I’d Write More, But That Might Keep Me From Resting More Aggressively

Posted on by lindsay
I started a new job a few weeks ago at a small IT company in Reston. [No, the teaser photo was not me signing the offer letter.] I like the gig well enough and the people seem to be my kind of people. Sharp-witted, irreverent, firmly against early morning meetings. They already make comments about how I’m a dictator and, when a subcontractor said in a meeting today, “people in [Lindsay’s] role can’t be too nice,” my coworker immediately replied, “oh that’s not a problem for her.” So things are going well, if not a bit busy while I juggle managing two proposals simultaneously. It’s fine; better now in my off month than when I’m trying to ride six days a week, lift weights, and sleep more than six hours a night. As usual, rest month is not smooth sailing. On one hand, there is something sinfully delicious about having ...continue reading.

It’s the end of the year as we know it, and I feel FABULOUS

Posted on by lindsay
Part 1, Saturday Morning: Before The Race All of this year's travel, training, hard work, and highs are coming to a close at the end of today. Wow. What a year! I didn't know what to expect coming into this season - while I longed for a great year with results that would launch me into a pro contract, I tried to temper my expectations and see this season as a chance to learn and improve. My one goal was to podium at a national-level race. Things didn't go as expected. First was qualifying for the Nature Valley Pro Chase - I was so excited to have that opportunity and a big event to focus on for the season. Then I won Walterboro at Speed Week and was thrilled; I can still remember every moment of that experience and how incredulous and excited I felt. Seeing those podium flowers and ...continue reading.

And I wept for humanity

Posted on by lindsay
So I'm a few hours into today's ride, a ride that embodied the whole "the days where you feel terrible, the weather sucks, and you hate your bike are the ones that make you win races" philosophy, and I realize my front wheel is being unusually noisy. I pull over to the side of the W&OD bike path and, sure enough, my bearings are shot. That blows. As I'm standing there processing this new level of suck, a middle-aged man on a hybrid bike comes to a skidding halt next to me with what appears to be a flat tire. He squishes the tire with his hand and then starts throwing a fit. After a moment of drama, he asks if I have a pump. "No," I reply, "I only have a CO2 cartridge. But first you'll need to fix the flat." "I just need to put air in the ...continue reading.

Thater: Bike racing doles out some tough love

Posted on by lindsay
The Race: NCC Chris Thater Crit The Course: 35 miles, 40 laps, 5 corners The Field: 1/2 women The Finish: 4th When I planned to go to Thater, I knew it wasn't going to be the best set-up for a race. Flying back from Aspen on Thursday, working on Friday, driving six hours to NY on Saturday, and racing Saturday evening were a recipe for less than stellar recovery. But I committed to the plans and figured I could handle one last big effort for the end of the season. Then came a few days of stupid. I stayed out too late the last night in Aspen and slept for four hours before catching my flight. My layover in Denver was short (like no Wolfgang Puck airport pizza kind of short, which should really say something) and I had to make it from one end of the terminal to the other by running. ...continue reading.

In which I settle in more than anticipated

Posted on by lindsay
When I was younger, I wanted to live by the sea. The thought of settling down in a land-locked state like Colorado seemed claustrophobic and confining. Mountains were for other people who liked cold weather and skiing and plaid. This might be the time to mention I'd never seen the mountains. Now, after three days of living in Aspen, I realize that there is nothing claustrophobic about this place. When I stand outside and see peaks in every direction and endless sky, it feels expansive. It's a forceful reminder that the Earth is three-dimensional. Also, in the dry mountain air, my hair spends less time being a frizzy animal, which is a selling point against the sodden rainforest that is East Coast humidity. The last few days have passed in a blur of riding, eating, and sitting around. I've made it into downtown Aspen a few times, sampled more than ...continue reading.