Sincerely,
Beth, who has co-workers with a unique sense of humor.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Monday, September 8, 2014
The Flattest Century in the East (TFCE) - Recap
The stats: 101 miles on the
bike 6:30 moving time 8:10 elapsed time (I know, 100 minutes, that is a BIG
gap, but wait, there is a reason!)
My second Grand Fondo (ride 100km in one ride) Strava challenge met!
Ro knew someone who had an extra entry for the TFCE for 9/7 was I interested? Sure, I could ride a century - well the last one I attempted I was a few decades short, this would be different I would be riding with friends! Friends always make things more fun!! Plus that stupid plague seems to have gone away! Besides I learned about fixing tires and the dollar bill trick does work for a blown tire, all was not lost at the New Haven Century.
7:00 a.m. meeting up at UMASS Dartmouth, seemed easy enough. I left in plenty of time still managed to be late, grrr, frustrating to me. Fortunately Mark and Ro weren't committed to leaving exactly at 7:00 a.m. We pedaled off at about 7:25 a.m.
The first few miles
were mostly finding my gear and figuring out this pace lining thing with Mark
and Ro. At about 10 miles in, we turned a
corner and this gal says "OH I forgot about this hill." I looked and said "What hill?" Apparently this was a hill. The ride is billed as The Flattest Century in
the East. A whopping 3K of elevation
gain over 100 miles. Are you kidding me?
Hill? Considering my last ride was 3K in
elevation gain over 58 miles (Rhode Warrior) and that was a race not a ride,
totally different animal. Then there was
the 4K in elevation for 57 miles of Tour de Lyme. Of course
I know better than to look a gift horse in the mouth, this would be a
challenging ride, and I said, "oh it’s all new to me".
At the top of this 'hill' Mark and Ro pulled over to take off a few layers. Skinny people and the layers, they are always cold! I had on a tank and figured I'd suck up the chill in the first few miles. On the way down the hill they flew past me and didn't slow up. They got all mixed up with some quick riders and were having a ball.
First rest stop 30 miles - I hooked back up with Ro and Mark, they were done with this foolishness of being speedy and we stuck together.
Until... Mile 40ish, Mark touched Ro's wheel and BOOM he was down. Frigging spectacular fall. I only say that because he is OK. A driver behind us stopped and called 911. As I was calling the SAG wagon, the SAG wagon showed up as did the ambulance. Talk about speedy! Still there was a big chunk, 30 min, of the 100 minutes of non-moving time.
Mark and his bike with the bent back derailleur were loaded in the SAG wagon and sent off to the rest stop at mile 50. A bazillion flat tire fixes later they arrived at their destination 10 miles down the road a few minutes after Ro and I cycled up. Another chunk, 30 min, of time spent getting Mark's bike fixed.
All was fixed
and we were off together for the last 50 miles!
So that is 60 of the 100 minutes. The remaining 40 were spent at 3 rest areas and an additional rest area at mile 85 (too beautiful of a view to blow by it). Remember this is a ride not a race!!
Caught up with Shawn at the 50 and 70 mile rest stops. She had the same opportunity as me. Interested in riding a century? Sure. She had only ever been on the bike for 50 miles at a shot. A triathlete so absolutely no worries about endurance!!
The second half of the ride was absolutely the MOST gorgeous part of the course.
The closer and closer we got to 100 miles, the faster Ro and I seemed to move and we were dragging poor Mark along. He was definitely in pain and so ready to be done.
If you are
considering a century, this is a great one!
It was great because it was flat, only rolling hills no wicked climbs. The rest areas were well stocked and manned
and offered porta potties and lots of shade plus awesome and fun
volunteers. There were only a few miles
of road in not so great condition and one section (Compton) with rumble strips for
the center and side lines. All the
riders were great, and were definitely enjoying the ride and being with other riders. The scenery, oh wow, so beautiful, between
the wooded stretches and the water views, amazing. I will never tire of the beauty of New
England. If I stopped and took pictures I'd STILL be out there!!!
This was a really great ride for me. I learned how to attack on the rollers and a little about pace lining, both getting pulled along and pulling people along. Plus being with friends made the whole experience even better!
Thanks for all the great comments on Strava. I really don't feel all that like a rock star, perhaps it is just my own modesty? Seriously though, each and everyone of you (on and off Strava) impress the hell out of me and I only want be worthy to be in your presence!
Sincerely,
Beth, a little tired from a fun day with friends pedaling around MA and RI, wondering what's next!!
 |
| The route and the overall stats http://app.strava.com/activities/191411472 |
My second Grand Fondo (ride 100km in one ride) Strava challenge met!
Ro knew someone who had an extra entry for the TFCE for 9/7 was I interested? Sure, I could ride a century - well the last one I attempted I was a few decades short, this would be different I would be riding with friends! Friends always make things more fun!! Plus that stupid plague seems to have gone away! Besides I learned about fixing tires and the dollar bill trick does work for a blown tire, all was not lost at the New Haven Century.
7:00 a.m. meeting up at UMASS Dartmouth, seemed easy enough. I left in plenty of time still managed to be late, grrr, frustrating to me. Fortunately Mark and Ro weren't committed to leaving exactly at 7:00 a.m. We pedaled off at about 7:25 a.m.
 |
| Me, Mark, Ro |
At the top of this 'hill' Mark and Ro pulled over to take off a few layers. Skinny people and the layers, they are always cold! I had on a tank and figured I'd suck up the chill in the first few miles. On the way down the hill they flew past me and didn't slow up. They got all mixed up with some quick riders and were having a ball.
First rest stop 30 miles - I hooked back up with Ro and Mark, they were done with this foolishness of being speedy and we stuck together.
 |
| Mark, Ro, Me - 30 mile rest stop |
Until... Mile 40ish, Mark touched Ro's wheel and BOOM he was down. Frigging spectacular fall. I only say that because he is OK. A driver behind us stopped and called 911. As I was calling the SAG wagon, the SAG wagon showed up as did the ambulance. Talk about speedy! Still there was a big chunk, 30 min, of the 100 minutes of non-moving time.
 |
| Mark getting patched up. Ro helping with the patching. Note he didn't even take off his back pack. STUD!! |
Mark and his bike with the bent back derailleur were loaded in the SAG wagon and sent off to the rest stop at mile 50. A bazillion flat tire fixes later they arrived at their destination 10 miles down the road a few minutes after Ro and I cycled up. Another chunk, 30 min, of time spent getting Mark's bike fixed.
 |
| Mark's boo boos and bike all patched up! 50 mile rest stop |
So that is 60 of the 100 minutes. The remaining 40 were spent at 3 rest areas and an additional rest area at mile 85 (too beautiful of a view to blow by it). Remember this is a ride not a race!!
Caught up with Shawn at the 50 and 70 mile rest stops. She had the same opportunity as me. Interested in riding a century? Sure. She had only ever been on the bike for 50 miles at a shot. A triathlete so absolutely no worries about endurance!!
 |
| Ro, me, Shawn @ 70 miles Curly haired girls leave their helmets on - it is safer that way!! |
The second half of the ride was absolutely the MOST gorgeous part of the course.
 |
| Mile 85 stop - yeah I occasionally do not smile.... I think I had a power bar stuck to my teeth!! |
The closer and closer we got to 100 miles, the faster Ro and I seemed to move and we were dragging poor Mark along. He was definitely in pain and so ready to be done.
 |
| Cool T-Shirts!! You get these at the end!! |
This was a really great ride for me. I learned how to attack on the rollers and a little about pace lining, both getting pulled along and pulling people along. Plus being with friends made the whole experience even better!
Thanks for all the great comments on Strava. I really don't feel all that like a rock star, perhaps it is just my own modesty? Seriously though, each and everyone of you (on and off Strava) impress the hell out of me and I only want be worthy to be in your presence!
Sincerely,
Beth, a little tired from a fun day with friends pedaling around MA and RI, wondering what's next!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Weekly Recap 9/1 - 9/7
Monday - 0
Starting to be a theme. I wasn't feeling like doing anything so I didn't do anything. Not particularly enjoying feeling this way... it will pass.
In other news Dave and his buddy John had some brilliant crashes in Arcadia. So he is limping around like an old man.
Tuesday - Run 4 / 1.4 Dog walk
I really should call this a swim with the 100% humidity. At least the temp was only 84 so it wasn't completely horrific. Certainly felt like a slog and took everything I had not to plop my butt down on a bench along the Thames River and watch the ferries and sailboats.
Hopefully Mike B enjoyed this weather he loves...'
Gizzy was on a mission tonight. I think he may have been looking for Mike B to feed him some more chicken wings.
Wednesday - Run 8 / Walk 3 (w/Ro)
Finally Bephys got her groove back. I felt like crap for a few days, how on earth do people live like that??? A lunch walk with Ro, listening to the Ro Flow got me out of my bad place, yes yes, she let's me speak, so that helped and my afternoon seemed to pick up.
Admittedly I was very nervous about running 8 with Jennifer. We've never run more than a 5K together and I seem to be completely exhausted with that so why the hell did I sign up for 8? And then this humidity, holy crap this was sure to be a disaster. I committed so I'm committed.
When I walked with Ro the humidity didn't seem to be spiking, in fact, compared to yesterday's swim it felt like the desert. Hmmm... When I left work it felt dryer, when I got to the beach dry with a breeze. All rightey then, this is going to be good. I mapped out a loop. Jennifer looked a little concerned about this. I really didn't feel like and out and back and she was ok, lets go, I need to stop for water after mile 3. Sure thing, we'd be in Watch Hill at that point.
The run went well, very well, no hills to completely loose one's shit over and the last few miles were really down hill or flat. Finally I feel like I've had a good run and a good effort and broke the 5K barrier with Jennifer. Once I get past mile 5 I'm usually pretty good. I was a little loopy at the end and she was, well done. A little to much leg work the day before a run, didn't work out well. That is the point of training figuring out what works and what doesn't. And the point of running with someone is having them pull you when you are lagging and pulling them when they are lagging.
I'm pleased and feeling like my usual cheerful self, so I'll call that a win!
Thursday - NYC
What happens in NYC stays in NYC. Late dinner with a fantastic couple... lots of laughs and stories and toasting.
Friday - Run 3
I threw the new running shorts in my bag before I left, it was nice to come home to a package of summer running gear and winter. Planning ahead for when the temps are more to my liking!!
The run was fine, standard pace, soaking wet. When will this humidity end?? Afterwards I felt much better, I knew I would, I rarely don't feel better.
Decided against dealing with Boston traffic on a Friday night to be able to spend the afternoon with Dave and the dogs. Neither of us have been home long enough to have an actual conversation, with each other, not the dogs. So that was good. He is feeling better from his crash in Arcadia and not as bruised up as John. He hasn't been back on the bike since Monday so I know he is hurting.
Saturday - 0
I did nothing, rested, cleaned, read, knitted. It was bliss!
Sunday - TFCE (The Flattest Century in the East)
The flattest century in New England. 7 a.m. starting from Dartmouth UMASS! Looking forward to this!!
Recap here.
Sincerely,
Beth, Tomorrow is a better day Posted 9/2
Beth, Back in the grove Posted 9/3
Beth, TGIF!! Posted 9/5
Beth, last update 9/8
Starting to be a theme. I wasn't feeling like doing anything so I didn't do anything. Not particularly enjoying feeling this way... it will pass.
In other news Dave and his buddy John had some brilliant crashes in Arcadia. So he is limping around like an old man.
Tuesday - Run 4 / 1.4 Dog walk
I really should call this a swim with the 100% humidity. At least the temp was only 84 so it wasn't completely horrific. Certainly felt like a slog and took everything I had not to plop my butt down on a bench along the Thames River and watch the ferries and sailboats.
Hopefully Mike B enjoyed this weather he loves...'
Gizzy was on a mission tonight. I think he may have been looking for Mike B to feed him some more chicken wings.
Wednesday - Run 8 / Walk 3 (w/Ro)
Finally Bephys got her groove back. I felt like crap for a few days, how on earth do people live like that??? A lunch walk with Ro, listening to the Ro Flow got me out of my bad place, yes yes, she let's me speak, so that helped and my afternoon seemed to pick up.
Admittedly I was very nervous about running 8 with Jennifer. We've never run more than a 5K together and I seem to be completely exhausted with that so why the hell did I sign up for 8? And then this humidity, holy crap this was sure to be a disaster. I committed so I'm committed.
When I walked with Ro the humidity didn't seem to be spiking, in fact, compared to yesterday's swim it felt like the desert. Hmmm... When I left work it felt dryer, when I got to the beach dry with a breeze. All rightey then, this is going to be good. I mapped out a loop. Jennifer looked a little concerned about this. I really didn't feel like and out and back and she was ok, lets go, I need to stop for water after mile 3. Sure thing, we'd be in Watch Hill at that point.
The run went well, very well, no hills to completely loose one's shit over and the last few miles were really down hill or flat. Finally I feel like I've had a good run and a good effort and broke the 5K barrier with Jennifer. Once I get past mile 5 I'm usually pretty good. I was a little loopy at the end and she was, well done. A little to much leg work the day before a run, didn't work out well. That is the point of training figuring out what works and what doesn't. And the point of running with someone is having them pull you when you are lagging and pulling them when they are lagging.
I'm pleased and feeling like my usual cheerful self, so I'll call that a win!
Thursday - NYC
What happens in NYC stays in NYC. Late dinner with a fantastic couple... lots of laughs and stories and toasting.
Friday - Run 3
I threw the new running shorts in my bag before I left, it was nice to come home to a package of summer running gear and winter. Planning ahead for when the temps are more to my liking!!
The run was fine, standard pace, soaking wet. When will this humidity end?? Afterwards I felt much better, I knew I would, I rarely don't feel better.
Decided against dealing with Boston traffic on a Friday night to be able to spend the afternoon with Dave and the dogs. Neither of us have been home long enough to have an actual conversation, with each other, not the dogs. So that was good. He is feeling better from his crash in Arcadia and not as bruised up as John. He hasn't been back on the bike since Monday so I know he is hurting.
Saturday - 0
I did nothing, rested, cleaned, read, knitted. It was bliss!
Sunday - TFCE (The Flattest Century in the East)
The flattest century in New England. 7 a.m. starting from Dartmouth UMASS! Looking forward to this!!
Recap here.
Sincerely,
Beth, Tomorrow is a better day Posted 9/2
Beth, Back in the grove Posted 9/3
Beth, TGIF!! Posted 9/5
Beth, last update 9/8
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