Where is your road leading?

“Though the road you’re walking may be well-traveled, that does not necessarily mean it is leading to your destination.”

– unknown

Be The Stain

You would think that as I approach this week end’s Tour de Cure, I would be preoccupied with training, nutrition and preparation. Not so much.

Part of my mental game plan is to go into this century ride for the American Diabetes Association with a happy, upbeat attitude. One large key in overcoming some of my obstacles has been to love what I am doing and find the happiness within.

While Tide may not be aware of how they are helping me across that finish line (and thus helping others) I thought I’d share with you something that has sent me into uncontrollable peals of laughter every time I look at it…

I went over to BeTheStain.com and upload my pic to their applet, making me the talking stain that you see in the commercial. Sure its dumb, but seriously, what sane person spends their day off biking 100 miles.. on purpose?

7 Things About Me

I took a 30 year hiatus from the bike (amazing when you realize I am only 29)

I’m the most active fat girl I know.

I have a love/hate relationship with snow.

I believe I am the single active support for the eBay economy.

I am Wife, Mother, Grandma. I am woman, hear me roar.

I make a killer brisket.

I have yet to be made into an action figure.

Reason No. 13 to Ride

Reason No. 13 to ride is Togetherness

Couples need a common goal. It foisters togetherness.  For some, it can be planning your start in life together, building a new business, raising kids. For others it takes it form in  the hobby realm of life. Sporting activities such as golf or cycling fill that niche’ beautifully.

And if you need further proof that couples can enjoy time on the bike together, just take note that Valentine’s day I teased another group of cyclists in passing about spending the day of lovers cycling. They all responded without hesitation that each one was riding with their spouse!

(for more on this topic please see Dr. Janet Raymond’s blog)

Reason No. 12 to Ride

Reason number 12 to ride is so you don’t end up like this guy:

All that show, where ya gonna go?

Need I say more?

Causes for a Cure

There are just so many ways I can help make a difference, and surprisingly, it isn’t always all about me. (I know, I know!)

This year I thought I could best help by supporting Gregory Rutchik. Gregory is campaigning for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Greater Los Angeles Chapter as a Man of the Year 2009 for the Los Angeles.

I’ll admit, I’m a little biased. Not only am I supporting him in his campaign, but I did nominate him as a candidate. (which is why I’ll sneak in a little link for you to donate by clicking here)

During his 9 week campaign (which ends on March 29th) I’ve learned how the Man & Woman of the Year event differs from what we do when cycling for the LLS cause. The MWOY helps two children in each chapter. The Greater Los Angeles chapter has been working with two amazing children, Tyler Cordova and Kelly Delaney.

Watching these two at our most recent event really showed me that personal strength and courage comes from within at any age level. Tyler has certainly learned this, although he has had to learn more than any child should (how many 5 year olds can discuss the differences between prednisone and dexamethasone),

Speaking to Kelly’s mother at this same event, she told me how incredibly grateful she was for the generosity of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and that many strides have been made for cancer research and treatment enabling children like Kelly to return to a normal happy childhood.  I was overwhelmed with emotion when she said “We are eternally grateful for the chance given to Kelly to have her life back”.

From Desire to Success

Desire is the most important factor in the success of any athlete.
— Willie Shoemaker

Sportive Survival Guide 1 – Climbing

I thought this was the most amazing video for climbing techniques. Who says YouTube is just fluff?

More Cycling Videos at:
http://www.cyclefilm.com/
Gain an insight into the basics of Sportive Riding in 6 episodes available from Cyclefilm.com. This informative video guide is narrated by top UK cyclist and Sportive Specialist Michael Cotty. Full length 45min Guide available on THE TRILOGY and ROAD TO HAUTACAM DVDs

Help Tyler and Kelly

I’m not always cycling for a cure, sometimes I am working in other ways to help the LLS’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Recently, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Greater Los Angeles Chapter honored Gregory Rutchik by nominating him as a Man of the Year 2009 for the Los Angeles.

I ask that you join Gregory Rutchik by making a contribution to his LLS fundraising campaign. Each dollar raised counts as one vote and the candidate who gets the most donations is named our local Man or Woman of the Year. As Man of the Year candidate he is raising money in honor of two local patients and truly hope to help make blood cancers a thing of the past.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission is an ambitious task and Gregory has taken it on! DONATE to help Gregory Rutchik help children like Tyler Cordova and Kelly Delaney.

Gregory and Kelly

Gregory and Tyler

Best practices

“You make a living with what you get, you make a life with what you give.” - Winston Churchill