What Happened at Big Frog 65

June 19, 2017

"I didn't know it at the time, but today was going to be a game changer for me."

by Ali Whittier / 2017 Pactimo Brand Ambassador

"The weekend before Big Frog I was covering an attack in a road race when I had an exercise-induced asthma attack (thanks, allergies).

One minute I'm doing my job, the next it felt like someone was squeezing my lungs and taking my breath away. I argued with myself on whether or not to get off my bike at the side of the road but settled on slowing down, recovering, and finishing the race (alone).

Needless to say, I wondered if my allergies would wreak havoc at Big Frog.

But, the old saying goes, "it takes a village"...and as I rolled up to the starting line with my teammate and long time training partner, Susie Farmer, "my village" and all the work that was put into this moment was all I could focus on in my mind. 

I didn't know it at the time, but today was going to be a game changer for me.

Photo by Dancing Images

From my training plan by Steve Carpenter, to nutrition plan by Barry Murray to superb bike mechanics from Cycle Sport Chattanooga (and Spencer getting me the right equipment, of course) I was more prepared than ever. 

But most important, the support system I have from the Chattanooga cycling community and especially from friends, family and coworkers (who may not even ride bikes) is second to none. It's easier to ignore any self-doubts when you have people cheering you on. 

Here's my Big Frog 65 Race Report

We rolled off the start line with pleasant temps and good company...a lot of smiles and excitement. I lined up with Susie and near other riders I knew from Chattanooga. Carp had me well-prepared with training, but I knew I needed to not blow myself up during the long stretch of road before the single track."

Read the rest of Ali's blog on www.withthewhittiers.com »

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Also in People, Places & Things

Farm to Fork Fondo 2017

June 22, 2017

A farm fresh feast from the seat of your favorite bicycle. Our festive and welcoming events include: ride distances from 10 to 100 miles; gourmet aid stations hosted by local farms; live music; family activities; and more!

Read More

Planet Ultra Mulholland Challenge

June 15, 2017

"The Mulholland Challenge is the first in a three-part King (or Queen) of the Mountain Challenge organized by Planet Ultra. When they say challenge, they mean it. The ride is posted as 106 miles and around 12,000' of gain. It actually came in at just over 107 miles and over 13,200' of gain."

Read More

Rock Cobbler 4.0

June 14, 2017

"I first came across the Rock Cobbler at the end of 2015. I was looking for some early in the season beat up races to get me ready for my A race; Dirty Kanza 200. IT was a local race and it was described as stupidly hard. This seemed like a great event to cut my teeth on for the year and it would be my first ever "gravel" event."

Read More