It takes so much more than pinning a number on to be able to race for 10 days straight. Yet sometimes it's just that easy. Pin the number, tie the shoes, buckle the helmet, toe the line. The 2017 Intelligentsia Cup offered another mountainous challenge. Another intimidating slot on my calendar. And another experience to prove to myself that I belong and that I can do this. I can race my bike.

I've been given a lot of opportunities this year, most of them are seemingly once in a lifetime types of chances, and I just can't believe how lucky I am to be a part of this team. Chicago Women's Elite has enabled me to get to the start line of so many great races, and many where it would be impossible to do so on my own. This year, the elite criterium national championships was in Louisville, KY and we were the first Chicago women's team to be invited to the big dance. Crit Nats?! Wow, what a challenge, and within every great challenge lies an opportunity to shine.

We headed for St. Paul on Tuesday, rendezvousing with the entire squad and support crew in Milwaukee, and packed up the Sprinter Van provided by Milwaukee Cycle Center. Got a quick pre-ride of the TT course with Alison before dinner and headed for bed. Or so we thought.

I'm not sure I realized how emotional this week would become. I wasn't certain I was ready for the challenge, physically or mentally, but when placed in challenging situations we can either rise to the occasion, or falter.

Rise above. This week was about the small victories we find in ourselves, everyday. We don't need to stand atop a podium to feel victorious {although Lily taking the best overall amateur jersey on the final day was so rad!!} but getting to our version of the finish line each day made for some amazing victories. 

Glencoe is less than 5 miles from my house, and because of all the support and professional setup that CWEC has to offer, I was able to ride to the race! The tent was up on course under a tree for extra shade, trainers were out and ready, and water chilled! Kevin, Cathy, Mor & Nathan definitely made us feel like pros. We got our numbers, sat down for a team meeting and stated the objectives for the day.

am a 2006 magna cum laude graduate of the College of Business and Public Administration at UND. I was a four year student-athlete on a partial scholarship to swim for the University of North Dakota. I am a NCAA All-American, a NCC Conference Champion, an Academic All-American, a former Student Athlete Advisory Council member, and a proud Fighting Sioux athlete.

Killer Gravel Road Race. Definitely lived up to it's name for the 9th annual running of the race.

Not sure why I allowed my new crazy friends to sway me into this

I've always been a girl with routine. Branching out wasn't really my thing. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day for lunch from 1st grade through my senior year.

Life is hard. We all experience struggles along the way. But hopefully, we all experience joy, happiness, contentment, and love sometimes too. I finally feel like I've turned the corner and a change in scenery has been a huge part of this transformation.

You have my heart. It's pretty incredible how a geographical location can own something so personal. I also think an appreciation for something doesn't truly happen until you no longer have it. I have the military to thank for that. To thank for taking me away from a place that needed appreciation. And in many ways, it's been a blessing to our family.

Viv!

Meet Miss Vivian. My Mosaic Bespoke Cycles XT-1 cyclocross bike and the newest edition to our family.