Secondly, that right turn from County Road G to Rt 92 got me nearly every time in training. There is a fast downhill section on G then you come to a stop sign and a complete 90 degree turn up a short but very steep incline. Every time in training I would fly around that corner, try to down shift like crazy as I saw the stop sign and then have a horrible shift as I came up the incline, dropped my chain there once. On race day it should be better because you won't have to actually stop at the stop sign and wait for traffic, but you want to be smart about that corner. Again, there are a few other tricky corners where you either turn into a steep ascent or descent so keep on the lookout ahead and at the very least try and remember them on the 2nd loop.
** Re G to 92, you can keep watch and there's actually a road sign announcing that Rt. 92 is coming up, since that's where the road "ends". So if you've never ridden the course, you are on G for about 5 miles (easy to tell you're getting on G since the road before it- Marshview- always reminds me of a kind of frontage/access/on ramp type road to get onto the hwy), so think about your average speed and watch for the sign for 92 and you'll be fine. But definitely waste that last hill just sitting in your lowest gear since that hill can turn mighty difficult in a hurry in too big of a gear.
I figure if coach Rich and coach Patrick are wearing pink speedos, then I'll be willing to wear some of that special Pink nail polish to show my Chica soladarity (at least on my thumbs so I can see them when in my aero bars, to remind me we are all in this together)
If anyone has any to spare, maybe I can borrow some at the team dinner. (My 3 kids won't be making the trip so I don't have to worry about freaking them out !!)
Bob - I can hook you up with the pink nail polish. Awesome way to show chica solidarity!
Taper - Yeah. People keep telling me to enjoy taper and I keep thinking about how I probably would feel a hundred times better if I could just go on a three-hour run. So cranky and tired. This morning's run felt good.
Leigh - I did listen to your reminder and get in some serious foam rolling last night.
While we are talking about G and 92 ... I know you are all Race Execution Ninjas and will stick to your plan, but be aware this is a false flat with a few small climbs, but compared to the rest of the course it seems flat. Additionally, there is typically a slight headwind on loop 1 and a strong headwind on loop 2. Therefore most people start to see their speed drop here and push harder to make up for it. Remember to do your thing and stick to your target. My suggestion is not to look at speed at any time during this section of the ride (heck I don't look at speed at all during the IMWI course).
I actually think a ton of people blow their entire race on this section alone. Last year, I had tons of people flying by me on this section, only to have me catch them about 20 miles later when they were sitting up and done for the day.
I figure if coach Rich and coach Patrick are wearing pink speedos, then I'll be willing to wear some of that special Pink nail polish to show my Chica soladarity (at least on my thumbs so I can see them when in my aero bars, to remind me we are all in this together)
If anyone has any to spare, maybe I can borrow some at the team dinner. (My 3 kids won't be making the trip so I don't have to worry about freaking them out !!)
@Bob and all the Men of IMWI--I can spare you the nail polish if you would prefer to wear a purple cow silly band on your wrist. All the chicas have them for solidarity--and I wasn't sure the guys would be into it. But Dave Boyle has been sporting his, so to you and any of the other guys...a cow is yours for the asking! I am assure you that you don't even notice it on the bike or the run, but when you look down and see it...well it brings this whole thing all together, the training, the people, the quest..
I have a few extra cows, so first come, first served. I expect a stampede.
Thanks to all of the guys getting cow bands, visors, speedos, and/ or nail polish to support the EN Chicka contingency at IMWI.
I swam this morning, sans wetsuit. It has been so hot here and I knew the water would be warmer. Sure enough it was, but the weeds are also dying and floating to the surface in huge matts. I had to turn around and alter course several times since I hate that stuff getting stuck to me. Otherwise it was a glorious swim. Not sure I'll be swimming again before going to Madison. Friday- Earl is coming to town, then I am supposed to bug out to NY for the weekend to see family. I might get a swim in at the lake where I grew up, but weather will dictate.
TT bike goes to LBS tonight for Tri Bike Transport, so no more TT riding until Madison.
I am sending my race run shoes also. I am going to wear a non worn out older pair for tomorrows LR.
I will have a rental car. I think I requested a bike rack but can't remember. But I am up for riding/driving the loop as well.
Linda -- May I get a spare purple cow. Mine was working so hard it snapped!
I also will bring the box o' many pink visors, for anyone who wants to sport the pink. Men, in Madison, the land of feminists, this may actually bring you more race cheers.
Michelle - I'm carless, but I can have the brother-in-law leave the trunk rack, if that is helpful.
Michelle - I'm carless, but I can have the brother-in-law leave the trunk rack, if that is helpful.
Will let you know. I think it will be if I forgot to get the rack. Then you have instant bike transport to loop for riding. Gotta take the lady providing the rack!!
Ok i'm happy. great swim this morning...had tons of energy Look what a day off will do ya!! Tummy is feeling better..trying to not be anxious bout stuff....it helps to plan and get stuff checked off. Picked up bike today from LBS...good news is they put on kewl tires, new but seems to me big aero pads and last new cable for rear brake...very important to have brakes working for WI course Bad news...can't fix the rub on wheelcover..so sans the cover for me. It is ok really, it has kind been a pain in the arse for me...it is all good Can't wait to see everyone next week!!!
Posted By Jennifer Burbatt on 01 Sep 2010 09:57 AM
Secondly, that right turn from County Road G to Rt 92 got me nearly every time in training. There is a fast downhill section on G then you come to a stop sign and a complete 90 degree turn up a short but very steep incline. Every time in training I would fly around that corner, try to down shift like crazy as I saw the stop sign and then have a horrible shift as I came up the incline, dropped my chain there once. On race day it should be better because you won't have to actually stop at the stop sign and wait for traffic, but you want to be smart about that corner. Again, there are a few other tricky corners where you either turn into a steep ascent or descent so keep on the lookout ahead and at the very least try and remember them on the 2nd loop.
** Re G to 92, you can keep watch and there's actually a road sign announcing that Rt. 92 is coming up, since that's where the road "ends". So if you've never ridden the course, you are on G for about 5 miles (easy to tell you're getting on G since the road before it- Marshview- always reminds me of a kind of frontage/access/on ramp type road to get onto the hwy), so think about your average speed and watch for the sign for 92 and you'll be fine. But definitely waste that last hill just sitting in your lowest gear since that hill can turn mighty difficult in a hurry in too big of a gear.
Jennifer you are so right....I always look for the sign reminding me 92 is coming up...get in appropriate gear and up the hill I go...without dropping the chain...that is a good thing!
Kathy- Linda & I had discussed a short shakedown ride and then some course recon. I was thinking about driving to either Verona or Mt Horeb and riding from there.
Ah the trials and tribulations...woke up this morning at 5'30 to hit the pool at Northwestern Univ. I have been swimming at the outdoor pool all summer but it doesn't open until 6'30 and I had a meeting to go to and needed to start earlier. My normal indoor pool is closed for its annual cleaning but Northwestern lets us swim there during this couple week shutdown. Pumped up the bike tires on the hybrid to ride to the pool in the rain and realize the lock is missing, my dear husband surely must have forgotten to put it in its place so back in the house to get car keys and drive. Get to Northwestern and look through windows, hmmm, doesn't look like there's any water in that pool, wtf? Closed for renovation!! What???! I now have no pool! I'm freaking and in a mood to really hurt someone. Deep breaths. Take a couple good meetings with the boss, weather clears, hit outdoor pool in the afternoon for one of the best swims ever! First time all summer felt like it was 'my pool' vs feeling like drowning rat. 4x600 strong the whole way. Only two more scheduled swims, weather better hold for the outdoor pool, which closes for season on Monday, because I now have no other alternatives! well, other than lake Michigan which is hit or miss lately as well (combo of e.coli and dangerous tides, awesome). Lesson? Calm down, it all works out in the end.
@Kathy - last week when in Denver for work I went for a great run in this park near my hotel. Thought of you - for the first 200 yds into the park there were no less than 4 signs saying "danger: rattlesnake area". I'm not kidding.
Posted By Heather La Freniere on 01 Sep 2010 05:21 PM
@Kathy - last week when in Denver for work I went for a great run in this park near my hotel. Thought of you - for the first 200 yds into the park there were no less than 4 signs saying "danger: rattlesnake area". I'm not kidding.
Hahaha guess I have earned the "scarty kat of snakes" nickname in the haus ...remind me never to live in Denver Oh and FYI I have now had a black snake cross my path twice this summer...once on the run (actually it came slithering down a rocky ledge) and once on a recent ride....I swear the "snakes" are lurking
Kathy- Linda & I had discussed a short shakedown ride and then some course recon. I was thinking about driving to either Verona or Mt Horeb and riding from there.
R u guys thinking later Friday morning or afternoon? Guess we can discuss more when we get there, but I'd be interested in riding some.
Kathy- Linda & I had discussed a short shakedown ride and then some course recon. I was thinking about driving to either Verona or Mt Horeb and riding from there.
R u guys thinking later Friday morning or afternoon? Guess we can discuss more when we get there, but I'd be interested in riding some.
I imagine after the swim/4keys/lunch??? Not nailed down as yet.
Thurs thoughts: 1. do not pack right before you go to bed. I couldn't sleep very well! 2. cancelled a doc appt about my right arm, shoulder blade pain, cuz it was at bay.. and last night it woke me up, murphy's law working 3. wearing old EN singlet on recon rides, FYI. will ride on Thur and Friday, just a bit don't worry but looking at hills/turns. Thur a.m. and Friday early afternoon. 4. will swim on Friday morning and then do talk. if I am not comfy with swim on Friday then will look at it on Saturday too. 5. scheduling in myself nap time too! for afternoons. can't wait! chillaxing with a magazine. 6. will be taking lots of pics. think that calendar we wanted to make......so racing shots and riding shots and group shots. etc. 7. going to IM dinner Friday night. 8. have kitchenette in my room at Residence Inn and it has free breakfast! right now, still staying put although it seems to be 7 miles away. 9. wearing AR tshirt to packet pickup. don't be surprised if we "call the hogs" at some point, now a tradition. 10. focusing right now on getting 8 hours of sleep and workouts fit in with that. rolling, getting a massage tomorrow and some dog runs/light spins and medium swims are keeping me loose and sane. m
I need to go count how many I have left.... They are going in my TBT bag today!
I think today is a day off, although I may do a short swim later. I am EX-hausted. Going down into that taper abyss. I knew it was coming. Plus, I just moved Taylor into his freshman dorm today, and it's busy, steaming hot here--and emotional. Pooped me out even more. Playing it by ear, and erring of mo' rest = mo' better (within reason).
Oh yeah--re recon...heck, I'd do Thurs and Fri. I'm not sure how Thurs would work b/c I have to pick up my bike at TBT, so not sure on the timing of all that. Date with Gina et al on Friday for sure.
Beth I'm sure my daughter and wife would love a pink chicka visor. Put me down for two.
I'm looking at doing a short swim on Thursday and then riding part of the course. I believe I will have my truck with me. That being said if anyone is interested they are more than welcome to load their bike in the back and come with me out to the course.
Ah that was nice....a long short run 70 minutes not quite 7 miles. Kind of rainy and dreary out,so opted to go to gym and run on tm. Was really ok....70 min is tolerable, but anything beyond that....tm becomes dm and very untolerable Went to try out my co2 adaptor to reaquaint myself with how the thing works....haven't used it in a long time....no flats this summer! Anyhow couldn't get the thing to work....went to LBS this am bought another....can't get that one to work!! Yikes what is up with that...I am so wanting to be done with the LBS...tired of spending money there So, I bought a specialized adaptor...anyone use those? I screwed in the the co2 cartridge, put the head of presta valve into hole of adaptor, but nothing happened. Then I thought maybe I had not screwed in cartridge far enough, tried to redo it and it came out rather quickly and flew across the garage! I guess I had it on correctly...I might have to go back to LBS and ask them to help! Anyone have ideas?
I'm looking at doing a short swim on Thursday and then riding part of the course. I believe I will have my truck with me. That being said if anyone is interested they are more than welcome to load their bike in the back and come with me out to the course.
Hey peeps...sounds like there are many of us wanting to do the course Thursday and Friday....maybe we should make it a group event? What does everyone think?
@Linda, and others coming in on Wednesday...I'm working that day, but would love to hook up if you're up for it on Wednesday evening. I'd be happy to drive you around the bike course for a pre-preview, or casual walk along the lakeshore path to see the swim course, or a trip to a grocery/bike/coffee shop (not all in one, though...), or just hang out to catch a bite to eat downtown. Let me know. Have car, will chauffeur.
Planning to do a cyclocross group practice ride at 5:30 that evening (I was going to say "if weather permits"...but that's just silly), then available from 6:30 on. Feel free to PM me if interested.
I just bought the best adapter after having issues with my own. A friend lent me his on a group ride and it was so easy to use. Screws right on the tire valve and also has it's own valve for releasing the CO2. It's really great.
I just bought the best adapter after having issues with my own. A friend lent me his on a group ride and it was so easy to use. Screws right on the tire valve and also has it's own valve for releasing the CO2. No gas escapes. It's really great.
Linda- can I raise my hand for an extra silly band cow. I have been wearing it since you sent it to me. Tuesday at work, did a procedure requiring sterile gown and gloves. My band must have come off when removing, cause later in day looked at my wrist and it was gone. I feel like a kid who spilled their milk, or left their favorite blanky in a restaurant 100 miles away.
I arrive around 1 pm on thursday. Can't wait to see you all!
Comments
I actually think a ton of people blow their entire race on this section alone. Last year, I had tons of people flying by me on this section, only to have me catch them about 20 miles later when they were sitting up and done for the day.
@Bob and all the Men of IMWI--I can spare you the nail polish if you would prefer to wear a purple cow silly band on your wrist.
All the chicas have them for solidarity--and I wasn't sure the guys would be into it. But Dave Boyle has been sporting his, so to you and any of the other guys...a cow is yours for the asking! I am assure you that you don't even notice it on the bike or the run, but when you look down and see it...well it brings this whole thing all together, the training, the people, the quest..
I have a few extra cows, so first come, first served. I expect a stampede.
I'm happy to lead that stampede home ;-)
I swam this morning, sans wetsuit. It has been so hot here and I knew the water would be warmer. Sure enough it was, but the weeds are also dying and floating to the surface in huge matts. I had to turn around and alter course several times since I hate that stuff getting stuck to me. Otherwise it was a glorious swim. Not sure I'll be swimming again before going to Madison. Friday- Earl is coming to town, then I am supposed to bug out to NY for the weekend to see family. I might get a swim in at the lake where I grew up, but weather will dictate.
TT bike goes to LBS tonight for Tri Bike Transport, so no more TT riding until Madison.
I am sending my race run shoes also. I am going to wear a non worn out older pair for tomorrows LR.
I will have a rental car. I think I requested a bike rack but can't remember. But I am up for riding/driving the loop as well.
Linda -- May I get a spare purple cow. Mine was working so hard it snapped!
I also will bring the box o' many pink visors, for anyone who wants to sport the pink. Men, in Madison, the land of feminists, this may actually bring you more race cheers.
Michelle - I'm carless, but I can have the brother-in-law leave the trunk rack, if that is helpful.
Will let you know. I think it will be if I forgot to get the rack. Then you have instant bike transport to loop for riding. Gotta take the lady providing the rack!!
I have a Dodge Caravan or the likes of, rented. Planning on a Friday early afternoon bike shakedown ride.
Ok i'm happy. great swim this morning...had tons of energy
Look what a day off will do ya!! Tummy is feeling better..trying to not be anxious bout stuff....it helps to plan and get stuff checked off. Picked up bike today from LBS...good news is they put on kewl tires, new but seems to me big aero pads and last new cable for rear brake...very important to have brakes working for WI course 
Bad news...can't fix the rub on wheelcover..so sans the cover for me. It is ok really, it has kind been a pain in the arse for me...it is all good 
Can't wait to see everyone next week!!!
G-you riding the course some on Friday?
Jennifer you are so right....I always look for the sign reminding me 92 is coming up...get in appropriate gear and up the hill I go...without dropping the chain...that is a good thing!
Ah the trials and tribulations...woke up this morning at 5'30 to hit the pool at Northwestern Univ. I have been swimming at the outdoor pool all summer but it doesn't open until 6'30 and I had a meeting to go to and needed to start earlier. My normal indoor pool is closed for its annual cleaning but Northwestern lets us swim there during this couple week shutdown. Pumped up the bike tires on the hybrid to ride to the pool in the rain and realize the lock is missing, my dear husband surely must have forgotten to put it in its place so back in the house to get car keys and drive. Get to Northwestern and look through windows, hmmm, doesn't look like there's any water in that pool, wtf? Closed for renovation!! What???! I now have no pool! I'm freaking and in a mood to really hurt someone. Deep breaths. Take a couple good meetings with the boss, weather clears, hit outdoor pool in the afternoon for one of the best swims ever! First time all summer felt like it was 'my pool' vs feeling like drowning rat. 4x600 strong the whole way. Only two more scheduled swims, weather better hold for the outdoor pool, which closes for season on Monday, because I now have no other alternatives! well, other than lake Michigan which is hit or miss lately as well (combo of e.coli and dangerous tides, awesome). Lesson? Calm down, it all works out in the end.
@Kathy - last week when in Denver for work I went for a great run in this park near my hotel. Thought of you - for the first 200 yds into the park there were no less than 4 signs saying "danger: rattlesnake area".
I'm not kidding.
Hahaha guess I have earned the "scarty kat of snakes" nickname in the haus
...remind me never to live in Denver 
Oh and FYI I have now had a black snake cross my path twice this summer...once on the run (actually it came slithering down a rocky ledge) and once on a recent ride....I swear the "snakes" are lurking 
R u guys thinking later Friday morning or afternoon? Guess we can discuss more when we get there, but I'd be interested in riding some.
1. do not pack right before you go to bed. I couldn't sleep very well!
2. cancelled a doc appt about my right arm, shoulder blade pain, cuz it was at bay.. and last night it woke me up, murphy's law working
3. wearing old EN singlet on recon rides, FYI. will ride on Thur and Friday, just a bit don't worry but looking at hills/turns. Thur a.m. and Friday early afternoon.
4. will swim on Friday morning and then do talk. if I am not comfy with swim on Friday then will look at it on Saturday too.
5. scheduling in myself nap time too! for afternoons. can't wait! chillaxing with a magazine.
6. will be taking lots of pics. think that calendar we wanted to make......so racing shots and riding shots and group shots. etc.
7. going to IM dinner Friday night.
8. have kitchenette in my room at Residence Inn and it has free breakfast! right now, still staying put although it seems to be 7 miles away.
9. wearing AR tshirt to packet pickup. don't be surprised if we "call the hogs" at some point, now a tradition.
10. focusing right now on getting 8 hours of sleep and workouts fit in with that. rolling, getting a massage tomorrow and some dog runs/light spins and medium swims are keeping me loose and sane. m
Hasan, Eric, and Beth (replacement) are in.
I need to go count how many I have left.... They are going in my TBT bag today!
I think today is a day off, although I may do a short swim later. I am EX-hausted. Going down into that taper abyss. I knew it was coming. Plus, I just moved Taylor into his freshman dorm today, and it's busy, steaming hot here--and emotional. Pooped me out even more. Playing it by ear, and erring of mo' rest = mo' better (within reason).
Oh yeah--re recon...heck, I'd do Thurs and Fri. I'm not sure how Thurs would work b/c I have to pick up my bike at TBT, so not sure on the timing of all that. Date with Gina et al on Friday for sure.
FYI, landing Wed at 2:30.
Beth I'm sure my daughter and wife would love a pink chicka visor. Put me down for two.
I'm looking at doing a short swim on Thursday and then riding part of the course. I believe I will have my truck with me. That being said if anyone is interested they are more than welcome to load their bike in the back and come with me out to the course.
Ah that was nice....a long short run
70 minutes not quite 7 miles. Kind of rainy and dreary out,so opted to go to gym and run on tm. Was really ok....70 min is tolerable, but anything beyond that....tm becomes dm and very untolerable 
Went to try out my co2 adaptor to reaquaint myself with how the thing works....haven't used it in a long time....no flats this summer! Anyhow couldn't get the thing to work....went to LBS this am bought another....can't get that one to work!! Yikes what is up with that...I am so wanting to be done with the LBS...tired of spending money there 
So, I bought a specialized adaptor...anyone use those? I screwed in the the co2 cartridge, put the head of presta valve into hole of adaptor, but nothing happened. Then I thought maybe I had not screwed in cartridge far enough, tried to redo it and it came out rather quickly and flew across the garage! I guess I had it on correctly...I might have to go back to LBS and ask them to help! Anyone have ideas?
Hey peeps...sounds like there are many of us wanting to do the course Thursday and Friday....maybe we should make it a group event? What does everyone think?
Planning to do a cyclocross group practice ride at 5:30 that evening (I was going to say "if weather permits"...but that's just silly), then available from 6:30 on. Feel free to PM me if interested.
Hey Kathy,
I just bought the best adapter after having issues with my own. A friend lent me his on a group ride and it was so easy to use. Screws right on the tire valve and also has it's own valve for releasing the CO2. It's really great.
ecom1.planetbike.com/1019.html
Hope this helps.
Matt
Linda- can I raise my hand for an extra silly band cow. I have been wearing it since you sent it to me. Tuesday at work, did a procedure requiring sterile gown and gloves. My band must have come off when removing, cause later in day looked at my wrist and it was gone
. I feel like a kid who spilled their milk, or left their favorite blanky in a restaurant 100 miles away.
I arrive around 1 pm on thursday. Can't wait to see you all!