Tanya Lindenmuth

The Tanya Lindenmuth diary

Last year was a good year for Tanya Lindenmuth, winning her fourth American National Women's Sprint Championships in a row. And this year should be even better. Meet Tanz, out latest diarist, as she tells all on the oval track.

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Flat in South Africa

World Cup round 3, Cape town, South Africa, April 11-13

What is it about jet-lag that makes you think you have lost your mind? I lay in bed the first night in South Africa confusing myself as to where in the world I was. I kept envisioning the world map in my head and thinking I was somehow 18 hours ahead of the US. I had the map correct but was way off on the time. And that is pretty much how the World Cup went for me, I had the right idea but couldn't get it out through my legs. In plain English, I was flat! I went 11.9 in the 200m qualifier putting me fifth. I'm an 11.9 sprinter in my sleep! I took a random survey from some of the coaches around our cabin and they all said the same thing; "You just looked flat, nothing really stood out." I ended up sixth in the sprints, fifth in the 500m and team sprint and didn't even make it through first round/rep for the keirin.

So this past trip ended with me examining what inspires me, what drives me and what pushes me onward. It's an inner voice telling me to never stop reaching, learning or growing as a person. I know that I learn more from the downs than the ups and that there must be a balance between the two. I have such a great support base that I can't help but smile. And I seem to find support in the most random places. One of the UCI officials came to talk to me as I rode the rollers and asked if I was pleased with my result. My immediate thought and what came out of my mouth was that I am so much better than sixth. I violently shook his arm as I said it, which he took in stride and smiled and said, "Yes, but without the downs we don't have the ups." I responded that we can't truly appreciate one without the other. He wordlessly put a finger to his temple letting me know he agreed and left me with that single thought.

Much love also to Chris Hoy for the verbal kick in the pants by simply saying, "We can't always be on, Tanya. The cups are just a platform to qualify for the Worlds where it will really matters, eh." Well said man.

Now it is on to Frisco, Texas for the World Cup Qualifier Number Three which I have to ride so I may race in Sydney. In the meantime I will be going to Colorado Springs, Colorado to train with the resident cyclists at the Olympic Training Center. It is hard to leave my home but I feel it essential to my progress. Like I said, always reaching, always growing and learning. I don't stay very long when I feel I'm losing all or even one of those aspects.

Memo to self: Not everyone will agree with your decisions so you'll have to be strong enough to make them for yourself and then stick to them.

Award for most mishaps during one session goes to the US team guys who found it imperative to fall off the track directly in the same place as one another but at different times. Three out of seven is not bad odds!

Be Safe in your travels
Tanz

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