Instructor Spotlight: Kara

WHAT ARE YOUR 2019 GOALS?

I've challenged myself to reading 50 books in 2019 - here's to sticking with my goal!

WHAT EXCITES YOU?

I live for adventure and love traveling abroad with my husband and immersing myself in new cultures.

ASIDE FROM TEACHING AT CYCLED! WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I'm passionate about volunteering with organizations that provide aid to individuals in our city who are homeless. For the last seven years, I have been gathering friends and family members to assemble and distribute care packages to those in need.

Catch Kara at these times:

Wednesday @ 7:00 AM TKPK

Saturday @ 8:00 AM SS

REAL MEN SPIN!

get ACQUAINTED with CYCLING ENTHUSIAST AND cycled! morning regular - terry thomas

Terry Thomas is a morning regular. Since joining the CYCLED! community back in July of 2017 Terry has attended 225 classes at our Takoma Park location! When not riding or racing with his teammates of Phase Cycle, Terry can be found frequently riding back to back 5:15 and 6:00 AM classes with Instructor Cameron; his fellow cycling club member. What a great way to start the day and stay conditioned for race day!

Hometown:

Seat Pleasant, MD

What is your 9-5?:

Attorney

Cycling Club:

Phase Cycle

What motivates you?

Being better than I was yesterday and consistently improving whether it be with cycling, work or personal life

What would you do if you knew you would not fail?

Fun answer: Play lotto

Serious answer: Start a business

Advice for other men interested in cycling indoors or outdoors?

Start now! Make the investment in a good bike. The more you ride the greater your return will be after the initial purchase. Find a local cycling club to be your support system and motivate you to ride.

Twenty Six Point Two Miles, Oh My!

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Meet resident CYCLED! member Shannon who has made almost 200 visits to CYCLED! since joining the studio. Shannon just completed the Chicago Marathon held on October 7, 2018 in Grant Park, Chicago. You read that correctly, Shannon tackled 26.2 miles! Let’s learn how Shannon prepared to rise to the challenge…

Marathon:

Chicago Marathon, 26.2 miles

Sponsor:

Bank of America

How did you train for the marathon? 

"I didn’t want to follow the advised or suggested exercise plan. I wanted to exercise the way that I preferred. In doing so, I doubled up on my cycling classes with two sometimes three classes a day and then would run the other days as part of my routine."

What encouraged you to try? 

"When I turned 25 I was able to run in two half marathons and by 30 my goal was to run a full one."

What's the entry process like? 

"You have to be an elite runner in order to participate. Once those runners are selected, you can enter into a lottery to be selected and I was chosen!"

Why did you choose Chicago? 

"Chicago is one of the most popular places for marathons. People often can break their records in the city because it's a flat run."

What are your tips or best practices for the any marathon interests? 

"If you don't prefer running as training routine, try to double up on another form of exercise like cycling. Also, diet is a big thing! It really changed everything thing for me. I cut out white rice, fried foods, etc. and my body, skin, and everything improved for the better. And I'll take it for the 'snatch' that came after."

Final words: 

"I really appreciated the CYCLED! family and community supporting me and cheering me on from start to finish. They kept me accountable and would check in when they didn't see me in class. The instructors even sent me cheers through the Motigo app. Literally, they sent me personalized cheers that was sent to my phone once I hit a certain distance. It was so encouraging, and I really appreciated them for the love and support."

Medal Motivation

Find out about CYCLED! regular, Selena’s valiant effort to complete her first Triathlon

Making the decision to complete a Triathlon

Selena’s husband started participating in triathlons two years ago. She finally made the decision to give one a try after a bit of convincing and much appreciated support.

Preparing for the Triathlon

Selena went from the couch to using the 5k App to work herself up to shorter runs. She purchased a bike last October to increase her comfort level with riding (she had not been on a bike since she was a kid!)

Incorporating CYCLED! into the training program

Selena dedicated three days out of the week to running while biking any where from one to two days. Swimming would mostly be done in the evening or on Saturdays. CYCLED! came into her life after she attended Takoma Park’s Small Business Fair after recently moving to Silver Spring and ending a membership at a chain fitness club. Selena attended one of Shayla’s classes and was sold. Since joining the CYCLED! community, Selena has visited CYCLED! 70 times!

Selena with instructor Adrienne

The most challenging aspect of Selena’s training

After deciding to train for and complete a Triathlon, Selena had to undergo surgery which hindered her from training consistently until she was cleared by her physician to perform physical activity. After two months, getting back into her routine proved challenging, but after losing over 100 pounds over the last five years, Selena knew what she was capable of.

Selena’s advice for others wanting to complete their first Triathlon

It is very important to schedule out time to train and give yourself enough time to prep Selena suggests. Use the tools/apps we have to properly train and avoid injury.

The most exciting aspect about Selena’s experience

The day of the Triathlon showed me how supportive friends family and spectators where. Despite the finish time, there were people cheering and encouraging participants, just like at CYCLED! Selena explains.

Next up for Selena

We might find Selena running a few 5K races. Her next goal is to complete a 10K

CYCLED! will be rooting for you Selena! Our resident Triathlete

Selena crossing the finish line of the Rev3 Stafford Sprint Tri which took place on September 16th, 2018