hours?

This is the phrase that convinced me to sign up for 18 hours of Fruita solo. I mean, what could be THAT much different from a 12 hour race to an 18 hour race?!?! Well, this past weekend's 18 Hours of Fruita gave me a slap in the face of all the differences.

So, there I was sitting on my indoor trainer on one of the coldest days in Edwards, CO registering for my first 18 hour endurance race. It was our record snowfall season and all I wanted to do was ride my bike. Maybe I registered as an excuse to give friends when I never wanted to take a lift to go skiing. "Well, I need to keep my fitness up"... in reality, I was just over the winter. All I wanted to do was roll on two wheels and push my lungs; which is just what I did. Throughout the winter I sought out every chance and opportunity to stay on my bike outside; Salida, Fruita, Front Range, and even local snow packed trails... I wasn't letting go. These feelings of endless winter motivated my decision to take a job in California.

I took a new job and moved out of the valley quite quickly right before the end of the season. I needed opportunity and new adventure, and none of that was happening in Vail. Ideally, I was wanting to start the job after the race allowing me to train where I felt comfortable and spend plenty of time saying goodbye to the valley I still refer to as home, not to mention the great friends and family who I hold dear. It was tough leaving, and still is. However, leaving so soon and spending two weeks in California before the race was probably the best thing for me. Regardless of the stresses of a new place, new job, different people/lifestyle, etc. I was kind of forced to rest. My riding was kept mellow, partially because I had no idea where I was going. I was spending a lot of time focussing on work, and I was sleeping & eating A LOT. Forced recovery you could say. Something I am absolutely terrible at doing. Needless to say, I felt ready. Having the excitement of seeing great friends and riding my bike in one of my favorite places was all that was on my mind. No thoughts and stress of the race really ever crossed my mind.

Fast forward to race day. I'm very fortunate to have many friends who are much more experienced than I am in mountain bike racing, so I exhausted my resources as to what I should do the day of the race that starts at 12 midnight and ends at 6pm the following day. So, I did

just as Honey Stinger pro endurance racer Kris Cannon said I should. My friends and I prepared everything throughout the day and from 4-11 I did absolutely NOTHING. Slept, ate, laid around. It was harder than it sounds having not seen my friends in awhile and really not knowing when I'll get to see them again. One of my wisest friends Heather Russell was great at yelling at me to go back to the tent and go to bed. Thank you HR!

Wake up call from Ben scratching the tent walls, and I was up like a kid on Christmas morning! I probably got dressed in under 5 minutes and was overly excited to race my bike at night for the first time! Friend, bike mechanic, and overall stud Frank Devlin made sure I ate something sustainable and had a shot of coffee before lining up for the start.

Looking back, the night was kind of a blur. I had plans of keeping my laps between 45-50 minutes all day, but I was feeling stronger than that pace. However smart it was, I quickly threw that out the window and just went for it; keeping my laps between 35-40 minutes. I could hear friend and endurance racer Kerry White's voice in my head saying, "you should slow it down Karen"... and like an adolescent to her mother, I ignored the voice. I was rolling and kept coming across familiar faces and kits I would chat with for awhile, think maybe I should slow my pace to ride with them, then decide to push on. Each lap I came through I was overwhelmed with an amazing crew cleaning my chain, clearing my glasses of dust and fog, shoving food in my face, switching out water bottles, and slapping my spandex to get rolling again. Frank, Heather, Ben, Berly, Corrie, Alex, Tyrone, and Dogger... you're all amazing.

Suns up. This was one of the most memorable parts of the race. As the sun rose, everything changed. The trail seemed to take on new turns and obstacles, and my energy took on a new surge. Not to mention the obvious realization just how dusty I was from the whe

el to wheel tearing of dry singletrack.

Lap after lap after lap, I was loving it... keeping my pace strong and enjoying the company and encouragement of many Vail Valley racers on and off the trail. I felt tremendous support, and owe so much of the days accomplishments to so many amazing people.

It wasn't until nearing 12 noon that I was realizing what the difference 6 hours really makes. That's when it hit me. By this time I was beginning to feel tired, my stomach wasn't wanting food or water, and the sun started to beat me down. It was then that I started inquiring on and standings. At that point I was an hour and a lap in first place. Shocked, this gave me a surge of energy. Knowing this and having some of the best friends keeping me smiling by dressing up in costumes and force feeding me. I kept pedaling.

The afternoon went on and the sun began to make me wilt. Heat and I don't get along that well, and the desert scorched me. Dizzy, hot, and in pain I wanted to quit. I questioned why I

was doing this, and convinced myself I couldn't do it anymore. That it wasn't healthy. This is where Heather's words got me going again. A simple, "Karen, why don't you just spin a lap"... I got up and rolled on. This is where the results started to skew. I was now in second place, 5 minutes behind 1st. The competitive edge in me fired. I was not going to come this far and fall back place by place... as I saw 2nd and 3rd not that far behind me. I began to no longer listen to my music and instead focus on my mind staying strong when my body was feeling weak. "Stay steady and just keep pedaling, Karen"..."Shut up legs, you love it"..."The other girls are feeling the same way". This is where, with company of Heather I rolled out another lap. After that lap I was surged again, and kept going for another... and then Frank joined me on another!

Coming in at 5:25, I knew I was done. Studying the times, I was two laps ahead of Christina Begy and one behind of Annie Fox. Even if I could've mustered up a 35 minute lap at that point I'd have come in after Annie's recorded 25th lap. I was done. Happy with how I rode, I was in a fog of the results. When did I get passed? Where did that hour lead go? At that point I was too exhausted to contest, but a couple friends proceeded to check where things went wrong. They went up and inquired and came back even more confused. Did I do 24 or 25 laps? Did they miss one of my laps? Questions that will never be answered, but regardless I was very happy with how I raced.

Being only my second year trying to forge into the racing world, I couldn't have been happier with how I did. Not to mention the overwhelming amount of support I felt from friends supporting, racing, or just spectating. That in itself was worth the 18 hours of saddle fun.

Many people question the sanity of people who choose to enter into the world of ultra endurance racing. Yes, those of us who enjoy events such as this are probably missing a few screws, but I think it's the challenge that brings me back. Not to mention sharing 18 hours with friends new and old... as well as seeing how far the mind can push the body. We'll see what's next!

A new chapter...

Everyone can recall their senior seminar class preparing young scholars for the real world application of their education. This is where we learn the important interview to do's and not to do's. Come dressed appropriately, prepare proofread and double proofread your resume and cover letter, never wear strong perfume or cologne, never chew gum, always engage eye contact, ask the appropriate questions, and of course take notes! Since learning the basics I've been through a gamut of interviews where all of these tips helped me feel prepared and confident before sitting in the hot seat. Flash forward to the past couple days interviewing with the crew at Studio Velo, and the process has opened my eyes to a whole new world of interview preparation.

As I sat in my Colorado mountain town bedroom, packing for this interview I donned the business suit for my race kit and began to find my list of questions taking a fast shift towards pure quality of life. Pedals-check, spandex-check, passion for opportunity-double check. Here we go!

From the first email contact with shop owner Scott Penzarella, I could immediately sense his passion for what his company offers. This passion and pure sincerity has resonated through each employee, friend, or family member I've met since being here for the past two days. Co-owner Chris Reed picked me up from my shuttle in his truck, with his Ellsworth ready to roll in the back. He brought me back to the shop where I met Jeanie, the right hand woman of Studio Velo and huge aspect of the women's side. Chris and I hit up a great little lunch spot to talk more about the company and the position. Back to the shop where we met up with Scott, who had just gotten back from a powder slaying session at Tahoe. Time to ride!

Now, I love riding. Absolutely 110% pure love for anything involving a bicycle. We set out, get to chatting and I'm told approximately how long we'll ride and that this will be part of my interview. Flash forward three hours, over 4,000 feet of climbing, mud, blood, swet, and a smile from ear to ear. I think I passed the riding test? Mill Valley most definitely proved to be the birth of mountain biking with its great climbs, swooping singletrack, and breathtaking views. I had to remind myself throughout the ride that this was really part of my interview, but found that fact easily slipping my mind as I was completely in my element. Not to mention an acquired case of ADD when it comes to new trails, great company, ocean view in one direction and lush green land in the other. Someone pinch me!

This tone was carried into the next day. I woke up in the beautiful home of Scott and his wife Rachel to Scott's brother Chris preparing coffee and Scott asking me if I want toast or a tortilla with my eggs. My body was a little tired as it's March, and where I live most people's bikes are still hibernating. After some great breakfast and some light stretching, we set out to the shop where I spent a couple hours with Jeanie going over her typical day on the women's side. The clouds started to roll in, a little bit of precipitation began to spit on and off, and here we are putting on our interview spandex again to head out for a road ride. This is where reality set in what a nice road bike feels like. Unlike my "roadbike" at home, I could feel the pure efficiency of the beautiful craftsmanship with each pedal stroke on the Ridley I was allowed to take out that afternoon. It's an amazing tool for training, and what I'm finding a complete necessity in that area. Another over 4,000 feet of climbing coupled with wind, rain, chilly temps resulting in the inability to feel my toes; I fell in love with the road riding in the area. Could someone pinch me again?

Scott and I spent a good portion climbing up Mt. Tam talking details of his expectations and where this position has potential to go. Since that conversation, my mind hasn't turned off. Scott runs a business that has something unique that most businesses lack. That's passion. Passion for what he provides, but also who he employs. The staff of Studio Velo are a great example of "work hard to play hard". Scott wouldn't be offering me a "job", but more a way of life. He'd be giving me the opportunity to incorporate my academic history, work ethic, passion for cycling and community, as well as a future in mountain bike racing, all wrapped up into a career. It's like a happy burrito of my hobbies and my education. I feel as though that's what most people strive for, but little find.

Looking back on the past couple days, I've had to sit back and take it all in. Calm my heart not only from the great riding, but the opportunity that lies ahead. Nothing is for certain, but one thing I do know is that I will never forget this interview process. Thank you to everyone at Studio Velo for taking me in and making me feel so welcome and at home. Ride on

TRAINING : a 4 letter word.

I haven't quite cornered why the word "train" sends a nails on a chalkboard chill up my spine. I cringe anytime someone asks, "What did you do for training?"... "have you started your training plan for next season yet?"... etc. In my opinion, this word that seems to echo a headache between my ears is a complete fun sucker. I choose to race because I love it; I love the sport, I love the people I've met just getting into it, and the beautiful places my two wheels have brought me. Simple.

I find it true across the board that the people who get so concerned with "training", checking workouts off their list of "to do's", and racing to meet their estimated goals of weight, time, speed, etc... these people become so consumed with "the next check mark"... that they forget to enjoy the moment. Yes, every moment...the good and the bad. Enjoy the hours, miles, pain, sweat, falls, lessons... all of it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm learning more and more how important this four letter word really is. Organized, concise, efficient...t-t-t-training... What I'm finding is that with this word that I don't want to keep repeating, knowing when to lay it down has been the most difficult. Knowing when to hold back, rest, and put the guilt away. My problem is that I enjoy pushing so much, that when I'm running on empty or being told I need to rest... I have an overwhelming sense of "missing out". Like not being invited to play tag at recess. This is where I need to focus my "training"... laying it down and letting my body recover.

My dad tells me that I have an addiction and that he doesn't think it's healthy... I'll simply reply to him, "Would you rather me be an alcoholic?" That seems to stop the conversation quite well :)

So, yes I guess I am training. "Training to train" is how I've been told to think of it. (double wammy of this 4 letter word)... Letting my body rest, giving myself a break, and setting it down for awhile. Then, when it's time... I can hit the ground running with a smile from ear to ear :)

Decisions... Decisions... Decisions...

No one told me that the transition from 25 to 26 was going to be filled with so many of these pesky, looming decisions. No one warned me that making these decisions and choosing to go deeper and deeper into this unconventional life...that this would be coupled with those unheard of emotions every good Midwesterner has been conditioned to lock in a pretty little box tied with a bow and stored in the far back corner of their closets. Nope, this all came on like a ton of bricks... and seems as though every day my heart is screaming something else and I can't seem to find the ear plugs...

I'm constantly amazed about how many people have an opinion about everyone else's lives and the decisions they're faced with... Do this, do that... date him, aren't you dating him?, you'd be good at this, why don't you do that, you could always move back to Minnesota... aren't you going to nursing school... no one really cares that you moved up in the RECREATIONAL town series...really?!?! This clatter has got to stop...

I've decided to listen to my heart, regardless of what my mind is able to fabricate. Let me tell you one thing, my mind can create quite the happy place that is pretty convincing! However, when the day comes to an end and I'm crawling into bed... all that really matters is if my heart feels fulfilled... so, bring it on 26... I'm ready, let's do this.

With one arm waving free...

Since my last post I feel like I have found a new sense of peace with all that I'm doing as well as all that I'm not doing.

What am I doing? Playing. I have become completely open and receptive to the idea that the once childish feeling of running around barefoot, bellowing an honest giggle with one arm waving free can be carried into adulthood. AND BE OK! Where I'm from, and in society in general we have this mindset that all this has to stop once we're forced to start taking the endless fill-in bubble tests and "planning" for our futures. I can attest that being on that "planned" route felt like being trapped in a magician's box about to test if, in fact he can really cut you in two. I never failed, but I was never truly happy following this path.

Onto what I'm not doing. I'm not a doctor, nurse, PA, or working my way up the cubicle corporate ladder, therefore I'm not making any money. I'm not jumping into a relationship that seems to be the right thing to do in order to have a family before I'm 30. I'm not laying out a down payment on a house. I'm not spending my free time at ball games, home depot, bars, a couch, more bars, or a shopping mall. How un-American!

It's taken a recent trip home for me to completely question all of this, what I am and am not accomplishing right now. Through having every thought of quitting everything and moving back into the American "blue print" life or completely disconnecting with my family and living the stubborn "I'll do it my way" path...I've thought of it all.

The conclusion became simple through tears at the Minneapolis airport and a clearing conversation with a good friend. She reminded me the simple fact that at the end of the day it's your life, not your friends, parents, sibling, etc....and if you're not happy with how you're living then something needs to change because you'll never be happy if you aren't doing things for you. Something so simple.

So, after really fully letting all those thoughts and emotions sink in I came to this amazing sense of peace and happiness about what I am, and am not doing. Yes, I have a "job" not a "career", I'm more familiar with the changing of seasons than this week's episode of The Bachelor, and most importantly I wake up happy and excited to be living where I am and doing the things I'm doing...and I don't plan on changing that anytime soon.

My Mojito

Fail.

I have had really nothing that interesting or charging to write about since Mesa Verde. Not only have I been lacking the motivation to write, I have also kind of fallen into a sort of monotonous routine of work, ride, sleep, ride, work, sleep, ride, ride, race, sleep....you get the point.

What happened to my drive? My charge?....My mojito (newly coined feminine tense for mojo) if you will...

The only thing I can come up with is that at the moment, all this inner direction is just really preoccupied with riding and racing bikes. So much that it's at the forefront of the cluster junk of thoughts in my mind everyday. When is the next race? Should I be resting? Can I afford racing? When was the last time I was on a real date? Am I hitting a plateau? Will I ever have a career? Am I pushing myself enough? I'm tired of riding by myself. Am I eating enough? When was the last time I wore something that wasn't a uniform or spandex? Am I going to be able to afford groceries this month? Do I want to try skate skiing this winter, or stick with classic? I need a new bottom bracket?!?! You know, just the normal thoughts that go through a 25 year old girls' mind!?

When it comes down to it, my mojito is truly and simply bikes and photography...photos and two wheeled heart pounding fun. I truly enjoy and love each. When the day is over I think that I've come to realize that there are not enough hours in the day nor dollars in my bank to accomplish where I would want to go with each.

Fail.

Race Recap

A week ago today I was walking around like I had gotten in a fight the night before and my head was spinning as if I decided to drink the bar dry. Was it a crazy night out in the Vail Village, body shots and laps around the pole at Whiskey Jacks? Hardly, I was in what I've now termed an "endorphin hangover" after completing 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, a 16.something mile FUN single track course that you either lap time after time solo or relay as a duo, 3, or 4 person team. Warren and Brett signed up early...so the little sister of two older brothers inside me fired up and signed up as well; thinking "If they can do it, so can I". In my childhood this mentality often got me either beat up or dropped...and the same rang true well into my 20's.

The trip down was a long drive from the Vail Valley to Cortez, CO through all of what Colorado offers for weather...sun, clouds, wind, rain, and snow. Late afternoon Warren and I rolled into town, checked out the local bike shop, parked at the race location, and as soon as we could get our spandex on we were off to check out the course! FUN!...fun fun fun. This course was about 98% single track with short climbs, fast descents, twists and turns, whoopees, and just a few technical spots to keep you on your toes! My main concern after riding that night was pacing...how do you pace on such a fun course and keep up your mojo for 12 hours???

The next day was for relaxing, one more pre-ride, and keeping the smiles going with other friends who have come to race and support. Not really knowing what the next day would bring; I was nervous...but a "I'm ready, nervous"....not a, "what the hell did I get myself into, nervous". Thankfully, Frank, Ryan, and Barry all knew how to keep the mood light...with help from Alex.

Race day. Chilly wake up, but excited for a day of riding! Pirate socks and striped spankies on...and I'm ready! The race started with a 7am Leman's start, a lap around the local dirt race track, and a little double track detour before filing into the single track. Friends with much more experience than I told me their only concern would be my pacing...and not getting caught up in everyone else doing hot laps on a team. Having this in my head I stayed back, pedaled as if I was on a fun social ride being able to chat at any moment, and started a day of self talk.

Never once throughout the day did I really feel like I was really racing; however I did stay very aware of girls on bikes with gears and orange ribbons....I still tried not to spike my exertion and stay in a good zone mentally and physically. Looking back, The two main challenges were having to hold back and ride at a slower than normal pace for the first 6 hours...and then just having to maintain that pace for the next six hours and being ok with being very uncomfortable.

Which brings me to my hell lap. Lap 4. Ipod died, I stopped to help a girl with a flat and gave her my cartridge valve, 20 minutes later I flatted, dizzy spells started, and the of numbing toes began. I wanted to quit. The remainder of my hell lap I kept reminding myself a few mantras from some great people, "Just keep pedaling", "Don't forget to have fun", "The mind is a powerful thing", and "LIZARD!"....which I later realized there were many more caterpillars on this trail than lizards, but all in all it had the same affect of bringing a smile to my face.

So that's what kept me going...I had no idea how I was doing or where I was in the mix of other solo females, but I didn't care. I came in a little pissy after lap four but that was quickly turned around as Frank fixed my front wheel, Ryan found my extra ipod and shoved food at me, and Barry yelled at me to get back on my bike..."Are you here to sit? or are you here to ride your bike!" It was just what I needed...

Lap 5: I felt strong, and even passed another geared orange ribbon lady rider. I was back to having fun, and at this point trail signs and mile markers were my entertainment and encouragement...not to mention the fancy pink horn that was secretly put on my bike the night before; it became my happy place. With some great company on my final 6th lap, I finished! DONE! Beer me!

Finishing this race felt much different than any other race I have ever done. Well, I can count the number of races I've done on one hand...all of which have been and hour or under. So, it's obviously a different feeling. I got off my bike and just felt, DONE...but good. It was the first real sense of accomplishment I had experienced in a long time. I ended up 4th out of 12 crazy solo ladies! The first finisher, having finished 7 laps and just being in a class of her own...2nd-5th completing 6 laps. Everyone else finished AWESOME! Tam/Pam placed 4th in their female duo category completing 7 laps...and Warren and Brett a strong 6 laps each in men's solo. GREAT JOB!

I walked away with a pretty sweet paper weight, a full day of fun riding, some lessons learned about my limits, and just a great weekend shared with some awesome friends new and old who enjoy riding bikes. Besides still feeling like my body is going through a bit of recovery, I can't imagine a better way to have started the season!