Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tulsa Tough Blog

Earlier this month I was honored to be a part of the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough experience.  I seriously do not have the vocabulary to express how much I love this event.  It is my favorite weekend all year!  This year they allowed me to blog about my experiences training for a Gran Fondo and the event itself.  Below is my entire series of posts from the Tulsa Tough website.

Let's Get Rolling - post 1

In less than two months Saint Francis Tulsa Tough will be happening in our fair city!  My excitement about this event knows no limits.  But before I go much further, let me tell you how I got here.

It was a Thursday.  I received an email from Saint Francis Tulsa Tough about general goings-on and among all the tidbits was a little blurb asking for Ambassadors.  Oh my goodness!!  I literally could not apply fast enough.  And holy moly – I was accepted.  Now, I’m not exactly sure what the judging criteria was but really, that’s not the point.  The point is – I WAS ACCEPTED.  And then reality hit – hard!  The blogging would be the easy part.  I love Tulsa, I love riding my bike on the numerous trails, biking to brunch is one of my favorite things to do, and I lead a semi-healthy lifestyle.  The part that made me sick to my stomach was the fact that as an ambassador for Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, I would be expected to participate in an event – and not just the Townie Tour – but a real live, honest-to-goodness event.  Like a race or a Gran Fondo.  Holy crap!  Up until this point, the furthest I had ever biked was 14 miles, and that was stopping for beer – twice.  Now all of a sudden I was looking at biking a 27 mile Gran Fondo event alongside professionals.  I mean – for pete sake, I ride a townie bike and I don’t own anything made of spandex.  What had I gotten myself into??  So after my mini-breakdown, I put on my big girl pants and decided I could do this.  I may not finish first (well, let’s be honest, me finishing first would be a miracle) but I would finish.

Sunday was my first “official” training day.  I made a game plan, I mapped out a route, and I packed a bottle of water.  My plan was to bike north along Riverside to the 11th street bridge, cross to the west side of the river all the way to Turkey Mountain, up around the mountain, down 71st street and finally, finally, make my way back to my starting point on the east bank.  It would be 15 miles in all. 
The first part of my ride was easy-cheesy.  The wind was at my back, the sun was shining on my face, and it was a glorious afternoon.  Then I crossed at 11th and everything changed.  No longer was I the elite athlete I imagined myself to be just a moment ago.  I was pedaling into a strong wind.  So strong, there were a couple of times I honestly felt like I was pedaling backwards.  But I kept going, not giving up.
I eventually reached the base of Turkey Mountain.  Now, if you’ve never experience this climb, it’s like scaling the north face of Mount Everest.  Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but that’s how I felt.  I pedaled as hard as I could but eventually I just had to get off my townie and push the bike the remainder of the way.  And to add insult to injury, two men on unicycles passed me.  That’s right – unicycles!
The rest of my route was fairly easy.  It was mostly downhill and once I crossed back over the river, the wonderful wind that, just moments ago had been my worst enemy, was now my ally, pushing me along.  I made it back to my starting point exhausted but exhilarated.  I set a goal and I completed it.  Granted, it took me 1:32 to go 15 miles and somehow I don’t think that’s a very good time, but it’s not bad for just starting out.
So I hope you will follow along with me as I prepare for my very first Gran Fondo!  Hopefully you’ll be inspired to dust off that Schwinn and take it for a ride around the block.  The beauty of riding a bike is that you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy it; you just have to step outside and get started.
 
Training for My First Gran Fondo: Week 2 or How I Managed To Not Get Off and Push! - post 2
Welcome back!  For those of you who read my first post, you know I’m training for my very first Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Gran Fondo.  My goal is to do the Petite 27, which will be the furthest I’ve ever traveled on my bike at one time.  Last week I managed to squeak out 15 miles in 1:32.  My goal this week was to do at least 17 miles.  Now, for all you professionals out there chuckling at my time – keep in mind I’m attempting to do this on my Electra Townie 3-speed.  Let’s be honest, this is a bike built for cruising – not speed.  The tires are whitewalls and they are so wide and fat, the brand name is actually Fat Franks.
 
Sunday was again my “training” day.  My planned route would take me south along Riverside Drive to 71st Street, up to Turkey Mountain, along the west bank of the river to the 31st street bridge to the Midland Valley Trail, taking the trail to 3rd street downtown.  I would then take 3rd through downtown until I reconnected with the Riverside Trail and eventually back to my starting point.  According to my riding partner, it made much more sense to travel clockwise because of the southern wind.  I still think he was yanking my chain but considering he owns spandex and I don’t (yet) I took his word for it.
We set off and almost immediately we were hit with the wind out of the south.  Seriously – when will it let up?  It almost had me wishing for those hot, humid days in July when nothing moves…..almost.  But as someone very wise once said – “the wind is nature’s trainer” – so we persevered.  We finally made it to the 71st street bridge and my one and only goal at this point was to make it to the top of Turkey Mountain without having to get off and push.    AND I DID IT!!!  Sweet goodness, I did it!!  Granted, it’s a much more gradual climb than the “north face” version but still, it’s a climb!  By the time I got to the top I wanted to lie down in the cool grass and die, but I was too overjoyed (and winded) to do much more than gulp down some water.
We headed down the mountain to the west bank and sadly, it was at this point that I would reach my top speed for the day.  The ride along the west bank is spectacular.  It’s not as crowded as the east side and some of the views are absolutely stunning.  Plus that wonderful, wonderful wind was now at my back.  Now this was what cycling was all about!  Between you and me – when I’m riding into the sunshine and the wind is at my back, I swear I feel like I’m 9 years old again.
We crossed the pedestrian bridge and started on the Midland Valley Trail.  This trail has undergone a recent renovation and the bike path is wonderful.  We took this trail all the way to 3rd and Madison and then cut through downtown to reconnect with the Riverside Trail at SW Boulevard.
The last part of our route was not quite as pleasant.  I was tired, my legs were burning, and that ridiculous wind would not let me be.  But I finished and I felt so accomplished and victorious.  Making it up that hill at 71st street was so exhilarating – I had a celebratory beer at the end of my ride.  Okay, maybe it was two beers, but I earned them.  My final tally for the day was 18.08 miles in 1:58. 
And I’ve learned a few things in my two short training sessions –
1.       Sunscreen is your friend!  Don’t be foolish and think because it’s a cloudy day you’ll be okay.  You won’t!  You’ll get a sunburn and it’ll hurt and you’ll be cranky to all your friends and loved ones.  And then you’ll peel.
2.       Hydrate!  Hydrate!  Hydrate!  Water is your friend!  You are not a camel.
3.       Even though my bike seat is very cushy, it’s not nearly cushy enough.  I now see the appeal of padded bike shorts. 
Next week my goal is to actually ride my bike to another town!  So if you see me out riding, give me a shout of encouragement.  I’ll be the one on the baby blue Townie with white tires that could possibly fit a small car.
 
 
 
One More Month - post 3
Hello, again!  In less than a month Saint Francis Tulsa Tough will be here and I am positively giddy with excitement!!  Are you ready?  For those of you just now tuning in – I will be riding in my very first Gran Fondo event and I’ve been diligently “training” for a month now.  My training plan so far has been pretty basic – get on my bike and ride a little further each time.  And when I’m feeling especially athletic – try to make it up the “north face” of Turkey Mountain without getting off to push.  By the way – I still haven’t managed that goal – but I do get a little bit further each time.  Small victories, people, small victories.
As I look at the calendar, a little bit of anxiety is creeping into my gut.  I feel like I’m running out of time to train and will I actually be able to ride the 27 miles on my Townie?  And how bad will the hills be?  And will I be the last person to cross the finish line?  And how sore will I be?  Fortunately for me (or unfortunately, depending on where you stand) once I make up my mind to do something, there’s really not a lot that will persuade me otherwise.  So – 27 miles it will be.
Since we last chatted, I’ve explored a few more trails and continued to meet the goals I set for myself – mainly riding my bike all the way to another town!!  One chilly Saturday I took the Katy Trail into Sand Springs.  I had never been on this trail before but it looked easy enough on the map.  And the map was right – it was a very easy ride.  However, what the map failed to mention is that it wouldn’t be the most pleasant or scenic route.  All I’m saying is, it would have been better had I not been riding solo.
A fellow cycling enthusiast biked with me one evening after work.   She calls herself my “trainer” and has taken it upon herself to make sure my form is correct and that I’m cycling “properly”.  I’m not entirely sold on her qualifications but I will say, riding alongside her, I had my best time to date – 20.87 miles in 1:53.  Now, maybe it was her coaching or maybe, just maybe it was the relatively level trail and an almost complete lack of wind but either way, I’ll take it! 
I even took the advice of my fellow Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Ambassador, Stephen Lassiter and rode my bike to work a couple of times.  This took a little advance planning on my part but it was well worth the effort!  It was such a huge stress reliever to bike home after work.  I got a little exercise, enjoyed the beautiful afternoon, and I felt so environmentally friendly by not using any fuel. 
And, holy goodness, I even broke down and purchased my first official pair of cycling shorts.  I think I can honestly say they are probably the least attractive thing I’ve ever worn in my life and I will also agree that it’s made all the difference in the world on my….booty.
So now – I’m off to ride.  See you on the trails!
 
How One Night Changed My Life Forever - post 4
The year was 2010 and I had never even heard of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough (yes, as a matter of fact, I was living under a rock).  It was Friday night and with nothing better to do, some friends suggested we head downtown to check out the Friday night races.  I’m not going to lie – my first response was “Are you serious?  We’re going to stand on a sidewalk and watch a bunch of people ride their bikes in a circle?”  But standing there, in the middle of the intersection, with the cyclists whizzing by and the crowd going nuts and the palpable energy, I realized I was witnessing something spectacular.  My life would never be the same again.  After about 15 minutes I turned to my friends and said “That’s it, I’m buying a bike”.  And two weeks later that’s exactly what I did.  I walked into Lee’s Bikes and walked out with the love of my life – my Electra Townie.
After that I started reading everything I could about Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  I was enthralled.  How could this amazing event have been happening all this time without me knowing about it?!?!  Not only the Friday night races but the Saturday events, the Townie Tour, Cry Baby Hill?!?!  Why did I not know about Cry Baby Hill!?!?!
 
Ever since that fateful night in 2010, I’ve eagerly looked forward to the “big weekend” and each year my involvement grows a little more.  In 2011 I participated in my first “official” ride – the Townie Tour, a family-friendly, 8-mile bike ride (and yes, I did get beat by an 8 year old girl on a fixie).  In 2012 I added a volunteer stint to my activities (if you have a few free hours – VOLUNTEER – this amazing event does not happen without many, many volunteers) and 2013 looks to be the best year to date – the Friday night races, my first Gran Fondo, volunteering, the Townie Tour, and doing a little sightseeing on Cry Baby Hill.
So when the big event rolls into town (see what I did there….”rolls” into town), get off your sofa, come downtown, and check it out.  It will change your life forever.  Besides, what else are you going to do – watch a rerun of Law & Order?
 
Wait!  When Did I Become A Cyclist?!? - post 5
Sweet goodness – Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is almost here!  I just can’t believe that in less than a week, thousands of cyclists from across the globe will be descending on Tulsa to see if they are Tulsa Tough.  It’s going to be a busy, fun, exciting weekend.  Are you ready?
 
When I started on this journey two months ago, I had a general idea of what to expect.  I figured I’d volunteer a little, get a sweet looking t-shirt, check out the crowds, and maybe, you know….ride my bike a bit.  What I wasn’t expecting was how much cycling would become a part of my life. 
After just two months of working towards my goal of my first Gran Fondo – I’m hooked!!  When I’m in a sporting goods store – I gravitate towards the cycling clothes just to see what might be in stock.  I no longer suffer from lycrophobia (fear of spandex).  I catch myself trolling eBay and Craigslist for a deal on a road bike (not that I’m giving up my Townie but one can never have too many bikes).  On a pretty day, all I want to do is go for a ride.  What happened?!?!  I used to be content with riding my bike a couple of miles every Sunday.  But that’s all changed.  I want to explore all the trails this amazing city has to offer.  I want to see Tulsa from a different point of view.  And I’ve even gotten my mother on board.  At 62, she has started riding again and has even signed up for the Townie Ride on Sunday. 
And now, it’s here.  The goal I’ve been working towards low these many weeks.  My nerves are already getting the best of me.  Just thinking about lining up at that starting line makes me jittery.  I can’t wait to cross the finish line – exhausted and elated all at the same time.  I may not have the fastest time on the course but I’ll have the best time!  I’M SO EXCITED (cue the Pointer Sisters). 
Take a chance!  Come out and see what all the fuss is about!  But be warned – you may find yourself trolling for a new bike….
 
I DID IT!!!! - post 6
I did it!!  That’s right, I completed my very first Grand Fondo (the Petite 27) on Saturday and I’ve never felt more accomplished or proud.  I’m not going to lie – it wasn’t a cakewalk (at one point I was the VERY LAST rider –and no, I am not even kidding) but I kept going and when I crossed that finish line – well, I just don’t think I have the words.  My time for the ride was 2:11.  Not too bad.  And I just want to thank everyone who sent out a word of encouragement.  You have no idea how much it meant.  My fellow Ambassador Nicole – your kind words on Friday really touched me.  I even had one rider pass me on Sunday and say “you’re the one with the Blue Townie.  Keep going, you’ll be great”.  And that’s just what I intend to do.  Next year I’m doing the 40!
 
The rest of the weekend was pretty spectacular as well.  The Friday night races were just as breathtaking as they’ve ever been.  I just can’t imagine someone watching the races and not getting excited about cycling.  And I don’t care what anyone else thinks – cyclists are BEASTS!  I don’t think there is a tougher class of athlete out there.
Sunday was just as fantastic!  My 62 year old mother rode in her first Townie Ride and she did great!  Let me tell you how proud I am of her.  She seriously had not been on a bike in almost 40 years and just started riding earlier this summer.  When I started talking about the upcoming Saint Francis Tulsa Tough weekend she asked me, “Do you think I could do the Townie ride?”  I told her she could do anything she set her mind to and that’s precisely what she did!  I’ve never seen anyone so happy to receive their medal at a finish line.
All in all the weekend was a raging success.  Tulsa is so fortunate to have people who see what can be and the determination to make it happen.  And I am so thankful that Saint Francis shares that vision and continues to provide the tremendous support that they do.  I love Tulsa and I’m proud to call it my home.
Here’s to 2014 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough being even better!  And until then, I’ll see you on the trails.  Keep cycling!
 
 
 
 
 

 

1 comment:

  1. Proud of you! And your mother as well. KUDOS, kiddo. Love you,
    Martha

    ReplyDelete