I went out to my first crit (post-injury) yesterday. It was a small field of 15 riders, but there were definitely some strong legs out there. A couple of fast ladies from the Farm Team showed up, and there was a collegiate national champion in the ranks. It was NOT going to be an easy race. However, with teams being represented with (at most) two riders, it also was not going to be a constant attack fest.
There were some surprisingly big primes on the line for the day - several $20 prizes, one was $50 and another was $100. VERY impressive Wachtung Wheelmen. VERY impressive. Not to mention $750 payout 10 deep for our field. Why this race doesn't generate more interest is beyond me, but I plan to try to get it on the team's radar for next year! We could rack up some serious cashola if we brought out the big guns for this one!!
So, I had a feeling that it would come down to a field sprint - NOT my cup of tea, but whatever. I was feeling surprisingly good, and at one point, I launched a rather fruitless attack. Nonetheless, I got off the front solo. I settled in to a nice TT pace and passed through the finish line. When I came through the second time, they called a 2-deep prime... $50 for 1st, $20 for 2nd. OH, CRAP. I knew that meant that #1 - I had a shot at $50 and #2 - they were going to chase like banshees!
So, I put my head down, gritted my teeth, and just hauled butt. I made it to the line for the prime, with another rider about half a bike length behind for the $20. PHEW! But, then... I had to survive. The next 45 seconds were BRUTAL. I had burned myself up on that flyer and with my fitness still coming around, it was NOT pleasant. But, I managed to get enough air and enough power in my legs to hang on at the back.
Of course, this completely blew me for the finish, so I had a terrible final result. BUT - I raced hard. I cannot look at that race and be upset in ANY way. I jumped away from a field for 2.5 laps! I won a $50 prime!! I am back on the bike and feeling good!
Thanks to Mike for driving us up there and for getting us home in the pouring, flooding rain of South Jersey. I'm SO sorry that it took you another HOUR to get the 7 miles back to your house! I owe you... BIG TIME! :)
Monday, July 29, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Happy Birthday, Grams!
My grandmother turns 88 today. She's an amazing woman. She's spunky, she's funny, she loves life, she loves her family, and she has lived a wonderful life.
A couple of years ago, we armed ourselves with a recorder and asked her questions about her life. She told us about meeting my grandfather. Their first kiss. And, about how she told her mom he was a few years younger than he really was because her mother would kill my 18-year-old grandmother for dating a man who was 25!
She told us about the great flood in Cincinnati in 1937 when the house downtown was flooded up to the third floor windows and she and her mom took a boat back to the house to try to save the family bird. She watched her mother climb in the 3rd story window only to find that the bird had died and all of the furniture from the first two floors was floating.
The family still owns and lives in that house today - running the nearly 100 year old pickle factory out of the basement. And, my grandmother goes there every Saturday to help pack pickles, clean jars, and stick on labels.
My grandfather passed away in 1995. He was an amazing man that I wish I had known better. He was funny, hard-working, handsome, and tough. I'm lucky that I am learning about him from my mother, my aunts and uncles, and my grandmother. And, I am very grateful that I am taking the time to know my Grams better while I have the chance.
Happy 88th Birthday, you spunky little lady. I love you dearly and can't wait to hear some more stories about your amazing life soon!
A couple of years ago, we armed ourselves with a recorder and asked her questions about her life. She told us about meeting my grandfather. Their first kiss. And, about how she told her mom he was a few years younger than he really was because her mother would kill my 18-year-old grandmother for dating a man who was 25!
She told us about the great flood in Cincinnati in 1937 when the house downtown was flooded up to the third floor windows and she and her mom took a boat back to the house to try to save the family bird. She watched her mother climb in the 3rd story window only to find that the bird had died and all of the furniture from the first two floors was floating.
The family still owns and lives in that house today - running the nearly 100 year old pickle factory out of the basement. And, my grandmother goes there every Saturday to help pack pickles, clean jars, and stick on labels.
My grandfather passed away in 1995. He was an amazing man that I wish I had known better. He was funny, hard-working, handsome, and tough. I'm lucky that I am learning about him from my mother, my aunts and uncles, and my grandmother. And, I am very grateful that I am taking the time to know my Grams better while I have the chance.
Happy 88th Birthday, you spunky little lady. I love you dearly and can't wait to hear some more stories about your amazing life soon!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Is There a Doctor in the House?!?
Um... yes, yes, there is!!
I did it! Officially and finally! I defended this afternoon and was officially passed - my paperwork signed - my title given. I am Dr. Porkchop!
The short of it is this... I presented my work for 20 minutes in front of my committee members, my parents, sister and brother-in-law (who were there via Skype), my porkfectly wonderful hubby, 2 Temple grad students, and 4 of my favorite colleagues from work.
After the 20 minutes, the committee members took turns asking me some questions. Then, the audience asked a few questions. Then, the committee asked us all to leave so that they could chat. A few minutes later, they called me back in and congratulated me! And, officially called me Dr. for the first time. WOW.
So, that's it. I have to send the electronic document to the server before August 5th and then, I just have to wait for my diploma to arrive in the mail!
I documented the day, or at least most of it, in photos... so, here they are...
5:30 am: Wake Up
6:00 am: Ride
11:15 am: get into classroom, turn on computer, load powerpoint, give myself a pep talk from Kid President...
WOO HOO!
I did it! Officially and finally! I defended this afternoon and was officially passed - my paperwork signed - my title given. I am Dr. Porkchop!
The short of it is this... I presented my work for 20 minutes in front of my committee members, my parents, sister and brother-in-law (who were there via Skype), my porkfectly wonderful hubby, 2 Temple grad students, and 4 of my favorite colleagues from work.
After the 20 minutes, the committee members took turns asking me some questions. Then, the audience asked a few questions. Then, the committee asked us all to leave so that they could chat. A few minutes later, they called me back in and congratulated me! And, officially called me Dr. for the first time. WOW.
So, that's it. I have to send the electronic document to the server before August 5th and then, I just have to wait for my diploma to arrive in the mail!
I documented the day, or at least most of it, in photos... so, here they are...
5:30 am: Wake Up
6:00 am: Ride
8:00 am: get home from ride, shower, eat, drink coffee, do crossword puzzle, stress out
10:45 am: arrive on campus to see these posted all over the place!
11:15 am: get into classroom, turn on computer, load powerpoint, give myself a pep talk from Kid President...
12:00 - 1:45 pm: Defend, defend, defend. Leave the room to await deliberations.
1:50 pm: Declared a Doctor!
WOO HOO!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
A Shiny New Jersey Jersey
So, Sunday was my first race back since April 21st.
When I looked back at my results and realized it had been nearly 3 months since I raced my bike, I was very sad. And, very grateful. Two months ago, I literally couldn't walk. I was in excruciating pain. I was debilitated. And, I feared that it would never get better.
So, the fact that I was even there on Sunday seemed to be a blessing to me. 65 miles with 50 riders - mostly men in the 55/65+ categories, I hoped that I would be able to hang on to the main group and stay in for the finish. With only 5-6 women in the field, I was hoping for a podium! Silly, I know, but it was a goal!
The pack essentially stayed together for the whole race. While there were a few solo attacks off the front, it wasn't in the cards for anyone to stay away on the pancake flat course. A few riders dropped off the back as the pace got lifted in the 4th lap, but I felt comfortable and strong sitting in the middle of the field.
As we came through the final lap, I gave Kristin and Chuck a thumbs up and just focused on the finish. I got as close to the other women as I could, knowing that I needed to watch them toward the line.
As we hit 500 meters to go, the field began to stretch out across the road. I made the instinctual move left and it was a good decision. A little kerfuffle on the right side of the road held up some riders, but I was able to move past it on the left to sprint for the line - as much as a Porkchop can sprint, that is.
One female rider, Caryl Gale, finished in front of me (and 5th overall!), and I came in at 15th overall and 2nd in the women's field! PODIUM!! Wahoo!
Once I got over to the podium ceremony, I found out that I had gotten MORE than a podium... I was the only 35+ woman in the race, so I actually got a NJ State Road Race Championship jersey and a W!
When I looked back at my results and realized it had been nearly 3 months since I raced my bike, I was very sad. And, very grateful. Two months ago, I literally couldn't walk. I was in excruciating pain. I was debilitated. And, I feared that it would never get better.
So, the fact that I was even there on Sunday seemed to be a blessing to me. 65 miles with 50 riders - mostly men in the 55/65+ categories, I hoped that I would be able to hang on to the main group and stay in for the finish. With only 5-6 women in the field, I was hoping for a podium! Silly, I know, but it was a goal!
The pack essentially stayed together for the whole race. While there were a few solo attacks off the front, it wasn't in the cards for anyone to stay away on the pancake flat course. A few riders dropped off the back as the pace got lifted in the 4th lap, but I felt comfortable and strong sitting in the middle of the field.
As we came through the final lap, I gave Kristin and Chuck a thumbs up and just focused on the finish. I got as close to the other women as I could, knowing that I needed to watch them toward the line.
As we hit 500 meters to go, the field began to stretch out across the road. I made the instinctual move left and it was a good decision. A little kerfuffle on the right side of the road held up some riders, but I was able to move past it on the left to sprint for the line - as much as a Porkchop can sprint, that is.
One female rider, Caryl Gale, finished in front of me (and 5th overall!), and I came in at 15th overall and 2nd in the women's field! PODIUM!! Wahoo!
Once I got over to the podium ceremony, I found out that I had gotten MORE than a podium... I was the only 35+ woman in the race, so I actually got a NJ State Road Race Championship jersey and a W!
Even though I was the only 35+ woman in the field, I'm stoked to have had such a good first race back. It's given me the confidence to keep riding and keep training. I'm looking forward to getting back out there with the team and having fun with them for the rest of the race season and into the beautiful realm of fall riding... :)
Thanks to my awesome pit crew (Borda and Mr. Porkchop), thanks to Specialized for making the Amira (she's the best steed, ever!!), and thanks to Mother Nature for providing us the woods in which we all relieved ourselves after the director of the Mullica Recreation Park decided to spite the cyclists and remove all but one of the porta-potties the night before the race. Shame on you, meanie-face.
Friday, July 12, 2013
The Post That Leads To AWESOME!
I needed to watch this again last night. I went out to Greentree for the first time since May. It was rough. I knew that it would be... but it was rough. Within a few laps, I was gasping for air and my legs were screaming. Within a few more, I was popped. I hopped back in, lasted a few minutes longer than the first time... then popped again for the final time. Did I mention that it was rough??
But, I was in there. I was surrounded by friends - those who want to see me come back - and it was great. The feeling of kicking my own butt out there with the guys was fantastic, even if I couldn't hold a wheel to save my life. Next week will be better. I'm certain of it.
My defense is now less than a week away. I'm excited, a bit scared and nervous, but also strangely calm. I've been working on cutting down my talk to under 20 minutes. Do you have any idea how hard it is to cover a 200 page dissertation in 15-20 minutes?!? Holy CRAPOLY!! This is a magic act in and of itself... not to mention that I have to present this naturally without straying too far from what I want to say and without speed talking! Wowza. It's gonna be great!
So, I have a feeling that I will watch this video a few more times before next Wednesday... thanks for the pep talk, Kid President!!
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Back in the Saddle Again
This past week/weekend saw me attending 2 races...though I wasn't racing, I was helping out my team and the Heart House team in the feed zone at the PA and NJ State Road Races. It was fun to be around the team again and my heart felt better being with them.
So, Sunday, Borda and I headed down to Badger's house for a ride and a sponsor-based photo shoot! We needed to take some pics for our great sponsor Beyer Kia and for our new friends at ProGold. So, it was Badger, Little D, Borda, and me out for a spin. We just hung around in "the park" near Badger's house, but we did a climb and we didn't dawdle. Afterwards, we went out for lunch. When we stood up from the table, I was shocked. No pain. None. For about 10 minutes. Then, a little bit started to come back in.
Several times over the next 24 hours, I realized that I was actively moving and feeling no pain. This is the first time that I can say that since MAY. The pain is not gone. Not entirely... but, I am feeling SO much better.
So, we hit the Action Wheels ride last night. It was great. I had a blast and felt good on the bike. Borda had to do long intervals today, so I joined her for those this morning. By 9:00, I'd put in more miles in the last three days than in the last 2 months! And, I'm still feeling GREAT!
I have decided to take tomorrow off, hit Greentree on Thursday night, and race in the NJ Masters State Road Race on Sunday. I'm truly hoping that this is it... that I am back in the saddle for good. But, trust me... I am extremely attentive to my body right now. When it tells me that enough is enough, I will listen. But, for now, the bod is telling me to just do it!
Back in the saddle again...
Friday, July 05, 2013
Intolerance and The Art of Letting Go
In the age of social media, you often find out more about what is on the mind of your friends than you ever thought possible. In fact, in most cases, you learn more than you ever wanted. You find out about their quirks (in odd and sometimes uncomfortable ways), you discover their likes and dislikes, and you uncover the limits of their tolerance for others.
I, personally, find intolerance intolerable. Yep, I completely see the hypocrisy of that statement. But, it's true. The more I learn about people, the more I realize that intolerance is a sickness from which many of us desperately need a vaccination. And, I admit it... I am intolerant of intolerance. I find the blatant hatred of different groups, cultures, religions, political parties, or other "differences" appalling. Don't get me wrong... I dislike some people. But, I tend to dislike them due to their personal actions, not because they're part of some grouping that has been socio-culturally created.
Recent interactions with those whose intolerance is ignited by things like skin color, religious denomination, or what side of my head I choose to part my hair (by the way, if you don't part on the right, you're WRONG!), has opened my eyes. I'm desperately working on my own intolerance.
My intolerance to those who drive like idiots.
My intolerance to those who always put themselves above everyone else.
My intolerance of annoying commercials.
My intolerance of the news media.
My intolerance of intolerance.
As Gandhi once said, "Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding."
I would bet that Gandhi was also intolerant of intolerance. And, I bet he struggled with it as we all do.
I suppose that it's all part of the Art of Letting Go.
I know that I've just quoted Gandhi, so quoting the woman who wrote "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" might seem like a downshift. However, I think that this statement has tons of validity and truth to it... "Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself."
I'm trying to listen to advice from a very good friend about letting go. It's such a hard thing to do, and I'm realizing that my personality is such that I am always trying to "fix" things that are going wrong...even if the attempt is futile and the thing really isn't worth fixing. I've done this for a long time, and I'm always disappointed when I can't fix what I see as broken.
Through talking with her, I've realized that I've been trying to fix the wrong thing. I cannot fix others. I cannot make people more tolerant. I cannot make them realize that they are headed down the wrong path. I cannot make them see things my way if they absolutely refuse. I cannot help them if they're happy in the situation that they have chosen. All I CAN do is look at myself, realize that I am unhappy with the current status quo, and get myself out of it. All I can control is ME.
So, here you have it. My July 4th resolutions... Cultivate Tolerance and Practice the Art of Letting Go.
Wish me luck.
I, personally, find intolerance intolerable. Yep, I completely see the hypocrisy of that statement. But, it's true. The more I learn about people, the more I realize that intolerance is a sickness from which many of us desperately need a vaccination. And, I admit it... I am intolerant of intolerance. I find the blatant hatred of different groups, cultures, religions, political parties, or other "differences" appalling. Don't get me wrong... I dislike some people. But, I tend to dislike them due to their personal actions, not because they're part of some grouping that has been socio-culturally created.
Recent interactions with those whose intolerance is ignited by things like skin color, religious denomination, or what side of my head I choose to part my hair (by the way, if you don't part on the right, you're WRONG!), has opened my eyes. I'm desperately working on my own intolerance.
My intolerance to those who drive like idiots.
My intolerance to those who always put themselves above everyone else.
My intolerance of annoying commercials.
My intolerance of the news media.
My intolerance of intolerance.
As Gandhi once said, "Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding."
I would bet that Gandhi was also intolerant of intolerance. And, I bet he struggled with it as we all do.
I suppose that it's all part of the Art of Letting Go.
I know that I've just quoted Gandhi, so quoting the woman who wrote "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" might seem like a downshift. However, I think that this statement has tons of validity and truth to it... "Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself."
I'm trying to listen to advice from a very good friend about letting go. It's such a hard thing to do, and I'm realizing that my personality is such that I am always trying to "fix" things that are going wrong...even if the attempt is futile and the thing really isn't worth fixing. I've done this for a long time, and I'm always disappointed when I can't fix what I see as broken.
Through talking with her, I've realized that I've been trying to fix the wrong thing. I cannot fix others. I cannot make people more tolerant. I cannot make them realize that they are headed down the wrong path. I cannot make them see things my way if they absolutely refuse. I cannot help them if they're happy in the situation that they have chosen. All I CAN do is look at myself, realize that I am unhappy with the current status quo, and get myself out of it. All I can control is ME.
So, here you have it. My July 4th resolutions... Cultivate Tolerance and Practice the Art of Letting Go.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
The Post Without a Schnazzy Name
I don't even know what to call this post....
I Can't Believe I Just Emailed That...?
Holy Crap, This is Great News...?
The Best Week Ever...?
I suppose that all of those would be viable.
I know that it's only Tuesday, though, so the last one might be a tad preemptive. Still, it's been a pretty daggon good start to the week!
The best Monday EVER began with a bike ride with Borda. We started out from her house and it was overcast, but cool. About 20 minutes in, the sky opened and the rain began. It drizzled, then it drizzled harder, then it was just an awesome steady rain. I loved EVERY SECOND of it. I was on my bike. I was with one of the greatest gals ever. I was happy. And, I was feeling good.
Turns out, the best thing for my (still painful) sciatic nerve is riding my bike and stretching more than I've ever stretched in my life! After two solid days on the bike and two solid days of stretching sessions, I am feeling REALLY good and am actually optimistic that I'm going to only get better from here on out.
We then spent about 6 hours of our Monday at the Crescent Moon coffee shop (best Toffee Cream Bars, EVER!!) working. I finished editing my dissertation while Borda studied for her Final Exam. At about 3:45pm yesterday, I emailed the final version of my dissertation to my committee (I Can't Believe I Just Emailed That!) and my defense announcement to the secretary of the department. The announcement went out this morning (this thing is now officially happening on the 17th!!) and all of my advisors responded saying that they got the document and were looking forward to reading it.
I woke up this morning to more rainy weather, so I decided to ride my bike on the trainer rather than get soaked again. A nice spin left me feeling good and stretched out without a lot of pain in my sciatic! YESSSS!!!
And then, I got an email. I knew from the sender's name that it was about an article that I'd sent in for consideration for publication. My laptop was acting a bit screwy, so it took like a zillion minutes (ok, maybe it was about 10 seconds) to open. Once it did, I realized that my paper had been... accepted!!!
HOLY CRAP, This Is GREAT News!!! I'm going to have part of my dissertation published in a peer-reviewed journal in early 2014.
Wow, wow, wow!
So, as I said... it's only Tuesday, so it might be a bit early to declare the Best Week Ever. Still, it's in the running...
I Can't Believe I Just Emailed That...?
Holy Crap, This is Great News...?
The Best Week Ever...?
I suppose that all of those would be viable.
I know that it's only Tuesday, though, so the last one might be a tad preemptive. Still, it's been a pretty daggon good start to the week!
The best Monday EVER began with a bike ride with Borda. We started out from her house and it was overcast, but cool. About 20 minutes in, the sky opened and the rain began. It drizzled, then it drizzled harder, then it was just an awesome steady rain. I loved EVERY SECOND of it. I was on my bike. I was with one of the greatest gals ever. I was happy. And, I was feeling good.
Turns out, the best thing for my (still painful) sciatic nerve is riding my bike and stretching more than I've ever stretched in my life! After two solid days on the bike and two solid days of stretching sessions, I am feeling REALLY good and am actually optimistic that I'm going to only get better from here on out.
We then spent about 6 hours of our Monday at the Crescent Moon coffee shop (best Toffee Cream Bars, EVER!!) working. I finished editing my dissertation while Borda studied for her Final Exam. At about 3:45pm yesterday, I emailed the final version of my dissertation to my committee (I Can't Believe I Just Emailed That!) and my defense announcement to the secretary of the department. The announcement went out this morning (this thing is now officially happening on the 17th!!) and all of my advisors responded saying that they got the document and were looking forward to reading it.
I woke up this morning to more rainy weather, so I decided to ride my bike on the trainer rather than get soaked again. A nice spin left me feeling good and stretched out without a lot of pain in my sciatic! YESSSS!!!
And then, I got an email. I knew from the sender's name that it was about an article that I'd sent in for consideration for publication. My laptop was acting a bit screwy, so it took like a zillion minutes (ok, maybe it was about 10 seconds) to open. Once it did, I realized that my paper had been... accepted!!!
HOLY CRAP, This Is GREAT News!!! I'm going to have part of my dissertation published in a peer-reviewed journal in early 2014.
Wow, wow, wow!
So, as I said... it's only Tuesday, so it might be a bit early to declare the Best Week Ever. Still, it's in the running...
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