Ironman - Till I Collapse

It's All Uphill!!

I can be a little slow on the "uptake" at times. I am the type of individual that says YES first and then asks the pertinent questions later. In the past 3-4 weeks it has slowly donned on me as to how challenging my event is going to be. As you know, the Death Ride is a cycling event that is 130 miles in distance, 5 mountain passes, 15,000' of elevation and all to be accomplished within one day. Our team rides have consisted anywhere from 45-70 miles of riding thus far... and ALL with climbs that would make a monk break their vow of silence by cursing the Gods. This is not by any means an easy challenge. I have done an Ironman and it in itself is one event not to be reckoned with or taken lightly. But the Death Ride is it's own entity.. a beast. I have been told that Death Riders can spend up to 16 hours in the saddle to complete the event. Really?... 16 hours of mental fortitude.. 16 hours of quad shaking pedal strokes.. 16 hours of there is no swim or run.. this it, just me and the bike.

That which is harder will only make us stronger .... simply meaning my tri bike. I don't have a "granny gear" to fall back on and I quickly run out of gears often. The positioning on my bike makes it all the more challenging for my knees to endure the climbs. I have also discovered that nutrition will be an ongoing challenge. We're supposed to eat continually throughout... but when is it ever ideal to eat? You never want to eat going downhill. There are limited flat portions to be heard of. Climbs are what remains. Im still learning how to climb, keep balance, breathe, drink and chew all at once without completely falling over. I am a work in progress...

Besides training for Death Ride, I am also still very much part of the Iron Team. I try to lend my support whenever possible to these amazing people. Whether it's cheering them on in my "little blueberry", working a SAG stop or lending advice to those who question their abilities or sanity. All the while.. trying to squeeze in my own swim and run training for Ironman Canada in August. So as you can see Im a very busy woman with a very full plate and I wouldn't have it any other way.

As you know these events are just tools for a bigger purpose... TO BEAT CANCER! TO HELP BRING AWARENESS! TO RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS! TO FIND A CURE! TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! TO HAVE A PURPOSE! Do any of these reasons resonate with you? Pick one... or more than one. But all it takes is just one reason alone to make a donation today. It's easy to do .. just click on the Team In Training Logo at the top right of my page titled: Death Ride 2010 Donation Page. Remember your donation is a tax write off and 75% of all donations will go directly to the Cause. Thank you to all those that have already donated.. you ARE making a difference!

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards

What Have I Been Up To?

Wow it's hard to believe that I finished my first Ironman (Vineman) just last August as well as the AIDS LifeCycle Ride last June! Life since both events has been far from boring. I have been keeping busy participating in less time consuming events such as: A half ironman, full and half marathons, intro to fire dancing; flying trapeze; outdoor rock climbing, zip lining and perfecting my snow boarding skills! I've also tried to find more of a balance in my life by placing more emphasis on dating and meeting new people. Life has been a blessing for me. Im surrounded by the most wonderful and amazing people, I'm content in my job and I have my health. What more could a girl ask for?

If you know me well enough though, being content is not enough. You know that I believe in giving back to those in need. Last year, through Team In Training, you helped me raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Together we raised $6,000 to help fight blood cancers but the fight isn't over. There are too many people that are still being effected. Do you have a connection? Do you know anyone who is fighting for their life as we speak? Have you ever lost someone to cancer? Cancer can strike anyone.. young and old, a family member, a coworker, a neighbor... YOU. Let's fight a good fight. Let's band together and strive to make a difference. Im raising funds again and 75% of all the funds I raise goes towards the research needed to help find a cure! Its an investment that can only have a positive outcome and benefits everyone.

I have signed up yet for another endurance event through Team In Training. I will be participating in a grueling cycling event called the Death Ride on July 9, 2010. You can find out more about the details of the event if you click on the DR Logo to the right of my page. Thus far the training has been brutal. The distances have varied from 30-65 miles. Future rides will have increasing distances, elevation and varying climates. Again the physical challenge at hand will be a difficult one. Although I am already questioning my abilities to completing the task at hand, I know that with a strong mind I can rise to any challenge. I again will need your help. Please help me to raise the funds needed to make a difference. You can click on the Team In Training Logo to the right and it will lead you to my donation page.

Thanks so much for all your past and present support. Please check back often as I will try to keep you updated as my training progresses. With love, Belinda

PS.. You may notice an Ironman Canada Logo to the right. I am also training for my 2nd Ironman event on August 29, 2010.