Adding another dimension to our training...

The stock market. Race goals for competitive endurance athletes. Business dreams. Raising children. Eternity. What do these have in common? As the title of this column suggest, I believe a common theme that ties all these together is the importance of thinking long-term. Let me elaborate.

Financial investors, who have tried to weather the downward trend in the stock market over the last several years, have been continually encouraged to "think long-term." Athletes, who have an important race goal 1-3 years down the road, are usually challenged by their coach to make short-term sacrifices in order to reach their long-term goals. New business owners, who invest $$ and countless hours to get their business off the ground, are inspired by the hopes of a successful business venture one day. Parents, who endure many sleepless nights early on, look forward to the day when their child will grow up (but not TOO quickly:).

In our fast-paced society, where we have microwaves, drive-thru lines, on-line ordering, and instant banking, it is easy for us to focus on the "today" & the "now", instead of the "long-term" and the "eternal." Believe me, this is a real challenge that I face, as well. Sometimes, I remember this perspective, and many times, I forget it, and have to be reminded.

As many of us scurry throughout our busy lives, let's try to step back and consider ordering our daily lives with an eternal perspective. I'll leave you with a few quotes:

• "Train yourself to be godly. For bodily discipline has some profit, but godliness has profit in this present life AND the life to come." (1Timothy 4:8)

• "If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up somewhere else." (Yogi Berra)

• "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 6:26)

Have a great day,

Kim

(August 2003)

Competitive endurance athletes can sometimes be very self-consumed. Believe me, I know. As an endurance athlete for almost 20 years, I know how easy it is to get caught up in focusing on myself in order to reach the challenging goals I've set. Of course, as athletes striving for excellence, a certain amount of this is required. We need to complete our key training sessions; we must focus on nutrition and rest in order to recover well; and we have to set our schedules, to a certain extent, based on the training and race goals we've established. Have we eaten the proper food?  Rested adequately? Stretched and gotten our massage? Prepared our race equipment? Mailed in our entry fee? Filled up our water bottles? The list goes on.

There is much to think about. The journey as endurance athletes is a long one. In my experience, I have discovered a few important things to keep in mind along the way...

Keeping family members on "our team" is a top priority. I encourage the athletes that I coach to sit down with their spouse and/or other family members, and let THEM be a part of the goal setting process each season. What do our family members think about the hours we will be spending in order to reach these goals? Will they be required to take up the slack for us in certain areas...and are they willing to do this for us? If we can give them opportunity to voluntarily join us in our quest, then we will ALL have a much better season! Let them know how much you appreciate them, too. I could not have been a successful endurance athlete without the support of my family, especially my husband. And, I tell him so.

Look outward.  Help others in the pursuit of their goals.  Our training partners, family members, and friends, will most likely have their own goals and ambitions. These goals are as important to them as our endurance sports goals are to us. Some of these goals will have nothing to do with setting a PR or getting on the podium. Let's look for ways to serve and encourage them, too. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus, who described his perspective of what it means to be "great." He said, "If you want to be great, be a servant." That is a radical concept to live out, especially in a world that often encourages us to "look out for #1." While I do not claim to have a handle on this attribute, I am always impressed when others model this servant attitude before me. Here are a few ways we might practically show others that we care: listen enthusiastically while our training partner describes his/her recent race experience- blow-by-blow-, a "you can do it" vote of confidence, a cold water bottle on a hot summer day, volunteering for babysitting duties, or simply sending a note of encouragement. These small acts of kindness mean a lot to most people. I know they do to me.

Enjoy the journey. This past week I was challenged, and humbled, by my 2 adventure racing teammates: Ken and Tom. We decided to hook up for a couple hours of training around Paris Mountain in Greenville, SC. I knew that I was in trouble when I was struggling in the warmup.  During the ride, Tom showed Ken and I some new trails, some of which were quiet challenging. I had to watch as they took off, leaving me in the dust. Something about steep, rocky descents, with roots, makes me a little nervous. I begged them to ride on trails for roadies like me: Fast, smooth, rolling single-track. Yeah, that's what I like :) Even a jeep or fire road. I especially enjoy riding on pavement! It became apparent though, that on this particular day, I was the "weakest link." Despite my suffering a bit on the bike, and having to admit that my fitness is currently not what I'd like it be, we still had a great time together! We talked about our team race goals, our families, how cool it is to be able to ride our bikes, and even met a few new folks. Overall, it was an enjoyable day. Life is like this, too. Some days will be more challenging than others.  I am thankful for life's unique experiences that come my way, knowing that God is with me as I walk through each one of them. 

Cheers,

Kim

(March 2003)

 

An interview with Becky Conzelman: Fall 2002

Becky is a member of the Freddy Fu Women's Pro Cycling Team and finished 2nd in the 2002 U.S. National Criterium Championships.  Kim caught up with her former teammate upon Becky's recent return from Denmark, where she represented the United States at the World Track Championships.                                                        EFC:  Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into bike racing? BC:  I first learned about racing my senior year in high school watching my brother compete in the LiL 500 at Indiana University.  At my college, Miami University, they had a similar bike race that I competed in this all four years. My first true experience with road racing did not come until 1998, when a friend encouraged me to enter a race in Hawaii.  Unfortunately, the road to be a good cyclist has not come easy. In my first year of racing, I was hit by 2 cars rather seriously.  Thankfully, I healed up and continued to press on. EFC:  You are a terrific sprinter.  What do you think makes someone a good sprinter or criterium racer...besides the fact that your quads are about 1.5 times the size of my "climbers" legs:)? BC:  Ultimately, your power output and power to weight ratio has to be very high.  You also have to have a high aerobic capacity to be able to sustain a long, hard race, and then have a sprint left at the end.  It helps having great teammates as well!  It took me a few years to really be able to know how to position myself at the end of the race.  This past year, my third season, it just kind of cliqued and I found myself always in a good spot at the end of the race.  I learned to be more aggressive and stay towards the front as much as possible.  I am still learning and fine tuning the finish, as I have yet to pull off a big win! EFC:  What advice would you give to a rider who wants to improve as a sprinter? BC:  My biggest improvements came this past season.  From experience, I can say that I spent much more time in the gym in the off season and even during the season (3x week in off season, 2x week during).  I really noticed a difference in maintaining my strength throughout the season because of the gym work.  I know every sprinter does not spend as much time in the gym as I do, but it works for me.  During the season, I did a maintenance phase of lifting, which is not too intense, but maintains my core strength.  I also cut down my mileage this past season, and focused more on shorter, more intense efforts.  Instead of just riding long, slow miles in the off season, I started doing intervals in November, along with the long slow stuff.  EFC:  What is your normal day like as a professional cyclist? BC:  Is there really such a thing as a normal day?  I'll give it my best shot... a.m-  wake up, eat breakfast, spend time reading the Bible and praying. 10 a.m-1 pm -road or track workout.     am. lift on lift days 1 p.m. - Eat lunch.  Eat more...even when you don't feel like it!   Afternoon- spend time on my work with FCA, catch up on personal stuff, take an hour nap.  This is very important, especially during a heavy phase.  When we sleep, growth stimulating hormones are produced, which help in recovery and also repairing of damaged muscles.  I try to nap every day during the season, but it is usually more like 4x week.    Late afternoon- Either another track workout, group ride or EZ road ride. Evening- Cook dinner for me and my husband.  After dinner, I usually spend an hour of personal time catching up on life stuff.  I don't watch a lot of TV, and during the season I don't really have much time anyway.  Every night, I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, and even 9-10 during heavy training phases.  It's all about recovery and having enough strength to go hard again the next day. EFC: What are some of your hobbies? BC:  I love working with kids and encouraging them in their faith journey.  I work part-time for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Spending time with my husband and good friends is another joy in my life.  I am most happy having coffee with a friend, taking a vacation with my husband, or just laughing and having a good time.  Life is too short to not enjoy it! EFC: What character traits do you consider as important to you and why? BC:  Faith.  At the core of all that I do, is my faith in Jesus Christ.  My faith  helps me to keep perspective with my cycling.  Competition and travel can be very draining, and it's when I stop to read and meditate on God's Word that I really get charged.  I love the verse Jeremiah 29:11-13.  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  It is easy for me to get obsessed in how I am doing against the competition, especially with the next Olympics around the corner.  Then I'm reminded to keep my eyes focused on Christ, and all things will work out according to His plan.  Train Hard, Race Hard, and Trust the Lord for the results. Integrity.  Being true to your word, to yourself and to others.   I want people to be able to trust me and confide in me.  One of the biggest compliments I could ever receive is that I am trustworthy and a woman of integrity.  EFC:  Where is your favorite place in the country to train? BC:  Trexlertown, PA EFC:  And finally, what are your future goals in cycling? BC: I am seeking to fulfill a lifelong dream of competing in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Cycling is very demanding, yet I hope I can make the most of opportunities along the way to encourage others.  I also hope that my quest for the Olympics will motivate young girls, or even older girls, to go for their dreams and maximize the talent God has given them. Life is too short not to, and I don't want to have to wonder, "What if?" EFC: You go, girl!

Just back from a full day's travel from CA after the 2001 Elite National Cycling Championships. My mind/body are still in that time zone...so I  am sending a race update in the wee morning hours.

"It was the best of times...it was the worst of times". I'm not sure where that comes from, but that thought comes to mind as I think about my race and how quickly things can change in the exciting sport of bike racing. My first 2 days in CA where quite leisurely and enjoyable as I got to recover from the travel with easy spins, WATCH everyone suffer in the National Time Trial event and to cheer on my teammates and my Greenville buddy, Pat who finished an impressive 7th place in an event that allowed Pros and amateurs. Pat is not only my friend, and training buddy, but one of the athletes I coach and it was great to celebrate that finish with him and his wife.

On Friday, our TalgoAmerica.com team went out to pre-ride the hilly course which featured a 1.5 mile climb that seemed so "innocent" while we were chatting and siteseeing. Unfortunately, we could not get the rest of the peloton to continue in this mode the next day! We would go up that climb 4 times the next day in our 70 mile event and for me the pace up that climb was brutal. The first time up half the field got dropped. The second time the field was shattered. 2 got off the front and there were about 20 left in the main field...including me...barely. I know a bunch of folks were praying for me because it really took a huge amount of tenacity to make those final 2 times up with the leaders. But, I made it and only had 10 miles to the finish. I begged some water off some of my comrades as I missed my last feed in the 90 degree weather.

We're now on the last long run into the town of Redding,CA (which I found out by the way, is the 2nd hottest place in CA after Death Valley, CA... a true fact, they say). There are 18 of us left in the main field and we are contending for 3rd place as 2 are still off the front. I hear the sound of a tire "blowing" and look over at another rider who has just lost any chances at a good finish. No way of doing a tire change and catching the field at this point. 4k to go...another attack...the whole field jumps and swings across the road to respond. I swing across a yellow reflector in the road, and all of a sudden hear a thump...thump...
thump... An immediate rear flat. The support comes up for a quick change but there is no way I'm gonna make up the minute lost in the tire change with 4k to go. I do try...but they left without me and I came in a minute later: 19th place.

That was obviously quite disappointing to flat after having made it that far, but unfortunately, that is part of bike racing. As I "reflect" on this event, I continue to remind myself that it is most important to judge "winning" or "success" by other measures besides our placing. For me, I want to compete with excellence, give everything I have, enjoy time with my friends/competitors and use the talents that God has given me for His glory. (I forget this perspective about 50% of the time, but am reminded of it as these situations arise!)

Thanks to each one of you for the encouragement, prayers, training rides and "you go girl" comments.

Time to sleep,
Kim

(May 2001)

Excited and scared. Those were the 2 main emotions which most aptly described my mood as my friend/training partner, Susan and I packed up her car in May, 2000 for our drive to Jackson, Mississippi to compete in my first women's road race event in FOUR years: The 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials Road Race. I was excited that I was going to race this big race, but scared that I might not still be able to compete well. Although I had stayed in decent shape over the previous 4 years, there is nothing like real racing to sharpen your race skills and fitness. 

MY PREPARATION:  I'm really not a glutton for punishment and wasn't trying to throw myself in one of the biggest events in America without proper race preparation.  I tried to do 2 events in the 6 weeks preceding, but each time something unusual happened.  The first time we drove to a race outside Atlanta, but got stuck in traffic on the way to the race and had to end up doing a group ride instead of the race. In 10 years of racing, I had never missed a race due to being stuck in traffic. The second event, a road race which followed the Athens Twilight Criterium, met with another unexpected challenge. Although I arrived at the event over 2 hours early, they ended up changing the race start time and while I was inspecting the final kilometer sprint finish, they were sending the women's race off...EARLY.  So, a few of us arrived at the start only to find that the race had left about 5 minutes earlier.  Although large numbers of racers in various fields had the same thing happen, it meant that I missed my final chance to race before the 2000 Olympic Trials Road Race. In 10 years of racing, I had never missed a race due to a start time being changed.

So, here I was on my way to Jackson, Mississippi hoping to compete respectably, with the long shot hope of securing the ONE spot (of 3) that would be awarded to represent the U.S. in the 2000 Olympics as the winner of the Olympic Trials Road Race. I had nothing to lose, really. Except for my pride and the fact that I still expected myself to compete at the level that I USED to...4 years earlier and 4 years younger ( now I'm over 40).   During the fall of 1999, I wrestled with the whole idea of coming back for this race. It would have been a lot easier to just stay "retired".  Life was pretty comfortable, actually. The analogy kept coming to my mind of a football player who had been sitting on the bench just watching his team play.  His uniform was clean; he never got tackled and he never got injured. Conversely however, he never scored a touchdown and missed out on the excitement of just playing in the game! It was time for me to "get back in the game"...no matter what the results.  I felt like it was a dream that God put on my heart to pursue, so with much reluctance and not too much confidence...yet, I began to train seriously again. A great group of training partners in Greenville, SC helped me prepare for the big event.  But, this final obstacle was more than I expected and more than I wanted to deal with!

BUMMER... My friend and I were cruising down the highway in Birmingham, AL on the way to the Olympic Trials, bikes comfortably sitting on the roof rack above us, listening to some tunes on the radio, when all of a sudden I hear a "whoosh" sound as if something was flying through the air. Unfortunately, it wasn't a bird, or even a plane, but it was my precious Trek 5200 road bike, the complete roof rack and my friends bike which were airborne at 75 mph!  Miraculously, no one was hurt.  The bikes didn't hit anyone in flight, (despite the fact that we were in rush hour traffic), and although they landed smack dab in the middle of 4 lanes of traffic, no one ran them over or crashed while swerving to avoid them. It is a whole other story of how we even got those bikes off the highway and how I was able to put my damaged bike back somewhat together for the race 36 hours later.  But, let me just say that when I stood on the side of the highway, in shock, and starred at my mangled bike parts, I was ready to turn around and go home! For about 5-10 minutes I said, "I quit". Every time I had tried to race so far that year something frustrating had happened and this was the last straw. I prayed and told God my feelings, which of course He already knew, but I felt Him encouraging me to hang in there. Minutes later, a fellow cyclist named Johnny happened to be driving along the highway, saw our plight, came to our rescue and helped us get my bike to a bike shop where it was repaired.

THE RACE: 36 hours later, the National Anthem played and we were off for the 64 mile U.S. Olympic Trials Womens Road Race. It was a tough, wet day and it was an aggressive race. Thankfully, I was able to attack with 20 miles to go and ended up being in the races winning breakaway. Four of us (Jen D., Nicole F., Mina P. and myself) in the break were working well together and established a 20 second gap pretty quickly. Three of our other breakaway companions were pretty much sitting on as they must have had orders from their managers to do so.  Only the WINNER of this race would go to the Olympics and their team's designated "sprinters" were back in the chasing field.

8 miles to go...I'm in trouble. My legs are cramping and the attacks within our breakaway are beginning.  One of our breakaway companions who had been sitting on had fresh legs and her attacks almost caused me to get dropped...3 times. The field is closing and our 30 second gap has now dropped to about 15 seconds.  It is at this point that I recalled one of my 3 goals for the race. I wanted to give everything I had and have "no regrets" about what I wish I would have done during the race. I wanted to race like a champion, part of which, in my opinion, includes really going for it in a race, knowing that sometimes when you do this that you could lose it all or win it all. Unfortunately, I was now at the point in the race where this perspective was about to be tested. The field was closing...and fast. I knew that if I didn't keep pulling then they would probably catch us, but if I kept pulling then I might get dropped...now just 4 miles to go. I decided to keep pulling as much as I could instead of simply sitting on.  1K to go...going up the final hill where I had attacked 3 laps earlier. I knew someone would try to make a move here and I was afraid that I'd have nothing left in my legs. Well unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. The attack came. I stood up to go with it and my legs said, "that's it; we're done"! My 6 breakaway companions rode away from me and there was nothing I could do about it.

I glance back and see that the rest of the field is coming towards me like a runaway freight train.  They are only seconds behind me at this time and all I could do was put my head down and pedal as hard as possible, hoping that I could hold them off for a 7th place finish. That last 400 meters felt like an eternity.  Thankfully I held them off, finishing about 1 second ahead of the rest of the field.  But, it was tough to have to watch my breakaway companions sprint for the victory. I wanted so much to be in there sprinting for my chance to go to the Olympics. However, I knew that I had done my best and it was great to be out there racing again. Nicole Freedman won the sprint and, in my opinion, she deserved to win that day. She worked her heart out in our break and I congratulate her on her race victory. Off to Sydney, Australia she would go to represent the U.S. in the 2000 Olympic Road Race.  

As I reflect back on this race,  I am reminded of the many times that I wanted to give up on that dream and go back to sitting on the sidelines. It would have been much easier. My point: When we pursue a dream or goal in life, whether in sports or other areas, it WILL be met with challenges and obstacles. We shouldn't be surprised when we face them.  I encourage you to stay the course with the dream that God has put on your heart. I recognize that there are some who may be reading this who find it a bit unusual for me to mention that God has anything to do with our races, with our dreams in life. But, I believe that He really does care about these things. So, please hang in there. You never know what is around the next bend or how close you are to an exciting ending of your own story!

Kim

"...Let us run with endurance the race marked out for us."  (Hebrews 12:1)

Our "Cross Training" page includes race stories, interviews and quotes which we hope will encourage each athlete to enjoy and reach their potential in life.  We welcome your comments.

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