TV Interview on KPIX San Francisco

February 16, 2006

I'm driving home yesterday afternoon after my massage when I get a call from Brent. He askes what I'm up to tomorrow. I told him nothing really as I'm taking a few days off from training because my throat has been a bit scratchy. Then he proceeds to tell me that he's up in San Francisco and that tomorrow (thursday) at 8pm he's going to be interviewed for CBS 5 (KPIX) along with one of the Tour de California HealthNet riders and they are in need of one more person! Then he asks what color my hair is?! I told him it was normal, but should I dye it pink (I had already said I'd love to be on TV!)? Brent said that he had already told the producer about my pink hair and the producer loved it! So needless to say I agreed to dye it pink and head up to SF this afternoon. The interview wasn't scheduled until 8pm.

I got up to SF around 4pm and hung out with Brent until it was time to go to the station. I met the producer Collin and Dennis O'Donnel the sportscaster. We didn't get into the "stage" area until close to 9pm; almost past my bedtime!! Good thing Brent and I stopped for coffee before we went to the station!

It was a 30 minute taped interview that is goind to aire sometime soon. In fact I believe it'll be aired approximately 3 separate times. I need to get the dates from Brent.
It was a round table set-up where Dennis lead the conversation and although I didn't speak much I looked cute with my pink hair! The interview was mostly about the Tour de California with a tid-bit or two about the Escape from Alcatraz which that was why Brent and I were there.

I think it was a bit difficult for a few reasons, the first being I am still inexperienced with speaking in an interview where I felt I didn't have an answer to some of the questions either because I didn't know who they were making reference to or I just couldn't think of something to say. There were four of us on the round table and I was the only female. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with my quietness, but it might have played a small part.

I had a good time and was able to get my name out to a wide variety of people which is always a good idea. I talked with the producer afterwards and I hope that I'll be able to be interviewed in the near future. I'd do much better especially if the questions were directed specifically to me.

I had a great time and am thankful for the experience and will forward to many more TV interviews!

Looking For a Title Sponsor

February 13, 2006

As most of you know, it is quite expensive to do a triathlon. Not only do you have the entry fee, but there is travel, accommodation and training expenses that can be extremely costly. I've calculated my yearly expenses to be over $25,000.

I have an opening for a Title Sponsor this year who would be willing to put up a minimum of $10,000. In return your logo would appear on my racing uniform as well as training gear, bicycle and helmet. I travel not only in the United States, but all over the world and your company will receive great promotions.

If you or someone you know is willing and able to help support my dream of competing in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, please email me at alexis@montereybaymultisport.com .

Together With Love 10k

February 12, 2006

What better way to start off a sunday morning than with a 5 mile warm up to Lover's Point before the 10k race even starts? Yep, I decided that I wanted to get in a long run today so I ran from my house to the race start ( a flat 5 mile warm up), ran the 10k in an okay time 38:26 which was good enough for 1st place and then ran home to get in a total of about 16 miles!

It was a cool morning and the wind picked up ever so slightly during the 10k. I had high hopes of running close to 36 minutes, but after riding long yesterday it didn't happen. That's okay because I've only just begun my speed work; so by the time Spreckles 4th of July 10k comes around I will no doubt be able to run at 36 minutes and hopefully faster.

I stayed with a pack of men for the first half of the run, but noticed that my breathing was a bit too labored and so backed my pace down just a little. My hands were so cold when we started but once I got into the run they eventually thawed out!

I ran a good race for where my training is now and was excited to win a nice pullover sweater and a $100 gift certificate!

It took a little over an hour for the awards ceremony and I was getting cold. Mom, dad and Erin all went out to breakfast while I ran my 5 miles home...very easy of course.

Our Ride to Aptos

February 11, 2006

Jay, Mom, Dad at a bathroom stop

As much as I wanted to ride the Monterey Loop (100 miles) today, I didn't think it smart to jump up 30 miles from my longest ride of 70, so instead Jay and I rode with mom and dad up to Aptos. Jay and I met them at Red's Donut Shop (their local hangout) and to our great surprise, Mindy and Tim were there with their tandem ready to go the distance with us! As luck would have it, Mindy brought their camera and decided that since she would be spending most of her time on the rear seat that she'd take some photos along the way. Unfortunately after viewing these photos I noticed that she is in none of them??? Mindy, we need to rectify that. Next time, I'll take some photos of you!
Jay's filling up bottles

It was a cold and overcast morning and we were all bundled up except for Tim and Mindy who I think run pretty hot. I think it took us a little over 2 hours to ride the 35 miles north to Aptos were we stopped at Surf City Cafe to grab some hot coffee and treats before heading home. At one point the sun did come out just to say a quick hello before ducking behind the clouds again. A headwind on the way up brought a nice tailwind on the way home!

It was great to ride with Mindy and Tim and unfortunately they will be leaving the peninsula in April for the east coast.

I did a short 4 mile run afterward as I plan on running longer tomorrow in the Together with Love 10k run.

Wind Tunnel Testing

January 31, 2006

I had the opportunity to meet up with John Cobb at the wind tunnel near Texas A&M at the end of January. What a great experience to be properly fit on my bike. I've felt for quite some time that my bike just

Me in Texas at the wind tunnel site

wasn't as comfortable as I think it should be and so going to Texas and having professionals fit me was highly valuable. I now have piece of mind knowing that it was done correctly.

After the initial fitting of seat height and saddle position as well as cleat adjustments, I was able to get into the wind tunnel for fine tuning of handle bars, stem and aerobars. Although there was light in the tunnel, it just wasn't enough to be able to get quality photos especially of the huge propeller that was behind
Just outside the wind tunnel

us sucking in the air and then blowing it at me from approximately 30 mph! When the propeller started, it had this deep guttural sound as if something from the depths was coming up to get me. It was a bit creepy to be honest!

Michelle, Patrice and I with ? I didnt' catch his name...oops.

Then about 3 seconds later the wind started to blow. My bike was tightened down on an apparatus similar to a trainer and I was able to pedal. In addition to testing a direct headwind, the platform that my bike was attached to was able to spin ever so slowly so that cross winds could be calculated as well. It's pretty cold in the tunnel and since I was only wearing a bathing suit and a short pair of cycling shorts I tried to pedal a bit quicker to keep warm. My eyes started to tear and my nose to run!

After the first time in the tunnel I guess my position wasn't quite right because in about less than 5 minutes John and Zane had put on a longer stem. (I had a feeling that I needed a longer stem as I have been feeling very "squaty-body" on the bike). I went in for the second time and it felt so much better. Again they gathered

Pre-testing a wheel and fork

data on items like body position, drag and I'm sure a bunch of other things. I'm waiting to receive copies of the data and will hope to have that soon to post.

I now have specific measurements for any bike that I need to set up for long course or IM events. I'm hoping to go back later on this year to get fit for road and short course (Olympic distance) events.

I stayed in Texas with my manager Charlie and his wife and was able to

John and Zane putting on my new stem

train a bit down there. I had a good time in the sun and even got tan; after the burn of course. My motivation has returned and I'm ready to get back into shape. Some of the pics below are extras from my stay in Texas.

Texas has great roads for cycling

Jen, Brian and me inside Lifetime Fitness where I did my swimming while I was in Texas