Couch to ATHLETE!

Paleton: The main body of riders in a bicycle race. My Paleton OK, OK, so this wasn't a race, but a ride, and we weren't the main riders, but my team were MY main riders for the weekend... So you have been reading about it for months now... That is right, Pedal to the Point finally happened this weekend. I was a little nervous and wondered if I would be able to finish 175 miles... I trained, and trained some more, and made plans, and trained again, and slept, and worked, and trained, and emailed my team mates about the weekend, and then continued training. I had big expectations for the weekend which can be tremendously dangerous, but you know what? All expectations were enormously exceeded. I'm sure you want to hear about my weekend, but I'm afraid this will not even come close to a good reflection of our adventure but hopefully you get the idea. The weekend started on Wednesday for some, Thursday for others and Friday for the remainder of the team. We ...

All good things must come to an end. Isn't that what they say? Well I refuse to accept that!!! Because the memories always remain. Today, Sue and I went for our final long ride before Pedal to the Point next weekend. We have several rides planned this week, but this was the end of the long training rides. After Pedal to the Point there will be fun long rides, but without a goal event. As we were in our final miles in the rain today, I started reminiscing on the year, and actually became sad that this ride is almost here, and the training is almost over. Why would it make me sad? Because the summer has been so much fun! The year, really has been so much fun. I have promised myself that this blog would not turn into a blog about my MS, but it wouldn't be appropriate to tell this story without mentioning what MS can do to the mind. This year has been a struggle, I learned what my new normal is for my body, and it isn't quite what I was hoping for. I run and bike, but ...

72 Miles Into the Ride This week I was blessed with two friends who filled in when my training buddy and friend wasn't available. Susan and I went out for almost 20 miles yesterday, and Laurie and I went out for 20 miles today. I didn't ride ALL the miles I planned because I opted for much needed sleep, but it was AWESOME to spend some time with some awesome friends. I think I mentioned that Sue and I rode 91.5 miles last Saturday. It was quite the ride!!! Of course there were tears, as that seems to be my trend lately, but there was also laughter, silence, talking, and lost money. When we go out for these rides, we always take 'lunch money' with us. The idea is to ride to a half way point, get some much needed food and then ride on. Well, last week was no different. I threw 40 dollars in my back pocket, fussed around with stuff for a bit before we started riding, and then we took off. We rode about 35 miles, when we decided to stop for lunch. Our server brough...

I've put in the miles and I'm feeling ready. The bike ride is just around the corner and I'm extremely excited about it. I didn't take nearly enough photos of my training, but I have the fondest memories from moments on my bike this summer. I'm now 1000 miles into this journey and have close to two hundred more miles, before I embark on the 2 day 175 mile weekend! I honestly can't thank everyone enough for their generosity through donations, support and care through this process. I am truly grateful. I am going to have this last big push. Three folks are still seeking donations. My aunt, my mom and my cousin. Sadly, my mom and aunt had to back out of the ride because they both got bionic parts put in their bodies in the last two months. My cousin is planning is trek to Ohio from Colorado. If you are interested in donating during this final push, here are the details to donate. To donate to my cousin, David, simply click here . He is still seeking $290...

Remember the great DNF from last year? If not, you can read about it here.  Well, today was the day to redeem ourselves. The race started at 7:30, about a half an hour away from my house. I overslept until 6:15, hopped in the shower and got to the race location right about 7:00 am. I got Sue's bike out, racked it, and then ran into Sue. I picked up our chip and ran to my car for the goggles I had forgotten. then to the swim start. I headed out and actually felt really good. It took me about 45 minutes to swim a mile, which is fairly slow for me, but I felt good. I ran out of the water, handed off the chip to Sue, talked up a storm and sent Sue off on her ride.  Jen and I then waited for Sue to come in from the ride. When she came flying in on her bike, we then sent Jen off on the run. About a half an hour later, I knew something was amiss when I looked at my cell phone and realized Jen had called me twice. I thought, her phone must have butt dialed me, but I called her ...

A picture from my Saturday ride with Janell! I don't totally believe that statement, because food is food, right? Well, if I were what I eat, then I am a burrito bowl, mixed with a beach club and ice cream; oh yeah, and also a bubbly diet coke! I eat my share of fruit and veggies, too... Generally, I don't eat crap all of the time... Or do I? So, I was walking out of my parents' house yesterday, and my dad handed me a few bucks and told me to get lunch 'on him' while driving home. What did I do? I stopped at the gas station half way through my drive to fill up and then I purchased lunch AT the gas station. Why? Because my cat traveled with me, and I didn't want to leave her in the car too long so I did what made the most sense... Anyway, what does one get from the gas station for lunch? You can take a guess, I'm too embarrassed to even disclose my lunch choice. It tasted bad, but like one of my friends always says, food is just food. I should al...

Last week, I talked about the fulfillment of the athlete; well, today I am going to talk about the delirious state of an athlete. I have been told by at least two people this week that I have been burning the candle at both ends for quite awhile now. My response? No kidding??? Thing is, I wouldn't change a bit about it! I love my bike riding time, I love my job and I love helping my friend. So, yesterday, we were heading south for a bike ride. We were doing a sixty, turned seventy mile ride. Again, we did extra miles for food. I mean, what else would motivate you in the middle of a tremendously long bike ride? Anyway, we have ridden over 750 miles this summer, and I can honestly say that I am somewhat delirious, this weekend especially. Not sure why, but it is what it is, and so I just need to accept it. I guess that also means I have to accept what comes out of my mouth, whether it makes sense or not. So, here is a collection of the gems that have come out of my mouth this we...