Training for Trans Alp

[GinnySellars]

Hey Crew

I haven't seen the BPR crew lately, as you have all been racing maniacs! It's been so exciting to hear about Nimby, the action up ahead of me at Armstrong century, and little tidbits of the EPIC-NESS of the Hood. I look forward to more race reports when you crawl back out of that cave.

I'm in my last two weeks of prep for Trans Alp. Well, I've been introduced to some hidden climbs in Vernon. Tom sent Sil and I over to Hartnell to try out the gearing. It's only a 20 minute climb...but it can define your spirit in a single attempt. There is an initial pitch of probably 12%, then it backs off, and likely kicks up to maybe 14% for the last pitch. Had I been alone, I would have done a 180, and slunk home with my tail between my legs....but my TA partner was with me. We did three laps, and each time, I had to get out of the saddle for a longer piece, by the end, just barely turning over the pedals. Ouch. I went home, and emailed Tom right away..."Seriously?...how long can it do that for?" His response "The Mortirola Pass on Day 5 is going to be quite steep - Lance described it as "terrible ... the hardest climb I've ever ridden". My goal is not to puke or cry in front of my TA partner.

So other advances in the last two weeks...I generally stay awake until Madeline's bedtime. I bought an espresso machine. I clean out the pantry on a nightly basis. Andrew's not getting a lot of action.(oops, inside voice)

Hope your training is going well too.

[GinnySellars]

Today was a 100km easy ride. I went to Enderby and back via Sleepy Hollow Rd. It's rolling hills the whole way, with a few kickers. The benefit of riding some really steep stuff is that these hills felt SO easy! While I likely got a little functional strength in the legs from my recent hill sessions, I think the mental boost is just as important. The sense of achievement and confidence built from tackling something that is 'nearly' too much is goooood stuff.

[Shawn Wenger]

This is going to be such an adventure for you. I'm excited for you and glad it's you and not me trying to drag my butt up all those hills. On the plus side, I'm climbing better this year, despite not changing my power to weight ratio over the winter as planned. I did a club road race last night on a rolling course from Westsyde to the McLure Ferry and back and stuck with them until the last big hill (about 50 k into the 64 k race). I managed to match the lead pack up all the short power climbs and probably put in too much effort chasing breaks and creating a few of my own, but that was half the fun and the flats are the only place I can play and feel strong. I decided at the start that I didn't want to ride safe, but would rather try out some skills. It was one of the biggest fields we've ever had with about 20 riders, so I could actually practice starting the climbs at the front and filtering back. So in the end, it was worth getting dropped on the last hill and coming awfully close to catching back on over the flat stretch at the top (didn't quite manage it). I'm really looking forward to living vicariously through you when you get back and give us the detailed race report. Best of luck!

[GinnySellars]

OK...5 days of nothin', nada, zilch, zip, jack. It started with a bone aching fatigue on Sunday, then launching my cookies on Monday night. On Tuesday the daycare had to pick up Madeline as I couldn't operate a car or leave the couch for that matter, and Wednesday/Thursday of slipping between 10 minutes of manic activity followed by whimpering back on the couch. Well, it's Friday today, and my entire goal is to get on that plane rested and prepared. It's a little disconcerting to look at the training plan of the week, that was supposed to be icing on the cake, and note it's all washed away. But if I'm my own coach, I would say, good timing for food poisoning. A solid rest, and plenty of time to get healthy and packed before flying out next week.

I've had some time to think about things...I'll be 39 years old this year. Over the last few years, I've often felt a little regretful that in my youth I never really committed to a sport or sought excellence. I didn't know how, didn't have leadership, and in retrospect I don't know if I even wanted that at the time. Having had a month of 90% commitment to prepping for a big event, it was a really good reminder of how incredible professional and elite athletes really are. It sounds great on paper....train, nap, massage, eat etc. In reality those athletes have many time commitments with part-time jobs, sponsor requirements, self-promotion, family. But even for those who are in the fortunate position of having plenty of time, I have an incredible respect for their daily efforts. I realize that I don't have the mentality for it. After riding nearly every day for a single month, I was beginning to dread it. I was slipping in a run here and there, and even looking forward to swimming. Shocking,  I know...I can only imagine the pressure on a professional athlete when they feel a cold coming on, or a tight hamstring, sore back. Anyway, it's was a reminder to me that I love my life balance, with enough sport and competition to feel alive and challenged, but a mix of work, family time, enjoying our home and friends.

Ok, about to embark on the most exciting week of riding in my life. I will be riding over 900km and over 20,000 meters of climbing. I'll be seeing some of the most notorious climbs in the Alps through Germany, Austria, and Italy. See you in a couple of weeks.

[StephenU]

GINNY!

I am so bloody excited for you!!  I have ridden in the alps and FULLY appreciate what you are about to embark on and will no doubt accomplish after your week of racing on some of the finest roads on earth!

Good luck and stay safe from The Quail!!

[SimonC]

Time and Time again you have proven that you can rise to the occasion and pull out a stellar performance no matter what nasties are thrown in your face. I saw this first hand in Utah and have heard the Legendary Stories 
I expect this will be the case in Europe ... Again 
Good luck Super G !!!
 
Capt'n

[Monica]

Ginny!
Good luck with the Trans Alp!  You are so strong in body, mind and focus - you will be awesome!
Have a great time, I'm looking forward to hearing all about it!

[GinnySellars]

Thanks for the fantastic support gang! I will reflect on that when it gets tough. Your race reports lately have fired me up! Sil and I just extended our travel plans for 2 days so we can lounge in Italy instead of heading straight home....ahhhh...wine and pasta, can't wait.

[JasonK]

Hey Ginny,

I just got back from a cold, rainy, suffer-fest in Banff!  Sorry to hear about your rough week.  Really hope it all goes good for you from here on in.  Your immune system will be tough as nails now and keep you healthy when your flying down those icy cold descents.  Stay positive while dealing with each challenge that comes your way.  Relax and keep sharp up and down every climb no matter how bad it starts to hurt. Most of all, have fun and SUPER GOOD LUCK!!!

ps: sure like to see some pic's if you get the chance

[Becky]

Been think'n bout ya Gin. Man, what a MASSIVE adventure you've taken on!! How exciting to climb the BIG ones that the best of the best hold repect for! We're very excited for you and will eagerly await any morsels of info sent from TA!!

Becky

[Majo]

All the best to you Ginny!  Stay focus on the task and stay adaptable (I am sure as you always do anyway) and all will go super well!  Enjoy!  Majo

[MartinC]

Have a great time Ginny! Trust the work you have done!

We are all perfectionists who wish we could have done just one (or more) work outs. The reality is you are more than ready for the best most satisfying experience ever!!!!

Thinking of you and imagining you flying up those hills and over the passes with a smile on your face and nothing but strength in your legs.