Runner Steph, Meet Cyclist Steph - Featured Writer Stephanie Hancock

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take some photos of my good friend Steph and her family.  She has always been an inspiration to me, but after reading her story I realized that she is truly an inspiration to us all.  Thanks Steph for sharing.

(Here is a pic I was able to take of Steph.  It shows her definite love for running.)

Last Tuesday I met up with some friends to go for an early morning bike ride. I am a runner, not a cyclist, but every once in a while I try to get out on my bike. It kind of helps to have ridden a time or two each summer before my annual triathlon...

(A flat on a previous ride, but same friends I rode with on Tuesday)

I want to learn to like my bike, mostly because I feel obligated since I have it, but also because Jeff rides and I'd like to join him sometime when I feel comfortable on the bike. I keep thinking that I'll never learn to like riding unless I actually get out and do it. So I resolved to join the ladies on Tuesday and prove to myself that riding really wasn't as painful as I remembered.

It really was painful.

Worse than I remembered. I was out of breath before I made it to my neighbor's driveway. I was more out of breath as I tried to carry on a conversation and act as if nothing was wrong. I was miserable by the time we crested the hill. And finally at a whopping 2 miles out, I was done. Done. I couldn't believe I was saying it, but out came the words, "I have to stop. I can't do this." And completely out of character, I peeled off and headed the whole two miles back home like a dog with its tail between its legs.

I never quit. No matter how I'm feeling, if I start something I just don't quit. I spent the entire day Tuesday puzzling over my actions, wondering what brought on this odd behavior, and feeling like a complete and utter failure. I even cried more than once that day because I was so frustrated. I couldn't keep up. Sheesh, I could barely even start! I wondered if I should just give up on the bike. I could sell it and get some new running gear, couldn't I? I sobbed to Jeff, "How in the world can I ever learn to like cycling if I keep having bad experiences!?"

Jeff is very level-headed. He is as steady and logical and reasonable as they come. And kind, too. He just smiled at me and said, "You need to just go out on your own sometimes and have fun - don't worry about keeping up with anyone, just do your own thing."

I realized that a huge part of the problem was the stress and anxiety I get when riding (or sometimes even running) in groups - I worry that I won't keep up, that I'll hold people back, that I'll ruin their ride or run. At my two-mile turn back point on Tuesday I was struggling to keep up and terrified of the potential suffering in the upcoming hour. So I quit.

Jeff reminded me that I was sick and had been sleeping way more than usual as I fought off the cold and sore throat. And I remembered that I'd not eaten much for several days (sickness makes me lose my appetite), so there were definitely valid reasons for quitting, but if I had been running I don't think I'd have quit. Sure, I would have had a miserable run, but I wouldn't have stopped.

I know myself as a runner.

I don't know myself as a cyclist.

Runner Steph, meet Cyclist Steph. She's a stranger and you don't know what she's capable of. That makes me wary and a little unconfident. Okay, a lot unconfident.

(Me & my friend Heather, whose husband helped fit both my old bike (pictured) and my new bike to me.)

Being the compulsive type, I decided to take Jeff's advice and go out again the next day (you know what they say, just get back on the bike when you fall - or fail!). I went on a solo ride and spent some time getting to know Cyclist Steph. It wasn't the ideal morning for a ride with 20+ mph headwinds the first and last 6 miles and crosswinds on other parts of the ride, but I didn't have to worry about my speed, didn't worry I'd be slowing someone down, didn't need to save my breath for talking, and could focus on the ride.

I'm so glad I did it. Tuesday: 2 miles of fatigue and anxiety until I turned around. Wednesday: 20 miles of strength and relaxed riding. I wasn't speedy - the winds certainly had something to do with that. Overall I averaged 15mph, which included the snail-pace 7mph ride on the uphill (I can RUN up hills faster than that! Oh, this is pitiful!), but also included topping out at 38mph on the downhill. THAT was cool.

So cool that this morning (now Monday) I chose to ride my bike instead of running. I rode the same route, this time with very little wind, and finished the 20 miles six minutes faster. It was another solo ride - trying to get my conditioning up to where I can ride with friends again. (I did join a 20+mile ride with some friends a few weeks ago, in rain and wind - they let me draft. I told you I'm not very good at this, but I'm trying!)

So anyway, it's coming. Tomorrow I'm doing my favorites - running and swimming. I have a half-marathon race on Saturday so technically I'm tapering this week and won't be doing too many workouts the rest of the week. But I bet I'll be on my bike again soon.

My husband (I could also call him my therapist, couldn't I?) regularly rides twice, thrice, four times the distance I'm at (and in a LOT less time). He's definitely inspiring me. And encouraging me. I love that he expects me only to have fun and has no pre-conceived notion that my running fitness would translate to cycling prowess. I don't think I'll ever be great, or even good - just mediocre. After all, I'm first and foremost a runner. But I'm a runner that is learning to (almost) love cycling.

Let's Talk Life

Alright, so life has just seemed to pass on by without me taking any notice what-so-ever!  I think I am going to have to turn this into my personal/fun/business blog.  So, I will begin with the personal side of life.    Yesterday, I was a little somber due to a rat!  Yeah, you heard me a friggin rat!  Carson, my son has owed a rat for several years.  Now this is not just an ordinary rat, this rat had style.  Anywho, a few months ago little Mr. rat who we called Nike got a tumor on his leg that just grew and grew.  I thought it was just a gas bubble that would pop, but after two different surgeries poor little Mr. Nike had to get put down.  His leg was seriously the size of a small pear.  I cried and cried over a rat.  Oh, the hormones.

I always tell you how much I love my little life.  Jenny came over for a mountain bike ride the other day.  We did some exploring through the peaks of our local National Park.  The cool thing about the ride was we just left from my house.  There are some amazing rides that I had no idea about - right in my back yard.  We had an amazing time, but after just about an hour of climbing I had the perfect excuse to not continue.  MY SEAT!  Yeah, my seat had slowly loosened itself up, and moved it's way all the way down.  Now, if I were a prepared bicycle rider I would have had all of my tools and necessities to fix the problem.  Well, I didn't !  My goal is to help self educate myself about lame bicycle issues so that I can teach my fellow riders how to be prepared.  So, in future posts I plan on educating other's about bicycles while learning and educating myself in the process.

Brian has been extremely busy with some new builds.  I went down to the paint booth and took a few snaps of his paint job.  Most bike companies can weld, but how many of them can weld and paint?  Brian definitely has some serious talent!  I get impressed every time I see him in action.  Talk about action . . . I'm celebrating 16 years of LOVE to this man on Friday!!!  Or maybe it's just 15 and it might be on Thursday.  Anywho . . . . Life rocks.

HEALTH UPDATE:
I am so proud of my ability to drool over chocolate now and not SNARF it down.  I am down a total of  9.5 pounds and happy to say that I can climb on my bicycle a little faster each day.  My goal this next week is to hit the weights.  Thanks for all of the encouraged thoughts.  You guys are awesome.

Life Rolls On

(Jenny, your bike is looking so stinkin cool)

So I have to tell you that life has been a wicked fun roller coaster lately.  I can only say how greatful I am for the amazing opportunities that have come my way.  So many things have happened lately that I don't even know where to begin.  My blogging skills totally bite, but be patient  - good things to come.

The other day I had the opportunity to go for a ride.  A ride that took me back in time.  A ride that made me cry, but at the same time put a huge smile on my face.  I got to ride with my hubby Brian.  It's been almost 13 years since I have been on a road ride with him.  No, let me explain.  Do you have kids?  Well, I have three of them and thirteen years ago I gave birth to my first amazing child.  That is pretty much when life halted all things fun.  Brian was always watching the kids while I went riding, and I watched the kids while he went riding.  Now, thirteen years later I have started giving them a little bit of responsibility.  As long as they are alive when I return two hours later . . . . it's a good day.  I think I made Brian sweat a little.  He only made me cry once.  Freak, that was a good workout.

Brian has been insanely busy.  I think the hardest part for him is working at home.  He has a small studio building that he builds out of, but when he is at work, it's hard to work.  Here is an example.  Today his friend called to ask to borrow his drift boat to go fishing.  Off he goes with the boat.  Brian goes back to welding, and an hour later gets a panic call saying your boat is at the bottom of the river.  He heads out to save his boat.  Poor guy just wants to work.  He is constantly helping the community and everyone around him.  I just keep telling him to say NO, and throw everyone the bird, but he thinks that his duty is to help the whole universe.  Tonight we are off to teach little boys about bike safety.  Work, what's that?When?  Life around these parts rolls on.  Life is amazing, and I am living it every day.

HEALTH UPDATE:
So far I have been sugar free for 23 days.  I have lost a total of eight pounds( THIRTY to go) and I have more energy than ever.  The only problem is I WANT A FRIGGIN SNICKERS BAR!!!!

Utah Bike Fit

We made a quick trip down to Utah this weekend for some serious bike business.  Yesterday, we fit Tiffany (the most amazing girl on the planet) for a Bella Rosa bike.  When it was time to ask questions about flexibility, she past the test with flying colors.  Tiffany, can almost kiss her own butt!  How would that be?  I would love to just be able to touch my toes.  Way to go Tiff, it was so fun meeting you.

Today, Brian has more business in SLC doing a few more fittings for cross and road frames.  I wish I could go with him and be his sidekick apprentice.  Each time I learn more and more about bike fit.  I truly enjoy learning more about bikes.  If you are in the SLC area and want to ride faster, contact me regarding setting up a custom fit for your current bike.

I will spend the afternoon with the kiddos in search of the perfect SLC activity.  Talk with you all soon about the updated trip.  Get out and ride.

Healthy eating update

So some of you have been asking how the eating program has been going.  Happy to say, that I have been working hard to achieve my goal.  Here are a few things I have been doing to stay on track.

1. Sugar addict - CONQUERED.  This was the hardest part for me.  For the first three days I had serious withdrawls.  Headaches, stomach pains, and serious PMS.  

1. Eating about two fruits a day - I love fruit.  I could eat it for every meal!  

1. Eating unlimited amounts of greens.  Freak, I think this is making me a wee bit constipated!  Bring on the Kefer.
2. Sticking with low fat proteins.  Chicken, and fish.

1. Exercising a minimum of 4 days per week.  

It has been three weeks and currently down 6 pounds.  YIPPEE!  

Have you ever picked up a five pound dumbbell and thought that it was pretty heavy?  It's amazing how quickly it can pack on over the years.  THIRTY pounds to go.  I will keep you updated on the progress, and if any of you feel like joining in just drop me a line!  

Early Morning Rides

So early morning rides are going to become a regular scheduled event on my calendar this summer.  It is the only way I will be able to get my rides in. . . . EARLY!  Here is a short vid I made up of our little journey through the woods.  Come join us.

Last night it was suppose to snow close to 6", but thank goodness the weather man was wrong so me and a good friend headed out for some torture in the cold (38 degrees cold).  Here are a couple short clips of our painful journey.  I definitely don't consider myself a videographer, but thought it would be fun to start sharing clips of my little life, and my back yard.

We decided to do Anderson Mill backwards which means ALL up hill.  Now, all I have to say to that is FREAK!  You can spin all winter long indoors, but when it comes to getting out on the real mountain, it means serious PAIN.

I get a little freaked out when it comes to wolves and bears.  We have a lot of them around here.  Ran into some FRESH bear poo on the way and I was wanting to turn back, but little Jenny just persisted up the friggin hill leaving me thinking about pedaling a lot faster.  I caught right back up knowing there was a bear on my tail.

By the time we headed down the mountain we we SUPER cold.  Trudging through drifts and the misty rain made my toes and brain stiff.  It took pretty much all day sitting by a fire with my robe and hot chocolate to thaw out, but you know what . . . . . . . . . it was totally worth it.  Call if you would like to join us on our early morning bike rides.

Featured writer - Jennica Hirrlinger

I always truly enjoy reading Jennicas articles.  Each time I read one I learn something powerful.  I learn a life lesson that I couldn't have learned in a classroom.  She teaches us that we are truly tougher than we think we are.  Thanks for sharing another truly inspired read.


Success or Failure - Featured Writer Jennica Hirrlinger

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?  I’ve seen this question being asked all over facebook lately and I, personally, think it’s a tricky question.  I mean, sure it would be fun to just have it all handed to me but, man, the risk of failure is what makes success so intense.  It’s the lows and the down times and insecurity of it all that truly allows us to feel the elation and the joy of the summit.

I am often asked how one trains for a marathon.  “It’s so far!  I can only run 3 miles.”  To that, I usually respond that the first three miles are the hardest.  And, they are.  It takes a while for our bodies to warm up.  Beyond that though, it also takes a while for our brains to warm up to the idea that we physically can run that far.  Our mental toughness runs on a parallel track with our physical endurance and they grow together.

I learned some things about myself on a recent climbing outing.  I spent a couple hours hanging out on a wall, higher than I’ve ever climbed and feeling stuck, with nothing to do but to wait and to contemplate how I felt about being up there and being completely out of control and trusting someone else to help me succeed.  My brother and I did our first multi-pitch climb and while there were a few moments where I thought I might totally lose it my overall feeling is that I got just a little bit more mentally tough.  Even at my most anxious, I could still make myself continue physically doing what needed to be done and though I was not yet at a place where I could get back on solid ground, I could talk and think my way down from the stress I was having.  And, I realized how amazing and exhilarating it was to be up there and I got tougher.

I got tougher, not because I could not fail, but because there was a huge risk that I would fail.  I could have easily found out that I was not cut out for the whole climbing thing or I could have chosen not to ever see what it was like to run further than 3 miles.  But I didn’t.  I took a risk and it feels good.  So, instead of asking what would you do if you knew you could not fail, ask yourself what you can learn through your failure and take the risk.  The feeling of success is totally worth it!