Am I Ready?

This summer has flown by at warp speed and while I have tried very hard to slow down and enjoy the many wonderful blessings, it's been hard.  I find myself falling into the trap of life being out of balance.  I have had a few opportunities to reflect while riding my bike this summer - I was hoping to capture more of my training rides and the excitement of training for Pelotonia13, but here we are, less than a week from the ride!

I first signed up for Pelotonia in 2009 - their inaugural year.  I had no connection to the The James Cancer Center at OSU, but thought it would be fun to try a new physical challenge.  Never mind that I hadn't ridden a bike since college - which was more years ago than I like to think!  But, I took the plunge, signed up and bought a fancy road bike.  I was so focused on the physical training and the fundraising that I was completely taken back by the emotional experience of day of the event.  I rode again in 2010, but was sidelined in 2011 with my own cancer diagnosis and volunteered.  I had the experience of seeing this event from the operational side by volunteering all weekend, which turned out to be just as emotional as riding.

My first two years of riding Pelotonia were a fabulous experience, but these last two years have been super special.  I have made some life changing connections through my 2012 and 2013 training.  As I reflect on this year's training and think about the upcoming 100 mile ride this Saturday, I am filled with happiness and inspiration.  I am ready and I know its going to a great day!  Although, it's hard not to be a little sad that my dad is not here to encourage me and share in my accomplishment.  He was always so proud of me and while his lack of physical presence does not diminish his pride, it's just not the same knowing I won't get that encouragement from him before the ride or the congratulations text after I am finished.

I have a long list of people to dedicate Pelotonia13 to, but a few are:

• The many amazing women that have encouraged me through this training season and lifted me up during some of my lowest times.
• My family that has been there to pick up the pieces over this last year.
• My incredibel Uncle Ralph, who just celebrated his 5 year anniversary of being cancer free!
• My #2 mom (mom of my dear friend of 30 years - didn't everyone have one of these as a child:), who is courageously fighting pancreatic cancer!
• My mom, who is currently kicking breast cancer's a$$ thanks to the James!
• My dad, my hero, who lost his battle with this despicable disease in October 2012. 

I will also ride, not only in honor of, but along side an amazing man who is a true inspiration, Looker, who says "If not us, who?  If not now, when?"  

In a few days, I will pedal along with 6600+ of my closest friends - keep us all in your prayers this weekend for a safe ride!

A sampling of my amazing training partners!

ONE GOAL -> END CANCER

Consider supporting my ride:

https://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=3967&SearchStart=0&PAGING