My Winning Entry!!!
Name: Jeff
Home: Blaine, MN
Family: married with 2 daughters (3 ½ and 1)
Occupation: Manufacturing Engineer
Background:
Last year was my first year racing. I completed 11 races (mixtures of criteriums and road races) with a couple wins as a Cat 5. I upgraded to Cat 4 for my final race of the year (Nebraska State Road Race), where I finished 5th and like everyone knew I could have won had I raced smarter. Overall I have a decent sprint (so I am told) and need to keep building up my endurance.
This coming year will be interesting as MN has the Cat 4 and Cat 3’s race together. I am still pumped up with visions of pulling off some victories. I have already started putting in the necessary time to make sure the engine is ready, which leaves the strategy part. The club I ride with (Loon State Cyclist) has a core group of Cat 3-4 guys that I will race with, many who have different strengths. One of my goals is to be in a position to upgrade to Cat 3 at the end of the year.
Program:
The engineer in me definitely has presented itself in developing my training program for the year and is salivating at the chance to train with power! I developed my own little spreadsheet, even though I am sure I could have found something to download. My “official” training for 2009 started on December 8th. I am not brave or tough enough to ride outside over the winter (think freezing temperatures) thus until spring hits I stick to the trainer, rollers, or strength training.
Today:
So I am typing this at 5:30am as I let my oatmeal and toast digest before I get on the trainer for a 150 minutes of zone 2-3 riding. I learned quickly that the early morning, prior to the kids waking up is the best to ride. As everyone knows it is working that balance between family, work, and riding that takes some flexibility, sacrifices, and creativity. My wife is extremely supportive and the main balance point there is to make sure she can get the workout she wants in as well. Last year she competed in 2 duathalons, which she thoroughly enjoyed. If I end up winning the PowerTap I hope you don’t mind but I am sure she might take a few spins with it. Actually for Christmas “my girls” bought mommy a time trial helmet and aero bars. At least this year I know someone (me) will use the gifts. Let’s just say my gifts from last year were duds.
If I am the lucky winner I will have no issue making frequent posts to whoever the audience is. Many of my friends and family have asked me to start a blog so they can keep track of how my racing is going and starting one associated with Saris would be awesome. SO PICK ME!!!
