Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Day Two-Santa Cruz to Monterey

Waking up after doing about 90 miles the first day, most of our legs were a little tired :)! The crew made an amazing breakfast; one that I typically might eat on a Sunday morning....meaning, everything you could imagine, they had made for us. We can tell that there will not be any shortage of food at camp and the chefs are happy to keep us fueled! But I cannot eat most of what they made...it's not Sunday and I'm going to ride and can't think about putting all that food down.. But, the guys?? No problem....they eat like horses??? or just a bunch of hungry animals...I drink my Shaklee protein shake, eat some yogurt, a banana and I'm good to go. My bottles are filled with water and Performance hydration drink, I've swallowed a handful of vitamins and I'm ready to ride! I see Kevin at camp and he offers to "lube" my bike for me, so I let him..I'll do anything to go faster and that seems to be a good idea because were riding at the coast and it gets a little salty and gritty around here!

We're ready for another exciting day of riding, and so we take off with a few other cyclists leaving camp, chatting about the day before and what happened in camp last night. Each morning we get a map of the days course and this day we go about 45 miles. Not exactly all flat, there were some good rollers and enough of them to wake your muscles up from the day before!
to be cont. gotta run!

Get on Your MARK, Get Set, We're Off!!!!

Wow! We're really here! All of us from around the country...including a cyclists from Jamaica, & France! The event began with check in Friday evening in San Francisco, and a kick off dinner with some great speakers! They spoke of cures for arthritis and how so many are overcoming their illness, first, with an amazing attitude, and second, by not seeing their "limitiations", but addressing their illness as a challenge to overcome adversity! There is one young woman here with 4 joint replacements and shes riding with us all the way to Santa Monica! These individuals have remarkable, inspiring stories! So, you see, the rest of us have "no excuses"!

Saturday morning came early with a breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe! News channels were roaming about interviewing cyclists and taking fotos..We took one group foto and then we were off! Without knowing where we were going exactly, I took off in the lead (just so happened my bike was in the front of the pack) and the tour officially had started...they had us all chanting....
"We're riding for a cure! we're riding for a cure!!

We were all soooo excited!! Departing the city there were many twists and turns, the fog was heavy, and maps got wet....Dont know if thats why we got "lost" several times that morning??? but we eventually found our way back to the trail with the other riders!

Upon approaching the Cliffhouse on the coast, we could see the ocean, hear the pounding surf and feel the wet fog dripping off our helmets into our eyes..It was WET! But we were happy to be on our bikes!

The day was spectacular! The fog lifted after about 2 hours, and there were several "rest stops" for refueling, socializing, & stretching! The beauty of the day is indescribable and so much more beautiful and exhilarating than I had imagined!

We stopped at a Lighthouse with amazing views of the rugged coast and the ocean. We pedaled up rolling hills thru out the day, overlooking the vast blue ocean and enjoyed some fun descents as well. This day I met Kevin from Washington State and Tim from southern California. We spent the day riding together, taking in the views and the scenic roads, shooting photographs of each other and the scenery...Spectacular day!

Several hours later we arrived in Santa Cruz...my deceased brothers hometown. It's a place that always makes me smile and think of him when I go there. I thought, while I am in this town, I shall ride for him! Santa Cruz is a great place to ride bikes (very bike friendly city)
Some of us rode to our hotels, and others took off for the campground...You can guess which one I went too....

We all rode strong, safe and had an amazing day!!! Cant wait until tomorrow!
Now, go out and ride! Shelley

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Countdown

Well, its time. I'm ready as I'll ever be to take on this fantastic challenge of riding from San Francisco to Santa Monica! I'll be with over 200 other cyclists from all over the country sharing what we love to do! Ride our bikes!

The weather should be perfect and the company terrific! We'll be experiencing a new adventure each day, and I've compiled a short list of places for you that we'll be seeing along the way!

New friends, amazing scenery, photo opps, a collection of shops and eateries,....Big Sur..Seaside Pumpkin Farms, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Bonny Doon Beach, boardwalks, fruit stands, Monterey and Cannery Row, Pacific Grove and 17 Mile Drive, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park…with breathtaking views... This is the most beautiful section of coast in the world! The Bixby Bridge, built in 1932, California Condors soaring above the cliffs and sitting on rock ledges, Elephant Seals sleeping and pushing/shoving/fighting on the beach, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Pismo Dunes, Solvang Mission, shops and restaurants, surf beaches of Ventura County, Santa Barbara, Carpenteria, state parks, Malibu, and finally Gladstones! (a famous local eatery with occasional celebrity drop ins)...just to name a few!

Here is a link to check for photos of the ride while we are on the tour. Click or paste this website to view photos:

www.californiacoastclassic.org

I will also make daily postings to this blog! So, come along, travel with us and enjoy the ride! Until my next posting....ride strong and ride safe!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Developing a Plan

Train Smart - Train With Coach Shelley

Now is the time to start thinking about your training plans for the winter. You'll want to set new goals for next year and determine now, how your'e going to get there.

It's also a great time to take a look at your nutrition and supplement program. What worked and what was missing? Did your fueling plan for pre-race and post race give you the best edge? Did your eating plan help you maintain your perfect weight for the season?

It's a great idea to look for a coach to provide direction, motivation and guidance with your plan for the upcoming season. If you are ready to get started give me a call! I’d love to hear from you.
FOR COACHING PROGRAMS AND PRODUCTS VISIT:(more coming soon!)
www.getonourmark.com
www.getonyourmark.net

CARPE DIEM!
Coach Shelley

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Post Exercise Protein Increases Muscle

New Study Shows Post-Exercise Protein Increases Muscle Mass and Strength
A new research study showing the benefits of ingesting protein after a workout for increasing muscle mass and strength was published in the May 2008 issue of Fitness Management, a publication (www.fitnessmanagement.com) for the fitness industry. Study authors Wayne L. Westcott, PhD, William F Martin, PhD, Rita La Rosa Loud, and Susan Stoddard conducted the research at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, MA. The following is a study summary and the published manuscript will be available shortly on the Shaklee MD Resources website.

Background of the StudyIn the last decade, significant research has been published relative to protein supplementation, recovery from exercise, and muscle development. Shaklee’s clinical research demonstrated that a protein-carbohydrate complex consumed immediately after exercise enhanced recovery from exercise when compared to consuming carbohydrate alone. More recent work has shown significantly greater gains in muscle mass and strength when protein is ingested immediately following resistance exercise.
To read more click here

Friday, June 27, 2008

A Reason to Ride-Won't You Join Me?

This week I have found another reason to ride. Heres the story...many of us do not need a reason to ride..we ride because we can, because it makes us feel invinceable. It's a reason to get outdoors and go somewhere where your spirit can be free; where you can hear the silence of nature's cry. It's a place where we can challenge ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically and even spiritually. We can commune with God, talk to the animals, smell the fresh pine needles in the forests floor, chat with our friends, push ourselves physically beyond where we've been before..and then do it all again the next day.

So, back to my new reason to ride? I've committed to riding in the Amgen Classic California Tour for the Arthritis Foundation this Sept for 7 days! It's been too many years since I have done "a ride across somewhere" and now its time. The kids are older, my husband is agreeable, and it's actually possible to take off from my "mom" responsibilities for a few days and know that all shall not be lost at home!

Why did I just commit to raise thousands of dollars and ride over 500 miles in one week? Because I can. Because I live for challenges, for the spirit and adventure of life; what better way to raise awareness and money for a worthy cause? And yes, there are many worthy causes. As I was contemplating doing this ride, I thought about my dear brother Steven who died of cancer at the young age of 31..Should I do a ride for cancer? Yes! But I'll make that my NEXT ride!

I say, sieze the moment, lets ride! ..lets be kind, grateful, conscientious. Let's all share the road and experience the "joie de vivre", love of life spirit and let it be a cause for celebration! Won't you join me? You can help me achieve my goal by making a donation to the Arthritis Foundation using the link to the right on this page.
Thank YOU!
Carpe Diem!
Coach Shelley

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Where should I buy a bike?

Great Question! My recommendation is to buy a bike in the town that you live in. If your town does not have a bike shop, then find the one nearest you.
There are many reasons why I say that.
I like to give my business to the locals when I can. You are supporting the town you live in, helping their businesses grow and it makes good sense to develop a relationship with the bike shop owners and staff. Owning a bike requires regular maintainence, tune ups, etc. and its good to know someone in town who is a professional so that when you need help, you have somewhere to go to get the help and advice you need.

Many bike shops offer free maintainence when you purchase a bike from them, so, if its close, it's much easier to keep it maintained and take advantage of that great free offer.

Also, you will need to make purchases in a bike shop on a somewhat frequent basis (if you like jerseys, bike accessories, etc like me :) and when you go to shop, you'll have people you know who can make the appropriate recommendations.

These days bike shops are also offering group rides, events, seminars etc out of their bike shop. This is another way to stay connected to other cyclists and find friends who also love cycling!
K, so lets get out there and ride!
because lifes a great ride.......
Coach Shelley