tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27505713289455544822024-03-12T17:32:15.586-07:00My gap yah! (continues)Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-78141045844827288952016-12-11T02:13:00.000-08:002016-12-11T02:13:15.007-08:002016: Praise the glutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oct ’15. Buzzing from winning Mayors Cup. I stayed out in
Colorado having physio, it was making a difference. I un-diagnosed myself with
Iliac Artery Endofibrosis and carried on buzzing. Brief stint in the UK, then headed
for a kiwi summer. Dear Vascular Surgeon, It’s a bit too good to be true, I am
not getting numb, crampy, dead legs. Dear Emma, Great you have found a way to
manage the symptoms but bottom line is we have the objective evidence. Hello
increased intensity, hello old sensations. Shiiiit. You deluded fool, ‘pipes’ don’t unblock
themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘16 was testing and demoralising at times. I wouldn’t
recommend trying to work around this injury; at present there are no successful
alternatives to surgery. Nah there’s got to be a yoga pose for that. Beet
juice? Surely you can belly breath that away…? (lol jks). But, there were good
times and some performances to write home about (‘MRN’s’ aka more riveting news
emails, parents relish them). It’s too easy to overlook the good when one
defaults to harsh self-critic. Nevertheless I will cherish cool
experiences, new places, new races, amazing people, host fam’s of 2016 and when
shit hit the fan at least it made for a tale... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My year started with an impromptu US departure before I
became an illegal alien. One stubborn seat post and equally stubborn US airways
lead to a missed flight but the following day I was off to Canada. Embassy
interview bossed in the am, spin in the pm. Turns out nature breaks are considered anti-social behaviour in Canada. Putting on your best British accent
can be a saving grace when joining two other Emma Grants in the system. The
purpose of my trip to Canada went down especially well. Shortly after whilst
exploring the local roads I discovered the proximity of the US border. Border
awaiting ahead, I made a prompt turn in the road. Unknowingly having already
crossed the staggered left hand side border I was sent to report to the main
building. When pried, the motive of my trip went down equally well with
immigration. But lo and behold 4 days later my passport + visa was returned and
I headed off back to sunny Cali. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I decided to finish up my season with one last race on my own and headed to Steamboat Springs. I was hooked up with lovely hosts Cathy and
Glenn in the picturesque ski resort town. After a tour of the house I headed
out to do a recon. Cathy had forgotten to tell me about the shower so stayed
home to be sure to intercept. Whilst upstairs writing me a note she didn’t hear
me back, I headed straight for a shower. She was alerted by the
sound of a projectile monsoon coming off all four walls, the house's water supply was quickly averted. This was to bag a top 3 in awkward host
housing incidents (alongside exploding spaghetti squash’s and oven roasted chopping
boards). She sweetly rang friends, ex winter Olympians and lent me a white fluffy
robe for the walk of shame along the street to their shower with teams arriving
and assembling bikes. The following morning the incident was the talk of race day
reg. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And that that was that, season done. After much vacillation
I planned to head straight back to the UK and have surgery before my 25<sup>th</sup>
birthday. Because everything involving the NHS goes like clockwork. It doesn’t,
but slight dig aside we are very fortunate. Still with no date for the op, I
wanted to stay as fit as poss going in to minimise the extent of detraining so
I hit up the UK hill climb scene, which was sadistically such fun. Just like old
running times mum got to help me up from a bush. After all the time spent
working around the injury I had the protocol dialled in. Off the bike, the year’s
free time spent attached to fluorescent rumble roller beastie ball, mobilising
every muscle less reliant on blood flow from the iliac artery. I’d figured out
how to recruit every morsel of glute muscle fibre I had. Praise the posterior chain.
My surgeon injured his finger and it was well into the depths of winter when I
finally went in for the chop. It wasn’t that bad I'd had months to brace for it so it was quite pleasant in comparison. I now have a cow heart patches on my iliac and femoral arteries.The average age on the vascular ward was ~80 and the corridor was lined with 5m benchmarks so my first steps felt
like going for it with rainbow swimming badges. My guests thoroughly enjoyed
the meals on wheels service whilst Madre brought me hot nourishing food from home and fed me arnica with my morphine. I am doing pretty well with sedentary life; I enjoy
ironing, baking for the elderly in the village and don’t miss the endorphin's at
all. Maybe not entirely accurate but after 6 weeks of keeping my blood pressure
low I’ll be back on the push bike and psyched for another season with my team
Colavita. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I’ll get round to writing about the injury properly as so
many other athletes have shared their experiences and helped me. But in the meantime
this is a must read for anyone engaging in chronic competitive hip flexoring: <a href="http://www.velonews.com/2016/06/feature/power-iliac-artery-endofibrosis-cycling_409438">http://www.velonews.com/2016/06/feature/power-iliac-artery-endofibrosis-cycling_409438</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Let’s switch to pics and start at the very beginning…</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Good times pre season training in SoCal with room mates Laura and Gaby. Beaut canyon roads, awk LA asian spa experiences and bumping into third cousins.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Host housing never disappoints. Some went beyond their duty with homely peter rabbit bowls and inspirational biking mannequins, new pen pals for life...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Back in Boulder, Colorado my base for the season. Yup same town as the room mate song, that's right.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Good times in celeste with Colavita</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Good times representing the team in Maine for the Farm to Fork Fondo. Lobster in chamois with Gretchen was a first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Banter at Bristol Southmead, just don't make me laugh because it really hurts. My guests enjoyed their locally sourced meals on wheels. I was out after 4 days. Thanks to Sujon blackcurrant power for aiding my recovery and BetterYou Magnesium oil for helping me get some mobility and relieve muscle tension.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-89113523969870584242016-02-15T18:24:00.000-08:002016-02-15T18:24:12.585-08:00Kiwi summer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My time in the sothern hemi is coming to an end. My brain is a bit fogged up from training hard so here is a picture blog! </span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-enp828h5WNLpd5UhoWUoOQaQwUkCp1faFVTia-7hDZquf_jNjq2byMNMMG7csihPK0fQ429Sx94h7TSFYNYlBBUEp87xmP8tao5oemLN5n-9qMwnpz43UrGG03G28x4bEaJr4uB4ELAm/s1600/2015-11-24+13.33.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-enp828h5WNLpd5UhoWUoOQaQwUkCp1faFVTia-7hDZquf_jNjq2byMNMMG7csihPK0fQ429Sx94h7TSFYNYlBBUEp87xmP8tao5oemLN5n-9qMwnpz43UrGG03G28x4bEaJr4uB4ELAm/s320/2015-11-24+13.33.16.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loading up on kiwi flat whites before the land of starbucks!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visiting the team behind the awesome blackcurrants</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre training sujon brekkie bowl</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banter with the little bro</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fun training with Emily a now hard out triathlete!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJ-G1hC2VTJtSx3PIKje9NoFPdzxlUqy1dKNKQRM_O_qv3M4Zn-Durfye-BxB4xT0VMhMak90wZQGkYFCXnodibjvk_7ki829mkdOvbRNabO1luOMGSz-j6J26CPufQCXQoqzjyvB3CwE/s1600/2015-12-25+14.10.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJ-G1hC2VTJtSx3PIKje9NoFPdzxlUqy1dKNKQRM_O_qv3M4Zn-Durfye-BxB4xT0VMhMak90wZQGkYFCXnodibjvk_7ki829mkdOvbRNabO1luOMGSz-j6J26CPufQCXQoqzjyvB3CwE/s320/2015-12-25+14.10.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XM with the lovely Lush's my adopted kiwi fam. I'm so grateful for their support, making Nelson the perfect base for my training this offseason!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAKJBGL82rEgCzR7BZbqfEAxqD7zKYET8HXv-c0-zXgj_TTbr4hkiWApCWVPPBbWvdvLZOrbDmVejZ0SkxIda-vzGL9FnwA_JzMvwIcebhooLCOKpw7cbC4CcAa5IMKcIcZSuhRhzoxiY/s1600/2015-12-25+19.12.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAKJBGL82rEgCzR7BZbqfEAxqD7zKYET8HXv-c0-zXgj_TTbr4hkiWApCWVPPBbWvdvLZOrbDmVejZ0SkxIda-vzGL9FnwA_JzMvwIcebhooLCOKpw7cbC4CcAa5IMKcIcZSuhRhzoxiY/s320/2015-12-25+19.12.13.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too beaut to nap on domestic flights in NZ </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The road to Glenorchy top 3 of fave rides ever</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMsQYK-zVS6EFPYGlIybvlj2wvP9S5VDJBoHHnZCDMoapZIT7JSBvDCXUPqEJDRt0HTqIlF7gTa7ULwf1iimZHI7uUcbzPc514F-mDZnebEXHz1OM6N7xLxMHa6TpoGDv5BljcG_cZfL_/s1600/2016-01-18+15.22.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMsQYK-zVS6EFPYGlIybvlj2wvP9S5VDJBoHHnZCDMoapZIT7JSBvDCXUPqEJDRt0HTqIlF7gTa7ULwf1iimZHI7uUcbzPc514F-mDZnebEXHz1OM6N7xLxMHa6TpoGDv5BljcG_cZfL_/s320/2016-01-18+15.22.48.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tramping the Routeburn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very jammy digs in Queenstown</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chhhhhchhhh</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfuoxteLaWXAn5HqTu37PT623H2TSPAybN1kj34nTrpA0zk4DYp6aDonQocXdTYd4isVKg3uRuULfL95rKiDGCgXBzvs3LDaPtgQ5ZUeNtRJrD4htuNRGOeqqhuDP-kyRnr5Ll6Scool4/s1600/2016-01-22+13.09.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfuoxteLaWXAn5HqTu37PT623H2TSPAybN1kj34nTrpA0zk4DYp6aDonQocXdTYd4isVKg3uRuULfL95rKiDGCgXBzvs3LDaPtgQ5ZUeNtRJrD4htuNRGOeqqhuDP-kyRnr5Ll6Scool4/s320/2016-01-22+13.09.27.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jo K showing me the 'lanes' in chch!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good to notch up a couple of local wins</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpaJ7Tj4ER4yJzjl5B5DMhtl0lWHxY_TC2IbvpUYlYDN9abTMkIo6qBUkpLI9Eux1N81qSfSGQ5SIMqIRYB39vu5NZLXAXE5DuA4dSpSDsUtCFQVSq_Cc5jxe88lu_gChAg0TC8NsNqGs/s1600/tas+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpaJ7Tj4ER4yJzjl5B5DMhtl0lWHxY_TC2IbvpUYlYDN9abTMkIo6qBUkpLI9Eux1N81qSfSGQ5SIMqIRYB39vu5NZLXAXE5DuA4dSpSDsUtCFQVSq_Cc5jxe88lu_gChAg0TC8NsNqGs/s320/tas+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks tasman wheelers for putting on great events!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deck life in Nelson ;)</span></td></tr>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-63129610615499690572015-11-23T18:30:00.000-08:002015-11-23T18:36:30.736-08:00Making the process #AWESOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little belated but rest assured this is an upbeat one! The
past 4 months have been somewhat of a welcomed whirlwind since my last rather “woe
is me” post. Rewind to July, I reluctantly headed off over the pond into the
only too familiar unknown. With a recently diagnosed artery condition and off
the back of a chronic suck I was so sure I was done with cycling. Madre Grant
words of wisdom were to take the bike, but why not just hop on a greyhound bus?! I felt like I was going to let giving up set the tone for
the rest of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A change of scene was good for morale. Whilst I felt awful
on the bike I didn’t really care, I was enjoying being in Colorado. On a scale
of get up and go, Boulder is at the opposite end of the continuum to England (/Belgium/Holland
(no offence)). A lot less energy is required to get out the door and on your
bike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did a couple of
races including the Tour of Utah. I focused everything on my left quad, the
only part of my leg with normal sensation. I went on to the Pro Challenge,
racing at 10,000+ft. Although my legs were so numb it wasn’t the shocker I was
expecting. It showed me I had mental reserve I hadn’t tapped into before. At
this point I realised that I was racing better purely because my expectations
could not be any lower. For the first
time in my sporting career it hit me that my self-worth was no longer
determined by how hard I could push on my pedals. I returned to the Boulder
bubble and started to scheme up a post racing plan that would allow me to live
in Colorado. I was adamant I wouldn't have the artery surgery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro Challenge was incredible, people want to see women's racing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking spot on top of Flagstaff mountain</td></tr>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst in Boulder I
was recommended a very good physio, I hoped she may be able to help me manage
the symptoms a bit better. It transpired that I had been riding 2 different
crank lengths (!!) twisting my pelvis and impinging my right artery more than
my left. In addition two old running
stress fractures to my lumbar spine were affecting the nerves to my legs (amidst
a plethora of other biomechanical dysfunction and concussion related probs). She
worked wonders in just a couple of sessions. I headed to Missouri to guest for
Colavita and was racing with a lot less numbness and my glutes (my trusty powerhouse)
were back! I managed to make the break on the third day and round out the
podium. I was then invited to ride the final block of racing in Boston with
Colavita. I was excited at the prospect of having two pins! My team mates made
the race aggressive which allowed me to time my move when the going was tough.
I solo’d away for the win and needed quite a bit of pinching!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to conjure up some fasttwitchers for a downhill drag race to the line at Gateway Cup</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of a pants post up in Boston</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have always wanted to hold a gigantic cheque!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made the decision to postpone my flight home and stay out
in Boulder to carry on having physio. The season was over but it felt like it
was just getting going. I carried on riding but what I call lifestyle training to
make the physio treatment more productive. I kept the momentum going and had
the best time ticking off my Colorado bucket list with some cool adventures. At
this point in the year not many riders in Boulder were keen for epic 6 hour rides
in the mountains which gave me a lot thinking time. One thing resonated with me
strongly. If I was going to commit to ~5 years pursing my dreams in this sport
the process had to be #AWESOME (in true American spirit). If cycling makes you miserable
what is the point? Go get an ordinary job.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was huge shift in mindset after 5 years of unsustainable intensity
and expectation. Some may argue that an identity defined by physical prowess is
needed to be truly gritty competitor. Perhaps this serves as an additional
driving force when failure becomes defining? Nonetheless my goal is to make the
process of fulfilling my potential an amazing journey. My ego has no shame in
accepting that I broke myself, but I don’t regret taking myself there.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moab, Utah- a big check off my bucket list</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i095CBnP21Fyxrst0TEA8lsOEcQlKp5n3_S0icEc6D7k_Ru6d38w0FIwjtB4-hJWmbdGUSxty6gmdd9fXC_l92Y-7r0AxdFewXlNWbB-5BLa_wdeaaxyySdvfczVphmLxpDt75E9ANul/s1600/blogg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i095CBnP21Fyxrst0TEA8lsOEcQlKp5n3_S0icEc6D7k_Ru6d38w0FIwjtB4-hJWmbdGUSxty6gmdd9fXC_l92Y-7r0AxdFewXlNWbB-5BLa_wdeaaxyySdvfczVphmLxpDt75E9ANul/s320/blogg2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making my mtbing comfort zone a little bit bigger in Moab...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of fun times shared with the amazing Jen Reither!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrb1cXrDha8bXcrSaAFFLnSeud1OpNPKmAv45JKMGpb7HGGPwYgIP_7RlKvnpVp0TJUFrD-2JbcZijgm_b8NGrDg7nUCe3zXHnn2zkl9h0OXrSPYclpv_yjkJ5Ll0ITioQfNy2z6v1T2Dp/s1600/2015-10-12+15.57.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrb1cXrDha8bXcrSaAFFLnSeud1OpNPKmAv45JKMGpb7HGGPwYgIP_7RlKvnpVp0TJUFrD-2JbcZijgm_b8NGrDg7nUCe3zXHnn2zkl9h0OXrSPYclpv_yjkJ5Ll0ITioQfNy2z6v1T2Dp/s320/2015-10-12+15.57.11.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk in the Rocky Mts National Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih89BfqxsOhEs0aIcp6CdfLRH-ei0zFWyYEAlknA_OLIxM1niDSg32aPnNk5bYXEffQuvTGhJv_kWY6Oh9FuPD8_iPf_NLI7pthGuNWZYGNrzUymflZ00eX8K8S6fxz_DPxegnmYHYdhj7/s1600/2015-10-17+07.50.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih89BfqxsOhEs0aIcp6CdfLRH-ei0zFWyYEAlknA_OLIxM1niDSg32aPnNk5bYXEffQuvTGhJv_kWY6Oh9FuPD8_iPf_NLI7pthGuNWZYGNrzUymflZ00eX8K8S6fxz_DPxegnmYHYdhj7/s320/2015-10-17+07.50.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping in the wilderness<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I left the states with a pro contract and a new lease of life.
I met so many inspiring people. I am so grateful, so many people had such a
positive impact during an impressionable time. It was a blast. I spent 3 short
but sweet weeks at home catching up with friends and fam before jetting off
down under for a kiwi summer. I am finally sitting down with my laptop after
what has been a mad and surreal 4 months. My sister and I have just spent a
week seeing family and friends in the north island. Currently heading south on
the interislander where I will set up camp in beautiful Nelson until team camp
in the NY. Whilst the objective evidence of endofibrosis is still on my mind I
am managing the symptoms ok. I am really optimistic heading into the 2016
season with Colavita. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ciao for now, thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Photo credit to Darrell Parks and Scott Kingsley)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQuSCxDqyGjg42aY2thezFGTH8fFFwO6bRxjUGsPzuhRtx0SP2b5ybRqvESuCjaViX3QEArAbIWCcdrh3sfL2G1fZGT8fnQ_yHEI0d7G84FL50y3yVJHxjI1-EXDIyqooXzHcEcx7PX4f/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQuSCxDqyGjg42aY2thezFGTH8fFFwO6bRxjUGsPzuhRtx0SP2b5ybRqvESuCjaViX3QEArAbIWCcdrh3sfL2G1fZGT8fnQ_yHEI0d7G84FL50y3yVJHxjI1-EXDIyqooXzHcEcx7PX4f/s320/IMG_5694.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sis is pretty cool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPNE0cTlbrwC7OJoAaFL5bg0lXysHUtL5IKOi8PyqBtkUm4kXUy5MKIgYg9vo4TQ-a1lx5dlig8eI0c8yrSwUouXbQWShZ9_57zjSfdy4xb5_dWJ7GoUgAwtBW9pms5VbM4O33Ks_-co3/s1600/IMG_5766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPNE0cTlbrwC7OJoAaFL5bg0lXysHUtL5IKOi8PyqBtkUm4kXUy5MKIgYg9vo4TQ-a1lx5dlig8eI0c8yrSwUouXbQWShZ9_57zjSfdy4xb5_dWJ7GoUgAwtBW9pms5VbM4O33Ks_-co3/s320/IMG_5766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some A to B base training and ending up in spots like this</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One way to kick the jetlag tramping the Tongoriro crossing<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip down memory lane at Grandad's bach</td></tr>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-73451071611867498292015-07-20T00:41:00.000-07:002015-07-20T00:41:15.104-07:00Iliac artery endofibrosis: The lemon drizzle on top<div class="MsoNormal">
I still can’t believe I am writing about this as am yet to
get my head around it. It has been a while since I last blogged as I don’t like
to use it as a means of venting frustration, this post however is helping me
with acceptance. After another year of struggles, my diagnosis on Wednesday
really was the lemon drizzle on top of a very bitter sugar free lemon cake!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg942sTLl5gNkhWXIzYeurMW5t6tSr-p_3ZCTxkQLdfeEFkjt0WLKzaB_p8RTqx5uh7dNpZRznLWwnajqOQAce6pyf0vuRpG4g6QJ5nGobjfUdh7UxdF9QlVM54UDwP7t5kzf_tMJZ3ZfjI/s1600/JS67827589+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg942sTLl5gNkhWXIzYeurMW5t6tSr-p_3ZCTxkQLdfeEFkjt0WLKzaB_p8RTqx5uh7dNpZRznLWwnajqOQAce6pyf0vuRpG4g6QJ5nGobjfUdh7UxdF9QlVM54UDwP7t5kzf_tMJZ3ZfjI/s320/JS67827589+%25282%2529.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue in November ’14;
generally functioning was a challenge. A lot of my food had to be blended, fun
times it was not. I won’t bore you with the details, for the most part they
have consciously been repressed. Mitochondrial function tests showed that I was
operating at a cellular level of 30%. My little bro still sends me a “make sure
you give it 30%” text before races! Within a few months of working with a new Dr.
I was improving all the time, at Christmas I was saying to friends it’s almost too
good to be true. I don’t know how I would have coped without my parent’s unconditional
support.</div>
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I had planned to resume my degree in the NY and finish off
my final semester at Bath Uni. Fortunately, sufficient brain fog had cleared
and mentally I could function again. Cognitively, studying was a struggle but
it really helped kick my brain into working again. Having enough energy to be 1.5 dimensional was good
for getting back on track. I started racing in April when I was by no means
race ready. Tour of the Reservoir in Northumberland was a shock to the system
racing in negative conditions and snow. Not many finished and those that did
were borderline hypothermic. I was just pleased I finished.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By this point I had been experiencing more and more weird leg
sensations in both feet; numbness in both feet, shooting into my calves too. It
got worse and worse and my legs felt powerless and weak. Cue Ed Sheeran’s lyrics-
when your legs don’t work like they used to before… I gave myself such a hard
time for feeling so weak on the bike, attributing the symptoms to the aftermath
of chronic fatigue. Maybe I wouldn't make a full recovery or be the same
athlete again?? Or is it just in my head?? This internal dialogue plagued me
from the moment I woke up in the morning.
You would switch the radio off if it was talking bullshit but I couldn't
shut this up.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winning, a short lived high</td></tr>
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I raced on. Occasionally I would have a fluky day; a teaser
of how my legs used to feel. Then bam last weekend after winning in Guildford
only a few days before, the numbness and loss of feeling became so extreme.
That kicked me into seeking out a specialist. After a day of networking and
researching I had an appointment booked to see Dr Hinchliffe, a top vascular
specialist in London. By this point I suspected I had the dreaded artery
problem that cyclists are predisposed to by nature of the repetitive hip
flexion. At St Georges in London wheeling my bike into the hospital was a healthy
dose of perspective. There are always people worse off than you are, prompts
Father Grant’s words of wisdom in my head. I underwent the standard testing
protocol: iliac artery ultrasound and blood pressure readings in extremities.
Then I got on my bike and rode as hard as I could to bring on the symptoms,
this time I welcomed them- come at me! I jumped off my bike onto the bed for
the same tests to see the response post exercise. Both legs had a pressure drop
off and my artery was narrowed, constricting blood flow. Bilateral iliac artery
endofibrosis was confirmed with right leg worse than left. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I left emotionless but maybe felt an inkling of relief;
finally I had an answer to why I sucked so much. The only cure is big deal
surgery. We decided I would aim to see the season out and retest in November to
see what state the artery is in. My flight to the USA for the rest of the
season had already been booked for 23<sup>rd</sup> July after I had had a few
days of my old legs. I walked out the hospital past patients being carted off
for surgery and was frankly now terrified. Outside the hospital passing patients
on their Zimmer frames smoking in their gowns infuriated me; these people were
choosing to constrict their arteries!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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My plan is to take a conservative approach to the next 2
months. See how best I can manage the symptoms. Tweaking my position to reduce hip
flexion has been paramount and I still get some relief with acupuncture. I’ll
consider my options when I am back from the USA in October: do nothing, quit,
change sports (race walking?!) or have surgery. Being an athlete is what I have
dreamed about for as long as I can remember, this decision I won’t take lightly.
Fear of leading an ‘ordinary life’ has always been a driving force!! I’ll gauge
how much bounce I have left in me. Having lived with my kiwi friend Courteney, who
endured surgery in both legs, I can’t quite believe it is happening to me too. It
is scary the amount of pro’s who’ve had surgery yet it is still such a poorly
understood condition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am extremely grateful to everyone who has stood by me this
year, not to mention my sponsors. If any cyclists/ triathletes with this
condition stumble across this blog and have managed to continue without
surgery, please get in touch! </div>
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Thanks for reading, ciao for now! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironically I bought this book a few years ago, always helps rekindle some optimism with the help of kittens and puppies...</td></tr>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-40304530924525058802014-08-17T08:12:00.000-07:002014-08-17T08:12:31.229-07:00Hallo from Holland!Hallo from Holland and a very belated update on my part! I am currently staying in Stoolwijk doing a dutch racing skills and speed work bootcamp. A good combo of crits and motorpacing is helping me get some rpm back! I don't know what's in store for the rest of the season but I'm making the most of a productive time in Holland. I am staying with a guy called Harrie who deserves a few medals in the name of women's cycling- full of knowledge and so hospitable. It transpired he hosted my old coach Fran Newstead during her career, small cycling world!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_2TdF6-MuCP0yb6SAsdB_3A6Yp0tx7t6Mbe9VaNiyrwy0-eohjOWzGEeT4BtUXdjjPnJeXa4EqeioVvdU5cAiaxcEqbbE_uM4vzmMMsWHOkTKtkaBRnxBcSWiNYWynlPoPhwyUjHIg1S/s1600/2014-08-03+16.37.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_2TdF6-MuCP0yb6SAsdB_3A6Yp0tx7t6Mbe9VaNiyrwy0-eohjOWzGEeT4BtUXdjjPnJeXa4EqeioVvdU5cAiaxcEqbbE_uM4vzmMMsWHOkTKtkaBRnxBcSWiNYWynlPoPhwyUjHIg1S/s1600/2014-08-03+16.37.34.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding to Gouda, the home of the ledg cheese!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguroEeUPHQ7uv4j8tTCrc8HhdjCbPEOY-kl00vklJEcVUZNPlnxLg6goICR9TNwY2a7hRUp2mYr_XhKMc-C3jndN-FBNP6u08sZpyWDYPO7a2emU-NRXcQo3M4fV74A5afVypVhYMu6yx4/s1600/10580456_10152215931286507_613682503_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguroEeUPHQ7uv4j8tTCrc8HhdjCbPEOY-kl00vklJEcVUZNPlnxLg6goICR9TNwY2a7hRUp2mYr_XhKMc-C3jndN-FBNP6u08sZpyWDYPO7a2emU-NRXcQo3M4fV74A5afVypVhYMu6yx4/s1600/10580456_10152215931286507_613682503_n+(1).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Credit to Anton Vos for the pics)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following a fairly decent wheel ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTvE7-vtKfpaJ-q9rbENAN_98H-Adhk1HeXhGqCE_n494I0g_3pfR3XoRbC1J8JDzrACOtx3XhzHZSj-xwr6a3AreSeXT2cQQsiTv1wO_OszeNH0ysjNGcUsRc9q_EPlg4krsTOMFJqgd/s1600/10384840_611018085678128_783529845081637870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTvE7-vtKfpaJ-q9rbENAN_98H-Adhk1HeXhGqCE_n494I0g_3pfR3XoRbC1J8JDzrACOtx3XhzHZSj-xwr6a3AreSeXT2cQQsiTv1wO_OszeNH0ysjNGcUsRc9q_EPlg4krsTOMFJqgd/s1600/10384840_611018085678128_783529845081637870_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The body's holding out well and that is the main thing. I only really had 1 goal for 2014 which was to get healthy again. It's been one hell of a tough year, but I've got my act together and see it as a blessing in disguise. Roll on 2015 and beyond!<br />
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<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-16076423625731527772014-04-10T14:23:00.000-07:002014-04-10T14:23:52.231-07:00So this is what you meant. When you said that you were spent...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDJgIBek1sG9ASpR5S_KYcoYlAkj5vVH3Nxm-jHM7uTo1G2Oop2lPHA-2BxgENd5XuRj_mUD-IavW9tnBQAUeOQbYXU6OgF4RgSx3Ug82e3WePgp61SAyt3ipbRaBfuJkXsN57ujCn6a4/s1600/i-JbZvGtg-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDJgIBek1sG9ASpR5S_KYcoYlAkj5vVH3Nxm-jHM7uTo1G2Oop2lPHA-2BxgENd5XuRj_mUD-IavW9tnBQAUeOQbYXU6OgF4RgSx3Ug82e3WePgp61SAyt3ipbRaBfuJkXsN57ujCn6a4/s1600/i-JbZvGtg-M.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a tough couple of months. Before Christmas I signed a pro contract with Tibco, training was making me stronger, I was recovering and adapting. Things were boding well for the season ahead with an awesome team, staff and sponsors. It hurts to write this blog at home. I've been struggling with an endocrine condition on and off for a while. The early season one day races and world cups in Europe are brutal when you are on top form let alone when you are at your weakest. I struggled through it whilst my team mates raced aggressively mixing it up with top 10's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kidding yourself that you are fine is exhausting. Instead of flying back to the States I made the decision to come home and get to the bottom of it. Trying to soldier on through is not going to get me anywhere in this sport other than deeper into this hole I have dug, my health has to come first. Filling up the pack is never what I had in mind. There isn't a quick fix, I have very little patience so me and my type A are just going to have to suck it up. I've been experimenting with some alternative medicine. In the last 10 days I've given reiki, reflexology, acupuncture and homeopathy a go, you can never be too cynical until you've tried it. I am sporting a lovely bindi from an acupuncture bruise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should have a clearer prognosis next week, for now its about keeping things in perspective and keeping my head screwed on. If I get the urge to accomplish something in the next couple of weeks I might even finish up my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award (not even kidding).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="http://www.courteneylowe.com/upload/images/1393876_617599804954134_1983531373_n%281%29.jpg" style="height: 372px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 500px;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is about right! Piked from Courteney Lowe who has overcome so many hurdles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same number pinning ritual for every race</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Team sign on, all smiles before all hell breaks lose</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maxxis tyres are the best- none of us flatted once and we rode in some cruddy conditions!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dodging the cobbled berg carnage in belgie (far left)<br /><br /><br /><br />(Credit to Anton Vos for the pictures)</span></td></tr>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-89475842613005170572014-01-27T00:33:00.000-08:002014-01-27T00:33:14.309-08:00Short and sweet Its been a while since I last blogged (one handed after decking it on my second day in NZ). Rather a lot has come about in that time! <div>
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I am currently in sunny Nelson at the top of the south island if you want to get your bearings! It is probably my favourite place in the world. I feel like I am on a retreat! I have been staying with our awesome family friends the Lush's. Whilst I have been here they have effectively provided a bed and breakfast service for other cycling friends of mine to come and go, train and eat them out of house and home! They are the best hosts I feel so at home it is going to be hard leaving come Thursday, but there is a lot to look forward to ahead.</div>
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Item number 2... I leave for sunny San Fran in 3 days for some American dream livin'! In case you missed it I have signed with Team TIBCO a UCI based team from the Silicon Valley (aka google and facebook land). I can't wait for team camp in another grim part of the world- Santa Barbara, California! I leave at 7.30pm on the 29th and arrive at 10.30am on the 29th, pretty much a harry potter time turner kind of day! </div>
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Check us out here http://www.teamtibco.com/ and follow our movements here https://www.facebook.com/TeamTIBCO and here too https://twitter.com/teamTIBCO</div>
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It's getting late so I'll leave you with some pics instead of boring you with any more ramble. Ciao for now xox</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obese berry season!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shout out to Courteney Lowe having artery surgery tomorrow- come July she will be stronger than ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Property hunting for my parents on my recovery ride!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know you are at home when you can comfortably reorganise and labelise their pantry...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christchurch container shops- pretty cool makeshift shopping mall</td></tr>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-63916473131845022312013-12-04T14:26:00.000-08:002013-12-04T14:27:52.222-08:00Kiwi summer<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November threw a bit of a spanner in the works for 1 reason or 10. Things are on the up now that I've disappeared to the other side of the world! I am loving the kiwi summer and splendid Lowe hospitality! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plan was to switch nationalities. I have held dual passports since birth and was lead to believe the switch would be a breeze so I booked my flights before the prices soared. Little did I know. Despite numerous appeals ruling <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;">1.1.033§2 was not budging. </span>I have decided to quit fighting the UCI. Unless I lose my British passport I can't be a Kiwi. I have a better chance representing Chad or Honduras (if they were to become cycling nations for that matter) all I'd need to do would be marry a local and live there! Obviously wavering my British nationality and taking legal action is a big deal so I will leave it be. The UCI regulation was not in place when I first took up cycling. It states that if you hold 2 passports and therefore citizenship to more than one country you have until the age of 18 or whenever you take out your first racing licence to pick which nationality you want to be. The ODP took out a GB licence for me, so I am stuck with it. Ironically had I not had a NZ passport since birth I could switch tomorrow no problem. Incredibly frustrating. Anyway I am down under for the rest of the winter, no January Elite NZ nationals for me to train for any more which can only mean more beach time right? So I'm pommie for now until the UCI wish to address their inconsistency! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throwing in some additional scary health revelations, funding cuts and final year university cramming all made for a fun final week at home whilst having no idea how many months abroad I was packing up for. I have a round the world ticket which takes me straight to California in February for the start of the racing season. Things are getting exciting now that plans are becoming firmer, I can't wait to be based in California again next year for a season of NRC racing. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not missing my post ride winter thaw out spot!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">New post ride spot instead!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love the Mount!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2nd ride here didn't go so well...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJQ08ZxKeI6OLjYqPRteKSDv0_Frd4C9HEAzwwlgSBf5IX7NhrkUtwPqA51I_BYKWyVtWC_oxbOPFQZOg3IDoTo5ROQliRV9O_Wgl0TKp7OtXpxt1ieeDGRK5y4B3DRAi-6o7v9lVUD2A/s1600/unnamed+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJQ08ZxKeI6OLjYqPRteKSDv0_Frd4C9HEAzwwlgSBf5IX7NhrkUtwPqA51I_BYKWyVtWC_oxbOPFQZOg3IDoTo5ROQliRV9O_Wgl0TKp7OtXpxt1ieeDGRK5y4B3DRAi-6o7v9lVUD2A/s320/unnamed+(12).jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pulled my pedal off doing uphill sprints and took a little tumble.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ciao for now, I would end on a gloating summery jealousy provoking note but it has been pouring with rain for the last 48 hours haha.</span></span></div>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-21277821780954345102013-11-26T23:40:00.000-08:002013-11-26T23:40:03.730-08:00My elixir<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always been obsessed with everything coconutty whether it be the milk, cream, flour, flesh, water. Whilst some people are still shying away from the fat and nutrient rich superfood opting instead for some fat free chemically sweetened hormone pumped yoghurt I am loading up on the goodness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am really excited to be supported by LucyBee coconut oil. The best extra virgin raw organic oil out there. Check out the link below for some ideas of how you can incorporate this fragrant superfood into your diet.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lucybee.co/blog/fitness-and-performance/emma-granttraining-for-success/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.lucybee.co/blog/fitness-and-performance/emma-granttraining-for-success/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Sounds gross but is amazing- banana omelette fried in coconut oil. I came up with this concoction training in Lanzarote when all the food I had left was a banana, 2 eggs and cinnamon. Blend it up and fry in a generous dollop of coconut oil :)</span></div>
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<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-63816222616385424832013-10-20T08:48:00.000-07:002013-10-20T08:48:14.928-07:00Recharging <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am not a huge fan of this time of year. Its dark and mis and the annual back in the gym DOMS is back ever present and crippling. Every autumn I find myself bombarded with decisions. You can't help but feel at a bit of a loose end. Needless to say there is lots to look forward to!<br />
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My season concluded with the Westminster GP, a criterium run in conjunction with the men's Tour of Britain. It was a cool event and a means of show casing the domestic scene in light of the Women's tour next year. Fun to have lots of friends and fam in the crowd. I was psyched to end my season on a high. However a few laps into the race I hit a crack in the road hard and my saddle slipped to a 45 degree tilt. That made for a uncomfortable race in the saddle with no laps out permitted. I had several big digs but couldn't get the power out. Kudos to Hannah Barnes for topping out an incredible season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used to have a good poker face!</td></tr>
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I was so ready for the season to end, to recharge my batteries and motivation. A spontaneous week sailing around the Greek islands did just that (and redefined the meaning of lastminute.com holidays).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bday adventure on 4 wheels!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't take the credit for this shot... island strays</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughing at the boat rock around in the storm. Some of us chickened out sea sick and got a hotel!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y3t8wH3lgatIx-TgXcOzl2mdBt2BG_pgb1tICeW0IqfW9M4Y8omqtzp3ggpOg3XezRbRWiCCJiJEdKk4l7v-4gV2iJBXOX6kS0zvs8FJsIkEQqfUnCTC6rityQOb3BlSBFM-WkzOEBjD/s1600/IMAG0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y3t8wH3lgatIx-TgXcOzl2mdBt2BG_pgb1tICeW0IqfW9M4Y8omqtzp3ggpOg3XezRbRWiCCJiJEdKk4l7v-4gV2iJBXOX6kS0zvs8FJsIkEQqfUnCTC6rityQOb3BlSBFM-WkzOEBjD/s320/IMAG0617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEINy-digC4pcQFKACQ-_hJtJFNEHAQORJ28Ozl2pePe1J_sxJz3f0Sf4HigJwZpiuaXycgSgTP3oo19zni-N3Lv3ybK8nNYgu8TPE2CCbL8XNbuxJDtAKkF5xDlqaJxpBcCGJYnzTiO/s1600/IMAG0621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEINy-digC4pcQFKACQ-_hJtJFNEHAQORJ28Ozl2pePe1J_sxJz3f0Sf4HigJwZpiuaXycgSgTP3oo19zni-N3Lv3ybK8nNYgu8TPE2CCbL8XNbuxJDtAKkF5xDlqaJxpBcCGJYnzTiO/s320/IMAG0621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athens culturing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccuOBZACJX0MuM_h6hypLTqQYpOJ94HBZMVrsKbHnT1_MFLg7W4GhC8FOVF1blEMtlxsFtDx4foS2HvFyOHfmtF4_VD9gkBgK8TrTl6P6kSph-6_zXRIowSM3OspgHel816IdsLDsWZbg/s1600/1375811_10151934325301151_1137080724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccuOBZACJX0MuM_h6hypLTqQYpOJ94HBZMVrsKbHnT1_MFLg7W4GhC8FOVF1blEMtlxsFtDx4foS2HvFyOHfmtF4_VD9gkBgK8TrTl6P6kSph-6_zXRIowSM3OspgHel816IdsLDsWZbg/s320/1375811_10151934325301151_1137080724_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athens culturing... post mugging. I had my phone snatched from my hand, somehow I snatched it back and punched the greek pikey.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsio6zuUbqQNB0oDa92HiWcpkz7HSJuJnUH5eezG5O8KX1YKqwNoS2L74xeMF_Q5xCatZQu69ex51nQfiP3fitJk5JV2hRjq_WkQkZwY3fDUW5QgC_i4Z6jI4FJkLAtRf_Iyos0ViLhLmk/s1600/1385236_10151925646976151_856882442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsio6zuUbqQNB0oDa92HiWcpkz7HSJuJnUH5eezG5O8KX1YKqwNoS2L74xeMF_Q5xCatZQu69ex51nQfiP3fitJk5JV2hRjq_WkQkZwY3fDUW5QgC_i4Z6jI4FJkLAtRf_Iyos0ViLhLmk/s320/1385236_10151925646976151_856882442_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm</td></tr>
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As for now I am back training for the 2014 season. What lies ahead for me next season is yet to be decided but hopefully State side. I am also finishing up my 3rd year at Uni. This year however I am commuting by train from home. Bit of a mish but it has its perks. I am lapping up some home comforts and saving some £$£ instead of putting money down the drain for an empty flat again. I will also be jetting of to my fatherland downunder for the bulk of the winter. I can't wait. My grandma circulation means I don't do winter I much prefer back to back summers! I am in the process of making use of my dual nationality and pestering the UCI for a nationality switch but it is very early days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAHPvfatgBau0pTTp3V7SjZEYYrO8rCyz15Cf7tCBtzjs6rZUiSBoPbXuUpZxLl4LcffhI1q9A72NWz1-yxwqOnXU7r4wsgHh1DId95oopdK_mPdkX_chc918LoSwbV8mhyphenhyphene5-HOHi53Q/s1600/200621_10150125899787295_2627379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAHPvfatgBau0pTTp3V7SjZEYYrO8rCyz15Cf7tCBtzjs6rZUiSBoPbXuUpZxLl4LcffhI1q9A72NWz1-yxwqOnXU7r4wsgHh1DId95oopdK_mPdkX_chc918LoSwbV8mhyphenhyphene5-HOHi53Q/s320/200621_10150125899787295_2627379_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to get out there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UYGF117h5uYyldMBF8nfPbnvN4gusMrDM7nGnOJj3qjQYW4iZekT2wzO3GEEjjp7qLwB67Fm4d1Pf5uOCqf4tlygjKFnk4DcixiNlAqfPHOcyCjaqaEHJC1IFdW6DzVDme6taLkfMJE3/s1600/394633_10151054046327295_2087328162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UYGF117h5uYyldMBF8nfPbnvN4gusMrDM7nGnOJj3qjQYW4iZekT2wzO3GEEjjp7qLwB67Fm4d1Pf5uOCqf4tlygjKFnk4DcixiNlAqfPHOcyCjaqaEHJC1IFdW6DzVDme6taLkfMJE3/s320/394633_10151054046327295_2087328162_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....and hang out with this muppet too</td></tr>
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Finally a big shout out to Matrix Fitness Racing Academy. I am so grateful for the support, awesome sponsors and fun times on the road. I'll miss you guys!<br />
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Last but not least to the Dave Rayner fund for supporting my racing campaign over the pond. If you haven't already go and get your tickets to the annual fundraiser <a href="http://www.daveraynerfund.co.uk/charity-dinner">http://www.daveraynerfund.co.uk/charity-dinner</a><br />
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Thanks for reading! Happy pedalling, be safe out there xo<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRdH30BA8R8lfCzPmCq0H20_4Cswiz2KWqPVYB8CdmpRYqNzZ9Fvh2olqj2mE1KQGcpibKQy1kr0txsj4GQus-f9v3WDf3AV_S12tBC7YuPJVv_bOXant7I1355TcmiAcpAfGrhV5VnOO/s1600/Lets_a25875_258038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRdH30BA8R8lfCzPmCq0H20_4Cswiz2KWqPVYB8CdmpRYqNzZ9Fvh2olqj2mE1KQGcpibKQy1kr0txsj4GQus-f9v3WDf3AV_S12tBC7YuPJVv_bOXant7I1355TcmiAcpAfGrhV5VnOO/s320/Lets_a25875_258038.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving you with some winter motivation :)</td></tr>
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<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-30642144329429327172013-08-22T14:37:00.002-07:002013-08-22T14:37:47.429-07:00The art of being a lazy athlete<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">The old cycling adage <i>“don’t walk if you drive,
don’t stand if you can sit, don’t sit if you can lie,”</i></span> governs most athlete’s
lives. Hard smart training is only half of the equation. Off the bike being
horizontal becomes number one priority. Spending my rest day traipsing around
London last week made me reflect on what is optimal recovery. I found myself making a sneaky dive for the last
tube seat and acquainting myself with the sofa after toughing out 10 minutes of
standing small talk at a drinks party (nearest the canapés naturally). A day out is an great mental break but when
you spend your life sitting down on the bike and trying to be horizontal off
the bike weight bearing trashes your legs. Only cyclists can truly appreciate
this!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Off the bike we are pretty darn lazy
human beings! The look on people’s faces when you take the elevator one mere
flight is brilliant. So what are some suitable rest day past times? Anything that shares parallels with what’s on
offer in an OAP day centre I guess! Going out for coffee, lunch, pedicures,
movies all fit the bill. A wild existence the life of a 21 year old cyclist I
hear you say! I used to find it really hard and felt guilty doing nothing but
the better you become at training the better you become at resting. The hardest
part is all the jet setting for races, other than venturing out for the race the
cultural experience is limited to your bed and the hotel breakfast buffet!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacXQqVww8k146e7iniJE1vRsn4Y7ZdZUsmh2vEVRx5-VgtflQDo6whNZWUk7M-mMUQkRDjwXQK4Xof6phrlZIXHx9N15rfk7fpo2DL_of28PKJr52Fr9expkybJlY6eT8cRw2rFqF5iRA/s1600/IMAG0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacXQqVww8k146e7iniJE1vRsn4Y7ZdZUsmh2vEVRx5-VgtflQDo6whNZWUk7M-mMUQkRDjwXQK4Xof6phrlZIXHx9N15rfk7fpo2DL_of28PKJr52Fr9expkybJlY6eT8cRw2rFqF5iRA/s320/IMAG0504.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading; I am off for a sit
down shower! </span></span><br />
Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-53465698147904971032013-08-09T14:04:00.002-07:002013-08-09T14:23:09.744-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So once again I have neglected the blog front. I am going to attempt a relatively painless recap from the past erm 12 months!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After toughing out a Euro winter up till Feb I headed across the pond to Arizona for some early season racing. This time I was fending for myself. I had a rough outline of how I wanted my 3 months over there to pan out but had no means of getting from A to B or making sure I had a roof over my head. Fortunately the american hospitality did not disappoint and I landed myself some incredible hosts over my time there. The racing went ok and I found some form towards the end. My sister came over to visit whilst I had a rest week. We'd planned a fun week of touristing the west coast. Slight hiccup in Vegas saw an end to the gambling and emergency gall bladder surgery. Highlights of the 3 months included- racing down the corkscrew at the Laguna seca speedway, spending a week with Courteney Lowe training in San Diego, racing with the Pinnacle crew and living in the Smith family's norcal mansion. And some less reminiscent times, driving 13hrs on my own in a hire car through a desert sand storm and getting t boned by a car warming up for a crit but other than that it was pretty awesome.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnQ3CArupL2Cx5AlkrdgZ5l2sFhyphenhyphenNw-jdaxuQKGUZDjg5gnpJVLkUF2tcYNMjQ3p9ZMAAX3knZzeC1w670jh-_YlBX0ZXYSGDWyBYyocZeVPE1hhLncdRCk8lttuj-lD_ZgjHgrVCSH3V/s1600/IMAG0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnQ3CArupL2Cx5AlkrdgZ5l2sFhyphenhyphenNw-jdaxuQKGUZDjg5gnpJVLkUF2tcYNMjQ3p9ZMAAX3knZzeC1w670jh-_YlBX0ZXYSGDWyBYyocZeVPE1hhLncdRCk8lttuj-lD_ZgjHgrVCSH3V/s320/IMAG0217.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I don't hang around when it comes to occupying empty seats on planes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_J78WJgAbujL-AMy5NoJSKHWKKYa3_w2EBttPn9f_btmdiP45h1Etk4Nv1b_ieQ7P6D0i0Os5y66Dqd6Dsw4xhgALqf_gtFI166Ao4u9whnPIr-uDsl-bdMvB46m_w_cX6rltiGhYh2q/s1600/IMAG0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_J78WJgAbujL-AMy5NoJSKHWKKYa3_w2EBttPn9f_btmdiP45h1Etk4Nv1b_ieQ7P6D0i0Os5y66Dqd6Dsw4xhgALqf_gtFI166Ao4u9whnPIr-uDsl-bdMvB46m_w_cX6rltiGhYh2q/s320/IMAG0219.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The desert, not ideal for mid ride pee stops...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgZ4ab5x7IJJOhWXFQWRCj6HR7wDH5YfcI23Kg0Akn9DsJnSkwYUu2awQdbycB1cMbgG5qcIMA2jhlvKuKVhO2bXGr0Z-8ZmYO37T5ESVmXkzkn_hA-FY2rmC5j1srnwm_ENfxCgp8iAh/s1600/58812_10151845740229377_1372000349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgZ4ab5x7IJJOhWXFQWRCj6HR7wDH5YfcI23Kg0Akn9DsJnSkwYUu2awQdbycB1cMbgG5qcIMA2jhlvKuKVhO2bXGr0Z-8ZmYO37T5ESVmXkzkn_hA-FY2rmC5j1srnwm_ENfxCgp8iAh/s320/58812_10151845740229377_1372000349_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">San Diego fun</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpjo1nvX2G2nhWCLRozFxubyY-UOa7YZGqCmRA0fSdgmdTEXTVgm3wqho7xj_AkubqH1lqm_OCu_dPVKwgTNCt-6bn9mkHd9omRuKxvENGo9UqqwO9HBeoJGAkh_ZgFQ_3TwoP4LeKWUk/s1600/IMAG0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpjo1nvX2G2nhWCLRozFxubyY-UOa7YZGqCmRA0fSdgmdTEXTVgm3wqho7xj_AkubqH1lqm_OCu_dPVKwgTNCt-6bn9mkHd9omRuKxvENGo9UqqwO9HBeoJGAkh_ZgFQ_3TwoP4LeKWUk/s320/IMAG0343.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Feeding my sister up on ice 'chips' post surgery in Vegas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPcMwXm6ToWG_2LWhT40osqXEWZMnMUkPovgmhAp_se5niPvzq-kgYxknZlrkFYx1fFcSbzCBkYlck7u53pu_Enz-jog169hznx5fVZ2oDNTV4MkGPKNXQFeE-Vb8BV3c5nr-snWaOm09/s1600/313839_10151513890405342_1627480900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPcMwXm6ToWG_2LWhT40osqXEWZMnMUkPovgmhAp_se5niPvzq-kgYxknZlrkFYx1fFcSbzCBkYlck7u53pu_Enz-jog169hznx5fVZ2oDNTV4MkGPKNXQFeE-Vb8BV3c5nr-snWaOm09/s320/313839_10151513890405342_1627480900_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Racing around the almond blossom trees in Cali</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ8k8EeYobeTyQr1ciexnPnuhWxI4-MwjFeBwzlG9Q8gG5lCofGENMOhpZilbu8P2lZtFPfr27O5r5bnBdINNSi8qEKFX82he_2Ub63GF9AHpRvoSVcU1JP83JQ5vKqQJJCXDAseG-k1u/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ8k8EeYobeTyQr1ciexnPnuhWxI4-MwjFeBwzlG9Q8gG5lCofGENMOhpZilbu8P2lZtFPfr27O5r5bnBdINNSi8qEKFX82he_2Ub63GF9AHpRvoSVcU1JP83JQ5vKqQJJCXDAseG-k1u/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">La Jolla, rest day bliss</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg_gemxpxQ5p05oOufkghx7xtE6GFqZCbLZHq7KUzJoG6QS_Ct_1kZj4IkEtdT_CnjrHfBoDbErS_UKRPvJYUB-wtWQzUei6tSdyDuN8W1mO794ftttrOptbiypWgOVr7vcveD_XeOouX/s1600/IMAG0244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg_gemxpxQ5p05oOufkghx7xtE6GFqZCbLZHq7KUzJoG6QS_Ct_1kZj4IkEtdT_CnjrHfBoDbErS_UKRPvJYUB-wtWQzUei6tSdyDuN8W1mO794ftttrOptbiypWgOVr7vcveD_XeOouX/s320/IMAG0244.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">My ride courtesy of my host fam in Norcal, pretty proud at getting it in the parking bay it needed photographic proof</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Going to whizz through the next chapter quickly. So I flew home, picked up the inevitable plane cold. Jumped on my beaut new team Velocite bike, raced Cheshire Classic. Got pipped on the line, came home pretty cross! Raced the Bedford 3 day, got taken out in the first stage. Peeled my road rashed bod off the travel lodge bed sheets to take a close 2nd in the TT. Hobbled home to get dosed up on antibiotics because with my grandma circulation my cuts don't heal in a hurry. Then headed out to Belgie thanks to the generous financial backing from the Dave Rayner fund. I don't love Belgium but Oudenaarde is probably the most happening place to base yourself if you are a cyclist. Lots of great roads, kermesses on your door step and amazing weather (lie). It rained solidly for 3 weeks (not a lie), I was going spectacularly badly and required daily HTFU pep talks. Jason, who kindly put me up is a prof chef cooked up some amazing post race comfort food. Paleo principles kind of go out the window when you are in the land of crepes and waffles and sweet potatoes are like gold dust.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rcKXJyJ_dtQvP1D-v9YA4Epmy7BDs2Q-_JznjzSLB91VR-omfyfx6bft7WfPfqJYL72B8dKg1und48p-8_TfkcK6L0CvQHvaEvlNe448HtoFszp2sl7XACArK-bbc24dixzd9gKPJASi/s1600/2013_CheshireClassicFinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rcKXJyJ_dtQvP1D-v9YA4Epmy7BDs2Q-_JznjzSLB91VR-omfyfx6bft7WfPfqJYL72B8dKg1und48p-8_TfkcK6L0CvQHvaEvlNe448HtoFszp2sl7XACArK-bbc24dixzd9gKPJASi/s320/2013_CheshireClassicFinish.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Cheshire lost in a bikes throw</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJkZ8Aw3HLpygU7diutXTEq31GzRUi-4jdkAUf2CiNi6cAK5xXU6m9O-Ih389P3IOTy7H2ln7VQLwQnE9tk9GDZ_pK1CzQfb5heCr5Cvpt0XQdrqF2Nm5BSHi7xLc42_QzUC0Zv7w9dN2/s1600/sgqQBEkNElIcionPnnFgPLipUus2zU10LKiMldw1W5U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJkZ8Aw3HLpygU7diutXTEq31GzRUi-4jdkAUf2CiNi6cAK5xXU6m9O-Ih389P3IOTy7H2ln7VQLwQnE9tk9GDZ_pK1CzQfb5heCr5Cvpt0XQdrqF2Nm5BSHi7xLc42_QzUC0Zv7w9dN2/s320/sgqQBEkNElIcionPnnFgPLipUus2zU10LKiMldw1W5U.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Fun times at Bedford</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi6y1ncpLD6ApyJ_FA9_Q7ZRyO8uBAe5TxGBnMX6BDzmmw7B1agSTBXyTQCbUGOT46zcfCRgkmQL_5cuBf67E8aa6prtZJyrjzww7knUGdhw98IhTBDZrGJB75tDPfgOeqLxZM3YoyTfw/s1600/IMAG0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi6y1ncpLD6ApyJ_FA9_Q7ZRyO8uBAe5TxGBnMX6BDzmmw7B1agSTBXyTQCbUGOT46zcfCRgkmQL_5cuBf67E8aa6prtZJyrjzww7knUGdhw98IhTBDZrGJB75tDPfgOeqLxZM3YoyTfw/s320/IMAG0376.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">1 month after the crash!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcL4ZtlAs1x4Q6jE0iuZTbItXw04zzpvsnMTP9H7d2YPqwnBfiDksMNTtfOS56Mafk2KeGKVgR4eiESaIN5eJmrGSwIbpQcpnN1blMdjezQYHt9UclCfsKkzBsU1AU1OfZ6rCWoa9tQIE/s1600/yanHEVF240UZgkR-hKuwrn5DbzIHRZJHMjGwzpfZKVs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcL4ZtlAs1x4Q6jE0iuZTbItXw04zzpvsnMTP9H7d2YPqwnBfiDksMNTtfOS56Mafk2KeGKVgR4eiESaIN5eJmrGSwIbpQcpnN1blMdjezQYHt9UclCfsKkzBsU1AU1OfZ6rCWoa9tQIE/s320/yanHEVF240UZgkR-hKuwrn5DbzIHRZJHMjGwzpfZKVs.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">2nd for us in the Bedford TTT</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I headed home for nationals. But first for some tests to find out why I was so empty. They instilled some peace of mind, but no quick fixes so I went into the road race aka super long crit with my fuc* it head on. I had a good ride, bridging across to the escapees finishing 2nd U23 and 8th overall. The only non world champ on the podium, I think I'll take that. From Glasgow I went with the rest of my matrix teamies to Northumbria to train in the hills for a week and hang out in a castle. No second class treatment on this team! My run of good legs and energy didn't last and another month of sucking was on the cards. I took a rest to try and rekindle something before the Tour of Brittany. No luck there and I found myself making groupetto buddy's. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5YjibpqHPrpTrDsBWYVsY7cpWnF_69PJpDuwzgBKTSq6hEzS_eviv_swJyldct-9TTcjw1GHeHLBdmV-C9s0SRpblUVYqMsGgCeZfC2isnYBzsWD5c3jdBflRpHxH0Jhaz34dgei_KTI/s1600/1521Road+Race+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5YjibpqHPrpTrDsBWYVsY7cpWnF_69PJpDuwzgBKTSq6hEzS_eviv_swJyldct-9TTcjw1GHeHLBdmV-C9s0SRpblUVYqMsGgCeZfC2isnYBzsWD5c3jdBflRpHxH0Jhaz34dgei_KTI/s320/1521Road+Race+June+2013.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Rookie with the champagne</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWTeTsx9cGQiqCCgkBNrF2B66rbMRBGOpk4D7CT0pZzar11zq5d-A2clCVu-CanE_Rk49xF3PB_z_R9zZU5yGVj6NCrGgsRERJJ2ONG7VrwiZMXGoEVMC-zVS3gmAPqwPDXanGVCL160g/s1600/IMAG0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWTeTsx9cGQiqCCgkBNrF2B66rbMRBGOpk4D7CT0pZzar11zq5d-A2clCVu-CanE_Rk49xF3PB_z_R9zZU5yGVj6NCrGgsRERJJ2ONG7VrwiZMXGoEVMC-zVS3gmAPqwPDXanGVCL160g/s320/IMAG0431.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Castle fun</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I came home instead of staying out in Europe and made some changes. My time at home plus heat wave has done me the world of good. I have almost become fond of England! Its always good to catch up with friends and take yourself out of the pretty fickle cycling world. With my family all away in NZ its been quite peaceful with no siblings to wind me up. Just a full time job of harvesting the veggie patch! With a completely new approach to training I have found my legs again. A 2nd place to the dominant Hannah Barnes in the Ryedale GP gave me back some confidence. Last weekend was the London GP, an amazing event. World class comp in the queens back yard! Was cool to have some fam and friends to support me in a race so close to home. The following day I took part in the London 100 with my team mates Jessie and Hannah, the equivalent of the London Marathon for bikes I guess. We were part of the Skoda team for the day, representing our awesome sponsors. We had a fun cruisy day which started by getting chamoised up at 4.50am! It was amazing riding through traffic free london and through the Blackwall tunnel the wrong way. What was not so amazing was trying to find my car which we had had to abandon enroute to the start due to all the road closures. The lettering of the street name I biro'd into my hand had semi washed off and a n/r letter confusion made for a long day in the saddle searching the city for the old peug!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5tadGNn29hOlbdNHQyB3BHRwKFhHG9_-fQ6b09bzED_9Icj9XUz_Ksa0VWvqmbLwGRAfGyyxodBEGpnldFyieUv72n3JJNGPHwmO0FOU9OuZ615XzaX0-FudSky-Ni6dG63xzSOEf9OI/s1600/73208_532020276852431_1416002707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5tadGNn29hOlbdNHQyB3BHRwKFhHG9_-fQ6b09bzED_9Icj9XUz_Ksa0VWvqmbLwGRAfGyyxodBEGpnldFyieUv72n3JJNGPHwmO0FOU9OuZ615XzaX0-FudSky-Ni6dG63xzSOEf9OI/s320/73208_532020276852431_1416002707_n.jpg" width="258" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Crit racing around the queens pad</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="240" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQ1aJEzCIAI-NMB.jpg:large" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Ride London 100 with Hannah and Jessie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For now I am focussing on training for the Tour de l'Ardeche in September and finishing the season on a high. The season is going so quickly although it seems like an eternity since I took a win in AZ in Feb. Before I know it lectures will be starting again, believe it or not I am going into my final year at uni (don't ask how many weeks I have spent in Bath).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for reading. Ciao for now xx</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Photo's with credit to: Paul Douglas, Andy Whitehouse)</span></div>
<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-88374204649059108152012-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:002012-08-23T08:51:26.701-07:00A photo blog, no cycling jargon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is a taste of my last 2 months in the US...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tWbSiMyf1M8wkeGjwMef695KAnBLeSB0db3dQD-MVy2nUdck_Xm7EZz0xXAQTqsv3XernNpq0DrNmPNFZ8dA3Jfci7wumJRvrMQDKncAprpDzOWUqq-1gk4-e6YttNIsG1Y-jZ61SJZ5/s1600/bend-oregon-mountain-640_s640x427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tWbSiMyf1M8wkeGjwMef695KAnBLeSB0db3dQD-MVy2nUdck_Xm7EZz0xXAQTqsv3XernNpq0DrNmPNFZ8dA3Jfci7wumJRvrMQDKncAprpDzOWUqq-1gk4-e6YttNIsG1Y-jZ61SJZ5/s320/bend-oregon-mountain-640_s640x427.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We flew to Bend, OR for the Cascade Cycling Classic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeJQsRXP-2sW113JbwIrv3MpsBqTe72sj6pvt_O9-QesTd0-gUJE1VwUvxBqbDXSOC73LXpP21RlXeNvCTwCvIfBPE8xHEAXFwBZBm1gM79DzGLWPIpJvxX-w7081ExwkGXjqBRhL7xKU/s1600/12cccstg3035_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeJQsRXP-2sW113JbwIrv3MpsBqTe72sj6pvt_O9-QesTd0-gUJE1VwUvxBqbDXSOC73LXpP21RlXeNvCTwCvIfBPE8xHEAXFwBZBm1gM79DzGLWPIpJvxX-w7081ExwkGXjqBRhL7xKU/s320/12cccstg3035_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bend is stunning, although not easy to take in the views whilst bike racing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6pW-xk995-5Ty5xgXNmxnS7P-Et4_bMP9remcRTAcMRUqidBYQZ6GLUKXxLyyktkn-GP3UvjQE-jW9FALVkvzlsEVkmeigOas-z6Z421R5-bT8xaDzjDSKIZcSJ8ksm7-O-cXvcGAytE/s1600/tranny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6pW-xk995-5Ty5xgXNmxnS7P-Et4_bMP9remcRTAcMRUqidBYQZ6GLUKXxLyyktkn-GP3UvjQE-jW9FALVkvzlsEVkmeigOas-z6Z421R5-bT8xaDzjDSKIZcSJ8ksm7-O-cXvcGAytE/s320/tranny.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met people from all walks of life!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7n820pyvcyOmg-V34U3j_GlupDq7qsZn9e4Z7lDF4QfGXnWTySwV-AbGgAqlYQNMZlyhJBOYw67xvCcooxWI7ZRALj4ruWDPxHXCUJytLw2utyMVIRnzSwsSEeTMgIoLrwZfX3AIQLcz/s1600/12cccstg1016_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7n820pyvcyOmg-V34U3j_GlupDq7qsZn9e4Z7lDF4QfGXnWTySwV-AbGgAqlYQNMZlyhJBOYw67xvCcooxWI7ZRALj4ruWDPxHXCUJytLw2utyMVIRnzSwsSEeTMgIoLrwZfX3AIQLcz/s320/12cccstg1016_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We won 2 stages and Carmen finished 2nd on GC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws7mC1I4xUxYOd4ExXfutO9ypUdzIkp8C5CKfRi7sEz9xwqm39trxhhvtgWrzxiM0QilK5O4JHSnxTOUj_kscc9QfW-VgOVnYqXFGqKCnJLo579ec_ZbWvjohTR8BZsGekDJNDydrS3G-/s1600/576174_3839887348068_1744616976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws7mC1I4xUxYOd4ExXfutO9ypUdzIkp8C5CKfRi7sEz9xwqm39trxhhvtgWrzxiM0QilK5O4JHSnxTOUj_kscc9QfW-VgOVnYqXFGqKCnJLo579ec_ZbWvjohTR8BZsGekDJNDydrS3G-/s320/576174_3839887348068_1744616976_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade organised an awesome silent auction for WBR</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKaVrsK320KWPEAVNwGOjQcq8_tav9IztmA0fx7tILzwl2xM3iYxxUKlK-08BkdZanWU7jaXJWhSSAkUfyXv7zWJm1xTfYZJFBVd3JQHNpND7Y8dfQjn5PEsRN5f9HYx5uN4O86KKj0Fh/s1600/2012_08_05_001_img_2180_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKaVrsK320KWPEAVNwGOjQcq8_tav9IztmA0fx7tILzwl2xM3iYxxUKlK-08BkdZanWU7jaXJWhSSAkUfyXv7zWJm1xTfYZJFBVd3JQHNpND7Y8dfQjn5PEsRN5f9HYx5uN4O86KKj0Fh/s320/2012_08_05_001_img_2180_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then we flew to Chicago for the Tour of Elk Grove<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGhXDpTjBoAh5Hc0zxWy6DziwWrvXVIciDmy7TtVqCDFvwQYsJk3wUlR-1h8fWveWmN1e7IWZAbJ1-ZEdZ23_zhm6guJYyA2dzv0zRpu4X0IfKFwoPqGTv5aMwdeTbKdqi_lFQCs_akud/s1600/2012_08_04_011_img_8511_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGhXDpTjBoAh5Hc0zxWy6DziwWrvXVIciDmy7TtVqCDFvwQYsJk3wUlR-1h8fWveWmN1e7IWZAbJ1-ZEdZ23_zhm6guJYyA2dzv0zRpu4X0IfKFwoPqGTv5aMwdeTbKdqi_lFQCs_akud/s320/2012_08_04_011_img_8511_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade won 2 stages and the overall!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-W8OL-GdhNkZzkN_jVDqGMujYavjOd39NBTMPxMq-Np-lBTe-rV0fZc11Slr2WTV3v7CxqOqaufNaNoA1zxku5Z4gbo84MTTdlO5XLn9djlovhVBT226zbpz22vMvznEvTtA8ZpSSqjq4/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-W8OL-GdhNkZzkN_jVDqGMujYavjOd39NBTMPxMq-Np-lBTe-rV0fZc11Slr2WTV3v7CxqOqaufNaNoA1zxku5Z4gbo84MTTdlO5XLn9djlovhVBT226zbpz22vMvznEvTtA8ZpSSqjq4/s320/IMG_1152.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some down time in Asheville, tubing down the French Broad River!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzvHpCkWFWYuXO9rFgJQAyhm7twGayHeG07wLNrbbMG1Iezq3hJF5ZhvTCR3rryiod0vrjTp9TqrF2e7BKIEVPUb7OUlIm1fSvscL_IfkbjUwriT55EGB1B_eLPf_P09FPo3fTyoP_WrX/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzvHpCkWFWYuXO9rFgJQAyhm7twGayHeG07wLNrbbMG1Iezq3hJF5ZhvTCR3rryiod0vrjTp9TqrF2e7BKIEVPUb7OUlIm1fSvscL_IfkbjUwriT55EGB1B_eLPf_P09FPo3fTyoP_WrX/s320/IMG_1201.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching some rays on Biltmore Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spot of climbing with Courteney and Leah to the highest point in the East</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing the season with some crits in Atlanta.</td></tr>
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Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-86885770102679064692012-07-10T11:31:00.000-07:002012-07-10T11:31:22.044-07:00JULY!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again been a bit slack on the blog! So here goes... a taster of what I have been up in the last couple of weeks and the racing I have up next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No less than 12 hours after touching down in the States I was pinning a number onto my jersey. Lining up for the 70 mile road race in 100+deg heat fuelled on airplane food I didn't have massive expectations so saw it as a way to shake off the travel and jetlag. Wasn't too much fun and I failed miserably trying to bridge to the break on my own ending up 8th. We had 4 days of crits to follow which were fun but I was run down and didn't have much to give which was disappointing. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stay in all sorts of digs, always grateful to our host families for having us!<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A rather memorable part of TOAD (tour of america's dairylands) has to be our post race ice bath in Lake Michigan aka Lake Shitigan with the Vanderkitten's. We failed to notice the sewage warning signs and jumped in totally oblivious to the vile aroma and fact nobody else was in the water! Luckily none of us woke up sick the following day!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee spin, yes I know I look like a triathlete!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of beautiful spots in NC.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Milwaukee (still can't pronounce it) in Wisconson I flew back to Asheville NC for a couple of weeks in between races. Enjoyed some r+r and intense training in this seriously scorching heat. I am literally sleeping with a fan on my face. Exploring lots of swimming holes and lakes to cool off. Also making the most of not racing by working on my flexibility and core with yoga and pilates classes. I am always amazed at how functionally strong people who appear to have more flab than muscle are; embarrassing cyclists upper body strength!! Asheville is such a cool town very mellow and chilled, totally hippie, lots of people with dreads playing guitars or sipping coffee; its fun to explore. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only in Asheville!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching some rays!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fly to Bend, Oregon on Sunday for the Cascade Cycling Classic with the team which I am really excited about. From there I fly back to North Carolina for a few days then to Michigan for a crit then to Chicago for Tour of Elk Grove; that will wrap up my July. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found out today that I have passed my first year at Bath, phew! I have been out of the country and not attended a single lecture since December! </span>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-51383277636244909522012-06-26T11:14:00.001-07:002012-06-26T11:14:36.147-07:00Over the past couple of weeks I have definitely experienced the highs and lows that are part and parcel of sport. I came back to the UK in good form, fresh from my win in Washington; I was aiming for a really good result at nationals. A couple of days before Madre and I journeyed uuup north to recce the 'rolling' course before the race. We rented a cute little converted cow shed for the race. This cottage put a new meaning to the term 'off the beaten track.'<br />
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The morning of the race I woke up not feeling great, as soon as the race started I just felt empty. I had nothing in the tank and just felt so weak. I was so disappointed. Enough said about that one!<br />
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I am now in Chicago killing 5 hours before my connecting flight to Milwaukee for Tour of America's Dairylands! I start racing tomorrow.... one way to get over the jet lag!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drying wet clothes in Yorkshire by cooking them!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our converted cow shed for nationals.</td></tr>
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<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-61119405450519179902012-06-11T15:12:00.000-07:002012-06-11T15:12:21.082-07:00Riding around in circles in the capital<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am waiting in the departures lounge killing time before my flight back to the UK (hence the reason for 2 whole blogs in 2 consecutive days!) We had a great weekend racing at the AirForce Classic in Washington DC. The day before we were able to spin our legs and take in some of the great sites the city has on offer. Standing outside the gates of the White house we soon became the tourist attraction and all the Chinese tourists wanted their picture with us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first race was a 50k crit around a short but technical course. We were all instructed to be aggressive from the off as that is how we race best. Early on in the race I was away with 2 others. We were soon to be swamped by the peloton so I attacked. Kendall Ryan from TIBCO came with me and we established a substantial gap. Unsure of her finishing kick I was keen for it not to come down to that so I went with 5 to go and lapped the rear end of the bunch to take my first win as a neo-pro! Leah won the bunch sprint too.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know what is going on with my lip?!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day we raced around a slightly longer course with a tight 180deg corner through a parking lot- random! I spent most of the race in one break or another which unfortunately didn't stick and it was decided in a bunch sprint. Leah powered to 3rd taking the overall in the process. So it was a good weekend all round! It was seriously hot, we were very grateful for having ice socks to stuff down our tops.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The map on my garmin file!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really should stop wearing compression socks around airports I have lost track of the number of times I have been asked if I play soccer! Rightio better board my flight. Really looking forward to seeing my friends and fam. But I am sure in 2 weeks time I will be psyched to get out to the States again. Next up for me is Nationals in Yorkshire in 2 weeks time then back across the pond to Winconsin for Tour of America's Dairylands. Ciao for now! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent...No chance of heatwave take 2?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-90496023935538138792012-06-10T08:01:00.003-07:002012-06-10T08:01:55.626-07:00Tour de Cure<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I jumped on a plane to Minneapolis to represent
our sponsors on the Tour de Cure century ride for diabetes. We boarded the tiny
plane from Asheville only moments later to be asked to de-plane as the plane had
hit a bird! Once back on the plane they had to ask this beefy man to move to
the back of the plane to help redistribute the weight on the small aircraft!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day Colton and I headed to the Kare TV studio
in Minneapolis to be interviewed about our charity ride the following day. You
can LOL at it here… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kare11.com/video/1668076682001/1/Pedaling-With-Pat-Tour-de-Cure">http://www.kare11.com/video/1668076682001/1/Pedaling-With-Pat-Tour-de-Cure</a>.
I sound terrible! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later on I got to check out the Mall of America. It is insane;
it has a theme park in the middle. So big it made the IKEA opposite look pathetic.
My mum would have to take a very deep breath before entering she gets stressed
walking around John Lewis! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day I rode 100 miles before 11.30am,
the earliest I think I have ever been on my bike! I started off with Chris
Carmichael (Lance Armstrong’s coach) which was cool; he was really interesting
to chat to. There were also previous winners from the Biggest Loser show
riding. The bulk of the charity ride was on bike paths which made it a little
sketchy with so many riders and quite tedious after 5 hours of over taking
other riders and dodging dog walkers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day I enjoyed a 3am start to catch my flight back
to Asheville, one of the many perks of being a pro cyclist! For now I have 5
days or so of training here in North Carolina before I am off to Washington DC
for the Air Force Classic with the team.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling at Lake Lure NC with my team mate Anna</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-78538258047104905652012-05-23T13:21:00.000-07:002012-05-23T13:21:23.019-07:00A weekend of crits!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AdSX8TPOIXC-gHWNo7IiMZifybL9dyqebobniRMSd_Gojn1suivgmTE0pbK27cylVHKaUUu6y0P1cIXRnNrvkJ6knC0vqzU9OD8pIAEVJbWSlms4oASWza1LJ0Cyygi4xCMNBGCBOl1o/s1600/mens+lax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AdSX8TPOIXC-gHWNo7IiMZifybL9dyqebobniRMSd_Gojn1suivgmTE0pbK27cylVHKaUUu6y0P1cIXRnNrvkJ6knC0vqzU9OD8pIAEVJbWSlms4oASWza1LJ0Cyygi4xCMNBGCBOl1o/s200/mens+lax.jpg" width="175" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After just over a week back in Asheville Courteney and I packed our trusty Thule’s for a weekend of racing in
Maryland. We flew via Florida which was completely in the wrong direction, but I guess it helped add to the sky miles I have accumulated this season! We met Anna and our very appropriate bright orange minivan rental for the trip in Baltimore. With the rest of the team racing over in Canada, we had to manage
without our DS and mechanic! We stayed with John Kelly of ‘Kelly Benefit Strategies’ our
very generous team sponsor in their guest house. We even got to watch a game of men’s lacrosse
which was pretty cool and took me back to my roots! The first criterium was the
Wilmington GP, part of the NCC. With our
strong sprinters racing in Gatineau we knew that we had to race aggressively if
we were going to win this. Unfortunately
getting away proved to be a tall order, we were highly marked throughout the
race. I finished 6<sup>th</sup>; not the
result we were hoping for at all. We were keen to make up for it the following day.
On the Sunday we raced the BikeJam/Kelly Cup. We made it aggressive from the start,
attacking right from the off, and countering each other’s moves. I got away with Debbie Milne and we established a sizeable gap. Courteney bridged across on Lyndsay Bayer’s wheel. With 2 of us in the break the race was panning out well for us. However we managed the finish didn’t quite go
to plan and we finished 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> to Lyndsay who got
the jump on us and timed the move very well. (Here is a link to a video of the finish <o:p></o:p><a href="http://vimeo.com/42522187">http://vimeo.com/42522187</a>)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pre race breakfast (well actually lunch): Oatmeal and berries topped with greek yoghurt, kiwi fruit, chia seeds, walnuts and SUJON blackcurrant powder!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the race we got to chill in the Kelly Benefit
Stategies VIP tent and were treated to a yummy bbq lunch. After a lovely 4.30am start on the Monday we
flew back to Asheville. I have a short break from racing now until the Air Force Classic next month. Next for me is the Tour de Cure charity ride in Minneapolis
where I will be representing our team and sponsors. In less than 3 weeks time I will be back in sunny England for a couple of weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ciao for now!</span><o:p></o:p></div>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-8039911797999959432012-05-07T19:03:00.001-07:002012-05-07T19:03:47.965-07:00From suburbia to the wilderness<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Fayetteville we drove to Little Rock. We stopped to get
supper and sample the pick and mix section at Wholefoods. They refused to sell
wine on a Sunday so Rachel treated us to celebratory chocolate! We spent the
night in Little Rock before flying to Albuquerque, New Mexico the following
morning. This was all uneventful until we touched down in New Mexico and had to
stay seated while the police came on board to arrest a passenger for harassing an air hostess!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were all staying in accommodation perched up in the hills
overlooking vast, barren landscape. It
was completely off the beaten track; the sort of holiday destination my parents
go for! It was immediately apparent I was not going to be getting my university
work submitted in time for deadlines this week due to the lack of internet in
the desert (luckily I managed to get an extension on my extension). High
altitude is weird; water takes longer to boil, food takes longer to cook and my
nose bled umpteen times a day. As for the riding, it pays not to look at your
power metre as any given intensity just feels harder. The air is so dry you are
oblivious to the fact you are sweating buckets, getting enough fluids in was
key. You know there is a bike race on when everyone has panic bought the local
supermarket out of coconut water; a godsend for electrolytes and hydration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Awesome 360degree view from the host housing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The racing was tough; an amalgamation of the teams, terrain,
altitude and heat. Stage 1 ended up panning out well for us with Carmen and
Jade both finishing on the podium alongside Olympic champ Kristin
Armstrong. It was a mountain top finish
after a 6km slog with gradients of 19%. Half way up the climb there was a cross
wind section where everyone was jostling for position, next minute there is a
pile up directly in front and I am picking myself off the tarmac. Luckily I had
a cushioned landing, falling on top of the Canadian national champion! There
was a slight mishap during the race prior to this when the break up the road was
directed the wrong way! As the peloton was now ahead of the break we had to
stop and wait for the race to be restarted. A pee break was called for which is
possible the weirdest thing, give it a week or so and that particular stretch
of road in the desert will have some nice green patches!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stage 2 wasn’t great from a personal perspective. The race split
early on resulting in a rather large groupetto for the remaining 100km,
completely useless to our GC riders. Janel rode so strongly to take 2<sup>nd</sup>
behind Armstrong whilst Carmen maintained 2<sup>nd</sup> on GC. Stage 3, the TT
was a chance to conserve as much in order to be fresh to help our GC riders the
following day. The penultimate stage was a criterium in downtown Silvercity. It
was especially hot and dry so we raced with sachets of ice in our skin suits.
Short sharp efforts are what make crits hard, I really noticed the effects of
being 2000+m above sea level here; it takes longer to recover in between
efforts. The 4 corner course featured 2
kickers and a fast downhill stretch. Despite numerous breaks going up the road
it all came down to a sprint with Carmen taking 2<sup>nd</sup>, I finished 8<sup>th</sup>.
The final day featured climb after climb. I was glad to have that over and done
with and the Tour of the Gila wrapped up. Carmen was amazing and held onto 2<sup>nd</sup>
place and the sprinters jersey too.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Warming down on our fab kinetic trainers.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are now enroute to an Albuquerque airport hotel; I am heading
back to Asheville for a week or so. Some r and r is on the cards before we’re
off again! I am looking forward to getting a little bit closer to sea level!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-32695178774579126292012-05-07T18:45:00.000-07:002012-05-07T18:45:59.506-07:00Donning all the jerseys in Joe Martin!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a successful week racing in the Joe Martin NRC in
Arkansas if I may say so myself; claiming all the jerseys! Stage 1 was an
uphill 4km prologue, short but gruelling! The insignificant time gaps following
the opening stage meant we had all to play for in the coming 3 stages
instigating some aggressive racing. I was awarded the white jersey as the top
U23 finisher in the prologue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stage 2 was hard; I quote my team mate Lex… ‘The race was
hard because we wanted it to be hard!’ The course saw us race up over a 9 mile
climb which was mentally tough you’d sense you were nearing the top glimpsing
the brow but instead it just dragged on up! Carmen, Jade and Courtney broke
away with Kathryn Donovan from FCS- Rouse which was an ideal scenario. Carmen
won the stage taking the leaders jersey, Jade donned the green jersey and
Courteney piked the white jersey from me!
I took 5</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the stage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day we defended all 3 jerseys by jumping on
anyone that tried to get away! The final stage we contested was a crit around a
cool undulating course in downtown Fayetteville. A decisive break involving Carmen, Jade and
myself saw Jade solo to her first NRC win and a minor redistribution of the
jerseys. Jade took the leaders jersey and I took the white back from Courteney-
they all stayed in the Optum family so there were no hard feelings! We were so
fortunate to have wonderful host families for the week; putting on an amazing
bbq for us all and cheering for us (despite the fact they thought we were
called ‘team opium’!)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were 1st team overall!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-43511466279056008832012-04-25T16:07:00.001-07:002012-04-25T16:07:33.777-07:00A bit of what's been happening lately<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Last weekend we travelled from Asheville to Alabama and stayed in
a sweet host home! We have been so fortunate to be put up by lovely families
this season. Last Saturday we raced
the Sunny King Crit, the 2nd NCC of the season. The winning break formed in the
second half of the race which included Jade, Annie and I along with Erica Allar
and Laura Van Gilder; two very reputable and experienced sprinters. Annie and I
attacked and countered hard for the rest of the race making Erica and Laura work to set Jade up for the sprint. Jade only just missed out on the top step and
all of us finished in the top 10, so we picked up some nice dosh that night! My family
were able to watch the live stream on the internet which was nice
(not sure they quite understood the tactics involved as my brother questioned
why I didn't sprint my team mate for 4th after our lead out!) Sleeping
after evening crit races is always a challenge. Racing is fast from the off so
you have to be so fired up from the off which is when caffeine gels/ shots come
in handy. The problems arise when trying to sleep later on. I lay there
knackered but totally wide away listening to the grandfather clock downstairs
chiming away to remind myself I am still awake and had to be up at 6am for the next race!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The following morning we contested the Foothills road race. A team
1,2,3 demonstrated our strong cohesion. Courteney and Anna attacked on the
first climb and powered away giving the rest of us a cruisier time sitting in
the bunch whilst we watched their gap grow. Lex soloed away with 10k to go making it a
clean sweep of yellow shoes on the podium! We were then whisked into the van sans
showering and drove to Arkansas, thank
god for baby wipes! Spirits were lifted stopping off at Chipotle for supper.
This is a fab Mexican chain, fast but fresh and healthy too. We stayed with a great host family on a farm for 2 nights to break up the
journey to Fayetteville. Slight downsize in accommodation; from the mansion in
Alabama to an RV! We got a taste for what life was like before the days of internet
too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The following day we hung out at the Orbea factory in Little Rock.
It was great to see where everything happens and meet the people behind our
very generous sponsorship deal. We got to sample the renowned Southern US Bar–B-Q
as they put on a delicious array of meat for us. We had a fun photo shoot in
their studio too showing off our new compression clothing. From Little Rock we
drove to Fayetteville which is where we are staying for the Joe Martin stage
race which begins tomorrow. The team has taken over 4 houses on the same street.
It is really nice to have my own bed and bedroom; I even took my clothes out of
my suitcase and put them in a chest of drawers just because I could! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sounds like we are experiencing the similar weather patterns to the
UK at the mo, cloudless skies, 85deg heat! Hard times though resting up for a
race when you want to sunbathe but can’t for fear of dehydration!</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-71060836666409712652012-04-19T06:07:00.000-07:002012-04-19T06:07:55.418-07:00Staying put for an entire month!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLquN4pytEZUAoWV_RRcA3cUhXBD-30EuJj_do_R3YEhAHqxGy3KjjZsqrOKabCeUElwINoFdFJj3GL34vKBPTfJUEPaGUYxcovmWdQVJ5BUAWSoiIbxbR4CNT3SmtXi1A9lKxmPWDLPe/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLquN4pytEZUAoWV_RRcA3cUhXBD-30EuJj_do_R3YEhAHqxGy3KjjZsqrOKabCeUElwINoFdFJj3GL34vKBPTfJUEPaGUYxcovmWdQVJ5BUAWSoiIbxbR4CNT3SmtXi1A9lKxmPWDLPe/s200/IMG_0813.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I arrived in the US over 2 months ago (jeez it has flown by) it has been a case of one week here, get on a plane, 2 days there, next destination, get on a plane and so on... However I have had a whole month in Asheville (North Carolina) since my last race. It was really good to get a solid block of training in and get over my reoccurring breathing issues. There are lots of cool cyclists to train with here; and stray dogs that chase you which all helps to mix up the training! Summer has officially arrived, the tan lines are coming along nicely. Soon I will have to start rolling my sleeves up triathlete style and start smothering the white parts in baby oil off the bike! Courteney and I are embracing the Asheville lifestlye, hanging out with the locals; last week we went to a yoga class for the first time. The man on our left had green painted toe nails and the women to our right lifted up her arms for a yoga pose to display some delightful forest vegetation in the pit area! Not entirely sure how we managed to remain composed throughout the session.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSia1Mf-DSrfeFUk5jm2R0oIJuXAwB0zprz_hQkZRdxfwtxl3k-XaMPEOOQ3yeWruFoEuNmYUtHkmIQ9xs3SQDVZf0W_hlRwWc3IRjlCGkUfm__lTdCNEftpJvhuYQ6Ye13E6qg5BnQcMt/s1600/thumb-1334522365186-dsc_0864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSia1Mf-DSrfeFUk5jm2R0oIJuXAwB0zprz_hQkZRdxfwtxl3k-XaMPEOOQ3yeWruFoEuNmYUtHkmIQ9xs3SQDVZf0W_hlRwWc3IRjlCGkUfm__lTdCNEftpJvhuYQ6Ye13E6qg5BnQcMt/s200/thumb-1334522365186-dsc_0864.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weekend we drove to Charlotte (also in North Carolina) for the NRC crit. This race was a pretty big deal with some serious bucks at stake. It was a technical course taking me out of my comfort zone with 8 tight corners, man hole covers and off camber sections. Jade powered to 4th, and despite losing my positioning badly on the last lap I finished 12th. We had a great weekend with our host family; they were so welcoming and generous. We arrived back post race to be greeted to a delicious Mexican banquet.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCEBzmt7Jg9vMWvjzh8wFccmPm6IXw8pG6GN28D9J4SVQBfG-4hqdwR6PhXkd2Be12SkXmxLP2Tal8rzK6_oQTCQo1Y1fFnlUUd0qzaaD6EtEN_xfhmS70sYnhDtKoFBW_DYrIne9Ot3I/s1600/thumb-1334524102968-dsc_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCEBzmt7Jg9vMWvjzh8wFccmPm6IXw8pG6GN28D9J4SVQBfG-4hqdwR6PhXkd2Be12SkXmxLP2Tal8rzK6_oQTCQo1Y1fFnlUUd0qzaaD6EtEN_xfhmS70sYnhDtKoFBW_DYrIne9Ot3I/s200/thumb-1334524102968-dsc_0868.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Charlotte we drove back to Asheville. It has been great to train as a team here; yesterday morning we had a skills session working on our descending. We rode down, we drove back up; it was ideal, like a ski lift! Then in the afternoon we did some motor pacing which was interesting once the heavens opened and the glasses fogged up! Today for a bit of variation and team bonding we went zip lining. Despite pouring with rain the entire time it was really good fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Next up... on Friday we drive to Alabama for the Sunny King crit, then its off to Arkansas for the Joe Martin Stage race then scooting off to New Mexico to contend with the altitude at the Tour of the Gila! </span><br />
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</span>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-942445390520399242012-03-20T17:23:00.000-07:002012-03-20T17:23:38.712-07:00Breathing like a smoker!<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cycling is a tough sport at the best of times; combine racing with being sick and you are hardly racing just surviving. The San Dimas Stage race from a personal perspective was a shocker. Since racing in Florida I have been battling to ditch a bad cold, which instead manifested itself into a chest infection. When you sound like a heavy smoker when tapping out a mere 150W on the pedals you have to play mind games with yourself, shrug it off and kid yourself it’s because of the altitude and it will all be fine on the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stage 1 was a 4 mile TT up Glendora Mountain. Due to the gradient nobody used TT bikes. Time trials are just you against the clock, it’s a case of how much you want it and how much you can push through and block out the pain. I decided to start out as if I was miraculously going to pull a great ride out of the bag. 1 minute in and I felt like I was breathing through a straw, needless to say the next 17 minutes were an arduous struggle . My team mates put in really impressive rides leaving all to play for in the next 2 stages. Stage 2 was by far the worst conditions and most layers I’ve ever raced my bike in. For me it was only a repeat of the previous days struggle and I was forced to pull the plug early on, not a nice experience. On the final day I cheered my team mates on from the side lines. It was also a good learning experience seeing how the race unfolded tactically and awesome to watch Jade only just losing out to the German champ Ina Teutenberg (arguably the fastest in the world) in the sprint.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were lucky to be hosted by a lovely family not far from all 3 stages. It amazes me how families are so willing to give up their homes. We literally take over the whole house, fridge, garage, and plonk a massage table in their living room. Watch this video <a href="http://www.uride.tv/live-stream/03/16/2012/San+Dimas+Stage+Race/">http://www.uride.tv/live-stream/03/16/2012/San+Dimas+Stage+Race/</a> (the one on the right hand side) - I really hope I don’t sound like that…! It makes for a nice change to staying in hotels and having to eat out every night. I am now back in North Carolina. With nearly a month until my next race I can focus on getting100% again before cracking on with a hard block of training. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ciao xx</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-85210711634584316452012-03-15T21:46:00.000-07:002012-03-15T21:46:59.656-07:00Staying fighting fit with Sujon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm9lGkxrV0RfZAwCM8P5hUgiORV4yxqVZ-RgZRWTKilT7iXvPI9opY8b3zIjCFyRIuk0C5uUlWoGfvhcyHswY50ZMe8y60uFpIQKR1Se5qUY9tjtlU_WM9nSFBH9M2tCidEo81vKEcnYa/s1600/sujon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm9lGkxrV0RfZAwCM8P5hUgiORV4yxqVZ-RgZRWTKilT7iXvPI9opY8b3zIjCFyRIuk0C5uUlWoGfvhcyHswY50ZMe8y60uFpIQKR1Se5qUY9tjtlU_WM9nSFBH9M2tCidEo81vKEcnYa/s320/sujon.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a shout out to Sujon blackcurrent powder who are very kindly supporting myself and my team mate Courteney this season. Adding the powder to my oatmeal, yoghurt or recovery shakes has become an integral part in ensuring I am in the best shape possible for races. I was introduced to the product whilst training in NZ over Christmas and instantly became hooked, so I am stoked to be working with Sujon for the 2012 season. Check out their website and make sure you get your hands on some powder. Not only does it contain crazy amounts of antioxidants it tastes delicious too. With all the travelling it is not always possible to get your hands on fresh fruit, so it is reassuring to carry Sujon powder around in your kit bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.healthcurrancy.co.uk/index.html">http://www.healthcurrancy.co.uk/index.html</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sujon.co.nz/index.htm">http://www.sujon.co.nz/index.htm</a> </span>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750571328945554482.post-70152779420934583412012-03-15T21:30:00.000-07:002012-03-15T21:30:51.909-07:005am oatmeal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkttyQJdEcA1rRq832nVvFfGoKcORkB5NOEuldAG-_Uwi9SldbOCF73Wdbl7wfEo8cNWtCimX_ZROGp_vZakdiJ3NrGRsK8c23FQ7m2TnF-z-f8I81vy1IgA9OE6L6ypOO_esUufWm_j6/s1600/use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkttyQJdEcA1rRq832nVvFfGoKcORkB5NOEuldAG-_Uwi9SldbOCF73Wdbl7wfEo8cNWtCimX_ZROGp_vZakdiJ3NrGRsK8c23FQ7m2TnF-z-f8I81vy1IgA9OE6L6ypOO_esUufWm_j6/s320/use.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since arriving in the States back in February I have become very much accustomed to 4am starts. You know it is too early when you go to brush your teeth at the airport and put soap on your toothbrush.... I worked out I have been on 16 different flights during this time (I dread to think of the carbon footprint I am leaving behind with this jet-setting!) I have probably seen more of America already than most American's have! You get quite good at making the whole flying process more bearable like walking onto the plane with your headphones in to prevent people feeling the need to chat to you. They see your helmet on your bag... "ahh so do you do mountain biking?" "no actually road cycling, like the tour de france kind of thing" "oh cool, how far do you race then?" "usually about 130km" "wow so is that like a relay are you gonna be in the Olympics?" excellent 5 hours of this!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zkx3c-USzZUQjarR7wrLLwYLrJhW80IqeSrpoXhjh0N2VspVrCmkyM-Um3OmCIHboiXFj0HoR45NzDqAbuQRZ94Xu43PRLiJpE1blsKkJGeykhj5DE0Rysgo_uniW4RxKlonNnC4WI9i/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zkx3c-USzZUQjarR7wrLLwYLrJhW80IqeSrpoXhjh0N2VspVrCmkyM-Um3OmCIHboiXFj0HoR45NzDqAbuQRZ94Xu43PRLiJpE1blsKkJGeykhj5DE0Rysgo_uniW4RxKlonNnC4WI9i/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsI2RrOag2IKySZ0pOIo17ytTpAo2IuIFlYA7tfMrXvZaQDLMDFOiwkx3HS5AQ_XtOLnFAv-A3ic1ZqjRTk682KcuNJFsEn7mPvwf9Q0Kve9vAPBoFuxSk1QInQy5OFZDibbTfu84aa2l/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsI2RrOag2IKySZ0pOIo17ytTpAo2IuIFlYA7tfMrXvZaQDLMDFOiwkx3HS5AQ_XtOLnFAv-A3ic1ZqjRTk682KcuNJFsEn7mPvwf9Q0Kve9vAPBoFuxSk1QInQy5OFZDibbTfu84aa2l/s200/IMG_0779.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbC6fwQDAvAMn6SSSL3bkp1aFX2yqbJL7ehVKak7vVrqyugXPooOO04XGVMrBj-zmXjSLKoP1jbO5JmeIm9iT8n3E6axQFWZyHE6YxUFa50j0FQTgePUmUm6quzA2v4wwCAZBH3yz1Rr3/s1600/429651_10150615594462631_719722630_9255918_1754480299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbC6fwQDAvAMn6SSSL3bkp1aFX2yqbJL7ehVKak7vVrqyugXPooOO04XGVMrBj-zmXjSLKoP1jbO5JmeIm9iT8n3E6axQFWZyHE6YxUFa50j0FQTgePUmUm6quzA2v4wwCAZBH3yz1Rr3/s200/429651_10150615594462631_719722630_9255918_1754480299_n.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I last blogged I have been to California back to North Carolina to Florida back to North Carolina and back to California which is where I am currently. Racing kicked off in Merced with the Merco Classic; it was a great start to the season for the team with Joelle and Leah taking 2nd and 3rd overall. Next up was the Delray twilight crit in Florida. We had such a fun weekend of racing; despite forging many breaks we didn't manage to break the race up so in the end it was a bunch sprint and Courteney powered to 3rd. We lived it up post race experiencing how the other half live. Our host housing was unreal; yacht docked in the back garden, outdoor plasma screen, jacuzzi etc etc. Florida is pretty cool you have to look hard to spot</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a fat or botoxless person. Our host's very kindly took us out for supper on their boat which was a lush way to end the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow the San Dimas stage race kicks off. With lots of big names like Kristian Armstrong and Ina Teutenberg competing it will make for some exciting racing. Stage 1 starts with a lung busting uphill TT- bring on the burn!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ciao for now!</span>Emma Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358489350319422861noreply@blogger.com0