Training Camp in Burnaby!

So, I chucked when I saw "Training Camp"on my training plan.....because I knew I was the sole participant of said camp. I'm not laughing any more. It's only been 2 days, and lot's of great work.



Have I mentioned what an awesome coach Jeremy Storie is? Good, cause he is! He's put together a great training group that meets Wed and Fri, then there is racing every Fri night. There is also a weekend race Nov 8th (I think, whatever the second week of Nov is). So, lots of great training!!


Here's Claire between sets...
Iona has joined us, she is a new transplant to Seattle. YEAH, I'm so excited, more strong women in the area. And she's awesome to boot!
Have you ever been to the Burnaby, B.C. track? It's the ONLY indoor velodrome, other than LA, for 3000 miles (which would be Forest City Velodrome in London, Ontario, a 138m wooden indoor track).
The Burnaby Velodrome, located inside the Harry Jerome sports center, in Burnaby, BC. It’s a 200m wooden track, with 47-degree banking, it’s a blast. It’s inside a bubble, one of those pressurized inflatable domes. It’s what allows us to train all through the dismal winters that we have in this area.



There is the crazy ass electric Beach Cruiser that is ‘the motor’ here at Burnaby. Which has an AWESOME front fairing to keep the bugs out Jeremy’s eye’s at the indoor velodrome. And don’t forget your full on thermal tights, double layer jersey’s cause it’s sub-arctic temperatures inside the velodrome, but I have no idea what the ACTUAL temperature cause it’s in CELSIUS! And, damn those Kilometers, I always think I’m going so fast because the numbers are bigger, until I do the math! Now, I’m just in denial, cause I’ve just switched over my computer to Kilometers.

That's what's going on in my life for now.

Bake Sale!

I've been trying to do fundraising to help me be able to train as I need to to reach my goals. You may have read the Proposal letter on this blog, or received an email from me, or a hard copy in the mail, or seen a brochure. Next, I decided to have a bake sale at work (actually a coworker, Kate, gave me the idea). All the therapist, and Amy ARNP brought in their baked goods to donate, Ellen/Habib also made a large donation of baked goods as well. I accepted donations for each item!
I tried to make it eye catching. Notice the speakers? Mike made a CD of great tunes, ie "Eye of the Tiger", "Rocky Theme", "Bicycle" by Queen, "We are the Champions", and "Chariots of Fire"....it was great.
I brought in helpers to solicit for me. Here's B yelling "Bake Sale, come and get some!!". She was so cute, and very effective!

I raised over $400! I am so touched by every one's generosity. Thank you to everyone who donated either goods, or money! It means so much!

Bunco or Bust

The other day we had a Bunco party at a coworker, and friend's house, Sharon Ceaser! It was sooo much fun. If you've never played, you need 16 people, and a bunch of dice, and 4 tables. It's a very social, fun, fast moving game. Try it, it's great.

Mike and I ham it up for a shot!! Damn, I love him!!
Here's Ron and Chris talking about thier favorite Sponge Bob episode...

Here are 2 of the four tables needed, see you keep switching every few minutes....
On the far left, we have MaryBeth (black) and Kathleen (blue), taking a moment for the camera...next to them is Terry, and again Ron, and Chris
Happy Birthday! What a way to spend your birthday, you wife has 16 people over, how romantic. But, MAN was that cake good!!

Sponsorship Proposal

October, 7 2007

Dear Friends,

One of the expected joys of being a professional cyclist is meeting many generous people around the country who are making a contribution to American women’s cycling through host housing. Having their homes opened to me makes it clear that women’s cycling does have support in this country at the grassroots level.

My professional cycling career began with Team Basis in 2003, which became Ford-Basis in 2005. In 2006 I moved to Velo Bella-Kona, and in 2007 I was proud to be riding for Team UltraLink. In early 2007, I qualified to represent the National Track Team in the Points, and Scratch races. I am currently training to prepare for Nationals, and another opportunity to join the National Track Team for the World Cup Track season of 2008.
Attending the USA Cycling Track Camp in January 2006, I had the opportunity for the first time to dedicate myself wholly to cycling for a period of time. This focused training allowed me to really tap into my potential. My performance improved by leaps and bounds. This focused training allowed me to reach a skill level that qualified me to travel with the National team to the Track International World Cup competition in Manchester, UK. Due to my quick progression in track racing, I feel I have good potential for continued improvement, opening the door for a higher level of success.

I am deeply passionate about bicycle racing – I love this sport – and I aspire to reach the following racing goals this season; 1) attend two World Cup Track races, 2) participate in International track races in Australia in December, 3) qualify for the Worlds team to represent the US at World Championships, and ultimately, 4) to be a part of the 2008 Olympic Track Team.

Full-time training is what it takes to become a world-class athlete. I have come to the realization that in order to reach my goals I need to spend less time working as a Physical Therapist and more time training. To cover my expenses I need other sources of funding. I am inviting you to take part in the development of an eager, dedicated, and talented female athlete. By supporting me, you can take part in world level and Olympic competition.
In exchange for your financial support, I will not only pledge my full dedication, complete focus, and highest performance, but I will also offer the following benefits:

Bi-monthly progress report: I will keep you informed about my training and competitions, and results. I will also keep you apprised of any changes in my rankings and of my efforts to become the best cyclist I can be. Your name will also be displayed on my personal web page to demonstrate the support you have given me.

Free consultations: I also run a coaching business. For Gold sponsors, I am offering the initial setup of a three-month training plan. You can be a strong participant in this sport too, and hopefully fall in love with it as I have!
As we approach an Olympic year, I am in a position, with adequate training, to qualify for the Olympics. I have experienced my highest level of success both on the track and on the road this year. With your support, I will be able to sustain the training I need to---’Go for the Gold’.
Please consider this proposal as your opportunity to help me reach for my dreams.
The Sponsorship packages are:

Gold $500 and up

Silver $250 - $499

Bronze $100 - $249

Friend $25 - $99
Thank you for whatever support you are able to provide. If you are interested please email me at Kelekelebobelly@comcast.net.

Sincerely,
Kele Murdin
Professional Road Cyclist National Track Team Member 2007

A more positive twist!

Ah Nationals. The one track race in the year, where everyone in the track scene convenes. You get to see so many people you haven't seen for months, since you were on their side of the country. Everyone is nervous, and excited. Some just want to make the finals, others want to make a certain time standard, others yet are looking for a PR. One thing in common, we are all trying to do our best on the day!

Jeremy was ridiculously helpful. I almost felt guilty for all the work he did.
People hangin out.

Abby gets on line at the track
Mike goes for a ride around Palos Verdes...
Individual Pursuit Podium...Dotsie 1st, Christen 2nd, Angie Coggan 3rd, Neva Day 4th, and me 5th.
Team Pursuit time...let's have some fun! Me, Heather Albert, and Shelly Olds...the Underdogs!!
Everyone loves their TT helmets...
Bronze Medals will do...yea team.
The first Woman's' Team Pursuit Podium EVER!!
Me and Abby! We went to dinner at Kincades, yum!
The morning after! Mr. Anderson made 'the BEST French Toast ever'...This is Mike and Terry.
Gail and Kelsey Anderson share breakfast stories!

Nationals

After four days of racing. I've learned a lot. I am so grateful to my coach, Jeremy Storie, for all his support, encouragement, and good humor this week. I was disappointed with each performance, yet was able to keep my head up. Well, until the Points race last night. I pretty much had the worst race ever on the track, as in legs, and mostly in my head.

Dealing with such big disappointments, teaches me more than any win! Now, today we have a team pursuit....and you better bet your bottom dollar....I'm gonna have FUN with it!! Somewhere this week, I've forgotten to have fun on my bike...creating too much pressure. But today, I'm riding w/ Heather Albert, and Shelly Olds...we've never ridden together...so this will be a hoot!!

Pictures soon