Miranda and I are both members of the Squamish Athletic Club (S.A.C.) and I see her there often. I secretly covet her workout plan. You would too if you saw what she did. This woman has world-class athlete written all over her.
I caught up with her on the phone to ask her a few questions about what it takes to compete at her level. Humble as always, she shared some of her experiences.
As she told me her story I couldn’t help but think of that saying ...”how you do anything is how you do everything”. Whether you race bikes or not, there are sure to be some life lessons for ya’ll in here.
Dirty Jane: What do you think it takes to be #1 in something?
Miranda: Hard work and lots of practice.
Dirty Jane: Yah, but lots of people work hard and practice with little improvement. What separates out those who achieve success?
Miranda: A few things:
1. Get yourself a great support team. My family, friends and work all know what my goals are and they encourage and help me reach them. I work at a local bike shop and they offer flexibility so I can leave when I need to practice and race.
2. You either want it or you don't. Ask yourself how bad do I really want it? I decided that I am not going to stop just because I have a few bad race results. I will only stop racing when I am satisfied.
Dirty Jane: What are some of those disappointments and how did you get over it?
Miranda: I feel disappointed after any race where I know I could have done better or even a trail I ride for fun and don't do something that I know I can do. I don't like to say "I'll do it next time". I just remember how shitty it feels NOT doing it and how good it feels when I do. That keeps pushing me to be the best I can on the trail.
Dirty Jane: Some of our readers are new to biking and interested in racing. What advice do you have for them?
Miranda: Get together with some friends and enter the race for fun. See it as an opportunity to get some practice and have a good time. If you go into your first race thinking "World Cup" you are going to be disappointed with yourself. Build your confidence and skills over time.
Dirty Jane: Have you ever felt nervous going into a race?
Miranda: Only if I am feeling unprepared, but really I am more pissed off if I lose so I get over any nerves I have.
I am committed and focused on what I want to accomplish in my biking future.
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Her bio on DH Canadian Girls:
http://canadiandhgirls.wordpress.com/miranda/
I’ve been called the song bird of my generation. I have a voice that can make a wolverine purr and suits so fine they make Sinatra look like a hobo. My name is Miranda Miller.
I find inspiration in things like having more Facebook friends than Adam Mantle. Being able to grow better facial hair than Adam Mantle and lifting on average, double whatever Adam lifts.
2013 is off to a great start with a couple podium finishes and I’m incredibly lucky to be continuing to represent my sponsors and supporters and proud to announce a couple new ones for the season. My season will be focused on whatever event I’m at the time. I will be attending the Canada Cup Series, some US NW Cup rounds, Crankworx and the select World Cups that fit into my schedule and are financially feasible.
This is my third year training under PerformX Racing’s Todd Schumlick and with his guidance and expertise combined with my hard work I’m feeling strong (stronger than Mantle) and already confident and comfortable on my bikes. I look forward to all that is to come!
Current Sponsors: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Fox Head, SRAM/Truvativ/Avid/Rockshox, Maxxis Tires, Smith Optics, DT Swiss, MRPGuides, Chromag Saddles, Dissent Labs, PerformX Training, Ergogenics Nutrition and Shaun Greenaway of Dirt Merchant.
Nicknames: M, Mir, Miran, Miran Miran, Mirdoc, CHAMP, MirKitty
Hometown/Current City: Squamish B.C.
Favourite Bike to ride: Santa Cruz Blur TRc or the V10C
Favourite Trails: Angry Midget
Shout outs to: CANADIAN DH GIRLS because they’re all fun. Corsa Cycles for hiring me….again, Tantalus Bike shop for all the help, Dunbar Cycles for all the shuttles, and Tamsin and Rich for feeding me and being cool parents. An extra special shout out goes to Dean Richards- berms will be smashed!
Past Results
2013- Port Angeles NW Cup- 1st
2013 Port Angeles US Grand Prix- 2nd
2012 Sea Otter Classic- 4th
2012- Crankworx Garbanzo DH- 2nd
2012- Fort William World Cup- 11th
2011 Windham World Cup- 12th
2011 Crankworx Garbanzo DH- 3rd Pro Women
2010 Crankworx Garbanzo DH- 2nd Pro Women
2009 US Open- 1st Pro Women
2009 Crankworx Garbanzo DH- 1st Pro Women
2009 Cycling B.C ‘ s DH Female Athlete of the Year
2008 Cycling B.C.’s DH Junior Female of the Year
2007 Cycling B.C. Female Athlete of the Year
7x Provincial Team Member2007 Premier Athletic Award
6x National Team Member
