End of the Road – Details of Duathlon World Championships

Hi Everyone,

The Road 2 Recovery/Road 2 Worlds  reached its final destination on September 26 at the Duathlon World Championships in Concord, NC.  Before I give you details about the Final Destination (Du Worlds), first let me recap the journey, primarily with the use of  pictures. 

The journey down the “Road” started back in March when I broke my right wrist (Colles Fracture) while learning to snowboard with my friend Margot.  OUCH! 

I broke my wrist on 3 15 09 while snowboarding w/o my wrist guards. Urgent care took X-Rays and put my arm in a sling until I could see my doctor.

 I had qualified for the Duathlon World Championships (10k run/40k bike/5k run) just a few weeks earlier at the Desert Classic Duathlon in Fountain Hills, AZ and was so excited to be going to Worlds to compete against the best women in the world in my division. 

Patty wins her division by 11 minutes at the Desert Classic Duathlon to qualify for the Duathlon World Championships

Instead of focusing on training, I now had to quickly find a GREAT Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Doctor to assess my break, fix it and then immediately start rehab so I could get back to world-class training.  Fortunately for me, Arrowhead Orthopaedics, one of the BEST sports medicine facility in Southern California was right down the street from me.  For a faster and stronger recovery, it was recommended that I have surgery (ORIF) to insert a DVR plate held in place with nine screws.   Dr. John Steinmann performed the @ 90 minute surgery on March 25; I had the stitches out on March 30 and started rehab with Occupational Therapist Harold Neuendorff on April 1 at the Arrowhead Orthopaedics Hand Center.

Me 3/25/09 - I'm patiently waiting to be wheeled in for surgery. Dr. Steinmann is going to be performing what is called an ORIF procedure - Open Reduction and Internal Fixation. A DVR plate is going to be inserted to hold my right broken wrist bone together so it can heal efficiently without having to be casted.

 

My "Bionic" right wrist - DVR plate and 9 screws

 

Patty with Harold for rehab - Ultrasound treatment is used to warm tissue deep within wrist for pain reduction or prior to manual mobilization of wrist.

 

Here Patty has her Right upper extremity within an E-stim modality High Volt Galvanic current being used for edema mobilization and pain reduction techniques.

Fortunately for me, my legs were not injured and I was able to ride my stationary “spin” bike, starting the day after surgery.  I continued to ride indoors for five weeks until I was given the okay to ride outdoors.  Running was a bit more complicated due to the impact and movement of my arm while running.  However, I still ran, but slowly for 5 weeks (sometimes with a sling), until I tested myself with a hilly 10k in April at the Run Through Redlands.  I needed to get a base time for 10k to access how much running fitness I had lost and how much work I needed to do in order to get myself back in World Competition shape. My time was in the 47 minute range, which let me know that I had A LOT of quality training ahead of me.  But that was okay, I like a challenge and felt I could lower my 10k time by five minutes with the proper quality training. Fortunately, with my 25+ years experience in the Fitness Industry, in a variety of positions:  Educator/Trainer/Instructor/Coach/Athlete,  I knew what needed to be done and immediately got to work in planning my comeback.

This is me one day after surgery. It felt SO GOOD to ride my RevMaster.

 

Patty gives it her all in the final stretch to the finish of the Run Through Redlands (April) to win her division.

 

It's 4 19 09 and I'm having a blast training in the countryside of Redlands for the first time outdoors in over a month.

 

Patty using a weight pully for grip, wrist rotation and arm strengthening.

 I didn’t even miss a day of work as a Fitness Educator at Chaffey College.

It's Tuesday, April 2 and I'm back at Chaffey College teaching one of my Fitness Education Classes. I'm wearing a wrist brace to keep my wrist protected for awhile. I didn't miss one day of work due to my surgery. As I tell my students - "It's just a flesh wound!" Positive thinking does wonders for the body, mind and soul.

After completing therapy in June, I started to gradually increase my running distance and added in weekly speed work.  Running is a sport where the training must be monitored closely, for both increased mileage and speedwork, in order to prevent injuries (particularly shin splits, IT problems and stress fractures of the lower leg).  I also chose a variety of races to enter to test my fitness level along my Road 2 Worlds.  My training proved to be working, as I won every race I entered:  Toyota Desert Duathlon, Disney Duathlon, Tin Man Triathlon and the Strawberry Fields Duathlon leading up to the Duathlon World Championships.  I couldn’t be more pleased or more ready!!

Me breaking the Disney Duathlon Winners's Tape on June 14, 2009

The BIG day finally came – September 26, 2009 in Concord, NC!!!  There were close to 1,000 athletes from around the globe ready to take on the World to see if they were the Best of the Best in their respective divisions:  Elite, Juniors, or Age-Groupers (5 year increments beginning with 20-24, except for 18-19).  Each country has their own rules for qualifying.  In the US, one had to place in the Top 12 at Nationals or in the Top 3 at the Desert Duathon in their division in order to be named to TEAM USA and proudly wear the Stars & Strips in this once yearly World Championship.  Not only did I qualify, but also my husband, Tom Resh.  He too, is a former US National Cycling Team member.  We both represented the US at international competitions over 20 years ago and were excited to be representing our country again!

Start of the Inaugural Women's Tour de France, 1984 Bobigny, Paris. photo copyright John Pierce

I’m the 4th cyclist from the right on the front row with the perm!  Remember – this was 1984, perms were the rage. LOL

Below is Tom and me in our 2009 TEAM USA uniform.

Before race day, we reviewed both the run and cycling courses.  They were both challenging with lots of turns, some downhills and short, but steep, climbs.  The cycling leg was particularly technical, which favored both Tom’s and mine’s years of bike racing skills.  I was very pleased with both courses and felt confident that I had a shot at being on the podium.   However, the forecast was calling for rain, which would neutralize our advantage because everyone would be forced to go slower through the downhill turns.   Only time would tell.

Meanwhile, just like the Olympics, the World Championships have a “Parade of Nations” where the athletes line up alphabetically with their country flag, with the host country (USA) being presented last.  Here are some photos of me with the various female athletes from around the world.  Can you guess which country by their flag?

Me with the Aussie female Duathletes

Me with the South African female Duathletes

Me with the Brazilan Duathletes

Me with the lone Hungarian female Duathlete

Me with the Slovenia Duathletes

 

Me with the USA female Duathletes

TEAM USA during the Parade of Nations. I'm in the front row with the camera around my neck.

Tom and I on the finish line after the Parade of Nations.

 

Airshow concludes the Parade of Nations

It was nice to talk with both fellow TEAM USA athletes and the International athletes.  Everyone there had earned the right to represent their country and were going to have the opportunity to test their individual mettle against the best from around the globe.

The night before the race, we had to check our bikes into the transition are and leave them overnight.  Of course, as Murphy’s Law would have it, it started raining shortly after the athletes checked in their bikes.  I covered my saddle, computer and brakes with plastic for protection.  Others covered their entire bikes, while others did nothing. 

After a good dinner, it was time to relax and mentally prepare for the biggest race of my duathlon/triathlon career.  I slept surprisingly well – probably due to the fact that our race wasn’t until 3:35 PM on the 26th.

We woke up to dark clouds with it still raining.  With our race not starting until late in the afternoon, we hoped the rain would give way to sunshine.  But that would not be the case!

Until our race, we just stayed in our hotel room and waited, ate, hydrated and followed the other races via both the internet and twitter.  We heard the bike course was slick and there were a few crashes.  I decided not to use my rear disc, due to the rain and winds, but instead, my deep rim rear race wheel. 

At 1:30 PM, Tom and I left the hotel, getting a ride with some other athletes staying in the hotel.  We had planned to ride our bikes, but they were already in the transition area.  After putting on the final touches on the bike, it was time to warm-up.  Everyone was running around the infield of Lowe’s Speedway warming up for their heats.  Tom went off at 3:30 and my heat went off at 3:35 PM. 

Start of my race - 45+ age-groupers at the 2009 Duathlon World Championships

 

I took the early lead until I was passed by the two Canadians you see to my left and right of this photo

When the start gun fired, I took off and was very surprised to take the early lead.  Within a quarter mile, two Canadians passed me.  I knew one was in my division (they mark our right calves with our division), but the other had her lower legs covered for warmth.  I mistook her for a younger division.  I felt strong on the run and held my position throughout the 10k, finishing with a respectable time of 42:11 or (6:47/mile pace).  I was VERY happy to still be in 3rd, or 2nd, as I thought the one Canadian wasn’t in my division, after the 10k run.  I had a clean and fast transition and was looking forward to the 40k bike where I knew I could make up time.  As a former US National Team Bike Racer, I was ready to attack the technical course and move into 2nd or perhaps 1st place. 

However, once on the bike, in the POURING rain, I wasn’t so certain.  My bike at times felt like it was hydro planing and therefore, I chose to ride more cautiously.  I didn’t want to crash.  There were also a few fast descents with sharp right hand turns at the bottom that I also chose to ride more cautiously, especially since the DVR plate was in my right wrist.  As a result, Stacy Creamer (USA), in my division, passed me once during the first bike lap.  I was quite surprised because I usually never get passed on the bike.  This got me fired up and I knew if I wanted a shot at the podium, I would have to lock out any thoughts of crashing on my right side and seeing my DVR plate break through my skin.  Fortunately, the fierce rain turned to a steady, less pounding rain on lap 2 and I pushed the pace, going two minutes faster on lap 2 vs lap 1.  I finally passed Stacy on the steep hill and continued to motor towards the final transition. I thought to myself, “Did I make up enough time and would I be able to hold off Stacy in the run? ”

Me during the 40k bike leg at the Duathlon World Championships. Part of the bike course was on the Lowe's Motor Speedway.

My legs felt like jelly at the beginning of the final leg – a 5k run.  I eventually got into a pace and didn’t think about anything except “Push Patty Push!”  About a mile into this final leg, Stacy passed me.  I tried to go with her, but my legs couldn’t match her stride.  I continued pushing, hoping to hang onto 3rd place for the Bronze medal.  No one else passed me, so as I ran down the final home stretch, my eyes began to fill with tears of joy, for I thought I had accomplished my goal of winning a medal and standing on the podium proudly in my Team USA uniform.  As  I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t help but let all my emotions loose – all the months of recovery and training had finally paid off.  It was over and I had done my best on that given day in time. 

Me coming down the home stretch after running 10k, cycling 40k and then running 5k at the Duathlon World Championships 2009

Stacy came up to me shortly after the race and asked me, “How do you think we did?” 

I said, “I think you got the Silver and I got the Bronze.”  We were both so thrilled.

Stacy and I after the race.

As it turns out, the one Canadian with her lower legs covered, that passed me during the 10k was in my division, which placed me 4th and Stacy 3rd.  We ran into Canadian Carolyn Silvey, who we thought won, but after we congratulated her on her victory, she informed us that she didn’t win but her teammate, Margaret Richie did.

Silver Medalist (CAN) Carolyn Silvey with her back to us, informing Stacy and me about her teammate winning the Gold and not her.

After learning I was 4th, I turned to Stacy and congratulated her.  She tried to make me feel better by informing me that she had finished 4th in the 1,500 at Track & Field Worlds one year.    As I anaylzed my splits and that of the top 3, I know where I lost the bronze – during my conservative riding on lap 1 of the bike during the downpour.  I was 2 minutes slower on lap 1 then lap 2.  I was in 4th place by 1 minute.   Then to find out as Tom was packing my bike, the rims had water in them.  It seems that water had seeped in through the spoke holes and/or tube value and collected in the rim.  This threw off a smooth and fast rotation and probably contributed to the hydro planing.  Ride in the rain and learn! 

The following day there was a Brunch Awards Ceremony and then everyone went back to their everyday lives.  For Tom, myself and all the other Duathletes, this was a wonderful opportunity and a great experience that each and every one of us worked hard to qualify and even harder to compete against the best of the best in the world.

I am proud to have represented TEAM USA, California, Redlands, PossAbilities, Leopard, Cytosport and Arrowhead Orthopaedics at the 2009 Duathlon World Championships.  God and the economy willing, I hope to one day return, with all my lessons learned from my first Worlds’ appearance and make it to the podium.   Until then….it’s back to working, being a parent, a community activist and training. 

Stacy (USA) 3rd; Margaret (CAN) 1st, Carolyn (CAN) 2nd; Me (USA) 4th at World Duathlon Championships 2009

Just so you know how strong the competition was, here’s just one of each medalist’s highlights from my division:

Stacy – Bronze Medalist at Master’s Cross Country World Championships

Margaret – Silver Medalist at 2008 Duathlon World Championships

Carolyn – Gold Medalist at 2007 Long Course Duathlon World Championships

Tom, finished 7th in his division, posting the 3rd fastest bike split.  His overall time was 1:58:28.  By the way, my overall time was 2:11:50.

Thank you all for travelling with me down the “Road 2 Recovery/Road 2 Worlds!”  I hope you have enjoyed your travel and also learned a few things along the way about never giving up!  We all have roads to travel.  So fasten on your seatbelt or strap on your helmet and enjoy your journey – bumps, detours, challenges, curves, low points and high points.  It’s all a part of the ride!

Road of Challenges,

Patty Peoples

“See it, Believe it, Achieve it!

Duathlon World Championships

My Road 2 Recovery/Road 2 Worlds finally arrived at both the finish and starting line of the 2009 Duathlon World Championships on September 26 in Concord, NC.  WOW!!!  What a journey to get here!   There are so many stories to tell, but right now, I’m certain you mainly want to hear how I did. 

I’m proud to report that I was the 2nd American women, but a bit disappointed in my 4th place overall in my division. I was hoping for top 3 so I would medal and be on the podium,  but I guess it was not meant to be.  But, as many friends and supporters have reminded me, “Hey, 4th in the World is pretty darn good!”  Yes, it is! 

It’s almost midnight, so I don’t have time to go into details, but came back on Friday (10/2), Saturday (10/3) or Sunday (10/4) for the full story.

Meanwhile, here’s a picture of me finishing in the rain as the 4th best Duathlete in the World for my division!  It POURED during our race! 

Patty finishing 4th in her first Duathlon World Championships, September 26, 2009

Thank you for joining me on this Road!

Patty Peoples

“See it, Believe it, Achieve it!”

Team USA – 20 Years Later

Hi All,

When I opened a package two days ago, filled with TEAM USA clothing, it finally hit me! My husband (Tom Resh) and I are going to the Duathlon WORLD Championships on September 26. What also hit me was the fact that it’s been 20 years since Tom and I both donned USA clothing as members of the US National Cycling Team. 20 Years!!! So much has happened in 20 years, but one thing has stayed constant in our lives – Tom and I, and now our 14-year-old daughter, have continued to live a “Fitstyle” way of life after we retired from bike racing in 1989 (me) and 1990 (Tom). How was your fitness 20 years ago and how is it today? If you don’t like the answer, then after you finish reading this, consider a realistic plan to get yourself in shape. It’s never too late!

Last year at this time and even as recent at January, 2009, competing at the Duathlon World Championships wasn’t even on my mind, let along my “bucket list.”   Life is definitely unpredictable at times. 

Flashback – When I wasn’t racing bikes for my trade teams, I represented the US at the inaugural 1984 and 1985 Tour de France Feminin, the Inugural Goodwill Games in Moscow in 1986 in the 3,000 meter pursuit and at the Tour of Okinawa, my final race as a full-time bike racer.

Tom wore the “Stars & Strips” jersey representing the US at races in Chile, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, and England, to name a few.

Twenty years later, we are both excited to have the opportunity to represent TEAM USA in another sport, the Duathlon. The Duathlon World Championship consists of a 10k run, 40k bike and finishes with a 5k run.

Here are some photos of Tom and me in our TEAM USA uniforms.

Patty and Tom wearing their TEAM USA uniforms for the upcoming Duathlon World Championships.

 

Patty and Tom testing their TEAM USA uniforms on the run.

The uniforms even display their names on their backside. This not only informs the spectators and media who's running but also lets the competitors know who's in front of them!

With only one week remaining, my thoughts flashback to March 15 and the 12 weeks that followed.  I broke my wrist (Colles Fracture), had very successful surgery (DVR plate and 9 screws) with Dr. John Steinmann of Arrowhead Orthopaedics, followed by 10 weeks of very successful rehab with Occupational Therapist, Harold Neuendorff of the Arrowhead Orthopaedics Hand Center and now I’m off to Worlds!   Someone pinch me!

 

Stay tuned….as Road 2 Worlds continues…

Patty

“See it, Believe it, Achieve it!”

Final Workouts for Worlds Approaching!

Hi All,

It’s amazing how much time, effort, energy, training, sleep, fuel (food), thought, money and more of the same are put into preparing for one major event.  For me, and my husband (Tom Resh), it’s the upcoming Duathlon World Championships on September 26 in Concord, NC.  

With only 17 days remaining, there’s less than seven days of quality training to complete.  The most important of those sessions is going to be the SPEED work sessions.  Their the “Tell” of the training that let’s you know how fast you can actually plan to go during the event.  With my 25 plus years experience in bike training and racing, I’m confident for the 40k bike portion of the event.  It’s the first 10k and final 5k that I have been working diligently to improve over the past seven months when I qualified on February 22 to represent TEAM USA at the Duathlon World Championships (10k run/40k bike/5k run).   

And let’s not forget the unexpected set back of my Colles Fracture of the right wrist on March 15, insertion of a DVR Plate and nine screw, and rehab at the AO Hand Center 2-3 times a week for @ 10 weeks.   Thus, I really didn’t get to start training to improve my running ability until @ June.   So, for the past three months I have been planning a running training regimen to improve both my endurance and speed.  First, I worked on the endurance and gradually added miles and then once I was able to run an hour straight, in early August, I upped my speed work distance weekly. 

Today, my second to last speed work session, can be explained with one word – OUCH – both physically and mentally!  Jackie (a good friend and training partner) and I did 5×1 mile hilly repeats.  My times were consistent, but with each repeat my heart rate was higher and the lactic acid building.  To continue pushing myself, I had to rely on my mental strength, training and ability to endure the physical demands of my body and command my body to perform.  It paid off with a very successful workout!   It always amazes me how the mind is so powerful when it comes to achieving a goal.  The more challenging the goal, the more the mind is needed to fulfill the goal. 

By “the mind,” I’m referencing the ability to believe in the goal and endure the means that are necessary to achieve the goal.  Sure, people often talk about wanting this or that, being able to do this or that; but how many people do you know will actually develop and implement a plan to see the goal through fruition?  

In sports, as in life, all things being equal, the difference between those that achieve and those that don’t are the ones that BELIEVE they will achieve.  Ask yourself one or more of the following questions:

“What do I TRULY want to achieve by working out?”

“What do I TRULY want to achieve in my job/career?”

“What do I TRULY want to achieve in my relationship/marriage?”

“What do I TRULY want to accomplish before I’m (add your own phrase or word)?”

You have the power to succeed IF you TRULY want to succeed.   You also have the power to define how you measure success.  Remember, it’s YOUR success, not what society, your parents, friends, co-workers….tell you is success.  Imagine your own dreams/goals and then work to achieve them.  When you do achieve a goal, the ownership of that feeling of success is “priceless.”

With each repeat I did during my speed work session, I felt GREAT for achieving the purpose/goal of each repeat.  Now, with one speed work session next week, I feel confident that my training plan is on schedule and I will be ready to compete against the best women from around the globe (USA/Italy/Great Britain/New Zealand/ Canada…).  How will I measure success come September 26?  First and foremost, I don’t want any mechanical problems or be involved in a crash.  After that, I will measure my success by uniting my mind and body to work in unison pushing the “envelope” and giving 100% effort.  Hopefully, my 100% effort will result in the fastest time and award me the title of World Champion.  But if not,  as long as I am able to give 100% I will be happy knowing I did everything possible and pushed myself, both physically and mentally.  I will have achieved my personal goal – having the opportunity to test my athletic ability in the Duathlon and compete against the best women in the world at an International World Champion event at the age of 52!  Remember – Age is Just a Number, NOT an excuse!

Road 2 Worlds – Patty

“See it, Believe it, Achieve it!”

3 Weeks from Today – 9/5/09

Yikes!  The clock is starting to tick faster – or so it always seems when a huge event is close.  Three weeks from today at 3:20 PM, I will be standing on the starting line of the Duathlon World Championships in Concord, NC.  My heart rate will be up, my blood pressure up and all my senses keen and ready to explode.  When I hear the following words:  Ladies to the line; on your mark, get set, GOOOOO!!! and the sound of the start horn will be blasting as I take off and begin my quest for the title of World Duathlon Champion in my division!  For the next two plus hours, I will be more focused then ever and in total unision with my mind and body, putting all my months of training, recovery (from my broken wrist – Colles Fracture) and training into my performance over the 10k Run/40k Bike/5k Run course. 

To find out more information about the Duathlon World Championships, click on http://www.usatriathlon.org/event/event/1072?page_id=4421

My current training is right on schedule.   I’m feeling very fit, healthy and ready to race!  Stay tune over the next three weeks for my details leading up to the big day – SEPTEMBER 26, 2009!!!

Road 2 Worlds!

“See it, Believe it, Achieve it!!!”   Patty

PS:  Thank you to all the people that have helped me along the way, especially Arrowhead Orthopaedics www.arrowheadortho.com and the AO Hand Center http://www.arrowheadortho.com/haroldn.htm for repairing my broken wrist and through an excellent rehab program, my wrist is 100%; Leopard Cycles www.leopardcycles.comfor my very fast TT bike and support; PossAbilities www.teampossablities.orgfor their continued support; Cytosport www.cytosport.comfor my “winning combination” of race beverages, My husband/fellow training partner and also a Du Worlds Qualifier himself – Tom Resh; my daughter, Holly; and all my family, friends, training partners (Jackie, Margot, Gill, Mark S and others) and the local community of Redlands and it’s surrounding area.  This race also belongs to you!!!  Hopefully, I will be doing the following on Sept. 26 (See Below)

Me breaking the Disney Duathlon Winners's Tape on June 14, 2009

5 Month Surgery Anniversary & 32 Days Until the Duathlon World Championships

WOW – I can’t believe it’s been five months since Dr. John Steinman of Arrowhead Orthopaedics performed wonderful surgery on my right broken wrist(Colles Fracture) - putting in a DVR plate and nine screws!  See photo below

My "Bionic" right wrist! Thank you Dr. Steinmann!

It is also ONLY 32 days until I take to the starting line of the 2009 Duathlon World Championships in Concord, NC where I will be competing with the best women in the world, primarily those in my age-group 50-54, for the title of World Champion.  Now I know what some of you are thinking – what?  She’s in her 50’s?  How good can she be?  Well, don’t let age fool you.  When it comes to athletics, age can be VERY deceiving.   Look at Lance, he’s considered old for bike racing and at age 38 he finished 3rd in the Tour de France this year.  How about Dara Torres?  Remember the “41-year old lady” that won several medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics?  

As my father always said, “Age is a state of mind!’  I firmly believe that.  Enough on my age. 

Okay, one more thing about age to put some skeptics to rest.  The last three events I entered, I took the OVERALL Crown as Champion.  Yes, the OVERALL, which means I was the first women to cross the finish line, not just the first in my age group, but first out of all age-groups!  See, it can be done. 

Patty winning the Disney Duathlon June 14, 2009

Patty winning the Tin Man Triathlon, June 28, 2009

Patty is the First Female OVERALL at the Strawberry Fields Duathlon, July 19, 2009

 

I just hope I can get it done on September 26 when the best women in the world  step to the line and the gun goes off and away we go….. Running for 10k, then transitioning as fast as possible to our cycling gear and racing our bikes for 40k, only to make one final transition out of our cycling shoes and back into our running shoes to run 5k to the finish.  What order we all finish will be determined by the time on the clock.  The person that complete the 10k run/40k bike/5k run in the shortest amount of time will be World Champion!   We’ll find out in 32 days!

The past two weeks, I have made tremendous progress in my training.  I have upped my running to 1 hour of trail running each week, along with more intense speed work once a week, and a few short tempo runs here and there.  I am also adding a mile run after most bike training rides to get my legs more accostumed to the bike-run transition.  This is the toughest transition for most Duathletes.  After pushing hard on the bike for around an hour and then running afterwards is a shock to the system, not to mention the legs.  At first they feel like someone elses legs – they are bit wobbly and won’t go as fast as you’d prefer.  But once you settle into your stride/pace, you become one with your legs and start to go faster until you settle into your final race pace.   Now, your finish time is in the “hands” of your legs, lungs and mind!  Run, baby, run!

Happy 5 Month Anniversary for my surgery!  THANK YOU Dr. Steinmann, thank you Arrowhead Orthopaedic (AO) and thank you my wonderful hand therapist, Harold Neuendorff of the AO Hand Center for being SO GOOD at your professions that I am once again competing at the World Class Level!   What a GREAT team of Medical Professional!   THANK YOU!!!!

I hope everyone who reads my blogs will be inspired to never give up on their dreams or goals.  Yes, we hit detours along the way but that’s all they are – detours!  Don’t give up on yourself or your goals.  If you stay focused and work hard to overcome any obstacles, you will be so happy when you finally achieve your goal! 

See it, Believe it, Achieve it!  If I can do it (Worlds at 52), you can do whatever you put your mind into completing!  Your mind is a very powerful tool and your best ally!

Road 2 Worlds!

See it, Believe it, Achieve it!

Patty

East Coast Vacation – Training

Hi All,

Sorry it’s been three weeks since my last blog.  I was back East for a very needed two week vacation visiting my side of the family (4 sisters and 2 brothers and their families), whom I only get to visit once a year!   The East Coast is so different from the West, especially when it comes to the GREENERY.  The East has more small towns with big yards and not as many fences separating the neighbors.  Everywhere you look, you see GREEN lawns, hillsides, trees and fields that go on for miles.  I can’t get enough of the GREEN.

I spent most of my vacation visiting one of my dearest friends who lives in Alexandria, VA, visiting at one of my brother’s houses in Kensington, MD and primarily at a small town along the Pocomoke River southeast of Salisbury, MD called Westover, where one of my four sisters lives and also my father.  My one brother also has his second home here also – my mother lives here now.  We call it ”The River House.”  

 I grew up in an agricultural town called Gaithersburg, MD (21 miles NW of Washington DC) from 1967 when I was 11 until I moved to CA in 1986.  

My childhood home in Gaithersburg, MD

We lived next to a farm and would play hide-n-seek in the barns and catch salamanders, fish and tadpoles in the creeks.  We also lived across the street from the elementary school where daily we would have neighborhood co-ed kickball, baseball, basketball (horse was big back then) and football games.  It wasn’t organized sports but rather every kid in the neighborhood would just show up and play.  Usually my brothers and sisters would form one team.   We’d play until Mom would ring the dinner bell and then the game was over.  Ah….those were the days!   I would love to see neighborhood games came back into play.  Does anyone remember playing red rover, red rover we dare so and so over or how about SPUD or flashlight tag?  If so, let me hear from you and share your story.

Back to the vacation….Sorry, I sometimes get side-tracked.  LOL

While on vacation, I also knew I needed to increase my intensity of my training for the Duathlon World Championship (September 26 in Concord, NC) so I borrowed my brother-n-law’s bike and had the pleasure of riding with several of my former training partners from the early 80’s along the rolling country roads of Germantown and Frederick, MD, as well as along the Potomac River on the George Washington Parkway Bike Trail that extends from Georgetown, DC to Mount Vernon, VA and the countryside of Westover, MD.  There’s no better training then rolling country roads surrounded by various farms and orchards with little traffic and few lights or stop signs while riding through small towns -”Americana!”  When you view the pictures, notice how green everything is.  This is another major difference between the East and West.

Flags posted signifying it's Sunday Ride time in Frederick, MD

The Sunday Group cyclists are ready to ride

Nice rolling countryside view

My nephew and future elite cyclist, Chad Ramsay, riding along a country road. Love the barn! This was one of many we passed during our training ride.

 

My good friend and original training partner, Paul Tellock, hosted a BBQ after our group ride. This "Reels Wheel" group usually gathers at Paul's on Sundays and enjoy a nice country training ride, followed by post eats and beverages. This has been going on for 15+ years if not 20+. How I miss these rides and the friendships. I always make an effort to ride with them when I get back East, at least once a year! Here's to cycling bringing friends together!

 

Got Water/Cytomax/Enduro...Anything? My nephew Chad doesn't like to get thirsty or dehydrated while riding. He always carrys some extra bottles, especially one for his Aunt Patty (me). Thanks Chad!

Another places we trained was in Kensington, MD along Rock Creek Parkway, which runs for many miles usually filled with commuters from MD to DC.  However, on Saturdays and Sundays, several sections of the Parkway are closed to cars.  This has been going on for years, as far back as I can remember in the early 80’s.  There were hundreds and I mean hundreds of people out riding, running, walking, skating….  It was refreshing to see so many people out exercising!   The Inland Empire could take a cue from this and promote a healthier lifestyle by closing some roads on the weekends and foremost by FIXING THE ROADS!!!  As much as I like living in Redlands, the extremely poor conditions of the roads are being to break me down.  Back East, no matter where we rode, the roads were nice.  I can’t recall any major bumpy or bad conditions for any length of time.  When we were approaching a “poor” section that was brought to our attention from someone in the group I’d laugh and say, “This isn’t bad, this is equivalent to our good road.”  They thought I was joking.  I assured them, I was not and then I would get both a bit mad and sad that bad road conditions have become the norm of Redlands.   Wake up Redlands – FIX the roads so it’s residents will want to commute to work and/or school more often and also just ride around town for exercise.  The roads are getting so bad that one almosy needs to ride a Mt. Bike with full shocks.  Okay, enough on that subject, back to the vacation.

Here are some shots from riding in Rock Creek with my husband, Tom Resh and nephew, Chad.

Tom, Patty and Chad infront of my brother's (Barry) house before our Rock Creek ride.

Chad and Tom climbing in the Park

Tom and Chad descending in the Park

Tom coming straight out me - I'm taking the picture

Chad coming straight towards me. This is how photographers sometimes get an upclose and personal shot

Tom and I also had the opportunity to do a “race pace” training ride with a team out of Salisbury, Md that my nephew Chad trains with on a regular basis and a rival team out of Ocean City, MD.  It was 46 miles of non-stop riding, averaging 26 MPH.  This was exactly the training we (Tom and I) needed.  Chad informed me that I was the only female to every ride with the group.  There were @ 20 of us riding a wonderful rotating paceline.  I had a blast!!!  It reminded me of my bike race training days with the National Team.  I took my pulls at the front and was treated like a fellow athlete vs a girl they were trying to drop.  They were all good bike handlers and we were flying along the countryside of Salisbury, MD.  I hung with them for an hour before I dropped off the pace on a gravelly s-turn.  Chad tried to bring me back to the pack but I couldn’t quite maintain the 30+ MPH needed to get back on.  I told Chad to go ahead and that I knew my way home.  He didn’t want to leave me but once he knew I could get home, he took off.  What natural speed he has.  I’m going to have his VO2 tested.  I’ve seen many cyclists over my 25+ athletic career and I firmly believe that my nephew, Chad Ramsay, has both the physiological and psychological qualities to be an elite cyclist.  He also is a good runner, so how knows, maybe he’ll be a Duathlete.  So remember this name – Chad Ramsay.  You may hear it down the road.  

While riding back, I ran into Chad again who had stopped to help Tom with a flat.  So now Tom, Chad and I had a good pace line going back to the start – the Cycle and Fitness Store in Salisbury, MD.  What a great training ride we had!

Below are some shots of Tom and I riding the flat farm lands around Westover and Pocomoke.

Welcome to Farmland in Westover, MD

20 Miles into our ride at the turnaround - Snow Hill, MD. We had a tailwind getting there and a headwind for 20 miles home. We both rand out of water with 15 mile to go. Where was Chad with my extra bottle? LOL

 

Tom riding over a country bridge. We probably only saw 10 cars during our entire 40 mile ride. That's what I call peaceful!

Notice the sign (Share the Road!) If small farm towns can put up signs to share the road with cyclists, why can't Redlands?

 

We passed by this nice cabin for sale. Anyone need a cabin in the country?

I also rode with my sister, Sharon, who recently bought a bike and is loving it!!   Some days, I would ride Tom’s bike and Holly would ride the bike I borrowed and my brother Tim even hopped on a Mt. Bike and joined us. 

Family ride - Brother Tim, Sister Sharon, Me and Daughter Holly

Sharon passing a tractor on our way to Shelltown's boat ramp - our turnaround point.

Shelltown Boat Ramp - turnaround. The Pocomoke River is in the background.

The end of the ramp at Shelltown with my sister Sharon (on the left). What a wonderful turnaround point!

Cornfields make for good wind shelter. Sharon demonstrates. The downside of riding the flatlands is that the wind can be strong at times. However, since there aren't hills here, riding into the wind takes power like hill climbing.

Holly waves while riding among the cornfields

Inside one of the chicken houses on my brother-n-laws family's property. They raised chickens and pigs. My brother-n-law is the town's dentist, while others in the family still farm and some make their living by the industry the water has to offer.

The vacation wasn’t just about training, we also enjoyed activity on the water and with family and friends.

View from my brother's dock as Sharon (my sister front in white) and other members of the family pick us up for some water fun.

Catching air while tubing. Who needs Disneyland when you can have a ride like this!

 

Me attempting to get up on one ski. It's been a few years.... On your mark...

Get set.....

Go....I'm almost there...

Yes! I did it - YEAHHHH!!!! NOTE: Holly took these sequence of photos! What a natural photographer she is!

Holly also is very excited to master getting up on one ski! The fruit does not fall far from the tree! LOL

Besides tubing and skiing, we also enjoyed some fishing and crabbing.  Crisfield, MD is world renowed for it’s crabs. 

Heading out to the Sound to fish. We even saw the buoys that signified the water state line of MD/VA. I thought that was rather interesting.

Some sites as we leave the harbor. Here is a commericial fishing boat.

I caught the first fish - a Croaker. We let it go though. We planned on doing only catch and release that day.

Holly catches a Croaker. Her Uncle Bruce, and the "Boat Captain," did an excellent job of taking us to various spots to fish. He knows these waters and the Pocomoke River like the back of his dentistry hands! These waters were and are his playground. What a nice life where one is in balance with nature.

Tom caught the biggest and best eating fish - a 16.5 inch flounder. This one we kept! Way to go Tom!

Heading back into Crisfield after a good morning of fishing!

While in Crisfield, Bruce gave us a tour of a Softshell packing facility.  it was fascinating!  See pictures below.

A Shanty house.

 

Crabs waiting to be processed

Bruce, Holly and Tom checking out the crab tanks.

 

Assembly line format. This depicts several workers cutting the legs off the softshell crabs

Softshell crabs getting nicely wrapped and packaged

They get weighed and boxed ready for delivery.

I love eating MD Blue Crabs, soft or hard.  While visiting one of my best friends and former training partner, Mary Ellen (she qualifeied for the 1984 Olympic Marathon Trials), Tom and I went out in one of her family’s kayaks in search of netting our own crabs.  See blow

Mary Ellen and Tom in the Kayak

Me with the softshell crab I caught.

Holly trying to get some crabs the old fashion and very successful way - with a chicken neck tied to a piece of string. We caught at least a dozen crabs this way.

 

Mary Ellen's grandson, Russell, practicing his kayaking skills in the pool.

 

 

 Speaking of crabs, we had a crab feast to help celebrate my mother’s 85th birthday.  She is in good health and even help out in the Dentist office once a week!  We also celebrated my father’s 81st birthday the next day since six out seven of their children were in town.  Happy Birthday!!

Crabs, Corn and more to celebrate Mom's 85th B-day! Chow down!

Holly is all smiles while eating crabs. Tom is to her right and I'm two places to her left. We ate crabs for 1.5 hours!! Nothing like quality tiime with family. Barry's screened-in porch was big enough to connect several tables to accomodate all 20 of us!

 

My mother surrounded by her "out of state" children: Tim (AZ), Cathy (CO) and me (CA). Happy 85th B-day Mom!!!

With 6 out of 7 kids in town, we decided to take some family group photos. Not to disturb my hard working older brother, Barry (who's house, we call the "River House" where we all stayed, except my sister Sharon who lives a few acres over from Barry), we gathered round and snapped the shot. From left to right: Me, Tim, Dad, Sharon, Pam, Cathy and Barry on the couch!

Now a shot with our mother: Left to right: Cathy, Sharon, Tim, Mom, Pam, Me and Barry still power napping on the couch!

Before we leave Westover, I want to show you some shots I took along the river as we went fishing one night.  I hope you find them as peaceful as I did.

A get-away cabin along the river

A boat and dock waiting for someone to enjoy them!

 

We saw several bald eagles while visiting. They know they are safe in this area! It was breathtaking to watch them soar!

A good ole American Farm!

A beautiful sunset as Bruce enjoys a quiet moment of fishing.

 Before we headed back to CA, we visited my dearest and longest friend since I was in the second grade, Mimi, at her home in VA.

Mimi starting a fire in the fire pit so we could make some Somores! Yummy

Everyone roasting marshmellows

 

Tom gets the award for the PERFECT roast!

The final product is eaten by Holly - Yummy!

We couldn’t leave the DC area without making a stop downtown.  My brother Barry was kind enough to take us downtown.

Myself, Tom and Holly outside the Museum of Art with the Capitol in the background.

 

 

We saw the White House

The Washington Monument

Barry in the doorway of the entrance to the special showing of the "Royal Armour." Unfortunately, they wouldn't permit photo taking inside the exhibit rooms, but I can tell you this - it was fabulous. If you ever get an opportunity to view the "Royal Armour," take it. We only had an hour before the Museum of Art was closing so we moved swiftly and saw a lot in an hour. Next year, we will spend a few days in DC. There is SO much to see!

 It was GREAT to visit with family and friends back East.   Now it’s back to several more weeks of Du Worlds training and getting ready to teach at Chaffey College.  This will be my 19th year!   I thoroughly enjoy educating people about fitness and how important it is for high qualilty of life well into their golden years!  

My next blog will be more about my Countdown to Worlds!!!   Hope you enjoyed reading about the East Coast.  I’d love to hear your comments.

Until then….See it, Believe it, Achieve it!

Patty

 

3 For 3

Hi All,

WOW, the Tour de France was a very exciting race this year.  Nothing like a real battle among the top riders.  When it comes to competition, viewers and yes, even competitors, like a close race or game.   Think Super Bowl, Final Four or even World Cup and then think of the games that were close to the finish and those that were blow outs with 5 or more minutes to go.  Close game – you keep watching.  Blow out- you probably switch channels, go get something to eat or if you are at the game, you might even head to the car to beat the traffic.   Am I right?

Well, this year’s Tour was a battle for Yellow until the end.  Congrats Contador, Schleck and Armstrong!

Speaking of battles – I am pleasantly surprised that I am on a winning roll in my battles leading up to my “Super Bowl” for the year – The World Duathlon Championships, September 26 in Concord, NC. 

Ever since I qualified back in February, my physical and mental training has been directed towards preparing to do battle with the best women in the world on that one day (September 26) and hopefully, come out with the Gold Medal result and title of World Duathlon Champion!!!

This past weekend I won my third race in a row when I crossed the finish line on Sunday, July 19 as the Strawberry Fields Duathlon Female Champion.

Me crossing the finish line as the Strawberry Fields Duathlon Female Champion. I couldn't believe it. They say bad things come in three's. I think good things come in three's. Maybe that's why I try to see the glass as half full. Power to Positive Thinking!

 

I was VERY happy knowing that my training is on course towards achieving my primary goal for 2009 – WORLD DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS. 

I felt ready to race, without a thought of being careful about my wrist or the hardware (DVR plate and 9 screws) that was in my wrist.  As far as my broken wrist was concerned – it was ages ago!  I’m 100% and getting stronger!  (Thank you Dr. John Steinmann and the Staff of the Arrowhead Orthopaedics Hand Center – Harold Neunendorff in particular!).  I started on the front line, focused and visualizing my moves for the next hour of competition.  At the sound of the starter, we were off.  The event was a 1.2 mile run, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run.

That's me in the middle wearing red/black crop top and looking down as I set my watch. We are off and running.

Myself and another woman got out fast and separated ourselves from the rest of the field.  She entered the first transition just 4 seconds ahead of me.  I wasn’t concerned since I was confident I would catch her during the bike leg.  I thought I saw her mount her bike as I was exiting the bike transition.  The chase was on…

However, after close to 5 miles, I was getting concerned because I wasn’t closing the gap.  I knew I had to catch her if I wanted to win the race because she was a slightly stronger runner then me and after our 12 mile bike leg we had to run another 3.1 miles to the finish.   “Where is she,” I thought. 

As I approached a turnaround on the course, and didn’t see her going in the opposite direction, it dawned on me that I had beated her out of the transition and was actually in front of her.  YEAH!  My mind quickly switched to “I’m being chased mode” and I put the hammer down some more.  I needed to distance myself from her as much as possible before the final run.

Me averaging around 23.5 mph as I put the hammer down during the 12 mile bike leg. My time of 30:29 was the fastest women and 3rd fastest among the men and women. For Worlds, I'll have to keep this pace or faster for 24.8 miles (40K). Yikes!

It worked.  As I entered the final transition area, I asked the officials, “What place women am I?” 

 They responded, “You the first of everyone!”  (Note: the men started 3 minutes behind us and the other races were started in waves for the ocean swim).  However, I would have thought a guy would have caught me on the bike.   This led me to believe that my bike split would be among the fastest of both men and women.  Hooray!  I’m BACK!

After another quick transition, I was off and running the final leg.  About 1/2 mile into the run, the top male duathlete overtook me.  For the next  mile, it’s was just us.  As we passed each other on the route with it’s numerous 180 degree turns, we would high five each other and exchange a quick phrase of encouragement “Looking good!”

It wasn’t until after the 1/2 way turn around that I spotted the women whom I thought I was chasing.  I couldn’t help but give her some words of encouragement also by saying, “good job!”  That’s the teacher/coach in me!  It’s a sport and I always try to practice good sportsmanship etiquette. 

Me approaching the final home stretch.

As I was running the final 1/2 mile, 2 other male duathletes passed me and I decided to pick up the pace.  As I approached the final stretch, I could hear some family members shout my name and the crowd began to cheer.  Coming down the home stretch, I did a final kick to finish strong (like I always tell my students and athletes).  With my arms held up in victory, I crossed the finish line with a huge grin, tears filling my eyes and a prayer in my heart thanking the Lord for giving me the gift of fitness with a promise to always share my gift by encouraging others to “See it, Believe it, Achieve it!”  Anything is possible, if you believe and work hard to achieve! 

My overall winning time was 1:02:59, followed by 2nd place, Rebecca Watts (41) in 1:05:24 and Julie Arundell (32) with 1:14:30. 

Me being recognized as the Strawberry Fields Duathlon Female Champion. Anything is possible!

 I feel truly blessed to be able to race at a high level of fitness, regardless of my age (52).  After breaking my wrist back in March and being limited in my movements, I am forever humbled and will NEVER EVER take my fitness or health for granted!   The future is unpredictable, the past is a lesson and the present is to be cherished and lived!”

See it, Believe it, Achieve it!” Patty

 PS:  My husband Tom Resh, did the Olympic Distance Triathlon (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) and won his age-group with a time of 2:12:42.

Tom defended his AG title in the Olympic Distance Tri of the Strawberry Fields Triathlon

 

Our daughter, Holly, competed in the Youth Elite division (13-15 year olds) from throughout the US.  She finished 6th overall and also posted the fastest run time, 10:43 for the 2.5k run, the third and final leg of the 400meter swim, 10k bike and 2.5k run. 

Holly posted the fastest run in the Youth Elite Division.

 Finally, one of my training partners, Margot Williams, finished 3rd in her AG for the second year!

 Way to go Margot!!

Margot, Patty and Tom display their positions. Happy Triathletes/Duathletes all-around!

Stay tuned

Hi All,

Sorry I haven’t blogged this week, but I’ve been travelling and haven’t had a stretch of time to blog.  I usually need several hours, especially if I need to search for photos.  

I’m doing the Strawberry Fields Duathlon/Triathlon this Sunday (July 19) in Oxnard and will blog when I get back next week sometime.  I’m doing the Duathlon (run 2 miles/bike 12 miles/run 3 miles).

Two months until the World Duathlon Championships in Concord, NC so my training if now very specific. 

As far as my recovery – My wrist is GREAT!!!!!  I’m lifting normal weights and doing everything as if I never broke it!  I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome.   I tweeted Levi Leipheimer (GREAT American bike racer in the Tour de France, and winner of the Amgen Tour of CA) about my recovery and blog to help him recover from his recently broken wrist.  He broke it during stage 12 or 13 while taking a corner in the Tour de France.  He may be out of the Tour but I’m confident he will recover 100% and be back to racing ASAP.

Until my next blog – “See it, Believe it, Achieve it!” 

Road 2 Worlds – Patty

Learning From The Past

Hi All,

It’s July and you know what that means?  For me, my thoughts drift back to 1984 and being on the first USA Women’s Tour de France team to compete in the Inaugural Women’s Tour de France.  1984 was a year of many firsts for me:

1)  After being Crowned the East Coast Triathlon Champion in 1983 and then competing in the Ironman, I was invited to train at US Olympic Training Center with the National Team in 1984 in preparation for the Inugural Olympic Cycling Trials for the First US Women’s Olympic Cycling Team to compete in the Inaugural Women’s Olympic Road Race. 

 

Me winning the East Coast Triathlon Championship in 1983.

Me finishing the 1983 Ironman. A couple months after this I received an invitation to join the US National Cycling Team at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO in 1984 - first year for Women's Road Bike Racing in the Olympics!

2)  My first year racing I was on the 7/11 Development Team.  In 1984, Team 7/11 was considered THE Power Team for boththe men and women.  I couldn’t believe I was riding with the best of the best in my very first year of racing bikes.  I was ready to watch, listen and learn from those that were being groomed to make the Inaugural Women’s Olympic Cycling Team , especially Rebecca Twigg, a cyclist draped with numerous National and World Titles.  Twigg is a quiet person but her riding  skills speak volumes.  I learned a lot about training and racing by observing her thorughoutthe year, as well as many of the other experienced riders on the National Team.  It’s amazing how much one can learn if they just “listen” with their eyes!   Today, I continue to learn by listening! 

Me in 1984 after a race in Washington DC with some friends. Team 7/11 won the race.

 3)  The First bike race I won was an Olympic Trials Qualifier, but only I knew it when I crossed the finish line withmy arms held up in the Victory stance.   Long story short, I was in a breakaway (group of riders witha gap in front of the others) and we were on our final lap, when I dropped my chain at the base of the final climb several miles from the finish.   I had to stop, get off the bike and put the chain back on bike.  My adrenaline was racing, and I knew the other racers in the break were pushing the pace  towards the finish line.  I had to think quickly, get back on the bike and dig as deep as possible into my energy systems and mental power to forge forward and NOT GIVE UP!   It paid off.  I could finally see the other racers ahead and as I was getting closer, I realized I was travelling at a higher rate of speed.  Therefore, with the finish only a couple miles away, I decided to keep up my pace and instead of joining them in the break, I would attempt to pass them and go it alone to try and win in a solo breakaway.  Amazingly, it worked!  Once I passed them, I just “put the hammer down,” and raced as hard as possible to claim the Olympic Trials Qualifier.  As I cross the finish line raising my arms in victory, I heard the sound of the bell, signalling I had one lap to go!  I yelled, I’m finish, I’m the winner!  The announcers, photographers, race director and crowd were stunned.  They couldn’t believe that I was able to not only catch the break after my mechanical mishap, but would pass them and win by myself.  Yet, after the other women finished, and confirmed my story, I was declared the winner.   Lesson learned – NEVER GIVE UP!  I have practiced that philosophy for most of my life.  I even use it in my classrooms to encourage my students and athletes to believe in themselves and Never Give Up on themselves or their dreams/goals.  Another lesson – Be prepared and trust in yourself.  To succeed, sometime you have to be prepared to risk it all.  If at first you don’t succeed….well.. you know the saying, “try and try again!”  Learn from yours and others mistakes and victories! 

4)  The Inaugural Olympic Cycling Trials were held in Spokane, WA in 1984 and what a thrill that was.  However, being on a the most powerful team in my first year of bike racing had some drawbacks.  Primarily, I was “hired” for my triathlon endurance and strength so I could be a major ”domestique” (french for maid) on the 7/11 team.  Today, they often call this position “1st Lt.”  In other words, I was to work for the “captains” and more experienced riders to help them secure a spot on the Olympic Team.   Now I had a dilemma, do I agree to help the team or do I try and earn 1 of 3 spots on the Olympic Team myself.   Actually, I would have to WIN the trials for the one automatic spot because I knew the coaches would never pick a first year rookie like myself.  For one thing, at the age of 27, many of the coaches considered me “too old.”  Lance is 37 in this year’s tour and many of the other riders are over 27!  How times have changed.  Anyway…I decided to work for 7/11 and even with all the work I did, I ended up 14th in the trials.  Definately not good enough to be named to the team, but good enough to be named to the INAUGURAL WOMEN’S TOUR de FRANCE TEAM!!!!   WOW!!!  I was so excited!  All of us women were going to make history – we would be the FIRST ever to compete in the Women’s Tour de France!  What an honor!

I will do another blog next week, talking specifically about that Historical Moment when @ 60 women from around the world would race is in the most famous race ever – the Tour de France.  Stay Tuned!!!

Below is a picture of me on the starting line of the 1984 Inaugural Women’s Tour de France.  Note: Since we started in a location several miles down the road from the men (due to ITU racing rules for women), the start didn’t have all the major banners up.  However, we finished every stage where the men did and had the same fanfare and parade!  More in my Tour de France blog next week.  This photo was taken by John Pierce, a world renowned sports photographer who has covered the Tour for over 30 years!  Can you spot which rider is me?

Start of the Inaugural Women's Tour de France, 1984 Bobigny, Paris. photo copyright John Pierce

Remember – NEVER GIVE UP on yourself or your dreams/goals!!!

“See it, Believe it, Achieve it!

Patty