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 »

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