Monday, January 29, 2007

How many cowgirls does it take...


To open a bottle of wine?? That was the question as 5 of us got together for dinner and a movie at Julie's house in Madison.

Just after I got done blathering on about how a 5 turn corkscrew is best, I stuck in the corkscrew and the thing wouldn't budge.

I handed the bottle off to Rachel and here she is, giving it a go with Dr. J holding the bottle.






Then..Dr. J gave it a try. She huffed and she puffed and...
nothing.


So then I traded corkscrews and put in Rachel's 4 turn corkscrew and....

VOILA!
And by the way, I look like my Great Aunt Rose Barranco in this picture. Check out the schnozzola. Is it me or is
my nose looking especially huge here??

So anyway, dinner was super excellent Indian cuisine, a combination of my cooking and Julie's running out to the neighborhood Indian joint for the first course and bread.


















Dinner was full of 2-3 conversations going at once, always fun. Anna posed with her new container of Udderly Smooth. She is a huge fan of the stuff and likes it almost as much as candy. (read: Chocolate).

And before the movie started (Bend it like Beckham) we took the photos of us all from across the table...so here we are:
Anna, Rachel and Dr. J (left) and
Mama Schmitt, me and Kate (below)
















The movie was fun to watch and we had many side comments going throughout. Kate bunked at Julie's house and Mama Schmitt stayed over at my house. Once in our jammies we talked about weight lifting. She's getting BUFF! Dang. For a skinny mama she's packing pecs and biceps now! She was talking about what she's been doing and it made me nostalgic for my weight lifting days. Good job Jules--looking good! She had to leave early in the morning so I made her a strong cup of coffee and off she went. Then Kate came over and we got ready to go skiing (that means we drank more coffee). We headed over to Elver and there we went up hills and down hills. On one uphill section Kate noticed a hawk land and she pointed it out. It was only about 12 feet above our heads and then a buddy joined the first hawk so two of them were hunkered on the branches so close we could see the down on their feathers. They seemed kind of curious so we watched each other for a few minutes then skiied on up a long hill.

I bit it on one of the downhills and landed on my better shoulder. As I was trying to get my self straightened out I saw Kate coming and she was yelling something. I couldn't quite make out that she was saying "move your HEAD!" until she got really close. Luckily, she was able to carve a turn so did not give me a ski-ectomy to the frontal lobe. What was really cool though was when I got up, my shoulder felt kind of good--like somehow it was where it was supposed to be. It's a little sore now but I can move it so I'm wondering if I had a slightly out of joint shoulder? No matter, I'll take some "i-bu-broken' as Kate calls it and see how it feels tomorrow.

It was a nice workout on fresh snow. Ahh, a great way to start a week. Miss the rest of you--can't wait for photo shoot day.
Have a great week of training.
dq

Saturday, January 27, 2007

First Race Report

Women of the herd: Behold the first race report of 2007! Is there a prize for getting to the starting line first? Nah, didn’t think so…

A triathlete friend of mine convinced me to sign up for an indoor Computrainer time trial at a coaching facility south of Madison. In spite of the urging from the folks at Active.com to make sure I brought my sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat, overwhelming exposure to the sun’s rays did not prove to be a factor—although, with insufficient fans to cover the 4 Computrainers, it did get very hot very quickly. My avatar up on the screen had a much nicer looking butt than I do, so that was a bit demoralizing. The rolling 10K course also felt suspiciously slow for the simulated grades they were claiming. My average speed was nowhere near where I’d like to see it, and I was not able to get up to my maximum heartrate (at least…I hope that wasn’t my max!), which was supposed to be the whole point of this exercise. Finally, as I neared the finish, this cow avatar was standing on the road in front of me. I thought I was going to smash into it (you can’t steer on these darn simulators!), so I slowed up a bit, but then it stepped aside at the last moment. Thankfully, the race ended before I succumbed to heat exhaustion or wandering cattle, and apparently I set a new record for the women (at this small coaching facility—no biggie).

Looking forward to seeing the local members of the herd at tomorrow’s movie night!
Julie the Third

Friday, January 26, 2007

Getting Fired Up......Almost


Reading everyone's training stories is having an affect on me. So much so that I went in the garage today and pulled out the trainer. Here it is, on the back deck and about to make its way into the house and down to the basement.

This is the man-eating trainer. One cannot try to put a bike in fast or it bites. I've got scars to prove it.

Next step is to set up a computer so I can watch movies, not that that will help me forget that my ass is getting numb.

To perk you all up, here is a photo of your bikes. All lined up and waiting for some nifty components to show up.
I've left the cardboard on as Tippy protection. My wobbly cat thinks it's fun to try to squeeze through the triangle with her whale-shaped body. She hasn't knocked them over yet but the cardboard is staying on, just in case.

So tomorrow Dr. J does her first "race" (indoor TT). I was thinking of showing up in a devil outfit to cheer?? (don't worry, Julie...)

Good luck J, and everyone else, happy riding, swimming, skiing or whatever you do this weekend. DQ

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Fun in the Dungeon


First off—congrats to Kate!

Second—can’t wait to taste your homecooking, Rebecca!

Thirdly, I thought I’d tell you all about the start of my indoor training adventures. I hadn’t really considered starting to think about riding indoors, until a) I officially committed to a race and really don’t want to embarrass myself and b) Rebecca was telling me she was thinking about dragging out her trainer. The good thing about teammates is they inspire you to do the same…
I am fortunate enough to have a Velodyne to ride when the weather is not so inviting. This beast was made by Schwinn in 1987 and apparently used to be the bee’s knees. It’s still pretty darn cool, and they are now making a new version priced at $2100! Yowzers. Fortunately, my husband (gunnar) and I have foraged two of the archaic ones, so we can sweat to the oldies together. The Velodyne is programmable to simulate the actual physical demands of pre-defined road courses (i.e. you can go up really steep hills without budging an inch right there in your own basement) and promises to “duplicate the relationship between pedaling resistance and rider inertia.” I just know it makes me whimper. Last night I chose the 1984 Olympic Course to make my 2007 debut. gunnar snuck down and took a picture of me during a particularly heinous steep section ( I don’t know how many laps they had to do, but I was toast after just 1).
All in all, it was a most satisfying experience for the first indoor training of the year, except for one small incident. One point I jumped off to turn on the fan; when I jumped back on, the back wheel was still churning away, and my right foot popped off the pedal and my leg (???) went into the rear spokes, thereby stopping the wheel dead, popping my left foot off its pedal and smashing my knee into the very sharp corner of the stairs. I only know it was my leg that stopped the wheel because it has a big welt/bruise on it (to match my left knee). Aside from that, I really don’t know how my beefy calf wedged itself in there! I might have the dubious distinction of being the only person that actually gets nasty bruises even when riding a trainer indoors (not counting those of you who ride rollers). Hope you all are having as much fun as I am! Please note little dairyDog’s sweet head, but her eyes don’t normally glow like that! BETSY2

My support group


I may not have teammates to train with, but I do have goofy kids to haul around while I lift. I tell my kids I have to keep going to the YMCA, so I can pick them up. Oh- by the way, no hamster yet.
But my true reason for posting this is to keep my mind off brownies. Even if they are toasted, i would prob still try to eat them.
Cheers. and better cooking next time DQ.

J

When Cabin Fever Sets In




My news is not nearly as exciting as having an engagement ring but I did manage to carbonize a pan of brownies last weekend. I had a bit of a sweet tooth going so I started a pan of brownies. Then, in my typical January cabin fever sort of way, I decided to take a trail ride on the horse. As I was pulling into the barn I realized I'd not taken the brownies out of the oven. I tried calling a neighbor but no luck. I did what any person with cabin fever would do; went for a trail ride. Every now and then I'd wonder if there would be smoke pouring out of my house when I got home or if it'd just smell. As it turns out, a pan of brownies baked at 350 for 2 hours just smells up the house. Like a campfire made with wet logs.

I've yet to chip out the "brownie" but I'm motivated as that was a good pan!

In training news, I've skiied quite a bit and have been running and I'm enjoying reading everyone's stories about training adventures. Gabby and I ran last night and Tippy and I lifted weights. Ahh, it's so good to have training partners, even if they do run off after vermin or attack me when I'm lifting.

That's all the news from team HQ. Only 4 weeks until the photo shoot!
cheerios,
dq

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

engagement




I've been a slacker with posting this message! But I thought you'd all like to know.

It is true! Rob asked me the big question on jan 3 of this year. He had planned to ask me on new years, but I decided to work- so his plan was postponed! A couple nights later, we were turning in for the night and he totally surprised me- I wasn't expecting it at all!

For now we have been planning on having the wedding weekend on July 7 (7-7-7), however now realizing what a pain it is to plan a wedding, the date may be move to October (after cycling season, before ski season!).

~~
Kate

Monday, January 22, 2007

Snow!!


Hello all

Actually got out skiing - - - and what a beautiful trail too. The trees were all covered with a layer of snow. Wish I could have been skiing with you guys. Anytime you feel like making a road trip - - -
Plenty of hills too, and only 20 min from our house.
take care
Momma Schmitt

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Friday's ride report...


I thought you'd all enjoy to hear this ride report... all of you in California, be thankful!

I started from home on Friday (the 12th) early. I checked the weather and it looked like it was getting colder as the day went on. It was at least 35 at 8am. I left the house at 9am and decided that I wanted to ride to Platteville (WI) and back to Galena (IL)(~50mi round trip & 3.5 hrs?). The plan, ride to the old bike shop that I used to work at and purchase some neoprene booties to keep my feet warm, put the booties on and ride home, with a sweet tail wind and warm feet.

Well I got about 1 hr into the ride when it started with the "wintery mix." I rode for about another half hour into the wintery mix with determination... I couldn't feel my feet, so I needed to get to the bike shop! Another half hour- I turned around! I couldn't take it. the temp dropped to about 27. The booties would have to wait! From the pic, it doesn't look too cold, but there was a NNW headwind at about 10-15 mph. Put it this way, It took 1 hr and 15 mins to get there, and only 50 mins to get back!!

When I got home, I peeled myself off of my bike and... seriously... sheets of ice fell off of my jacket. If you look at the photo- my gloves and glasses are both iced up pretty good.

It was an awesome feeling to thaw out in the shower!!!

Cheers,

Kate


PS... if you're wondering, I haven't picked up any booties yet!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Meet Cari Higgens....Boulder Cowgirl



Meet Cari, a Boulderite who came to the team via Rachel Couch. Cari brings a great work ethic, a team mindset and a dern good sprint. Cari did well on the track immediately and she got a taste of the national scene at track nats last fall where, as the photo shows, she duked it out with the best of them (that's Katie Compton on Cari's wheel). Cari is eager to learn the road scene and I've all confidence that she'll do well in the TAD atmosphere of equal parts learning and humor. She is excited to meet everyone so everyone, say hi to Cari!

That reminds me, Rachel Couch (R2) is going to get you all to update (or create) your bio for the team website. Look for an email from her and as always, I appreciate you getting your replies in quickly.

Onward and uphill!
dq

Monday, January 15, 2007

Hamster on the loose




Hey - does anywone know where hamsters like to hand out?

Our's has made an attempt to leave this family. Someone (in the pic above) left the cage door open, and Walaaa, he is now roaming free and wild. UGGGGGG


Wish me & the gang luck in finding him.

Momma Schmitt!!

The new ride



Check out Dr. J on the new frame! The bike are in and TEffki (new mechanic) is gearing up to start building bikes. Julie and I rode last week and she stopped in to check out the new bike. It's hard to tell what a bike will be like when it's just a frame, but they sure look good.

Btw, it finally snowed in Madison. Jee-sus....'bout time Colorado shared the wealth.

Here's wishing all of you a ducky Monday,
dq

Friday, January 12, 2007

Meet Betsy 2....



Meet your West Virginia cowgirl: Betsy Shogren. Besty, say hi to everyone and welcome to the blog. The blog is the depository for all our adventures (or misadventures), ramblings or assorted thoughts. Welcome to the team!

Everyone: Betsy lives in West Virginia, not too far from Pittsburgh. She's an accomplished cross, road and mtb rider. She seems to like mud?? She has a black and white dog named "Dairy." Like Betsy1 and Julie3 she has a national champion jersey, hers from the 06 masters road race.

Btw, now that we've got a collection of Julies, Rachels and Betsys, here's the new code:
Besty Galenti is Betsy1
Betsy Shogren is Betsy2
Julie Schmitt is Julie1
Julie Fortsch is Julie3
Rachel Eichers is Rachel1
Rachel Couch is just big red, or Rachel2

LOL!! I bet if I tried real hard I could find another Rebecca Cari, Anna and Heather to join the team. Ohmygawd...we'd lose our minds. As it is I'm going to get name stickers for all your equipment but it can't be your *real* name or you'll never get the right stuff.

In other news, the bikes are in....I'll get a photo of the herd and post that for you all to see.
Cheers...have a great weekend. DQ

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Sunday, January 07, 2007

The coolest sunglasses ever

Behold. I think these are going to be my motivation for completing my 2007 base training. If I'm wearing these in April, you'll know I done good. ;)

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Hello from Mamma Schmitt


Hi guys

Just found the cowgirl blog again, and boy do I ever miss you guys.
Seeing all you at DQ's house made me very jealous. Wish I could jump in on your rides.
Makes me think about seriously getting the wind trainer going in the garage again.
Or better yet, Kevin's new office. It faces the lake with lots of window. Perfect place for us to all meet and do a WT workout. Let me know if your interested.

So anyway - I just thought I'd throw a pic of me and Kendra in here, so you don't forget me.

PS
Just had my cow frame put together and rode if for the first time yesterday. It was awesome - the bike.
The ride was fun too, but it was pretty slow. 25 miles in 2hr. I was dressed for it though - I had over 5 layers on top.
Needless to say I wasn't working much, only got hot going up the hills. But hey, it's time in the saddle, right?

Take care all
J