Musings of a Slow A-- Mountain Biker

Yes, this is my real estate blog but I don't have a personal blog so I hijacked the blog for a personal post this week.

I have been riding my bike a lot in 2014. I've ridden over 1200 miles total this year - some of you are thinking "Wow! How did she do that?" and some of you are thinking "And then what?" For me, this is huge.

I have found the love of working hard to get to the view and then tear down the hillside (very slowly). Traveling to some beautiful places with my family and friends has been the highlights of the year. The people involved with Placer Foothills MTB Club and Roseville Cyclery are the best and I always to look forward to our time together.

Over the last year I've noticed a few things and thought I would share from my perspective (at the back).

1. If I confirm that I will be joining a ride, you have your sweep. No need to assign anyone. You got your gal.

2. Go have fun. I am not high maintenance and have accepted that almost everyone is faster than me. I enjoy my alone time and am capable of changing a flat. I'll see you at the top or back at the parking lot. I appreciate the opportunity to start a ride with you.

3. To the women riders that I know, you all are kind of my heroes. Climbers, down hillers, racers, coaches, moms, fellow slower riders - you are awesome and bad ass. Thank you for the fun and friendship.

4. If you've ridden with our family, then you know. Travis is much faster than me but when we ride together, he is a good sport and those rides are just quality time with my kid. It's not always about the race to the finish. Even for Travis.

5. Please call your passes. Whether riding or racing I CAN NOT hear you over gasping for air and my heart pounding in my ears. Feel free to yell any of the following 'Get over, rider back, move out of my way, on your left chubby' - any of these will work and I'll be so thankful for the heads up.

6. I have just started racing a few races. My only thoughts on the race course are:

             
                                      "Is it ok for my heart to beat this fast?"
                                      "Geez I hope I don't crash."
                                      "Don't be DFL (dead last)"
                                      "Don't get ran over by the really fast riders. Get outta their way!"
                             
7. For the love of God, if someone says "hi" to you on the trail, say it back. I swear it won't hurt, ruin your day or slow you down.  Mountain bikers have a bad reputation and honestly some of you all are turds. Don't be that guy. That goes for you too roadie.

So that's it. I hope to race TBF and the Cool race next year and lots more biking adventures with my family and friends. Hope to see you out there!

2015 - What's the Plan?

I love December for a lot of reasons...one is that I take the time to plan my next year - both professionally and personally.

I have noticed in the past 10 years of my December ritual, I tend to spend a lot more time planning on how to "fix" weaknesses than really taking a moment for the "atta boy", pat on the shoulder, gold star appreciation of what I accomplished. I actually put it down on paper this year. Only the good - all of it. You know, 2014 was pretty awesome.

2015 looks to be a breakout year for my son's racing. We are very proud of him. I can't think of anything that makes me happier than watching our son have success at what he loves. The goal in the back of my mind is "don't screw him up" which we seem avoiding so far. Another gold star for us!

I feel that I am pretty typical in that setting goals is easy for me. I have the number of closings I want for the year. It's the little, tiny daily steps that kick my butt. Sooo...This year is not about a lofty goal. It's about the little daily steps that get me success. Listed out like a grocery list for EVERY day of the week. I have a lot I want to accomplish this year and this is the way to get there. It's interesting to work in a profession where everyday my job is to find a job. It takes a lot of planning and accountability.

I met with my broker this week and his approach is do better at the things you like and are good at vs trying to improve the things you don't like or aren't great at. Wow! Do more of what you like and good at which makes it more successful! Well that's different. In a good way!

I am so excited for 2015. I have completely re-vamped ALL of my marketing and have become one tech savvy agent. I look forward to working with amazing people again this year and being the top notch Realtor people want to work with and refer. Lucky me, I do what I love!