Justine Kreso

What previous life events do you credit for piquing your interest in cycling and racing?
Apparently, I have an insatiable urge for sports that are bad for my bone density. I grew up riding horses competivitely in a sport called 3-day eventing, which provides an excellent adrenaline rush by going fast over rough terrain perched precariously on top of something. Racing bikes was a natural progression once I discovered expensive bikes were insanely cheaper to upkeep than expensive horses.

How did you get into bike racing?
I had a road bike for a number of years and mostly did "fun rides" with my family and through Syracuse Bicycle's Women on Wheels program. However, after a rough delivery with my second kiddo and some subsequent health problems he faced I thought that bringing my cycling to the "next level" by racing would help me recover mentally (and physcially!) from what I went through that year. After I begin doing races on my own, our former team whip snapper and coercer, Jessica Blake, asked me if I would join the team. The last several years with these women has been an amazing experience. They are rad and I have a blast with each and every one of them when we have the opportunity to ride or get together socially.
What is your favorite way to recover after a ride?
Yoga! I always know when I have not been up on my ohm. Post-race or ride wine doesn't hurt, either.

What are the biggest challenges you face for meeting your goals?

Generally, my job and momming are the biggest challenges in getting consistent training in. There are weeks where I have to put in 60 hour work-week for weeks and even months on end, which makes training consistently a challenge at times.

What does an average training week look like?
I thrive with routine. My alarm is set for 4:15AM each morning. I wake up, drink a glass of water, and eat a small snack that is made of plain greek yogurt, PB2, and sprinkled with some homemade granola and a splash of almond milk. It provides just the right protein and carbs combination that makes my stomach happy during workouts. I usually take one rest day (just walk the dog or something), and try to do some kind of stregth workout one morning. My weekends usually consistent of riding outdoors to some extent -- whether it is a snowy fat bike ride, a long endurance day, or coaching "my kids" on the CNY Composite Sharks Team.

What do you do by day?
Gun wrangler, chemical mixer, and paper pusher.

What is your favorite race?

It's hard to pick just one. The after-party at the Black Fly Challenge is always a great time and is a weekend full of camping at Eighth Lake Campground, which is one of our favorites. Any cyclocross race at a great venue like a brewery is a winner. Post-race shenanigans are almost as important as the race itself!

What 3 pro riders would you want to shred with and why?

1. Emily Batty - she seems like a genuinely nice person who gives back to the cycling community through the Batty Project and #morekidsonbikes initiatives On top of that she is seems funny and doesn't take herself too seriously. 2. Lachlan Morton - I thought I would pick three women, but Lachy and so many of the EF team as the raddest world-tour guys around with their "alternative racing" schedule. Riding with him would be one epic misadventure for me, yet an absolute blast. 3. Kate Courtney - she is a fierce competitor that seems to have a goofy side (she mountain bikes with her DOG!), yet makes sure to give back. She came up through the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) ranks and now has a team with Scott Bikes to offer a scholarship to NICA seniors.

What are your favorite ways to fuel during a race or very long ride?
I love to have an everything bagel breakfast sandwich the morning of every race or long ride. I will then usually eat an hour before heading out -- either some granola or a banana. Typically during races I use Clif Blocks as they are easy to eat while seeing stars from all the heavy pedaling. My electrolyte drink of choice is Skratch Labs. I'm not above shoving my face full of candy and Rice Krispie Treats either. For long rides that are not races I am blessed with an iron stomach so I'm not above stopping off for a full-fledged meal or brining along a PB&J sandwhich.