Looking Good is Half the Battle

I realize I should be way more concerned with other things, but while sitting at work on a Friday with only two other people in the office and your boss out golfing, there is only so much progress that can be made on the cycling front. And so, I went shopping for my jersey of choice.

After much deliberation and inner debate on whether the price of cuteness was worth it, I opted on this one.

Clearly I decided it was in fact worth it.

In Memory. In Honor. With Hope.

In my first blog entry after finally signing up for the event, I alluded to the fact cancer continued to touch people in the months I sat around making excuses and letting my bike gather dust. I want to make sure I have everyone covered who inspired this decision.

If any of you have anyone you would like added to list, please let me know.

In Memory
- Adam Travatello
- Phil Price

In Honor
- Matt Lampson

- Art Chase

- Jim Calhoun
- Jack Baronas

With Hope
- Jodi Brown

The fact the "In Honor" section is twice as long as the "In Memory" is pretty amazing. Best wishes, Jodi. My thoughts are with you.

As always … Much love, many thanks and remember, to me, Pelotonia spells hope.

Holy S*@$!

This morning I instituted a countdown on the marker board in my office until Pelotonia … it’s 85 days in case you were wondering.

So far 28 miles is the longest I’ve ridden and I have raised $450 through the support of some truly amazing friends (and Grams). While both numbers are exciting, that’s 47 miles short and $1,150 shy of my minimum goals for 85 days from now.

I think I just had a “Holy S*@$!” moment.

So, to add some checks and balances to my training, I just signed up for a 30-mile ride, the Tour deFeed, June 12 in Hilliard, the proceeds from which will benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. I am also eyeing the 50-mile Quilt Barn Tour in Athens in mid-July, knowing the photos alone will make my Mom – the quilter – wicked jealous.

If you are, or know someone is who would be, interested in doing either of these rides, please let me know. Or if you just need a (slower and less-experienced) cycling buddy, I’m game.

As always … Much love, many thanks and remember, to me, Pelotonia spells hope.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Setenta y cinco (Miles)

So it’s been about three and a half weeks since I got tipsy and decided to sign up for Pelotonia after months of obsessing over it. My longest ride to date was about 28 miles last weekend and it felt pretty darn good. So good that I went ahead and increased my riding distance from 45 miles to 75 miles (holy s#@* !!), just now realizing that the aforementioned longest distance isn’t even the difference between the two. I guess math never really was my strong suit.

Long story short, I have a whole lot of work to do.

Instead, I am sitting in my new swanky cubicle working on ALC Tournament notes and staring out the window at this beautiful day, wishing I was riding. I am going to take it as a positive sign daydreaming about cycling has entered into my sub-conscious. Of course margaritas and guacamole keep entering into it too, given today is Cinco de Mayo, and those two things may win out in the end. You can look for me at El Vaquero tonight – after spinning class.

Thoughts of salted glasses and icy goodness on the rocks aside, I must thank my amazing friends who have already donated to the cause. I started with the high school friends, hoping they would appreciate the aspect of honoring Adam, and the initial outpouring was awesome, despite the fact I have not been outstanding at keeping in touch. Sara, Sarah and Abbie – thank you many times over. (p.s. Abbie – congrats on the wedding!!)

My former roommate Kim and Big East (no caps) bestie Rachel – thank you, thank you, thank you. And, of course, to my Grams – you rock.

I still have a long way to go – $1150 to be exact – because the longer distance brings an increased fundraising goal, but not having the balance read $0.00 is a HUGE relief. I am confident I can get it done though, slightly more confident than in my ability to sit for 75 miles and keep my left hip/right knee comfortably in their respective sockets.

Encouragement welcome.

Please stay tuned for updates, including one about my plans for “Cupcakes for a Cure” a baking/fundraising initiative I hope to start up soon.

Much love, many thanks and remember, to me, Pelotonia spells hope.