Disembarking The Sad Train

Posted on by Lindsay
If you read the last post here, you know that things this season have been challenging. There have been tears, defeats, disappointments, and a half dozen occasions in which I was chased by terrifying dogs on rural roads while thinking UGH JUST BITE ALREADY. It has been a difficult time. After coming home from the Joe Martin Stage Race, I intended to take some time away from racing to clear my head. I did take a break...if you consider the 12 days I was scheduled to be home prior to flying to the Tour of California Circuit Race a break. I went to California because the ticket was already booked and it was an opportunity that I felt like I shouldn't miss. It was a fun trip, so long as we don't count the hour in which I rode in circles with 108 other women while making unhappy faces and feeling miserable. Then ...continue reading.

This is a post I wrote a month ago

Posted on by Lindsay
Today is stage three of the Joe Martin Stage Race. I've written cue sheets, packed race snacks, laid out today's kit, and pinned race numbers. Also, I'm not racing. At the end of yesterday's stage, I jumped off the course onto the sidewalk 200 meters from the line, passed the finish area, and circled back to turn in my race number to the USA Cycling officials. "I'd like to turn in my number and withdraw," I said with conviction I didn't entirely feel. They looked surprised. "Are you sick?" one of them asked. It was a reasonable question, one I've asked myself over and over lately. "Um, yes," I replied, "in a manner of speaking." And that was it. Now I'm spending the next two days supporting my team from the sidelines before going home to regroup. Yesterday's race was a good note on which to step out; it was a beautiful day on ...continue reading.

A Month with Team Colavita in Photos

Posted on by Lindsay
[caption id="attachment_5084" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mary and I showing just how hardcore we are(n't) in our Rudy Project skull sunglasses before the Sunny King crit.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5083" align="alignnone" width="600"] The view from the Team Colavita service course at our house on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is not an inch of flat terrain in that region. NOT A SINGLE FREAKING INCH.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5085" align="alignnone" width="600"] We believe in representing our sponsors in a dignified and professional manner.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5088" align="alignnone" width="600"] Headed into Charlotte for the weekend to do some crits.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5089" align="alignnone" width="600"] Andrew and I were able to be together in Charlotte to celebrate our 6-month wedding anniversary. Despite having race obligations, we were able to take a moment to celebrate by having a massive pile of Italian food and a coffee date.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5086" align="alignnone" width="600"] A string of bad luck was punctuated (ha!) by a flat tire that left ...continue reading.

The flogging will continue until bliss resumes

Posted on by Lindsay
I was at a dinner party a few weeks ago and ended up in conversation with a girl I've always admired. While I was stuffing cookies in my face like there might not be food again (literally, I threw up a little in my mouth from being so full and then ate three more, nothing wrong here), she was telling me about doing hot yoga at a studio nearby and how it has really helped her both physically and mentally. Suddenly it came to me: I had to do hot yoga. Right then. Or at least as soon as possible. That translated to the following afternoon, several hours after finishing an incredibly cold, uncomfortable 3.5 hour ride. That's a good time to try a 90-minute hot vinyasa yoga class, right? I prepared by Googling "yoga tips" and reading them while eating the last third of a jar of Nutella. Armed ...continue reading.

Prologue

Posted on by Lindsay
I'm in the air on the way to Fort Lauderdale, FL for team camp. People have spoken recently as if this marks the beginning of the season, but I'm not ready for that yet. This off season has been long and filled with challenges, but I'm not ready for it to be over. The beginning of the season means big things: nonstop travel, long stretches of time away from home, and expectations to perform. There's a time and place when all of that feels normal, but that's called the beginning of March. Nevertheless, this is the beginning of something. The same team but with new riders, new leadership, and new sponsors. It's comforting to have familiarity while exciting to have changes. At this point last year, I was a wide-eyed and eager neo-pro with no idea of what to expect. Showing up at camp felt like the first day of ...continue reading.

2013 Recap

Posted on by Lindsay
This retrospective post was supposed to have been written yesterday, the first day of the new year, but I was too busy wringing out my liver, collecting the car from where we'd left it the night before, and reflecting on how the first highlight of 2014 was a 2am tequila-sodden rendition of Moulin Rouge's "Elephant Love Medley" while my father-in-law drove Andrew and me home. Yes, I know all of the words by heart. Something important I learned in 9th grade has been forgotten to make room for this gem. So anyway, it's time to say goodbye to 2013. It went by fast, it was full of memorable moments, and it took my life in directions I never expected. Like Boise, ID or Tybee Island, GA or that emergency room an hour from team camp in Borrego Springs. There are too many high points to try to recall them all: moments ...continue reading.