Winter Training

Well coach and I have finalized my 2011 racing schedule and I will continue to race on the 29er Crew, now known as Trek 29er Crew and. I am going for mostly long endurance races, 6hr, 12hr, and 24hrs or 50-60 milers, this year. My Spring is packed with the Arkansas Endurance Series which conists of 4 races (6hrs to 60 milers) and Syllamo 24hrs in Arkansas also. Yep..5 races in Arkansas and lots of travel. I will plan on peaking again in the fall concentrating on big races again. 2011 will be more quality rather than quanity, like I've done in the past. I feel I am understanding my body better with recovery after these big races. Therefore, I am cutting out most of the MWFT series and UFD series in Missouri this year. However, you will still see me there supporting my husband and riding with my daughter,Casey, who is stepping it up in the Women's Beginner cateogory this year on her new hardtail Niner.

I am 1/2 way through my strength training with weights and core exercises. We will be converting power to endurance lifting soon. I lift at my coach's facility, Sports Enhancement Group, in Chesterfield Valley. Saturday sessions are fun with a big group of folks, including many of my friends and local racers.

With my new work schedule, off Thurs-Sundays, I have been able to really start stacking up the miles and saddle time. I was able to mix it up this week with longer trainer rides inside and some outdoor riding. Saturday, I rode 2hrs on the crossbike with the boys (Mitch, Jeremy, Todd, Todd, and Mike) at Busch Wildlife in St. Charles. Mitch was like a tour guide taking us back on some of the snowy trails and rodes and giving us a little history too! I was suprised the snow wasn't packed down more. The trails were draining on my legs especially, since I just lifted that morning. Oh yeah, there were hunters with their blood hounds everywhere! I heard it was rabbit season so I guess it's good they are at least shooting down. One of the guys said at least they are using shot guns so the bullets won't travel as far.

Today was my favorite ride. I met up with Mary, Susan, and Laura at 8 AM. We started out riding Lost Valley. I was suprised how hard packed the snow was there making it a fantastic ride. Susan then turned back and Mary, Laura, and I headed to Matson. After we climbed up "the hill," Mary turned back so she didn't overdo it with her recovering injured shoulder. After Laura and I hit Matson, we realized Mary made the right choice. The snow on this trail was not packed down causing you to really work on balance and caused more resistance riding through the snow. It was a great workout and had a blast. I could have done without the snow rutted Katy and Hamburg trail though. I wish that was more packed down. Today ended with a little over 28miles total of snow riding and 3hr 45min ride time. When I got home, I think I stood in the shower for 30 minutes!