Update 5/2

The launch of the QMDC training program is just weeks away and we know that everyone is getting excited. Near the end of May we will announce the date, time and location for a special event where you can pick up your training uniform, QMDC guidebook, training calendar and more!
Make sure you don't miss a week of the training program by registering right now to participate. Want to see who else is registered? Go to www.cyclemdc.blogspot.com to read an archive of our email announcements as well as see a list of individuals registered for the 2008 journey.

Alumni Program Launch

We are proud to announce a great opportunity for our 2006 and 2007 QMDC alumni who aren’t able to join us for the full ride from San Francisco to San Diego but who would still like to be part of the event. Joining the ALUMNI CIRCLE OF RIDERS allows you to continue to enjoy the camaraderie, friendship, support, team spirit and training benefits that you experienced by being part of this epic ride.

NEW THIS YEAR - Mari Holden, our QMDC Coach, will be coordinating special 3 day camps that only registered riders and alumni are eligible to purchase. (more details to come soon)
Your $500 donation to be part of the circle covers the benefits of the program and in addition supports the mission of CAF.

Benefits include: invitation to training program activities, group rides in San Diego, Wed. morning spin classes, Thurs. evening cycling workouts, special alumni jersey, invitation to QMDC monthly social events and special seminars and access to the QMDC hospitality tent at SDTC on 10/26/08. After registration you will receive a training calendar, routes and directions for training rides as well as receive emails about special activities and events. To register go to www.mdcalumni2008.kintera.org and sign up today.

Coach's Corner from Mari Holden

While at the Tour of Georgia last week one of my jobs was to interview the athletes directly before and after the races. I always spoke to the winner of the stage, and the overall GC leader. I got to see the raw emotions of the race. Many times they just reinforce lessons that we all learn early on but sometimes forget. Even seasoned professionals make mistakes, and while they may lose a race, we are reminded of the value of the basics.

In Saturday’s stage Greg Henderson of the High Road team lost the leader’s jersey. He had been riding incredibly strong the previous few days and most would have thought that he would have held onto the jersey in that stage. It was a difficult stage, but Henderson is a tough cyclist, and while he might not have climbed with the leaders on the big climbing stage Sunday, a day like Saturday that was technical and undulating would suit him well. But, with the high pace and constant attacks he was dropped in the middle section of the race.

When I spoke to him after the race, he wasn’t making excuses, but he did say that he felt like he was riding fine and then he ran out of fuel. By the time his team car got more food to him it was too late. His race was over. Unfortunately in a bike race there is no “Do over”. I could completely sympathize. Every once in awhile we misjudge how much fuel we need. It’s in those moments that we are brutally reminded that we are not machines, and that we need calories.

It’s important that when you start training, don’t skimp on the calories. Eat healthy, refuel, and hydrate. If you are determined to lose weight, do it slowly. Figure out how many calories you need on a daily basis and slowly begin to expend more calories than you take in. If you starve yourself in training you will actually slow down your metabolism and you will not only feel worse in training, but you will also not lose weight. Eating healthy and training will get you fit and your body will adapt by slowly losing weight. We will have more tips on nutrition as the season progresses.
Enjoy yourselves this weekend out on the road and don’t forget to fuel!

Join us at "Rock on the Lawn," May 10th

Don't miss the 6th Annual Rock on the Lawn, "Spinning Through the Decades," on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Pacific Athletic Club (PAC). CAF spokesperson, Sarah Reinertsen, and the PAC spinning instructors will lead this incredible workout. Your tax-deductible donation of $50 to spin for 1 hour, $80 to spin for 2 hours or $120 for all 3 hours, will help provide specialized equipment to deserving challenged athletes. Call 858-526-6574 to reserve your spot today.