This month we highlight Jill Langendorf, our strongest woman on the team, and recent top 10 finisher in the Tour of the Gila:
Here are some questions we asked her:
Why do you ride a bike?
I love being outside, being on my bike feeling the wind, expending some energy, clearing my head – it brings a smile to my face every time.
Why should others ride a bike?
Why not? It’s a great form of exercise, easy on the joints, something you can continue to do as you age, there are many different levels of riding AND if it doesn’t bring a smile to your face then you’ve got a serious flaw and you might as well go waste away in front of the TV.
Tell us about your life off of two wheels?
I’m the mom of two beautiful, well behaved daughters (ok, that’s a stretch, they’re cute when the sleep.) That pretty much fills up my life! Oh, and I work at Sandia Labs in Power Sources R & D. I continue to run a bit, hike a bit, swim less and less, you know, stuff outside.
What is your athletic background and what led to road racing?
About ten years back I got into running, ran a few marathons and ended up with chronic plantar fasciitis. After completing my last marathon I swore to never run again, and bought a road bike – the same one I’m racing on today! I did a couple of tours, then went back on my word about running and started training for triathlons. I did this around having kids. I work with Dave Johnson, he started dragging me out at lunch on the bike, and hooked me up with Q. After being humiliated in my first road race, I was hooked! I find the mental strategy of road racing enthralling.
What was your first win on a bike, and looking back how important was it?
My first win was the Hillsboro Omnium last year, I won the TT and the Road Race for the Cat 4s. Winning is fun, but I’d say there have been many other races that I haven’t won that have been more fulfilling in the end.
Tell us about the ladies squad on our team.
I’m really excited about this! These women that are out racing this season are hard core women. We’ve got some fitness and experience to gain, but there is nothing lacking in attitude! Every one of these women live by the desire to get out there and hammer whether it be for training or racing. Gotta love it!
How was the 2010 SRAM Tour of The Gila…and how do you feel about your TOP 10?
It seemed like a tough year at the Gila. I think the winds of the first day set the stage and made an impact on everyone. Honestly, I was looking for better than 9th. With the winter weather being what it was this year, I think I went into the Gila not quite as prepared as I’d hoped to be. I raced hard every day, and that’s how it came out. I’ll take it – but watch out for next year!
What are your big post-Gila goals this year and next?
Oh yeah, I should think about that….I plan to race the local scene, may check out a stage race somewhere else, I keep saying I’m going to try a mountain bike race, check out cyclocross this year, and I’ve heard rumor of a 250 mile bike race in Arizona that peaks my interest.
What’s the biggest lesson you are passing onto the newer riders?
I’m still learning a lot myself, but if there is a lesson I’d like to pass on it would be to jump in where you are now. If you are waiting to race until you are “fit” or all your numbers are in good position, that day may never come and life is passing you by. Strive, do your best – your best for where you are now, and then be happy with it! I think keeping it all in perspective is an important lesson, we’ve got lives off the bike, and we do this for fun. So, let’s turn ourselves inside out – because it’s fun, darn it!