Whatever It Takes

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Coco

I looked forward to the Pennsylvania Dutch Farm to Fork Fondo from the moment I first signed up in May. A weekend away with my husband, riding through the lovely Lancaster countryside, eating freshly made ice cream …. I knew riding for 65 miles in August would be challenging, but I never doubted that I could do it–even after I saw the elevation profile for the Farm to Fork Fondo hills.  

Farm To Fork Fondo Finish Line

Wrenedgade Sports sponsored my participation
in the PA Dutch Farm To Fork Fondo

Little did I know how much mental and physical strength I would have to draw on to make it up those hills. Little did I know it would take unconventional strategies to give whatever it takes.  Continue reading →

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The Dog Days Of Summer

Posted on August 14, 2016 by Coco

What was I just saying about August usually being hotter than July? The second week of August sure did live up to its reputation, with temperatures in the upper 90’s and oppressive humidity. Thank goodness for air-conditioning for indoor workouts and recovery!  

Weekly Wrap

I’m bummed that this isn’t really a sultry beach sunset,
but I’m still visualizing myself at the beach!

I thought I might need to take it easy after the Farm to Fork Fondo, but my legs felt pretty good after the yoga class I took on Sunday, so I jumped back into my regular workout schedule.

If you haven’t yet, please check out my recap of our 65 mile bike ride and all the food we enjoyed along the way! Continue reading →

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Feasting At The Farm To Fork Fondo

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Coco

I’m not gonna lie, one reason I was so excited to participate in the Farm To Fork Fondo in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was the promise of locally-grown food at the rest stops and the post-ride barbecue. During the ride, knowing that there would be freshly made ice cream at the last rest stop helped keep me going through the toughest climbs of my life. Now that the ride is over, I’m sharing my Farm To Fork Fondo food review!

Farm To Fork Fondo

Wrenegade Sports sponsored my participation in the Farm To Fork Fondo.

I’m linking up for the Friday Five hosted by Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Mar at Mar on the Run and Cynthia at You Signed Up for What?! to share the edible highlights of this fun event. Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Food | Tagged | 11 Comments

Pennsylvania Dutch Farm To Fork Fondo Overview

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Coco

Wrenegade Sports sponsored my participation and asked me to write
a review of my experience doing the Pennsylvania Dutch Farm To Fork Fondo.

Tyler Wren founded the Farm To Fork Fondo series to unite the cycling and farming communities and encourage cyclists to support local farmers. Riding through the bucolic farmlands of Pennsylvania Dutch country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania certainly renewed my appreciation for family farms and the history, heritage, and horticulture they embody. 

Farm To Fork Fondo Overview

The scenery was almost as breathtaking as the hills. Imagine every picture you’ve seen of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and then imagine riding through it. We saw (and climbed!) rolling hills flecked with white farm houses, red barns, and silver silos. We were thisclose to cows, horses, goats, and even a few llamas. We waved to horse-drawn buggies, farmers tilling plots with man-powered tillers, and women in traditional Mennonite dress tending beautiful gardens. While we’ve driven through the area on various family trips, nothing compares to the views from our bikes.   Continue reading →

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Keeping My Eyes On The Prize

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Coco

I don’t usually adjust my workout schedule very much before race day. I favor 10 mile races, and usually am in shape to run that distance whether I’m training for a race or not. Since I’m also a slacker at training for specific race goals, I usually head into race day ready to accept whatever the day brings. I do try to eat right and hydrate in the days leading up to a race, and I try to take two days “off” before race day, but that’s about it. But this week was different, because the event on my calendar was going to be more of a challenge than I’ve faced in a while. 

Farm To Fork Fondo Finish Line

The PA Dutch Farm To Fork Fond Start/Finish Line

My husband and I were doing the 65 mile route of the Fork To Farm Fondo in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. (Full sponsored review to come!)  Continue reading →

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