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!