A Good Idea?

Tomorrow I embark on my first mountain bike race- a duathlon in Hot Springs Arkansas.

I am not sure what to say for myself. I went to the race course today (where they are hosting a 6 hour mtn bike race), and I was more intimidated than I ever was for the Ironman. I was surrounded by racers in cycling team kits with some pros mingled in between. I kept looking for beginners, but I didn't see any. I looked and felt like a dweeb as I walked up in my too big for me, heavy, platform pedals, no shocks borrowed bike. For once, I was glad I did not have my Los Locos team kit on, because I surely would have embarrassed my fellow teammates.

Surely the big dogs are just doing the Saturday mountain bike race and leaving the duathlon for beginners like me, right? Of course not. I didn't meet a single beginner signed up for the duathlon. Just some pros and local standouts.

But before all of that- let me just say, my intentions were good. I have always wanted to a mountain bike race. I borrowed a bike from a teammate Daniel in the fall with the intentions of learning to ride it post surgery. It took a couple of months before my knee was strong enough to try the off-road cycling. I was not good at it and went down a lot, but it was nice to try something new and be away from cars. I didn't have many opportunities to ride the mtn bike since I can't ride after work. Many of my available weekends were rained out- which left me exactly 3 mountain bike rides....EVER.

I was completely okay with this. I was fine coming to this race as a very inexperienced beginner. I understood I may even be the last place finisher, but that was okay. I know I don't have the skills or strength to race a mountain bike yet. (shoot, I am not sure I can actually do the run part of the duathlon yet!). However, I was completely unprepared to be the only beginner on a course that is way beyond my very limited abilities. Yep- this is not Shelby Farms (and Shelby Farms is hard for me). When you see "lower mountain trail" on the map, that means there is an upper mountain trail too. It means there is a mountain!

I set off today to preview some of the course...not sure if I will ever do that again. I am not sure if it was the multiple creek crossings, multiple bridges, switchbacks up the mountain, loss of control down the mountain, rocky terrain, or length of time it actually took me to complete a portion of the course, but at some point I decided that I would be better served not attempting this race tomorrow. Many, many people at the end of their 6 hour race flew by me- some offering words of encouragement, and others telling me to "be safe" since my beginner status seemed to be glowing strong.

It took me some time, but I convinced myself to do the race tomorrow and try to complete the course. I have set a big challenge for myself (on accident) but I plan to see it through. Although I was slightly chastised from some friends for picking this race as my first, I remain hopeful that some other beginners will show up and keep me company.

So race plan as follows: run at a pace that motivates me to pick up the training at home and ride with enjoyment for the entirety of the ride. Let's hope for a good mountain bike experience tomorrow!

Check This Out

Today is the date that marks 6 years since my friend Chad passed away after battling Hodgkin's.  He was a life long friend- the kind you know in first grade back when you are a kid and have have a great sense of judging character.  Many of you know that I turn to him for strength during competition as he was a great athlete.  I think of him when I cross the finish line of many races and thank him for watching over me.  He is one of my guardian angels (along with Mac)- they protect me in my athletic endeavors.    

When Chad started to battle cancer, I ran my first marathon with Team in Training/Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in his honor.  It was a very special marathon for me- more special than any PR or numerical achievement.  Sorry for the tiny picture and the bad 8th grade hair- that is a picture of me and Chad (brown hair on left) from 8th grade graduation.  

So, I have a special place in my heart for athletes that choose to run for a cause.  Please check out the following blog below and show your support.  

Dreaming Over The Ocean is preparing to do a half-marathon in support of Team in Training.  She is currently training and fundraising to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and she needs your help.  Check out her blog and see if you can lend a hand...no amount is too small and every donation really helps out.  If you get a chance, stop by her site and lend a word of encouragement.      

Saturday Love

As in, I LOVE Saturdays.  I am actually feeling a little sad that it is Saturday night, meaning Sunday is right around the corner, followed by all work and no fun on Monday.  Pitiful, I know.  

Today I woke up with three doggies snuggled on me.  Each dog seems to have an assigned sleeping position, as they end up in the same place every time I let them sleep with me in the bed.  Rooney looked at me with his big brown eyes this morning and you could just see the happiness alive in him.  I thought to myself- this is heaven.  This is God's gift to me.  No alarm clock, no early morning swim, no putting on scrubs for work- just sleep and snuggles.  

Joy and I met later in the morning for a bike ride.  We also argued about body fat (mine in particular) and tried on my bridesmaid dress.  I am sad to say that it is finally sinking in that she is getting ready to move away.  Denial seems to suit me a little bit better at this point.  Dern if she is not the best training partner, fat-tester, phone chatter, loyal friend around these parts.  

Saturday has ended with some cleaning (mimimal), church, dinner with Bek and Jon, and more Olympics.  Cayenne has already claimed her spot in the bed.  I will have to order Rooney to get up there (as he wants to stay by the front door to guard) and pick up Shelby Angel to get her on the bed (poor chunk can't jump up there!).  Night night!