90 miles...I really did it!!!!!!!!!

All the training, hard work and time in the saddle paid off on Oct.25, 2009. Yes, I completed the Lance Armstrong Challenge of 90 miles on a bike. I made it in a little over 6 hours. Not too bad for a rookie!

The weather was sunny with winds up 20-25 mph. No matter how hard the wind blew, I was not about to give up. Cancer may have taken a part of my body, but it wasn't going to take me down...not today. This day was all about kicking cancer’s butt.

The LAF weekend was a huge success. I met people from all over the world and the U.S. The weekend was life changing for me and more importantly...life changing for others. Another amazing thing was that this weekend raised over 4 million dollars for the foundation.

As the old Chinese proverb says, “One picture is worth ten thousand words.” So, I will let the photos tell the story.

This is at packet pick-up. I got to meet Chris Carmichael, Lance's trainer. This was a huge thrill for me.

Elisha and I at the LiveSTRONG appreciation dinner the night before the event. Yes, "Mellow Johnny" himself was there! What a great time for all.

New friends at our table...Blair, Marty and Dana. We met at the LAF dinner. Blair and Marty are from CA and Dana's from Dallas, TX. The girls did the 5k and Marty did the 90 mile ride.

Here, I just unloaded my bike. I got up at 4:30 am WITHOUT an alarm...can you believe it? I guess I had a little adrenaline pumpin' in the ole' body this morning!

At the Starting Line getting a good place in crowd. Almost 4,000 bikes - YIKES!!!! What a big event for my first one? You know me...not afraid of taking on giants.

Mellow Johnny himself...Lance! A few words of inspiration from the host. I think he got us all pumped up for the challenge. My pulse was racing now...and I wasn't even on the bike!

And we're OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mile 52 and pedaling hard to the next "Power Station" on the route. My butt is starting to feel the pain and getting off the bike to get a banana and Gatorade is just around the bend. OMG - I can hardly wait!






Guess who showed up at the next Power Station???? Elisha and RICH (my s on-he's been away at college and surprised me last night before the dinner-what a awesome gift it was)!!!!!!

Here I come... .....all I have to do is finish!

I can't believe it...I did it!!!!!!!!!! I guess something is not really a challenge unless you have a little doubt. ;)








Getting my survivor Yellow Rose rocked! I have in vase at home now...it's one special rose :) I did it!!!!

Thank you all for your support, prayers and good wishes!!!! On Oct. 25th I kicked CANCER in the ASS!!!!!

and road my bike to tell everyone about it.

Two Days Away...GAME ON!

It’s now two days away and I did my last training ride before the big ride yesterday with my friend Beth. Yes, I am still feeling a few butterflies, but Beth has a way of making me feel so ready. She’s always telling “you’ll do great…you have put in the training and that’s what it’s all about.” It is so great to ride with such a positive friend that can pump you up when you are feeling a little self-doubt.

If you read this Beth…TY for all your encouragement and helpful advice…you rock!

Now, it is time for my mental preparation and time to get on my game face.

Lance once said, “Through my illness I learned rejection. I was written off. That was the moment I thought, Okay, game on. No prisoners. Everybody's going down.” That’s kind of how I felt too during my chemo. It’s the attitude you must have to get through the pain you are about to endure.

My battle with cancer taught me that when you train your mind, your body will follow. Your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. That is why it is paramount that I focus on how far I have come in my quest. What started out at 6 miles has evolved to 66 and 70 miles. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.

Sure, there have been many times that I would have preferred staying in bed and sleeping in or sitting on the couch with a glass of wine and watching a movie versus going out and training. The difference was my inner voice. The internal influence that always tells me that there are no short cuts to reaching goals and that I have never regretted a workout or training session.

This year, my goal is to finish the 90 mile ride and not be routed off to a shorter course. Next year, I can strive for a new PR!

Leavin’ for Austin tomorrow morning!

The Final Week Countdown

Today begins my final week of training leading up to my big bike ride in the Lance Armstrong Challenge (LAC). The LAC is the 90 mile ride I have been training for in Austin,, Texas happening this Saturday. All the money raised goes to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

My good friends and ride buddies keep telling me that you don't get in any better shape the final week before an event. You have to work with how far you've come, and that this week is for light training and almost more importantly REST!!!

So keeping all their sage advice in mind, I will only ride twice this week. Tuesday will be a short ride outdoors, trying to keep my distance down around 25 miles. On Thursday afternoon I'm hoping to get the bike out for one last 20 mile ride. And then Friday and Saturday will be off days, with the ride at 8am on this Sunday.

It's also an important week for eating for me. My diet will include plenty of protein and carbs, and water. I have to make sure I stay well hydrated because I will be going through plenty of liquids on Sunday. So, this week will be early to bed, eating right, and no alcohol.

All in all, a very lackluster week for me.

Good thing that we have the AT&T Champions Tour event going on in my backyard this week. At least, I can get outside and watch some great golf on the course at Oak Hills Country Club. This distraction will take my mind off the ride as I am starting to get a little anxious about the big event.

Memorial Ride

Last night, there was an 'Honor Guard Bicycle Ride' to honor and show support for a couple who were killed in an accident. Greg’s father, Gary Bruehler, had asked the cycling community to show their support in an email he sent to a friend. Myself, and about 300 hundred area cyclists showed up to ride.

Gregory Bruehler, 42, and his wife, Alexandra, 36, were riding tandem on Texas 16, about three miles north of Helotes at about 10:45 am, when a pickup that veered off the highway and plowed into them. The driver dragged the cyclists for about 200 feet before stopping. The accident killed Alexandria instantly and Greg died about an hour later after he was air lifted to an area hospital. The couple left behind a 7 year old daughter, Kylie.

The biggest insult to this story is that the driver was not charged, nor even received so much as a traffic ticket for his actions. This is truly tragic. These two seem to have so much to give and so much to live for.

Was he texting? Was he on the phone? What was the issue? Why was he distracted? Why did he go off the road? Driver inattention...is basically what it amounts to. I am outraged there's nothing we can do about drivers not paying attention here in Texas.

Last night I could not hold back my tears as I shook Gary’s hand. Greg’s father personally went down the line shaking everyone’s hand that showed up last night for the ride. It broke my heart to see little Kylie there in tears at the memorial service.

I did not personally know the couple, but wanted to show my support to the family. You can’t help but think that the next time this could be you. You can take all the precautions needed when out riding, but it will not matter if drivers do not keep their eyes on the road.

Putting in Saddle Time

What a difference cool weather makes when you are riding a bike. It makes the miles fly by as well as makes those big hills a lot easier t o climb. Yes, I am still bathing in the ether of my morning ride today…35 miles of 70 something weather...ah, what a great time of year to ride in the Texas hill country!

I don’t mind riding alone in weather like this. Even if I’m running late to a meeting and there is a ruthless headwind, I am happy. If I get soaked by a sneak rain shower attack, I swear, laugh and keep on pedaling. When I get to ride with a friend, it’s double the fun.

So, how’s my training going? Super! I am right on schedule for my upcoming Lance Armstrong Challenge this month in Austin, TX. It’s less than four weeks away now and I feel that I will be ready for the 90 mile test.

To date, I have put well over 2,000 miles on my bike since mid April. As with most sports, proficiency only comes when you have spent hours and hours “in the saddle.” The time I have put in has translated into muscle memory for future use and improved performance. Can you imagine the hours the tour riders spend in their saddles developing extreme fitness and mental concentration?

As I approach the end of my big mileage phase in preparation for the LAC, I can certainly feel how my relationship with my bike has evolved. I now feel totally “at one” with my bike. When I hop on my bike, I feel in sync, smooth and confident—I can grip a corner, hop a bump, climb a big hill, and power along the flats like never before.

Must be all those hours in the saddle!

Cycling-No Matter What

First of all, I apologize for the not blogging for a while. I have been getting in my rides. It’s just that my work has really kept me pretty busy these last couple of weeks.

Today I had to do the last 10 miles of my training ride in the rain. Quite frankly, I kind of liked it. There's an odd sense of quiet when I ride in the rain and my tires make a kind of hissing noise as they cut through the water that I kind of like. It’s a very peaceful calming feeling.

Of course, there are a few safety things that you should keep in mind when riding in the rain. One, you need to pump your breaks and allow yourself a longer amount of time to stop. Two, be aware of cars for the same reason – they can’t stop as easily either. Three, you are more susceptible to flats in the rain since rubber rolling over broken glass punctures more easily when it's wet than when dry.

Additionally, I like the fact that riding in the rain makes me feel serious. I know I am really committed to reaching my goal when I do it. I get home, dry off and feel exhilarated for having done something that most people regard as a horrible undertaking. So there's a bit of headstrong glee in it.

Let’s face it; we bicyclists are a strange lot. We are outdoorsy, healthy and hearty. At the same time we are intensely independent. Yes, we sometimes ride in packs; but we are still riding on our bike alone. It’s that feeling of “me against me” that we all enjoy.

This weekend I am going for 70 miles on the “Is this the Last Hill?” ride through the Texas hill country. God, I hope we get a little rain!

Another Freakin’ Bee Sting - OUCH!

Last Saturday, I got stung again on another ride! I can’t believe it. What are the odds? O.K., I guess that I should go out and by a lotto ticket now.

After my first sting about a month ago, I did a lot of research. Some websites suggested carrying Benadryl or Calamine Lotion in your saddle bag. Others cyclists I talked to suggested other insect sting topical ointments that you can find in your local drug stores. All of which, were said to help but not cure.

Somehow my “sting incident” came up in a conversation I was having with a friend of mine from Mexico the other day. Her suggestion was garlic. Yes, GARLIC. She said that when she got stung as a child that they put a smashed clove of garlic on the sting and that the garlic drew out the insect poison. My friend swore by this old remedy and so I thought it was worth a try.

Well, ever since that conversation I have been riding my bike with a couple of large cloves of garlic wrapped in cellophane in my saddle bag. You know…just in case.

This last Saturday about 30 miles into my 60 mile ride…ZAP, I got stung on my leg near my knee. I screamed…“CRAP, I got stung again!!!!” and then yelled to my cycling buddy that I was stopping to get out my garlic. “Garlic?” he said, “What’s with the garlic?” So, I told him the story about my friend as I was getting it unwrapped from the cellophane.

First, I pulled out the stinger since I could still see it. Then I smashed a clove with my shoe on the road and put the smashed innards on the sting and sting area (you gotta hold the garlic on the sting the entire time). At first, it just hurt like heck and then all of the sudden the pain started to subside. Within about two minutes, all you could see was the small point where the stinger was pulled out of my leg.

After this episode, I got comments like...“you have to ride in the back now, no one wants to ride down wind of the garlic.” Yes, my garlic cure was the material for a few more jokes along the ride that day. However, every time I showed someone the sting area they were amazed at the result.

When I got home I told my husband about the incident and showed him my leg. It was truly amazing! The last time I got stung the area had welted up to a 4 inch red swollen bump. Burning and itching for about a week.

All I can say is that garlic is just as important as an extra tube on my rides!

FY I- Next week, I am going for 65 miles!

From 6 Miles to 60 – My Journey on My Bike

Last February when I came out and told some friends at a dinner party that THIS was the year I was going to ride the Lance Armstrong Challenge, I only imagined what this would be like. I was not a cyclist. Matter of fact, I had not been on a bike in over 20 years!

During these past few weekends I reached another milestone – completion of my third 60 miler. This is officially the longest distance I have ever completed in a single training ride. What started out at 6 miles has now progressed into a 60 mile journey into a new education. What I mean is that you don’t get to 60 miles without learning a few more lessons in life.

I used to think that golf was the ultimate teacher. However, I have learned that being on a bike can teach you a few things too. Riding my bike has taught me to make peace with myself and to enjoy where I am at that moment in time. I have learned to make time for myself and to enjoy my own company. I have also learned to try harder, take chances, and yes, to make mistakes. All of which, make me feel very much appreciative of where I am today.

So, I guess you can say that my training is going pretty damn well. Just four months ago, 90 miles was almost unthinkable. And now, I am just 30 miles from reaching my training goal.

I want to say that really appreciate all of the encouragement from my friends and family, I can't begin to describe how your kind words have pushed me to my limit, when I thought I couldn't go any further. My fundraising efforts for the Lance Armstrong Foundation are doing well. So far, I have raised $2,926 and am in the process of receiving even more donations. By the time the event happens I hope to have reached a new goal of $5,000 for the cause.

Last year, I caught my first Marlin - something that has been on my bucket list for many years. For cycling, its “big fish” is the century ride and I fully intend on reeling this in one day too.

As I celebrated my 46^th birthday this year, I reflected on something Lance once said “Birthdays don't really matter much anymore ... for me, I sort of have a new birthday and that's October 2nd, the day I was diagnosed, ... the day we all sort of look to and mark these milestones by one year, two year, five year, 10 year. Hopefully, I have a 50 year.” Now, I feel 13 years young and just like a kid riding her bike…happy, healthy and STRONG!

Interval Training - My New Frontier

First of all, I want to let everyone know that YES, I HAVE BEEN RIDING despite my blog neglect. It’s just that life sometimes interferes with entries. Rest assured that no matter what, I am getting my rides done each week.

O.K….now for my entry….

When I reached 1,000 base miles I decided that I was ready for the next level in my cycling…Interval Training. So, what exactly is Interval Training? The basic concept of this type of training is to increase your overall amount of time spent training at a higher intensity, therefore increasing your endurance ability to ride fast longer. Science has proved that training at a high intensity leads to performance gains, particularly in professional athletes. The whole point of intervals is to allow you to increase the amount of time your body is able to train at a high intensity, therefore increasing your overall fitness level.

If it sounds pretty technical, it’s because it is and I use a heart rate monitor to help me with mine.

Right now, I am just starting this type of training. For me, I call it IT 101 or Interval Training for Dummies. This means my intervals are fewer (about 5 to 6 times) and for shorter periods of time (I judge this by heart rate).

First, I pick out a good long hill to climb (not too steep, but a good hard steady climb I can pedal on – nor one that’s too easy so that I will be spinning). I use a big gear. One that I can manage and then ride hard for a good distance to get my heart rate up to about 80-95%.

Although I was watching my heart rate monitor the first time I did these, my legs and lungs were already telling me that I was training in my threshold. I could feel my legs stinging after each one like they were asleep (I am told this is the lactate acid I am feeling in my muscles). Yes, these are particularly unpleasant to perform and…well, I just don’t like them very much!

No matter…if I want to get better, increase endurance, and insure that I finish 90 miles in a respectable amount of time then I will hammer these bad boys out when needed. From my research, I am told that as I progress I will be able to increase the numbers of repeats and as well as the lengths of my intervals. Additionally, I read where it is common for cyclists to do these intervals for up to 10 minutes (OMG-I can’t imagine going for this amount of time!). And another benefit? I will be able to increase my lactate tolerance!

All kidding aside…if this is what it takes, well then I am going to do it.

"Don't whine, Don't Complain, Don't Make Excuses"

The other night when I was watching the ESPY awards, Northern State University men’s basketball coach Don Meyer was presented with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

The Jimmy V Award is an award which is given to a member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through physical determination and perseverance.

Meyer lost part of his leg and battled cancer after surviving a near-fatal car accident. He was driving a car that collided with a truck last September. In January, Meyer set a national record for career coaching wins in NCAA men’s basketball. Like Lance, Coach Meyer is an amazing person and an inspiration to many.

In his acceptance speech last night he mentioned a gift he was given many years ago by a friend. On this wallet card he read, “Don’t whine, don’t complain, don’t make excuses.” Meyer said that these words meant more to him now than ever. As a fellow cancer survivor, his words touched me in a very special way because it embodies the attitude you gotta have to fight for your life.

Some days when I am on my bike rides it feels like I'm strolling through a grassy meadow with a mild summer breeze blowing through my hair. Other days, it feels like I'm climbing a sheer cliff wall and I wonder if I can even peddle another rotation. I'm afraid I'll fall over on my bike and sometimes I feel like just letting go. But I don't. I don't ever give up. No matter what! I've watched too many people give up on their dreams. Give up on their goals. And I will NOT be one of them. I will get to the top of the hill!

It’s that love/hate/love thing I wrote about in an earlier blog. I really don’t wish my training was easier, I just wish I was better. When I feel myself getting stronger I know its because I put in the hard work to make it happen.

I won't make excuses. I won't use the "yeah but," I won't whine and cry when things don't go my way. I know that there's a purpose for everything and even though I don't see it immediately, it doesn't mean the purpose isn't there. Just because the clouds hide the sun does not mean the sun isn't there.

Oh, by the way…I got my first bee sting while cycling yesterday. The wasp hit my face and I swatted it away (or so I thought). Took a wasp sting right in the stomach. I didn't panic. Since I have never been allergic before, I just kept on riding despite the stinging feeling. I am taking Benedryl today to relieve the swelling, itching and redness.

It really wasn't a pleasant experience, but hey it gives me something to talk about!

950 Miles So Far…I Love Riding My Bike!

As I got in from riding my 30 miles this morning, I could feel my self smiling. Then, it occurred to me that I always feel this way when I get in from a ride. How lucky I am to be riding a bike!

There are so many reasons why I love riding my bike. First of all, it’s just plain fun. It reminds me of a simpler time in my life – childhood. Back then, I could just hop on my bike and go just about anywhere I wanted. My bike was my freedom and independence.

Now, despite my battle with cancer I'm fortunate to have a strong, healthy body, the abilities to pedal, balance and move quickly once again. I love to feel my muscles' strength as I use my own energy to get where I need to go. I love the feeling of adrenaline and blood pumping as I climb a huge hill. It is so empowering to me because 13 years ago I was down on my knees, weak, bald, and driving the porcelain bus.

Did I mention how nice other cyclists are? Yes, there’s also a great camaraderie with other cyclists as we pass each other on the path or road. Everyone waves, nods or says “hello” to you on your rides. There have even been times when I have joined up with other riders in the middle of my rides.

I love riding in the morning. The quiet time the ride affords me to start thinking about the day and mentally prepare before the phone starts ringing or I am immersed in e-mails. I arrive at my desk more alert and ready for the day's challenges.

In the late afternoon, I love the opportunity to pedal out any stress after a long day's work and process any difficult situations. There’s nothing like a good hard ride in the heat to unwind. Plus, I sleep more soundly at night because I've had such a good workout in my day.

Sure, it takes me longer to do a ride than it does for me to go work-out at the gym. And yes, it takes preparation because I must prep my bike, fill water bottles and drive out to my route area. But the physical and mental benefits far outweigh the time trade-offs.

I can’t think of many other activities that strengthen you in body, mind and spirit.

Mile by Mile...My Training Continues

I have put over 750 miles on my bike since late April and now average between 125 to 150 miles per week in training for my challenge. So far, my personal best has been 16.7 mph on a flatter terrain and 15.5 on the hillier routes. Last night, I even managed to throw in a few pseudo-intervals on my ride. What a work-out!

You might wonder what kind of person tracks statistics like the mileage, average speed, altitude gain and time in the saddle after every ride?

Well, me for one.

I want to know how I am progressing all the time. Matter of fact, I am even looking into a riding coach now to help me with ridding nuances. The guy I am looking at recruiting gave me the best advice when I started. He told me“…first, you just need to get out there and just ride. You need to get miles under your belt in order to create muscle memory, build endurance and to get your brain comfortable on the bike.”

What sage advice…just get out there and ride. Well I guess he ought to know since he used to ride professionally.

OBTW-here’s a better photo of one of my route buddies. I have quite a few animals on my weekday ride that I say hello to as I pass by them (I call him Bevo of course).

Well, I am out the door to go ride now. It’s a holiday!

Not DFL Anymore!

At least that is what you can say about me in last Saturday’s ride. Yep, and I even did this on a 52 mile route that was hillier than the famous “Is This The Last Hill?” ride. I could hardly believe it myself. The fact that I did not come in last was such an incredible feeling! Especially, when you are used to showing up at the end of a ride and seeing only one car left in the parking lot….YOURS.

I can’t say that I knew this ride was going to be tough going in the onset. Quite the opposite, I thought this ride would have a few hills and would give my legs a break. It wasn’t until I was actually there at the starting point that I heard this ride was going to be tougher than last weekend’s 52 mile route.

When I heard this route was tougher, I cringed inside. A part of me wanted to pack my bike up and go home. I just did not know if I had it in me to do another tough ride in 95 degree heat.

I was once told by a professional cyclist…”most riders are screwed up, how else can you explain why someone would push themselves so hard? It’s like they are trying to prove something” (this person competed in the Tour De France and road against Lance). He went on to say, “…you can see it on his face. It’s like he’s battling something inside”

Well, you guessed it. This crazy cancer surviving girl hopped on her saddle and began peddling down the road.

It was a tough ride and once again, I amazed myself. Bicycling with the wind in my face just sends my senses into hyper-drive. It's is truly life at its best. There’s no other way I can explain how it makes me feel.

And yes, you have to be a little driven by something different inside to even do such an endurance sport (with me, it was facing my mortality).

I just do it. Ultimately, there will come a time when I won't be able to and I don’t plan on leaving this world with many regrets!

I Survived the Big Ride

As I have written about previously, the "Is This The Last Hill?" ride is one of the toughest rides I have ridden thus far. It has routes that vary from 25-70 miles and goes through Boerne, Comfort, Sisterdale, and Waring-Welfare and is a ride for the really stout-of-heart. Although it is truly one of the hardest rides in the area, this route is also one of the most beautiful ones around.

My previous attempt at this ride a few weeks back was to do 45 miles. I ended up only managing to accomplish 35 miles (for which I was VERY grateful to do so). Yes, you can say it kicked my a--! At a time where I thought I was making such great progress in my bike training, this ride brought me to my humble knees and taught me that I wasn't even close to where I needed to be in order to handle the upcoming Lance Armstrong Challenge.

So, I was filled with great fervor when I saw this ride on last weekend's schedule...NOT! Instead, it was more like a love/hate/love kind of thing. You know when something is good for you, but you hate it when you are doing it and then love it when you are finished because you know it was good for you? Yep, its kind of like eating Brussel Sprouts.

As always, I got up early and I made sure that I ate a good breakfast, drank plenty of fluids and paced myself as well as possible. I have to admit, at 35 miles into the ride I was beginning to feel kind of like "This is not such a tough ride". I mean, yes the heat was rising but I still felt like I had more than enough left in my tank to finish 50 miles. At one point, the person I was riding with even stopped to take some photos of one of the river crossings we passed this day.

Yes, my confidence was high. That is... until the heat began to start taking its toll on me. With only about 10 miles to go, I began to feel like I was riding in a convection oven. Hill after Hill, I began to think to myself...not another freakin' hill! And just when I thought I was almost finished, there it was before me...a 600 ft. climb.

I made it about a forth of the way up and I felt my legs give out. I stopped to take a breath and tried to start again. Nope, I couldn't do it...I had just run out of gas. So, humbled again, I began to start walking up the last hill. I felt so humiliated. I was so disappointed in myself. How could I not have just one more hill in me? All the training, all the miles, and this is how it was going to end?

Then it happened. About 2/3's of the way up I stopped and got back in the saddle. I began to chant my mantra...LiveSTRONG, LiveSTRONG, LiveSTRONG. Before I knew it, I was climbing the hill and had made it to the top -YES! The last 6 miles into town were a piece of cake after this climb. :)

Anyhow, I am thrilled to say that I completed 51.7 miles of torturous hills this day (over 6,000 ft. of climbing) in 92 degree heat and wind. Next time? Maybe, I'll go for 70 miles!

Getting Ready for the BIG Ride!

Yep, it's that time again. Time for the "Is This The Last Hill" route and I am trying to get ready for this hellaciously hilly ride by eating right and sleeping lots. No staying up late or enjoying too much red wine tonight for me.

Nope. It's a good dinner, good movie and hitting the bed.

It's going to be a hot ride too! Today's high is currently 102 degrees.

I will post more tomorrow. My goal is 50 miles. Wish me luck!!!

Celebrating My First 50 Miler!

Well, I am now over half way to my training goal! I just completed my first 5-0 yesterday and feel great about accomplishing this. I know 50 miles is nothing for the average cyclist, but it is for me considering that I just started riding my bike the second week of April.

After my ride, I came home and promptly had a protein recovery drink. I was so charged about finishing this ride that I didn't even mind the fact that I came in DFL. Yep, I finished "Dead F---in' Last" and was ecstatic about it. Who cares that even a 60 year old guy finished before me. All I knew was that I finished a hard hilly ride in a respectable 3 hrs. 10 minutes.

So, after I showered I celebrated with a few beers and a Big Juicy Double Chili Cheeseburger (rare, of course) and fries at the Longhorn Cafe (the best burger in town!). I felt like I could conquer the world after doing this morning's ride. That is until I got home.

Yep, ever heard the term Ride, Eat, Sleep, and Repeat? Well, it's truer than you know. I road, ate and was wiped-out! I ended up crashing for 3 hours. I guess the hills, heat and miles totally took the wind out of my celebratory sails in about 30 minutes after my meal.

BTW-It was the BEST nap EVER!!!!!

Views from My Weekday Rides

As I was riding today, I took a few photos so that you can see what I see on my average weekly training route. I just love this area because it is filled with quintessential "Texas" scenery. Everything from Longhorns and horses to windmills and creek beds.

The photo above is a snapshot of some longhorns in a pasture grazing. I know it's not the best quality, but hey...what do you expect from a camera phone! Just imagine sunny and 80 degrees with the wind in your face.

Yes, I feel truly blessed and ALIVE when riding my bike. They say you find time for what’s important to you. As I’ve gotten older I’ve found that to be truer than ever. In my life after cancer, I discovered that time goes rushing by and there’s a sense of urgency in me to do all those things I really want to do and less of what I don’t.

People ask me, "How do you find the time?" I tell them it's not about finding the time, but making time for what is important to you. And that’s how it goes. While the really important stuff–making time for family, work, paying bills, squeezing in some golf now and then–gets done, a lot falls by the wayside. Life after cancer has been about exactly that: Taking the time to chase dreams, face challenges, and see what I can do if I really try.

Yeah...I've learned that the yard mowing, vacuuming, cooking, cleaning, and the dog hair will all still be there when I’m done. I think Erma Bombeck's philosophy on life hit the nail on the head when she said that you should "seize every minute of it...look at it and really see it...try it on...live it...exhaust it...and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it."

Maybe that's why I stop my bike and just look at a windmill every now and then. God, I am glad to be alive!