We’ve also selected a video with a recap of the latest Zwifty news, a rider’s journey to climb the Alpe du Zwift at 6 w/kg, a review of the FTP Builder plan, and of course… more Zwift racing!

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Hometown: Washington, DC 

How did you get into cycling? I’ve been on a bike for as long as I can remember… As kids, my friends and I rode all over town, we were feral kids; no cell phones, no trackers…we just roamed, and nobody got in trouble or hurt bad enough not to ride home…Scrapes/bruises/cuts were not an issue for us. In my teens, I worked for myself as a court/legal messenger, doing all of the work via my bike until I got a car. Raced BMX as a kiddo (when I mowed lawns to cover the race entry fees), I did MTB stuff (non-racing) and Sprint/Olympic Triathlons in my 30’s, and now I’m racing on Zwift, Road/Gravel, and CX in my 50s.

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I am in my 3rd year. Started in D’s (was 10 mins off the back), currently in C’s, and maybe I will hit B’s next season

Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes, I race for The Coalition. 

What do you love most about racing? I love being invited to compete with other women and making friends with those I race with and against. 

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? Points races suit me… I am a sprinter, so I get to ‘do my thing’ in those races. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? I have only done ZRL, but I am open to trying others in the coming year. I think I have held myself back from trying new series from a lack of confidence (something we all struggle with). Until the end of ZRL ’22/’23, that had been a real challenge for me.

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? I remember the last race of ZRL last year, going up the Breakaway Brae I was in about 20th. At that turn to the left, I went all out and dug deep within myself to catch the front. (At this time, I was a D racer by ZPower but I raced all season in C’s because I wanted to learn and challenge myself.) Well, I caught up to the leaders and only missed taking the top of the podium by hundredths of a second! I was super proud of that effort, and in the end, I finally got promoted to C, LOL! It was a big deal for me because I used to be the “big girl” in the back of the race, working the hardest just to finish… and now I was charging up the hill with the leaders. It was a turning point for my racing, both indoors and out! I had a great road/gravel season in ’23. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? CARBS!!! Pizza, tacos, cookies, cake, and all the other things on the ‘naughty’ list! 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? My advice is try a race, forget worrying about ‘what ifs’ or negative self-talk, and once you enter it, finish it. The performances of others don’t matter; YOURS does. Don’t compare yourself to others, meet cycling where YOU are at… and above all, have fun with it. At the end of it all, CHEER for those who do well (send nice notes in the Companion App, or write a race report on Strava that includes others, your competitors, in it), and cheer for those in the back, too… they are the folks who worked hardest and longest in the race. There are victories to be had everywhere through the effort, on the front, in the middle, and in the back…embrace that, and you will have a winning spirit that transcends your placement in the race.

Let me share my story, decade by decade, so one can get a better understanding of my psyche as it relates to my athleticism. I hope my story helps and inspires women, even if just for a few more minutes of training every week.

The Early Years – Fun and Busy (0-39)

I was a high-energy child and involved in a lot of sports like running, cycling, swimming, and skiing. My nickname was Roadrunner as no one, not even the boys, could catch me in a game of tag! I was on the track team in high school, but my passion was downhill skiing. I started university and continued running and cycling for fitness through my twenties; this was a very busy decade during which I completed my post-graduate studies, started my career as a Social Worker in a maximum security detention centre, got married to my husband of 40 years, and gave birth to our 2 sons.

In my thirties, I was busy raising our high-energy sons who were involved in various sports like hockey, soccer, judo, and skiing. I worked full-time providing individual and group counselling services to youth and women in conflict with the law. Running during my lunchtime was not only for fitness, but a healthy way to manage my stress. A colleague suggested I start training for 5km and 10km races, and I got hooked on racing.

The Fun, Busy, and Interesting Years (40-65)

In my forties, I was busy with my career and raising teenagers, but always made time for running and training for races. I had excellent coaches and trained with a great group of friends. I decided to train for a marathon after setting the goal of racing 42km when I turned 42 years young. I qualified for the Boston Marathon, and, of course, I had to do it. I continued training and ended up doing 12 marathons, including 4 Boston marathons, over an 18-year period.

At 49 years young, I had my first hot flash at the Boilermaker 15km race in Utica, N.Y. It was as if someone poured a bucket of water over my head. I was drenched, and a couple of minutes later, my skin was dry, but my clothes were soaked. I experienced these hot flashes that came on intermittently and suddenly, never lasting more than a couple of minutes, for about 3 years. I had to bring extra clothes to work, just in case. I didn’t let these hot flashes prevent me from running. However, my running was not like it was; I had slowed down and didn’t perform as well in races.

I went through a period when I thought my racing days were over and this negative self-talk contributed to my not-so-great performance in races. It took me about 2 years to realize that I had to adjust my goals in racing and throw my ego out the window. I chose to consciously remind myself to be grateful for being able to run and accept the fact that I was not going to continue getting PBs with age… duh. It took me that long to embrace aging and celebrate my accomplishments. Interestingly, these thoughts and feelings pertained only to my running.

In my fifties, my husband and I became empty nesters and traveled a fair bit. I retired and started training for triathlons because I had the time to incorporate swimming, running, and cycling into my training schedule. I did a few triathlon training camps in Florida and started to do regular group rides and open water swims in addition to my running. I loved this cross training and I truly believe it has helped me to stay healthy and keep injuries at bay. My hot flashes subsided and I began setting new goals. I completed several running and triathlon races. To my surprise, I rediscovered my speed and usually ended up on the podium in my AG (age group). Woohoo!

The last 5 years can be summarized as me having the time of my life with my husband, my sons, and my 2 precious granddaughters as well as continuing to train for running and triathlon races. In 2019, I qualified for the World Triathlon Championships which were supposed to be held in Edmonton, Alberta in 2020 but the pandemic necessitated a postponement to Bermuda the following year. I was getting excited to compete in Bermuda but the event was postponed yet again because of the pandemic; this time, the World Triathlon Sprint Championships were to be held in Montreal, Quebec. After 3 years of training for this event, I was getting closer to crossing this goal off my bucket list, but unfortunately, I was involved in a bike crash and broke my elbow, 6 weeks before the race. Upon being cleared by the orthopedic surgeon, I competed on June 25, 2022. Needless to say, my swim was mediocre but I completed it and I was glad it was finally done. I didn’t let these setbacks (pandemic and broken arm) prevent me from accomplishing my goal.

I’ve been called a Zwiftie, a term I wholeheartedly embrace because for me, Zwift racing is a convenient, effective and efficient way to keep my cycling fitness as high as it can be. This is especially true when the weather for outdoor riding is unfavorable (e.g. snow, ice, rain, wind) or when I have an injury, like a broken arm. I don’t really have a convenient and traffic-free route outdoors for cycling workouts. I like Zwift because workouts and hard rides are much safer to complete as I don’t have to worry about automobiles or traffic lights and signs. Moreover, the weather in my basement is always good, so I never have to ride in the rain unless I really want to. There are no potholes, flat tires, or the potential for a crash caused by careless drivers or cyclists. Last but not least, I have met so many wonderful virtual friends on Zwift and I even had the pleasure of meeting one of my Delirium teammates IRL. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love riding outdoors and I have a wonderful group of friends with whom I ride on a weekly basis, weather permitting.

Words of Wisdom

The longer you live, the more attention you need to pay to little nagging injuries. My days of running and cycling through pain are over. My days of rolling out of bed and heading out for a run or ride are over. Instead, I have incorporated a regime of dynamic stretching, foam rolling, strength training and mobility exercises through Pilates, Power Barbell, and Core, Balance and Stretch classes at my local gym.

Presently, I do 3 to 4 runs/weekly including speed work and 4 to 5 rides/weekly including a Zwift race and/or workout. My rest days from running and cycling have been Mondays for many years, because my long endurance runs and/or rides are on Sundays. I believe the wisdom that has come with aging for me has allowed me to stay injury-free by making sure I have a proper warm-up and cool-down when I run and ride. I also treat myself to monthly massages. I have had my share of injuries over the years, like sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, and hamstring tears but thanks to my wonderful coaches and physiotherapist, I followed their advice and allowed my injuries to heal fully before returning to running and/or cycling.

I eat well and my diet consists mainly of healthy carbs, fish and chicken (no red meat), and I love devouring a bag of chips every once in a while. I sleep well, at least 8 hours/night with no naps.

Finally, I don’t let my age dictate what I can or can’t do because when I put my mind on a goal, I do everything in my control and power to achieve that goal. Sometimes there are setbacks, in which case I reassess and, though it may take longer, I don’t give up. Once I commit, I persevere and eventually, if it’s possible, I get there. I am proof that women can race in their sixties. For women new to Zwift racing, get clearance from your medical doctor, get a personal trainer or coach, start building a mileage base, join a women’s team, then sign up for a race. Ride on!!!

Hometown: Swindon, Wiltshire, UK 

How did you get into cycling? I joined Her Spirit as I wanted to do a triathlon before my 50th birthday. I bought myself my first road bike for my 49th birthday and did my first triathlon a few weeks later. I’m now in training for my first (and only) Ironman with support from the Her Spirit coaches.

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? About 3 years.

Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes, started with BRT and EVO, now with Galaxy Cycling Club.

What do you love most about racing? I like pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? I prefer longer races and anything with a few punchy climbs.

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? Tour de Boudicca as I enjoy the team aspect and you can challenge yourself as an individual as the races are all different. 

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? Inside, crossing the line first on the Glasgow Crit race in the last Tour de Boudicca which was unexpected as I was focussing on my training points. My daughter was next to me cheering me over the line which is what made it really special to me. Outdoors, my first duathlon was great fun. I was terrified and I was terrible at it. I even got overtaken by a guy wearing an Elmo costume!

What is your favourite food to eat post race? Chocolate milk.

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Learn to enjoy the process rather than the results, and then every race is a good race.

We’ve also selected a Zwift Big Spin hack, zone 3 training, an Alpe du Zwift personal record attempt, and a race finale recap.

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We’ve selected a video about a rider’s 2-man breakaway attempt, one Zwifter’s FTP test experience, and a video contemplating the optimal length of a Zwift race.

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Hometown: Breda, the Netherlands

How did you get into cycling? I used to play volleyball and football when I was younger, but because of injuries I had to find another sport, so I bought my first bike when I was 29. I started out with some shorter-distance rides, just enjoying the scenery and being outdoors. Not long after that I met my partner and we started riding together and distances got longer and longer. Although I was really enjoying the riding, I always missed a competitive element, and I found that in Zwift racing a few years later. After a while racing on Zwift made me curious about IRL racing, so last year, at 39, I finished my first full season of gravel racing.

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I started Zwift in October 2019 and I did my first Herd Beginner Race in the first week. I have been racing year-round on Zwift ever since. 

Are you part of a virtual team? Yes, I’ve been racing with the Herd Racing League since I started riding on Zwift. A big part of the races I’ve done were with my Zwift Racing League team The Herd of Little Penguins. Several women on that team have been racing and riding together since the first ZRL season and I love being a part of that team. Occasionally you can see me riding with BEAT added to my name, which is my IRL team BEAT Cycling Club that also has an e-racing team. 

What do you love most about racing? Pushing your limits and sometimes surprising yourself with what you can do. 

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? I don’t really have a favourite style of race, but I like to mix it up. I do like the tactics involved with races – making a plan, individually or with my team, to get the best result possible and trying to execute that plan during a race. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? There are several great Women’s race series, but for me the best ones are those that have a mix of racing styles, like SHEries, Tour de Boudicca and Iceni series. I also love the big fields and strong competition in Zwift Racing League. 

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? That must be the gravel world championships in Italy last year. The course, with lots of steep climbs, didn’t really suit me and it wasn’t my best race of the season, but riding in that amazing landscape in an orange jersey and with all those strong women from all over the world was the best experience ever. At one point I was riding in a chase group with riders from USA, South Africa, Australia, Canada, France, and many more countries and even though it was hard and my legs were hurting, the only thing I could think about is how amazing that was. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? I do a lot of my races in the evenings, so I rarely eat after and just take a recovery shake. But during long endurance rides I love having a piece of apple pie and a nice poke bowl after. 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Be prepared for a hard start. After that, just give it all you’ve got and have fun.