Like any great event, we had our "dress rehearsal" on Saturday. This was our last practice ride before Solvang, and boy, was it "fun."
I haven't ridden with the team since January, and I can honestly say that I really missed the Saturday rides. On Feb. 4th, my riding buddy and I rode Joe Pool Lake instead of going with the team in Forestburg (it's 92 miles one way from my apartment). Then, I was in Atlanta on the 11th, rain cancelled us on the 18th, so it had been a while.
Saturday was a beautiful day! It was difficult to figure out what to wear because it was a bit chilly, but you warm up really quickly on the bike. By the first stop, I had peeled off the jacket and was in capri tights, a base layer, and my jersey... and it was gorgeous!!
Unfortunately, I forgot my bike nutrition, so I got hungry around mile 23. The rule of thumb on the bike is to eat before you get hungry because if you do manage to get hungry, it's hard to get your body back on track. By the time we hit the rest stop, I was so hungry that I almost knocked somone down in order to get to the food. I'm glad this happened before Solvang and not the day of the actual event. Because I got hungry, by mile 50, I was pretty much wiped out and had 25 more miles to ride. Needless to say, I was my own worst enemy on Saturday!
The "best" part about the ride were two hills in a Cedar Hill neighborhood that we had to do twice. They were steep, and at one point, I doubted if I was even moving. But, just like every other ride, I had to find a way to get my butt up the hill. It hurt like hell and it was not fun, but I somehow managed to get up the hill. Thank God there are no style points in cycling because it was ugly!
Pulling back into the parking lot after we finished the ride was bittersweet. I was so thankful to be finished with the ride, but I'm also quite sad that this was the last one with the team. I've loved being part of Team Solvang, and I'm even more thankful that I can share my experiences with other people. We have all been affected by cancer, and it's nice to have a support group.
On another note, Misty (my riding buddy) and I talked about life plans again. She's in school for a Masters in Exercise Science, and jealousy is seeping out of my pores! I've decided that I will go back for a nutrition degree at some point, but as of now, I'll finish my masters degree in Education Administration first.
Anyways, before I get into my life dreams and goals (also known as "what's next?!?), I'll wrap things up. In exactly 9 days, I will be leaving for Solvang! And, two weeks from today, I will be able to say that I successfully rode my bike 104-miles!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Rockstar Status
No, I don't think I'm a rockstar. Actually, I do, but I'm once again talking about my upcoming ride. I can't believe I'm less than a month from the event that seemed like it would never get here. We have a training ride this weekend and next, and then we ship our bikes. How crazy is that?!?
My original goal for fundraising ws $3,800. I technically only had to raise $2,900, but I set my goal higher. I'm now sitting at $4,850 which gives me Rockstar Status, a Team in Training Nike bag, and I'm only $550 from a Nike jacket.
It's funny how unmotivated I am by the posessions. Actually, I'm lying again. I want the Rockstar Status because I will get a certificate that I plan to frame. The simple piece of paper will be a constant reminder of how much my dad was loved. People are donating because they like me, it's more about the impact my daddy had on others. I ride in his memory and not for my own well-being.
In the process of event, I have fallen in love with cycling, the cause, and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I plan to do the Las Vegas Century Ride in September, and I hope to work rest stops for each ride I am not doing. I love everything about TNT, and I hope others will be inspired to get involved.
We've now been without my dad for over a year, and I still think about him all of the time. He was a two-sport athlete in college, was drafted to play major league baseball, taught and coached high school, opened his own business, became a fabulous chef, had an infectious personality, and most importantly, loved with all of his heart. There aren't enough people like him in this world, and if there were, the world would be a better place.
As always, today I count my blessings that Tom Swan was my dad. And, I thank God that He has given me an opportunity to keep his memory alive.
My original goal for fundraising ws $3,800. I technically only had to raise $2,900, but I set my goal higher. I'm now sitting at $4,850 which gives me Rockstar Status, a Team in Training Nike bag, and I'm only $550 from a Nike jacket.
It's funny how unmotivated I am by the posessions. Actually, I'm lying again. I want the Rockstar Status because I will get a certificate that I plan to frame. The simple piece of paper will be a constant reminder of how much my dad was loved. People are donating because they like me, it's more about the impact my daddy had on others. I ride in his memory and not for my own well-being.
In the process of event, I have fallen in love with cycling, the cause, and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I plan to do the Las Vegas Century Ride in September, and I hope to work rest stops for each ride I am not doing. I love everything about TNT, and I hope others will be inspired to get involved.
We've now been without my dad for over a year, and I still think about him all of the time. He was a two-sport athlete in college, was drafted to play major league baseball, taught and coached high school, opened his own business, became a fabulous chef, had an infectious personality, and most importantly, loved with all of his heart. There aren't enough people like him in this world, and if there were, the world would be a better place.
As always, today I count my blessings that Tom Swan was my dad. And, I thank God that He has given me an opportunity to keep his memory alive.
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