As I sit here in Winnipeg, with the reflection of 2011, and my goals for 2012, I cannot help but think of where I was 5, 10, 15, 20 years ago.
>15 years ago, I climbed up onto my dad’s workbench while he was at work, insisting my training wheels come off my bike- I succeeded in pursuing my parents, of course.
5 years ago, when I stopped playing competitive premiere soccer, I was told if I got a bike, I would have to ride it. I thought I would have to be nuts to bike; who wants to bike. Sitting on a saddle for two hours a day for training did not exactly seem appealing or fun. It was more like golf, or watching paint dry (especially in Manitoba with all the climbing and changing scenery).
It’s funny how things change so quickly. Kyle and my dad had been into cycling a couple years before I got interested. I didn’t want to be the sister who always came to watch, I wanted to be the one who raced, and won. I had a clunky old bike, and a nice green CCM helmet, but hey, it had pedals so I could go fast, and back then....not a clue what carbon fibre was.
For the first year or two, I was referred to as “Kyle’s sister” or “little girl”, but that eventually wore off. I’ve always had fantastic cycling coaches, like Marian and Jay, and awesome teammates. I definitely wouldn’t be here without them. And sure, the joke in my house is that I’ve basically been good at everything I’ve done, maybe not bowling- I still use the bumpers, but raw talent and genetics can only get you so far, especially in the elite world of sport.
So as I sit here in kinesiology class, I’m trying to focus- which I don’t think will happen today, and I vaguely heard the topic on goals. I have some major goals for 2012 for cycling.
This past season was really good, and I made some great progression. Last season I had a terrible winter training due to an injured back. With a full winter this year living in Tucson, I really hope it will allow me to imporove to where I want to be. I can’t wait to get there and just put everything into focusing on getting stronger and fitter. I also just got a great cookbook too (thanks mommy)!; Survival for the fittest, The Australian institute of sport official cookbook for busy athletes, and I can’t wait to try new things every day when I’m down south! Mmm.
I explored all my options this off season to try to figure out the problem with my back. I went through countless X-rays, MRI’s, bone scans etc and religiously have been seeing my chiropractor. I am on track to being totally pain free though. I’ve been able to train for many weeks without any big problems. Yahoo (finally)! (Last year I had enough of sport balm hot heat rub, and running to switch ice packs once one de-thawed to try and numb out the pain)
I also have started hot yoga, which I go to almost every day! I love it, and I think it’s really going to help with everything.
In 2011, I had the great opportunity to race on behalf of Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes. Trek Red Truck provided me with great support and I had wonderful teammates and people surrounding me. We achieved fantastic results as a team, but now it is time to take the step to the next level. I wish them great luck this season!
This year, I am very excited to have the privilege to race on a new team, with new bikes, new equipment, new sponsors, a new city, and new teammates! I’ll give more details shortly J
I really want to do everything that I can this off season, so I can achieve everything in my actual race season! I am setting the bar high, with some big aspirations!
A fitting end to this season was also the MCA awards banquet and dinner. Congrats to everyone who won something! I may not have the opportunity to be around Manitoba much next summer, but I am looking forwards to hearing how,everyone does! There are supposed to be many more athletes joining the program- and with some of the Manitoba athletes doing really well and moving forwards this year- it will be great to see how much more can be accomplished!
On another note, I am almost done school, and I couldn’t be happier! This has been my most hectic fall ever, and I feel I just need to be finished school for a bit! Christmas is coming up- P.S.- everyone who has Christmas lights up and playing your Christmas music already, your nuts. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas and the holiday season, but it’s still November- wait until it’s at least December!
Once I’m down in Tucson, I will try and update my blog as much as I can! Or, if you haven’t, like me on facebook as “Karlee Gendron- Athlete” or follow me on twitter (On a second note- I’m terrible at updating twitter- I believe I actually never have- Jon does it for me- so maybe just do the twitter thing in the summer when I’m racing)
Time to go download some movies so I can be kept busy when I’m done training everyday this winter. Ha, ha.
Life is good.
Karlee
