A dear friend asked me to revive my blog for the
upcoming events. I'll do my best to update this more often so you can follow
along on my 2015 cycling adventures.
As far as adventures go, the following is pretty
exciting;
Why would I open my post with this picture? Because I
am one of the 16 team members chosen to represent the US at this year's track
world championships in Holland!!
here's the full article:
http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2015/February/13/US-Paralympics-names-team-for-2015-Para-cycling-Track-World-Championships
If you read the previous post, from 2012, you would
be excused for scratching your head and asking "how did that happen?"
My 2012 experience at the US Track National
Championships was scary, intimidating and exciting all wrapped up together, I
wanted more. A few times a year I drive to LA, stay at the Ft MacArthur Qs and
train on the LA velodrome for a week at a time. Holly usually comes with me and
we treat it as a training/vacation. While I got more comfortable on the track
we got to know the LA area better with side trips to Santa Barbara, Catalina
Island, Long Beach for whale watching, an overnight trip to Palm Springs and a
detour through Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
My track education did not come without a steep price
to pay. The Monday before the 2013 US Track National Championships I was
involved in a serious bike accident on the track. I collided with another
cyclist and landed hard on my right upper back. One expensive ambulance ride
later I was treated to an ultra expensive night (one half of a nice car's
purchase price) in an LA hospital. Holly was bedside when the doctors said I
had two broken ribs, no big deal.
Based on that diagnosis I got back on the bike and
trained to ride the 1k (4 laps) later that week. One of my most painful poorly
made decisions. I rode the 1k, had a decent time, yet was in a great deal of
pain. When we finally got home to Utah the full extent of the injury was made
clear, I had broken five ribs, and my right lung collapsed. Holly took me to
the doctor which resulted in a three day stay in a Utah hospital (the other
half of a nice car's purchase price) where my lung was re-inflated and I
started the long road to healing.
2014 was an interesting year - I was correctly
classified as a C3 - which meant I was now racing against guys with leg
problems, like me. To me, that classification leveled the playing field and I
realized some success on the bike. Although I'd missed a lot of base training
due to the lung injury my racing form bore fruit at the right time. Of the 3
National Road Races I was on the podium for all 3 - 2 silvers and a bronze.
Track Nationals in November went well, a silver, bronze and fourth place which
meant my training had been worth the time and effort I'd put into the track.
2015 started with a track race weekend in LA to
determine the makeup of the team headed to Holland. Holly was in the stands to
watch as I raced the 3k (12 laps) in the fastest time I've ever ridden. Also
raced the 1k, the team sprint and scratch race but the 3k was the highlight.
That performance put me on the map for the selection committee, I just had to
wait a week to find out if I made the team.
On Friday the 13th, the team was announced, when I
told Holly she was so excited, we hopped up and down. It was rewarding to tell
so many family and friends who played a role in my recovery and rightfully can
share in the joy of this moment.
Thank you to you all for the love and support you've
given me that has allowed me to be my best. Now for the fun part - going to
Europe to race - more to follow......join me.....
No comments:
Post a Comment