Team Priority Health

Deland Road Race (FL)

Ryan Cross — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:39:31 +0000

For this Michigander, a first race of the year typically includes excessive amounts of thermal clothing covering up terrifyingly pasty legs. This year I’ve gotten a head start on my tan lines while spending most of the winter in Northern Florida and decided to make that first race start this past weekend in Deland, Florida. The “Spring Fling Road Race” as it was called, took place over uncharacteristically rolling roads in Central Florida. Despite the 8 AM start time, we were all in short sleeves and shorts by the 20 mile mark and the race was on. The early break rolled away and got a sizeable lead. Most of the teams were represented in the break so as the field started to get a little lethargic, myself along with a few individuals (including fellow Michigan homeboy, Ben Renkema) organized a chase. We got the break back within about 15 seconds with a few miles to go but nobody wanted to make the final push to close the gap. We picked up 2 guys in the closing meters but there still ended up being 5 up the road. I got pipped at the line in the field sprint by the Florida Race Series Leader Garret White, and I wound up 7th overall. Though I was bummed about missing the break, it was a good early season test of the legs and overall I am very pleased with how I felt. It’s always fun to get that first race out of the way early on! I’m very excited to do a couple more training races during my remaining time here in the Sunshine State and of course, super pumped to return to Michigan in the spring with great form and a head start on my tan lines.

Until next time.

Gratitude

Chris Gottwald — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:50:17 +0000

Well let me say what an honor it is to be a part of such a fabulous team. I am not much of a guy to start talking a bunch of stuff about how we are gonna be so great at all we do…but I am REALLY excited about the folks we have lined up. I am not getting any younger but I can tell you I am doing my homework and I always ready to turn myself inside out in an attempt to test my limits, inspire others and promote healthy living and clean drinking water for those so unfortunate. If I have a goal for the year, it is not so much as to win another race just to satisfy my selfish desires (I have already done that a few times) but to save as many lives as possible through a viral awareness on healthy living and the global water crisis. I’ve got a good feeling though that we just might win a few and save lots of lives too.

Thanks for reading. In my next blog I’ll fill you in on a few of typical training days and maybe a challenge to keep you sharp!! ‘Til next time, keep the rubber side down and ride that bike like you stole it!!!!

2012 Team Priority Health Ladies Roster

Cheryl Olson — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:04:08 +0000

Checkout the line-up of Team Priority Health women this year! We have some very talented women with many competing in more than one discipline:

Amy Stauffer: Cat2

Laura Melendez: Cat3, Cyclocross, Champion Snow Shoe Racer

Anna Kreslins: Cat 4, Junior

Caitlin Braun: Tri, Cat 3

Charlotte Long: Tri, Cat 3

Chelsea Clark: Cat 3

Rose Kreslins: Cat 4

Hayley Braun: Tri, Cat 4

Kathy Kirk: Cat 2 (she says she’s retired but I’ll believe it when I see it

Katie “Axel” Whidden: Tri, Cat 4

Kelly Stimpson: Tri, Cat 4

Leslie Gains: Cat 2

Marie Dershem: Xterra, Tri, Cat 4

Nancy Lange: Cyclocross, Cat 4

Riley Missel: Cat 4

Robyn Kaiser: Tri

Roxane Kruse: Xterra, Cat 4

Toni Musto: Tri, Cat 2

Cheryl Olson: Tri

Madeline Kreslins: Cat 4, Junior

Sue Sherwood: Running

Diana Easthope: Running

Sugar: The Bitter Truth

Hayley Braun — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:38:40 +0000

One of my professors recently recommended my class to watch this interesting video on sugars. Its an absolutely fascinating watch. It’s kind of lengthy (perfect to watch on a trainer ride), but it really helps to understand what exactly we are putting in our body. It also shares quite an appalling reality about the American food industry and specifically the use of fructose. It really opened my eyes to just exactly how harmful some of food we eat (and drinks, ESPECIALLY pop and juice) are. I hope you all enjoy!

Sugar: The Bitter Truth

Late Roster Addition for the Elite 1/2 Team

Cheryl Olson — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:39:01 +0000

I am thrilled to announce the addition of Chris Gottwald to the Team Priority Health Elite Team! Chris is a 4 time finisher of RAAM (Race Across America)and if you ask anyone who’s ridden with Chris the response is, “man is that guy strong on a bike”. Chris is an awesome guy with the character and integrity that the PH Team strives to represent. Chris uses his passion for cycling to raise money for ActiveWater, a nonprofit organization that uses athletic lifestyle and grassroots campaigns to bring clean water and sanitation projects to needed communities throughout the globe. If you would like to read more about Chris or ActiveWater, a quick “google” will spawn endless material. We look forward to having Chris on our team !

Elite Pro/1/2 Team: Chris Gottwald, Chris Fisher, Alan Antonuk, Ryan Cross, Jason Young, Andrew Florian, Dan Yankus

3,4′s (some soon to upgrade): Anthony Prentice, Keith Marek, Cameran Timmerman, Pete Skellenger, JJ Paquette, Matt George, Greg Brown

Winter Beauty

J. J. Paquette — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:42:22 +0000

I sip coffee and check my emails, waiting for warmer temps so I can ride with one less layer. The off season is beginning to disappear and the hours spent on the bike have begun to increase.

The sun is fully up and warming the frosty air as I head outside, I click into my pedals and roll down my driveway on what will be a 4 hour ride. My studded snow tires are ideal for today for the roads are covered in a crusty layer of snow, exactly the way I like it. The sun is shining brightly, intensifying the beauty of God’s amazing snow covered country that lay before me.

My rides are longer than they were this time last month, allowing me to ride further and explore old dirt roads that I never knew existed. Nearing the top of a steep hill on one of these dirt roads my eyes set upon two older gentlemen sitting outside a rustic little cabin, no doubt enjoying the beauty of this winter day as much as I am, they give me a quick wave and a smile of approval as I pass by. The old saying “Time flies by when you are having fun” comes to mind because before I know it, it’s time for me to head home. I end my ride feeling satisfied by my improving fitness and I already begin looking forward to tomorrow’s ride. The 2012 season has come and my desire to achieve my cycling goals this racing season is stronger than ever.

Snowy dirt road

Back to running!

Diana Easthope — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:34 +0000

A friend of mine posted a very young child running on a school track. He had two prosthetic legs and he was running! I had to go out today for the first time since my leg injury in August. I have a really smart trainer (Al Stockwell!) who has been telling me I am over thinking it and need to get out there. The longer I procrastinate the harder it will be. I knew he was right but the child was my push!

Pete Skellenger 12th overall in First Ever Snow Bike World Championships

Cheryl Olson — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:53:19 +0000

Check out some cool photos and read more on the cover of the Marquette Mining Journal : http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/571760/Snow-bike-racing–skijoring-make-their-Noquemanon-debut-on-Sunday.html

Choices

Marie Dershem — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:29:20 +0000

Yet another snowy Sunday greeted us today – which came with a big (not really) decision… outdoor run or treadmill?

Beautiful day for a run

I went through the pros and cons with my workout consultant (husband and personal photographer). I had committed to myself that I would do a 1.5 hour run. Treadmill… boring but warm and definitely not snowy. Outdoors… snowy, hard, slippery, blustery but definitely not boring. I opted for the outdoor run. It was very tiring, very slow, quite slippery and difficult, but a good challenge, great for all those little supporting muscles, and absolutely beautiful. Good choice for today.

Unexpected Snow

Charlotte Long — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

I woke up this morning and found an abundance of snow on the ground. I told myself last night that I would get out and go for a run, I even had a route planned in my head. As soon as I looked out the window my heart sank a little bit. I guess the good ole treadmill will be keeping me company today.