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
1 comment:
You GO GIRL!
Good luck.
xoxox
Post a Comment