Age is Just a Number

Its been a crazy end to 2014 thats for sure!

A not so perfect run into the 2014 World Masters Track Champs included an infection that took two months to diagnose and IV antibiotics to fix, buying a house in the Canberra region, putting our house in Kiewa on the market and Kev starting up the new Flex Out Physiotherapy in Canberra!

I thought I was never going to find the form that I took into the Australian Masters Track Champs, but a couple of weeks out things were starting to look good. The confidence that Daryl gave me also helped. In Manchester, I won a silver in the 500mTT with my fastest time I'd done in years. Janelle Smith and I teamed up for the Women's Team Sprint and we were confident we could get a good time and place. We qualified third fastest behind two UK teams but unfortunately we were relegated due to an illegal change  where Janelle's wheel overlapped mine as I was swinging up (literally only millimeters in it). This meant we were out of the finals and denied a medal. I also won a silver in the Sprint, after qualifying fastest in the flying 200m. I had a good run through the rounds, but just couldn't quite fire for the gold medal ride off. A great meet and few more lessons learnt!

When we got home from the UK, it was time to go into single mum mode, as Kev was commuting weekly to Canberra for work. In the lead up to Christmas 2014, I completed my Level One coaching course, we sold our Kiewa house, moved out, Sebastian finished school, I coached the Under 12 Div 2 school boys team to the grand final (we were runners up and I had never coached basketball before!), we changed cycling clubs and Sebastian and I moved up to Canberra.  I managed to get a few training sessions in somewhere, but was relieved to finally get to our new home, unpack and start working on some consistent training with the ANU Cycling Club crew.

I was also very honoured to not only be nominated but also be awarded the 2014 Cycling Australia Women Masters Track Cyclist of the Year again! I was in good company.The awards were held in Melbourne and as Kev was in Canberra, I decided to take Sebastian.We dressed up and it was great to catch up with so many fellow cyclists.  It was a very exciting night for a ten year old especially when you get to meet Cadel Evans and Simon Gerrans and hold the Oppie medallion! The Tour de France Australian Team of the Century was announced - such cycling royalty! A special thanks to Daryl Perkins for all his encouragement and words of wisdom and my partner in crime Kevin Laws for...everything.  Also thanks to Apres Velo, Flex Out Physio, Champion Systems, Rydges Bell City Preston, and Auto Brokers Australia for their support to help me achieve what I did in 2014.

Last week Sebastian and I attended the Sydney Xmas Carnivals. With five days of racing in a row for me (and four for Sebastian) I decided to use this for some training and strength. The carnivals were held at Dunc Grey velodrome (250m indoor wood), Tempe (333m banked outdoor), Hurstville (400m flat track with no straights), Lidcombe (440m outdoor and slighty banked but newly resurfaced) and then back at the Dunc for the last day.  If the weather was inclement there was always a backup to go indoors! There were 2 grades of women everyday and the racing was good quality with a mix of enduros and sprinters! There was an overall points system for the five days of racing and also a Madison points series. Races included a mix of endurance, wheelraces, and sprints so something for everyone! The children's races were on from 3pm every day so I was there with Sebastian first then I would race in the evenings. Sebastian rode awesome and I was so proud of him he never gave up! I certainly gained a lot from riding the whole series - I think I was getting smarter as I got more fatigued! I ended up getting 3rd overall in the series points which meant some cool prizes, but I think the training and racing was invaluable! I would highly recommend it to everyone!

2015 looks like being a promising year of opportunity and reaching new heights. A few days ago it was announced that I was selected for the ACT Elite Track team! Its been a few years since I have raced at Elite Nationals but I am quite honoured and very excited to be going back down to Melbourne in a few weeks to represent the ACT as a sprinter. I will be giving it a good hard crack!



You see, age really is just a number!

End of the Season - Nationals, Awards and New Challenges

Its been a big few weeks so I'd thought I recap firstly on National Masters Track Champs which were help in Melbourne at DISC.

Leading up I had been feeling good, my back had been holding up and legs were freshening up. I had raced at the Austral the weekend before and although I wasn't terrible, I didn't race as well as I had hoped. Sebastian actually won more prize money than me in the junior carnival! I think I may have been thinking too much about the results and not the process, a trap many a rider can fall into. I put that behind me and looked forward, at Nationals my focus was the sprint events and I knew I could ride well and the competition tough but I was up for that challenge.

Kev and I arrived in Melbourne on the Monday 2 days before the 500m TT. Its always good to get there early and get the travel out of the legs. We had made the decision not take Sebastian this time, so that would be different as he always comes to my major races. We stayed at Rydges Bell City Preston, our home away from home in the last few months, as it close to the track and I could ride to and from DISC everyday. I have found this a great way to switch on and focus and then to unwind. I had a little hit out at DISC the day before the TT just to open up a bit and catch up with a few of the other masters cyclists.

The day of the 500m TT was cooler than hoped and my event would be on later in the session, which meant a roller warm-up and the track would be a little warmer too. I have done many off the track warm-ups and I know how to mentally prepare, so everything went smoothly. Daryl and I had discussed my gearing the day before so we knew we were on the same page. I went out for my event confident I could ride well. When I finished I had ridden a seasons best and I was happy and relieved. Perhaps not quite as fast as I would have liked, but I know its there. I was happy to win gold in this event and knowing I was riding faster made me more confident in my flying 200m time.  That afternoon, I was fortunate enough to ride the Team Sprint with Gabrielle Belz. We both rode well and was able to qualify fastest for the final. In the final we rode faster again and came away with gold! Well done Gabrielle!

After chatting with my coach and my husband and I had decided to not ride in the pursuit. I hadn't trained at all for this and my focus was to try and break the worked record for the flying 200m which would be on the next day. We had noticed the program for the sprint was not consistent with the entries and regulations, so the evening prior to the sprint day, Kev went to DISC and talked to the Commissaires, with a final resolution. It meant that out qualifying would be put on near the end of the morning session so we had to work out timings for arrival at the track and warm-ups etc. I feel better being at the track instead of waiting in the hotel room and there was plenty of men's sprinting to be watched. I was able to get on the track for 5 minutes prior to the 200m so I had a chance to get a jump out. When I lined up to go I was fully ready. Once again I did a season's best and I knew the time was close to the world record. As I was getting off, Kev called out to me and said I broken the record - by 9 1000ths of a second! 

That's where the fun really started! I had to have a chaperone - thanks to Catt Hooton for babysitting me until the ASADA people arrived. I had to race the quarter finals and then get off the bike and go to drug testing. When I go back I had to try and get some food in and refocus for the semis, perhaps not as focussed as I would have like. Needless to say I made it hard for myself. I knew the top four ladies would be tough competitors and I wasn't disappointed. Renee Covington won the first of our heats and so I had to work hard to reorganise myself. I was one loss away from the bronze medal ride off or two wins away from the gold medal ride off - I preferred the second option.  I was able to win the next two and so went through to the gold race. I knew Janelle was a great sprinter and that her form was good, but for some reason I didn't ride my race, my timing was off and in the first heat she was able to hold me off. Ok no panic stations, just a sit down and have a think about what I needed to do. I was faster in the 200m. I had to use this and the track to my advantage. Needless to say after an epic battle I won the next race and it went to a third heat. I focussed on my strengths & lined up on the track with a plan. I was tired, my legs and back hurt, but I only had to win one more. It was another battle but I was able to ride well tactically and come through with the win. Relief and fatigue- more mental than physical set in. Thanks to Daryl and Kev for keeping me going!


After the gold medal presentation, I had to scoot upstairs to the function centre where I was awarded the 2013 Victorian Female Masters Cyclist of the Year. It was lovely to be recognised for all my hard work in 2013, although a shame I had to accept the award in my skinsuit and not 'frock up' like I had planned! The next day Kev and I drove home to our nine year old son. It was Sebastian's 10th birthday the following day and we had a party to set-up! That's the life of a Master's Cyclist!

http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/2165775/jessica-lays-down-the-law-to-opponents-i-can-go-faster/?cs=10

Last week I had the privilege to be awarded the Vic Sport Victorian Masters Athlete of the Year for 2013.  Many thanks to Cycling Victoria for nominating me. The awards ceremony was held at the MCG, it was so 'cool'. Unfortunately Kev and Sebastian couldn't come as it was on a Wednesday, but luckily my mum could and it was lovely to have her share this experience with me. I met some other worthy Masters athletes from different sports and so when my name was announced as the recipient I was a little shocked, and overwhelmed. My presentation can be found here:

http://new.livestream.com/mysportlive/2013VicSportAwards/videos/45576274

Unfortunately I was unable to stay and celebrate with the celebrities, I had to drive back home that night. The next day I was up and ready to drive Sebastian to school - back to normality!

As the 2013-14 track season comes to an end I look back fondly of some wonderful experiences and challenges I have had. I To say I was happy with my racing season would be an understatement but to say it was easy and that I loved very minute would also be an understatement. There were times when I was training and my mind would drift off to school lunches, shopping, cleaning, appointments, feet (I am a podiatrist remember!), and think I could make my life easier but not doing this track cycling thing. But then I think about how it feels to ride fast, race well and see the overwhelming proudness in my family's eyes when I achieve certain goals and its all worth the pain: getting out of bed stiffer than when I got in, planning how I can get a track session in with 43 degree heat or pouring rain, getting that perfect effort out in the track and in the gym, knowing that every good session I do is in the bank for the next event and the next chance to achieve my goals.

The Pointy End of the Season!

Well its been a hot and busy last couple of months. It has been a challenge trying to get my training sessions done in the 40+degree heat and planning has been the key. Early morning starts and track sessions before the sun gets high have meant I haven't had to miss too many key training sessions. Sebastian has started back at school, so we have been getting back into familiar routines too.

I have started training with new coach too, Victorian track stalwart Daryl Perkins. He is a legend in the track cycling arena worldwide and under his tutelage I know I can make the gains I have been striving for. Of course this has meant a few changes to my training and adaptations are starting to happen, but we are looking for long term gains at the World Champs, of which I am very positive about.

Over the last month we have raced at two track carnivals, Wangaratta and Wagga. At both meets I raced on a smaller gear than I would have perhaps traditionally chosen, to try and improve my cadence and pedalling efficiency. I was really very happy with my performances at both meets, managing to get into most of the wheel race finals. It was hot at Wagga, but plenty of ice and water helped!

Unfortunately at both meets, the women's entries were down on previous years so we had most races with the men. It was a shame there weren't many women because both clubs work really hard to put on these meets and they are always good fun. I don't believe that the prize money should be used as an excuse because lets face-it, when do you ever make money in track cycling??? Ok sometimes we cover the petrol or accom, but it can be such a lottery! The beauty of these carnivals for me was that I got plenty of racing out, I got to watch plenty of racing, and got to catch-up with lots of other riders who love the sport! (Although I do hate to admit it but at Wagga Sebastian won 5 out of 7 races and almost as much $$ as me!)

The weekend last saw the running of the Victorian Masters Track Cycling Champs. Always a fun weekend, this one didn't disappoint. It was great to see many new (&old) faces ripping it up around DISC. For many this was their first experience at Masters Champs and there were so many happy people, they should be very proud of themselves. I hope they return for more at Aussie Nationals!

I had a good champs. I won the 500m TT in a time that equalled my World Champs time so very happy with that. My flying 200m was a little off but Daryl and I are trying some things out and now we have more info to work with, and I know there's heaps there. Not a lot of sprint races but they were quality ones. I was trying out different tactics and it was great fun to race against a strong competitor such as Gabrielle Belz. She's definitely one to keep an eye on! The scratch race was an all in and all the ladies were trying for the win. The winning move was made by Kerrie Baumgartner at two laps to go, I was boxed in so couldn't go with her (my tactical mistake) but at 1 lap to go I managed to get out and I almost got her on the line! Check out this picture of our finish: http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/Track/Results/ArtMID/4352/ArticleID/6465/Victorian-Masters-Track-Championships# Well done to all the women for such a fast and aggressive race! And thanks to all the volunteers, officials and Vic Cycling Staff who make this event possible.

Coming up is the Austral which is perfect timing for my lead in to Aussie National Masters. There will be some quality lady riders which will be great for fine tuning my head and body! Sebastian is riding at the Junior Austral and then he has his state U11 champs the next day, so looking forward to a great weekend!

Little Piece of Heaven!

Decided to post some pictures of my valley and where I do my road rides. Best time in summer is early in the morning - up with the dairy cows and farmers and while the flies are still sluggish and the breeze is light! The ever changing scenery with the sun rising is refreshing and always interesting. Occasionally I am lucky enough to pass a snake - alive or dead, or a Clayton's snake (stick, bark, rubbish etc) which is good for the heart rate! Gently undulating roads leading up to Mt Beauty and as the valley narrows, the hills get higher and steeper. The valley has a crystal clear running river, the Kiewa river, which flows from the mountains to the Murray and is great for a sip or a dip! This is our piece of heaven, best enjoyed on a bike......

2013 done, 2014 here we come!

Heaps has happened over Christmas - doesn't it always? Prior to Christmas I had been lucky enough to secure some sponsors for my 2014 Masters Quest. I am so fortunate to now have the support of Apres Velo, Auto Brokers Australia, Rydges Bell City Hotel, Champion Systems (again) and Flex Out Physiotherapy (again) in my bid to go to the UCI World Masters Track Champs again. I you get a chance check out their websites, the links are in the sidebar. 


UCI World Masters Track Champ - 2013

These companies all support cycling and sport in their own ways and it is fantastic to see their commitment goes all the way down to 'grassroots and country' level support.

Christmas was crazy, in two weeks we drove to Nowra return for a wedding (congrats Lachie and Erin!), we drove to Sydney for a family Christmas and then we drove to Bendigo for another family Christmas.


Day 1 Victorian Xmas Carnivals - Horsham
in my Apres Velo Shirt!

Two days after Christmas saw the start of the Cycling Victoria Xmas Track Cycling Carnivals, the first race being in Horsham, then Bendigo, Shepparton and fourth day in Wangaratta. I tend to go better as the days progress, with no exception here. My goals for this racing series were to get back some stamina and endurance as the races were predominantly endurance or longer style. I kept to a smaller gear the whole series to try and improve my leg speed as well. The big thing about doing the whole series is being able to back up day after day, I tend to ride smarter and to my strengths as I get tired. I was racing in Women's A grade and also the Omnium series. If you qualified for the Wheelrace finals, you could do up to seven races a day! Of course the weather plays a big part and at this time year its either hot, hot and windy or windy.
I was really happy with my improvements that's for sure, and the social side of the carnis is always lots of fun. Its great to see the young and or new riders coming through - I remember in a not so distant past racing against Annette Edmonson and Steph Morton!  Many of the ladies are at least 20 years younger than me, so I was happy to be finishing up the front!



Sebastian and friend Riley discussing tactics at Wangaratta Carnival Day 4

Sebastian had a great carnival series, he loves racing and is always talking about how he will approach the next race! He had some good placings and wins and I am so proud of his positive attutide. He is tall but very lean and some of the kids he races against are a lot more solid, but not to deter he always has a crack because he loves it. That's what its all about - isn't it? Its amazing that a nine year old understands the tactics of track cycling races but he loves it and he has been around the track for a while now, so I guess there has been an osomotic effect! Unfortunately for him he had a touch of gastro as we were finishing racing at Wang so new years eve was a quiet one for us.

Reflecting back on 2013 - what a great year! So many rewards for all our work! Well done team Laws! New World titles, new Aussie records, and Australian Masters Female Track Cyclist of the Year!



Me with Nettie Edomonson - COTY 2013
 

 So what's in store for 2014? New coaching, new sponsors, new age-group, new world records! No resolutions as I am happy with where I am heading and how I am approaching it. I am supported by a great team and with hard work and dedication - that is how I am going to achieve my goals! I could use so many clichés but its all been said before...

Christmas 2013

So I need to get back into the swing of this blog thing, not that I ever did! A lot has happened since I last blogged, coaching changes, work changes, Sebastian's growing, too much to talk about. All I know is that I need to tell my experiences not only for my personal reflection but also to perhaps guide other cyclists out there with little pearls along the way:)

School's out now for 2013 and Christmas just around the corner. I have been busy trying to arrange some sponsors for my 2014 campaign. Going up an age-group is going to be very competitive and I have to keep my focus for training. Doing the extra one percenters like core work and pilates and diet is always tough at this time of year, but I have to just remember what it feels like to perform well and to perform badly as that's when the one percenters make the difference. I have specific goals and targets for the upcoming 2014 season, with my main event the 2014 UCI World Track Masters in Manchester, in October. There will be many bumps, hurdles and even mountains along the way (not good for a track sprinter) but if it was easy then everyone would do it.

Next lot of racing will be the Victorian Christmas Track Carnivals, four gloriously hot and dusty days of racing in Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton and Wangaratta. I missed on these last year due to my upper back nerve injury, so I am looking forward to having some FUN! Its great racing for training, and I love watching Sebastian race too. If I'm lucky I might win some $$ but for me its all about enjoying the track racing with some great ladies to race against.

Hope you all have a very Merry and Safe Christmas!

Time for an Update

I'm not sure if anyone reads this but I suppose its good to jot things down - as the competition season gets closer I'll post more regularly.

Training has been going along ok - quite used to driving 3 1/2 hrs one way to train on an indoor velodrome. Weight training is interesting - my 'back cleavage' is getting bigger and I have pbd with my deadlifts - yeh! Bit over this cold weather though - probably would be easier on the road if there was someone to winge to about being a brass monkey!

Seb went back to school today - phew! Now we can get back into routine. We did have a short interlude at the snow in the holidays and he skiied really well - I wish I could have but I drank red wine instead! Coach gave a few days off - I had earnt it (or so he said). After the snow Seb & I went to mum's in Bendigo for a week - still cold but a nice change.

Only twelve weeks til world masters - hope it starts to warm up too!

Getting Started

Please bare with me as I get organised and get this blog started. Still working things out! In the meantime enjoy a picture of my son Sebastian on his first day of school this year!