Kelly: Priorities, Pain Palace Notes and Her First Iceman "Race"
Kelly: Priorities, Pain Palace Notes and Her First Iceman “Race”
Pushing Past the Pain
Kelly is an awesome example of someone who stepped WAY out of her comfort zone during this block – between setting some new goals and making herself a priority, she brought herself to new levels and is ready to “race” Iceman for her first time ever- rather than just go out for a ride like she has in the past. It has been extraordinary watching her dig past the voices that tell her to stop and the obstacles that stand in anyone’s way as an athlete- but my favorite win for Kelly during this block was watching her learn things about herself that she may not have absorbed if it weren’t for those 225 minutes she gives herself in the Pain Palace each week. We sat down a couple of weeks ago and asked her some questions- check out what this Strong Mom has to say about her accomplishments over the past seven weeks:
We know that you are a Mom and that your life is crazy busy but what makes you tick?
Crushing goals, latest being… completing the Iceman Remix class and crushing the hills in Iceman. I’m a very driven and goal-oriented person. Once I set my eye on something, you better get out of my way because it’s going to go done. Maybe not the fastest or the best, but I’m going to do it. It’s really important to me to show my kids that they can do anything that they want to do as long as they put in the hard work and don’t give up. My kids and husband also keep me going, but I am really trying to maintain a balance in my life and find time for myself as an individual.
What other activities/exercise do you take part in outside of riding?
Ha, I’ve avoided pretty much any form of exercise until the last couple of years when I decided it was time to get off the couch and do something for myself. Since then I have been hiking and biking. I hiked a marathon this summer, which surprised me and everybody that knows me. Once I stepped into FML I became a bit more serious about gaining strength and endurance. Weight training with Austin has been a blast and I’m definitely seeing results.
A Marathon? That is a pretty big deal! So how did cycling become your thing? Also, why did you choose to take on the indoor block?
Up until a few years ago, my goals always centered around academics and my professional career. Once I finally got my degree and my career going my focus changed to having more of a balance in life. For years my husband and I would take the kids to watch the bikers cross Broomhead Road for Iceman, but I never in a million years thought that I would ever be able to do it. Finally, one year I decided that I was going to take up biking and complete Iceman the next year since it was going to be on my birthday. However, five years came and went and I didn’t do a damn thing. Then, three years ago I decided that it was time to get off my ass and do something. So, I went out, bought a bike, and started riding and haven’t stopped! I love being out in the woods on my bike where there’s nobody calling me Mom or needing/wanting anything from me.
I was really intimidated at the thought of taking the Iceman Remix class at FML. Luckily, I decided “fuck it,” if they can do it then I sure as hell can do it. This class has given me more stamina and confidence. I’ve been riding for two years with not much to show for it until now. I may not always look forward to class, but once I get there I’m always glad that I went. Overall, I’m feeling great and confident that I’m going to crush those hills on the trail.
I think that feeling is mutual- the hardest part is showing up- you hit the nail on the head! So- you always show up- we know that about you- what is your goal?
I’m actually still trying to figure out why I want to suffer twice a week! But seriously, I signed up for this class to figure out what I can do. I tried a couple of spin classes in the past, but nothing like this that really pushes me way outside my comfort zone (who wants to suffer?). This class is kicking my ass but I’m getting results. The people I’ve met through the class and at FML are all really cool and supportive. The class is not easy and maybe that is why I enjoy it. I get a huge sense of accomplishment when I have pushed through the pain and come back for more. My goal going into the class was to be faster on my bike and be able to fly up those hills on the Vasa. I still have that goal, but I’m finding that building confidence and learning that I can push through is huge.
What are you learning about cycling, yourself, and the fight it takes to suffer?
I’m learning that I am strong and I have that fight inside me to push through the pain. I keep telling myself that the harder I push and the more pain I feel the better I am going to get and the more I’m going to learn about myself. I’m gaining confidence in myself and learning that I can dig deeper to find that power that sometimes gets hidden. I know I’ve got more in me and that’s why I have signed up for the next block of classes. I want to see just what a badass I am!
OK- so you like the Pain Palace and you are crushing stuff left and right- what is your favorite snack?
Wow, that’s a complicated question. It totally depends. If I’m trying to be “good,” then I really like trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. Hummus with carrots and cucumber is great too. However, if I’m lounging on the couch on a Saturday binge watching Netflix, then I love white cheddar popcorn and chocolate covered pretzels or really any kind of chocolate. This time of year, I also love candy corn and those little candy pumpkins!! I’m not a big breakfast person, but if I had to pick one cereal that I like the most it would have to be Cracklin Oat Bran, as long as I eat it fast or else it gets too mushy.
OK, now that everyone is hungry….
What is your absolute goal for Iceman?
That’s easy, kick ass (or at least my husband’s since he is also riding). My goal for my first iceman three years ago was to finish the race and not come in last! It’s not particularly important to me to be the fastest in my age range or finish with a great time. I just want to enjoy the race and attack those hills! Then, on Monday evening after the race I will be right back in class for BaseNation.
Kelly- we know you are going to go out and have fun this year! At the end of the day, even though there are thousands of other people on the trail, this race is about you and your experience. We hope that your 2019 Iceman experience is as amazing as you! Thank you for sharing with us!