It has been awhile since I last updated you on my cycling adventures. After Cape Epic I returned home to recover and just after was hit by a bug and sinus infection that left me sick for another couple of weeks. It isn't uncommon for athletes returning from a high-stress competition to have a lower immune system so I think it was my bodies way of saying "hey, you need more rest than you think!". So, instead of traveling to the Sea Otter Classic or doing any competitions, I rested and slowly eased back into riding more again.

Cape Epic was such a huge event in my life. Not only was it very torturous at times and taught me how to lean on other people (like Debra) at my weakest moments, it also gave me some real time to be in the moment and helped me to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Hey, I'm almost 30 - even though I like to believe I am still 20. I saw people at the race who were not cyclists, they were actually just regular people who have had successes in other sports or business who wanted to take on a huge challenge and see if it was possible to complete! To me, that's pretty inspiring and awesome that someone would keep their mind open to new and different opportunities. I hope I can continue doing that through my life too!

After I returned home, our family suddenly grew! No, I am not pregnant. We adopted Buddy (Junior) who is our other pup's (Scotch) brother from the ranch! He was night and day to Scotch, although with the same border collie instincts. Buddy was very shy and a little anxious about his new surroundings as he moved from a ranch to the city. He had to learn how to go up and down the stairs, use a dog door and get used to a new life. Scotch and Buddy became pals and we fell in love with him. Soon, only 2 weeks later, we also adopted a kitty cat we named Pippo (after the Italian bicycle racer Pippo Pozzato)! These guys entertain me all day!

In May I also finished one of my biggest art projects of my life - a series of 3 Paintings for cyclist's  Peter Smith, bike hallway.  It started with the middle piece "Victory", then the painting to the right, "Team" and finished… — In May I also finished one of my biggest art projects of my life - a series of 3 Paintings for cyclist's Peter Smith, bike hallway. It started with the middle piece "Victory", then the painting to the right, "Team" and finished with the painting on the left, "Speed". Each painting is oil on canvas. This was like a dream for me, to see a bike hallway transform into what looks like an art gallery! You can see more of my art and commissioned pieces on my site: www.bikeartbymelissa.com!

Then in May, my friend Tricia twisted my arm into doing an Xterra. This is the 'off road' version of a triathlon with an open water swim, mountain bike ride, and trail run. I had never done anything like that before and the thought of running made my legs hurt! Plus I only had 2 weeks until the event to try to get my legs used to running enough to survive a 5 mile run! I also had not swam since high school nor had done any open water swimming. I was on the swim team for a little bit in middle school and was a lifeguard for several years but was never that great at it. As a kid I feared the lurky dark water below so getting into a lake was pushing through some of my fears. Anyhow, the triathlon was fun as it turned into a girls camping trip and I was able to not take the race so seriously since I was a newbie. I was the goof who put the wet-suit on the wrong way (inside out, backwards!), wore the wrong swim cap, forgot how old I was, and was screaming when I got into the cold water before we started the swim. I panicked early on as I seemed to fall to the back and the buoy seemed so far away. I had to stop several times to catch my breath and finally calm myself down so I could just get into a rhythm and take it one stroke at a time. 800 meters was the farthest I had ever swam in my life!

I actually only came out a few minutes behind everyone, figured out how to get that wet suit off, and was able to pass a lot of people on the bike and keep my running pretty steady. The run was very hard as my legs just simply hurt and I was trying to be careful about breathing and not injuring myself. I would walk the steep sections and had to stop for a side cramp too. However, I ended up winning my age category, finishing 9th overall and qualifying for Nationals! Pretty much most of the women's field who came qualified but we had a good time nonetheless. National Xterra is in September in Ogden, Utah, so I'll have plenty of time to run following the Leadville in August. If I do well there, a trip to Maui might be on the horizon for November!!

Me, Tricia Davis, and Jennifer Hanson are so happy we made it through our Xterra and qualified for Nationals in Ogden, UT in September!!

During that time, I also gave my notice to my longtime coach, mentor, and employer Frank Overton at FasCat Coaching. FasCat was really where I started as a cyclist. I had a few cycling coaches before, that didn't go too well and then was introduced to Frank and that's when my doors had opened up to my European racing, my time on the NRC an USA Crits with Team Kenda, New England cyclocross racing, to all of my moves from Wyoming to Boston, and Boston to Phoenix. He somehow knew how to push me past my perceived limits and help me through my emotional times. Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to coach full time for him and work remotely from home. I have had the opportunity to coach so many wonderful people - many who have inspired me in my own cycling endevours! I have had so many opportunities arise from this experience so I am truly grateful for everything that Frank and Fascat has done for me since 2008. So Frank, if you read this - thank you!

Now that I am training for Leadville, I get the chance to explore more of beautiful Arizona! If you have never been here, this state is so diverse with incredible views on every corner!

A new door opened for me with the opportunity to partner with Julie Cornelius, MS a nutrition specialist, and Tricia Davis, PT, a wellness, injury prevention, fitness, and cycling & triathlon specialist. We all were kind of frustrated watching people we love (who aren't cyclists) work their butts off in their careers while their health has taken a plunge. We see a growing trend in people, especially baby boomers who work their life off to provide for their family and have a good retirement - but when they reach that point, they spend retirement at the doctors office and all the while their kids have to stress about their health. We see a growing trend in people who want to do something about changing their lifestyle, yet are confused about all the info that is out there on the web on health and nutrition, so we decided to create something for them. Something that would give them a plan, hold them accountable, and be a more affordable option for having success in their health, fitness, and weight loss goals! I have seen athletes who train hard, yet can't drop the weight because of their nutrition. I have seen people start a nutrition plan, lose some weight, stop the plan, and gain it all back. I have seen people start fitness programs, overdo it and cause an injury that sets them even further back! There are so many layers when it comes to health and even performance. That's why I am excited that Tricia, Julie and I are combining forces through our new company, Potential Energy Training & Nutrition to make a dent in people becoming healthier, active, and reaching their goals!

I love to cook!  And now with our new company, Potential Energy Training & Nutrition, we can share our favorite healthy recipes on our blog! This is baked eggs with mushrooms, greens, and goat cheese! Yum! — I love to cook! And now with our new company, Potential Energy Training & Nutrition, we can share our favorite healthy recipes on our blog! This is baked eggs with mushrooms, greens, and goat cheese! Yum!

I like to have fun but I also take what I do in life very seriously. I recently lost a cousin to this health dilemma that many people find themselves trapped in. He was only in his 40's, had diabetes and did not take care of his nutrition. Would he have taken help if it was offered to him - I don't really know that answer. But I do know that there are a lot of people out there who want help and that's why I am on a mission to help others, and inspire people to get out of their slump so hopefully, they can enjoy some amazing adventures too. Why should we wait until our health becomes a life threatening condition to take action? Why not do something now - so we can enjoy living NOW, enjoy having hobbies and spending time with our family NOW. We aren't going to be around forever so why not LIVE?!