[mtbchick]

mtbchick on January 10, 2022 at 8:42 pm · in reply to: Group Intros! #61896

Hi Ashley sometimes in the late 1990s I did the Presi Traverse in February! it was so epic!

[mtbchick]

mtbchick on January 10, 2022 at 8:41 pm · in reply to: Group Intros! #61895

Hello Ladies!

I am Tonya. It’s a bit of a stretch for me to join this program (time wise!) But I am so happy to be here! And I am so stoked to hear all of your stories, goals and inspirations!

I am a retired (in 2005 and 2012) pro mountain bike racer who has transitioned to trail running and skimo, ski touring and now I am a full time ski instructor in addition to running a business. I still ride, just not competitively at all.

I have struggled with motivation since the beginning of COVID when all the trails shut down in my area, all the events cancelled, etc. not to mention forest fires. I have had an incredibly difficult time getting back into shape. At this point in my life, I am seeking a community of women with whom I can train and spend time in the mountains. I turn 49 in 5 days!

I live in Wrightwood, California, about 1.5 hours from Downton LA. I live at altitude and have trails from my front door, whether for riding, running and even skinning and ski touring.

I’d like to compete in the Mammoth Skimo race in April, and I have been considering doing more 25K trail runs, but I am not committed yet (mostly because of my studies and my lack of training). I hope I can find new motivation to get out and train, enjoy time in the mountains with other badass women like all of you, and get back on track!

[mtbchick]

mtbchick on June 30, 2019 at 2:38 pm · in reply to: Encouragement for a trail beginner! #24260

Hi Emily,

I am new to running (sounds like I am even newer than you!) but I come from a cycling background. I have completed 8 weeks of transition and one Base block and am in my Base 1 recovery week beginning today.

In my experience as an elite athlete, you have to build a base before you can add intensity. If you follow the strength and sprint intervals, you’ll be building the muscle memory you’ll need for the speed down the road while incrementally building speed in general. Also don’t forget that you can do pick-ups and some speed work downhill sparingly in the base block which will help. Mostly base building is the foundation. It’s not pretty. It’s laying concrete and rebar. The house can’t be built without a foundation!

How long is your training plan for your objective? Once you get past your base building you should feel faster in your Z1 and Z2. But I would give it time.

It seems counterintuitive, but that’s why the guys wrote a book about it.
-Tonya