CycleOps Trainer to Ride Inside
Hey guys! Is it getting cold where you live yet? It's not cold in Atlanta just yet, but it's been raining nearly every day - so much, that there is a meme going around saying Atlanta has changed its name to Seattle. Help - I need sun! I'm not looking forward to winter, I never ever ever ever am. In the winter months I turn into a wuss about riding outside. I'm originally from Florida, so I run for the heated blanket when it gets cold and I would rather hibernate until it's Spring again. Sadly, life doesn't work that way and neither do my workouts. Although there are PLENTY of days that I bundle up, suck it up and ride outside, there are also nights that I come home from work late and would rather not torture myself with the cold, so I choose to ride inside. Side note : I wonder how many of you are fainting right now because you'd rather die than ride a trainer. Well, good for you guys - you're a bunch of little badasses. For the rest of you (who are also badass, but like the warmth), I'm here to tell you about my experience with a trainer. I'm the weirdo who actually loves riding the trainer. In fact, I've considered teaching spin class because I think it's so fun (maybe one day)!
SO, I've owned my own CycleOps Fluid trainer for about two years and prior to that, I would borrow my boyfriends trainer. I use it to warm up for races or get in my workouts when it's too cold for my bones, raining or I just feel like it. Recently I've upgraded to the CycleOps PowerSync and it's made a huge difference. This version plugs into the wall, reads the software on my iPad (you can also use a PC) and automatically syncs the workouts with the trainer so that it controls the resistance on my bike. In a nut shell, if the workout is simulating a climb, it will get harder for me to pedal. I've also had a go with their virtual training program that allows you to enter your specific information and get extremely detailed with your data. Because I don't understand much about data, I can't explain it all to you, but trust me - there is a lot. So if you're into geeking out over watts and TSS - I'm looking at you. The virtual training allows you to join challenges, race online, choose what routes you want to do or create your own workout. I definitely recommend it.
Usually I accompany my trainer workouts with a movie or an upbeat playlist of music. So if you've been thinking that these winter months mean you won't be riding, you should really consider a trainer. There are several different versions in different price ranges so you can start with what suites you best. If you can't go for the PowerSync, I recommend the Fluid where you'll be able to shift your bike when it's time to "climb" and adjust the difficulty yourself.
If you guys still have more questions, I'll steer you into the direction of the professionals on their site, where they explain the specifics much better than I can.
Do you already have a trainer and you're interested in trying their Virtual Training? You can sign up for two weeks free and see what you think for yourself!
Have you ever tried riding a trainer? Do you like it?
Bike: Specialized Amira
Bibs: FYXO
Socks: The Wonderful Socks
Makeup Video : Fail!
So I attempted to make my very first makeup video and totally failed! I used my little Fuji x100t and it kept auto changing the white balance and it was super blown out but I didn't realize until I was all finished. Awful. I want to try again so any advice on what to use is much appreciated! I have a Nikon D800 that I could use, but I would rather have something with the screen facing me (selfie mode - is that what you would call it? hah) so I can see what I'm doing and I definitely need some better lighting. If you make videos, feel free to help a sista out with your knowledge!
Anyways, here is what I used even though you can't even tell in this photo *sad face for no video*:
FACE:
Moisturizer - Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion - trying this out so I'm not sure how I like it yet
Primer - Laura Geller Spackle Primer - love this!
Foundation - NYX Invincible Foundation - pretty decent, always on the hunt for different foundations to try
Concealer - Lorac Porefection Concealer - so far, love it! Got it on sale at Ulta and I've been using it for about a month.
Powder - Pur 4-in-1 Mineral Makeup - Love it, it almost has a slight sheen to it.
Contour - Mac Powder Blush in Blunt - using it for years, love it
Blush - So Susan Universal Blush - very pretty with a nice highlight already in it
EYES:
Manly Cosmetic Neutral Eyeshadow - I need to try something new, but these are SO pigmented
Pur Eye Polish in Suede for the outside of the eye - it's a new product that takes a little getting used to. It applies wet, but once it dries it's very pretty. P.S. it dries very quick.
Pur Eye Polish in Silk for the inside of the eye
Maybelline Ultra Eyeliner - a drugstore product I've used since high school.
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - trying this out, but much prefer Smashbox Full Exposure in Waterproof
EYEBROWS:
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Soft Brown - the best, hands down
LIPS:
PUR Lip Lure in Mystic - I love this! It's very hydrating to my lips.
SUNGLASSES are Oakley Hold On - love, love, love these.
The Women's S-WORKS XC : Pre-Mud
These are my brand new, never worn, straight out of the box S-Works XC MTB shoes that I will be wearing for Cyclocross. As we all know, these are about to be covered in mud, grass, dirt and everything in between so I had to snag a photo of these beauties before I put them through hell.
Cyclocross : How I started
Cyclocross - the most suffering I’ve ever put myself though in cycling, but also the most fun. The biggest factor I notice when trying to encourage other females to race is pure self doubt which I can 100% relate to. So, story time.
My first experience with CX was strictly as a spectator where I went and watched an entire season. Through doing so, I met a few female racers who encouraged my friend and I to give it a try. With no previous desire or experience racing bikes, it sounded both exciting and insane. Finishing out the season of spectating, the idea of racing stayed in the back of my head. Would I actually do it next year? I mean, I want to, but who am I kidding - I have no clue what I’m doing, I don’t have a CX bike, my fitness is lacking and the list went on. Road season was approaching and that seemed interesting as well. I told myself that I would start by racing road. Yep, that’s what I was going to do. Spring time rolled around and I didn’t do it - I was too scared to race. There I was again - wishing I could be one of those girls. Instead, I was on the sidelines, week after week just watching. However, I was becoming an excellent spectator, if only they had podiums for that! After months of doubting myself, watching the road season come and go, and finding a thousand excuses as to why I couldn’t race, I made the move to buy a CX bike. I spent the end of the summer attending local gravel grinder rides, practicing the basics and attending a local clinic. I’d ride to a park near my house and Zach would show me what Adam Myerson taught him at his clinic. He would show me something and nail it. I would immediately be too scared to do it, the attempt would be hesitant, then I would fall and my doubts appeared again. I didn’t always understand how to do something I was shown and there is still a lot that I don’t know how to execute. (For example, how to take a corner properly - help!). When I didn’t have anyone to help me, I spent plenty of time watching YouTube videos to try and understand some of the skills. As daunting as practice was, the season quickly approached and it was time to apply what I had learned. On a brisk morning, I finally showed up to race for the very first time. (Hooray! I finally showed up!) Already a nervous wreck, I began making my way to the start line. As I lifted up the course tape to go under it, I accidentally caught it on my bike and pulled bright yellow tape several feet and didn’t even realize I was doing it! THEN, when I finally lined up, I leaned into a thorn bush and a few girls around me had to help me pluck thorns off my jersey. It was all super embarrassing and it didn’t feel like I was off to a great start! Honestly though, I was so nervous, that all of those silly mistakes kind of felt like a blur at the time.
Once the official said go, we all took off and I gave it my all. Suddenly all of those nervous fumbles went away and do you know why? Because when it’s all actually happening you don’t have time to even think about it - you just do it. Those moments during practice when you stop right before you go over the barrier and have to work yourself up to it again are gone! There is no split second for you to say, “I can’t” or wonder if you’ll fall. Everyone is right next to you, you’re all hurting, you’re all new and you’re all making mistakes. But you know what, at least you’re all out there doing it. Week after week I kept coming back. I kept making more friends and I kept getting a little bit better. I also never pulled the course tape with my bike again, but I have seen someone else do it! See! I wasn’t the only one and whatever mistake you might make - trust me someone has done it before and someone else will do it again.
With that being said, the same beginner clinic I attended before racing my first season, is the one I photographed on Monday. Everyone was welcome with any bike they could find. We had about 20 people show up of all ages and skill level. Some people were so nervous and had never tried anything CX related before. The clinic only covered the basics, so don’t feel like because you don’t have a local clinic that you can’t attempt CX. I’ve attached a few links below that have helped me.
Trish covered the following things:
Rules of Racing
General Attire
Mounting and Dismounting
Shouldering the Bike
If you want to learn about these skills and more, I would suggest the following link:
Global Cycling Network Youtube CX Videos
I really hope that if you’re interested in racing, but you’re full of self doubt, that you finally build up the courage to just go out there and do it.
Read the original posting on the Specialized Find Your Fast blog, here.
CX Practice - Join Us! Sunday, September 20th at 9AM
9:00 AM Sunday Morning 09/20/2015: Cyclocross Practice at Conyers Horse Park in Georgia (I recommend clicking HERE for the exact Google Maps pin drop).
Just like the last practice, we’ll have a functioning cross course set up with grass, dirt, rocks, single track, barriers, run ups, technical sections, slow sections, fast sections and everything cross related! Come out, do some laps, do some mock races and have fun. Zach and I always appreciate anyone who can come early/stay late for a few minutes to help set up/take down cones and barriers!
This is an open invite! Invite your friends, family, mortal enemies! Share this post if you want... we'd love to see a bunch of faces again this weekend!
Commuter Clothes
It hasn’t always been about spandex and speed. Racing? Training? Those words didn’t exist for me a few years ago. I used to ride around the city to meet friends, get coffee and mash around for no other reason except to enjoy the view. Because I didn’t know much about cycling specific clothing, I subjected myself to some uncomfortable rides from time to time. You live and learn, right?
This week I slowed it down a bit in hopes of passing on my knowledge of casual clothes to you, so I put the Specialized Utility Crew, Levi's Commuter Jeans and Vans Lo Pro (similar version here) to the test! Here in the South it can be rain or shine in a matter of minutes and that's exactly what happened last week. I’m pleased to say that after putting everything through the elements, I highly recommend all of it.
This top was great for function, style and comfort. I kept cool with Drirelease Merino, the relaxed fit allowed me to put my own spin on the outfit by tying it up, and the zippered side pocket gave me a new place to put my keys. I’m wearing this style in Emerald Green, but you can also snag this tee in Carbon Heather for a more neutral look. The Levi's Commuter jeans have a high rise cut, so I don't show any booty, and the water repellant material really helped when it started to rain. Of course, the rain got to me through my clothes, but all of it dried fairly quick! The shoes aren't meant to have any commuter specific qualities, but I find them very comfortable to ride in. However, if I had known it was going to rain, I would have gone with MTB shoes instead. Although the Vans are great when it's sunny, I found my self slipping around a bit when it started to pour.
CX Practice - Join Us! Tomorrow, September 5th at 9AM
9:00 AM Saturday Morning 09/05/2015: Cyclocross Practice at Conyers Horse Park in Atlanta - We’ll have a fully functioning cross course set up with grass, dirt, rocks, single track, barriers, run ups, technical sections, slow sections, fast sections and everything cross related! Come out, do some laps, do some mock races, have fun, do cross stuff! Show up a few minutes early to help set up cones and barriers if you can!
This is an open invite! Invite your friends, family, mortal enemies! Share this post if you want... we'd love to see a bunch of faces Saturday morning!
2015 Bicycling Fall Classic p/b Specialized
Bicycling Magazine is celebrating 50 years! Grab some friends and plan to attend the 2015 Bicycling Fall Classic p/b Specialized in Eastern Pennsylvania on October 4th! Several of the Specialized ambassadors will be there, so come say hi! Word has it that there’s a good chance the leaves will be turning and the cornfields still standing will be golden. It’s only 2hrs from NYC, 1hr from Philly and they offer 10, 25, 50, 90mi and tandem options. Register using this link and see you there!