I feel so dirty!

Wow, I've been very busy my friends. I don't even know where to begin. I'll start from today and work my way back. I feel dirty because I just got back from my first road bike race ever. Can we say 'road dirt'? You guys are probably used to this, but it's a first for me.

June 13: Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride. I rode the 25 mile race, (chickeeeeen- I know- next time I'll go for the 50). I just want to say: I LOVE MY NEW BIKE- even tho I lost the chain after they just adjusted it yesterday, and it popped the gears a couple of times, I'll bring it to the bike shop again tomorrow. I overtook the 3rd pack back from the front pack at mile 5, then lost my chain at mile 6. It felt so good to overtake sooo many riders, especially guys on road bikes. All of my training was paying off. I almost kept up with the ladies (we had our own pack) that were very serious riders (+100 miles per week). I lost my place with them when I rejoined my team captain at the rest stop at mile 13.5, then I continued on with her. Her mountain bike is a bit slower than mine, if she were on a road bike, I have no doubt we'd be on course with Scott Burrell, sigh.

At the start of the race, standing next to Coach Calhoun for our pics I realized that he is a very tall man. When I get a copy of our team pic with him I'll load it up. Our 25 mile race was held up by Ray Allen who was a little late, but he, Kevin Ollie and the hunkie Scott Burrell, (heavy breathing), led the way. I was probably 3-4 minutes behind them for a while till I lost my chain. Then at the 13.5 mile rest stop I switched bike jerseys- my team UCONN one for my Team Suburban Cycle (that has a million names of those fighting cancer and words of encouragement).

1:50- I crossed the finish line with Kevin Ollie's wife, not the best time, but I did lose a chain, hung out at the rest stop for about 10+ min, and took my time with my captain oh captain (today, she was the boss of me). The after-party is super cool, just check out the pics. I was very nervous as my arthritis has been rough the last week or so. It's systemic, so what bothers me one day won't the next- and something else will hurt like the son-of-the-devil. It does make me strong tho, I kid you not.

My kids and Scott Burrell (McHottie)

Kevin Ollie and Duncan

I would have had more, but the boys were restless and we had to keep moving. Ray Allen was very busy with his family and all of their kids, so we didn't bother him. Someone told me that Coach Calhoun took a bad fall off of his bike, I really hope he has a speedy recovery.

Also, this past Wednesday was the open house for a Sprint Tri series at one of the private recreation association here in central CT. A triathlete who does laps on the same night as my swim lessons told me about it and suggested I take a look. So I did, and took Sally, (my Trashy Trek Urban Trail Ghetto Mountain Bike) for a turn on the 5 mile bike trail. I quickly realized that I really need a bike with shocks to negotiate the trails without much damage to my back and the rest of my body. I had a lot of fun and the director assures me after taking part in some of the 'tiny tri's' that I'd have no problem in the sprint tri. I will volunteer until I am ready.

Lastly, a couple of weeks ago I showed up for my swim lesson a whole hour early, which was fine, I had time to practice my drills slowly. I started talking to this nice woman in the pool who was very familiar. Well, she was an old acquaintance of mine, and I learned that she was a swim teacher/coach for many years. I also found out that she was my coach's mom. She gave me a lot of very useful advice, we talked of the old days and we discussed the bully grandpa's that take over the pool. Now, I almost felt a LITTLE guilty after one of my bloggy friends posted on her blog about being patient with the elderly in the pool. The only reason I felt a LITTLE guilty is because I ALWAYS try to see the good in people, but these guys were pushing it. So I did find out that they do try to push the women out of the pool, I guess it's still a mans world in their minds, and my retired coach lady friend told me NOT to give into them and to ignore them. They should not be pushing us ladies around. Pffffft, like they'd ever push my ghetto girl @$$ out of my swim training, yeah right! I just snicker at them now. Haha.

Much more, but I am tired as I'm sure you all are from all of the reading... plus I need to wash the road dirt from my face. :D

***update*** 06/14: I'm adding this article about Coach Calhouns crash, he is lucky to be alive.