"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!