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Seventh heaven: The Mary McConneloug & Mike Broderick diary, 2006
Another MTB 'super-couple', Mary McConneloug and Mike Broderick live together, train together and now share a diary on Cyclingnews. Follow their adventures as they race the world cup circuit in 2006 with Team Kenda/Seven Cycles, doing it in their unique style which has worked so well in the past and hopefully into the future.
USA, December 28, 2006
Greetings from the East Coast!
By Mary McConneloug
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Mike and I have been here for the past two months enjoying the quiet respite of his hometown on Martha's Vineyard. It is truly a welcome blessing, not only to have a house to live in with Mike, but also to be stationed in one place for more than a week!
I am especially appreciating cooking up storms in the kitchen. Mike tells me he is the luckiest guy in the world when I serve up my newest healthy invention - a sweet potato coconut pie with whole wheat coconut crust. Yum. lots of soups, dark green veggies and roasted goodies, too.
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There is something about the cold dark time of year that brings introspection and reflection. As I look back and recall all the good and tough times from this year, I can only be grateful for another successful year of racing, learning and living. Heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those who have supported us in our mission!
The huge travel in 2006 was almost as challenging as the racing itself but Mike and I managed to stay healthy and fit as we zigzagged across the globe and back. The big late season races - World Championships in New Zealand, World Cup finals in Austria, and Pan American Championships in Brazil - had us on the move, with no time to tell. We enjoyed our travels amidst the intense racing and have lots of new crazy stories to share.
Our off season has proven to be almost as busy as the on season, just with less saddle time and more time at my desk. This has been a time to address all the things we let slide during the year(s) past...and to plan the future - on top of cross training.
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The transition from racing this past season to preparation for the next season has blurred together once again. We are just beginning the long base cycling miles but are still enjoying other types of exercise like hiking, running, surfing and tons of yoga and body ball work. Our core and upper body strength is coming back to center as we take this time to balance out our cycling bodies, which is a crucial part of being strong later in the year.
Our focus remains on the XC mountainbike season and racing at our highest potential as we attempt to secure maximum Olympic start positions for Beijing 2008. For our purposes, the '07 race season is already here.
Wishing you all peace, balance, and a Happy New Year!
Mary and Mike
Team Kenda - Seven Cycles
Mary and Mike (Team Kenda/Seven Cycles)
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mike Broderick & Mary McConneloug / Team Kenda/Seven)
- 'Cross training continues during the off-season
- McConneloug can't keep away from her Seven Tsunami
- The vineyard trails at Broderick's place
- Fresh water ponds on Broderick's property
- McConneloug settles into a four-hour training ride
- Broderick takes a cool surf
