It's All Good

It's tough to figure out how to get ready for this event in a few short weeks. Frustration. Being only a casual, recreational cyclist who doesn't ride that much and has never done a time trial (or really anything like it), I know that I don't really have a chance to compete. More frustration. So I'm competing against myself. Doing the best I possibly can -leaving it all out on the field as they say. Oh and one other thing ... trying to avoid embarrassment. I also feel that I am representing cancer survivors, the Breakaway From Cancer Initiative and Amgen so that also makes me want to give it my all. I'm ramping up my fitness routine and adding more cycling but I feel that it's never enough. Kind of like never feeling that you have had enough time to study for finals in school. You know the feeling!

So, if I am dealing with the frustrations of being a newbie that is clueless about such an event, lacks the proper equipment and does not have enough time to train, why the title for today's blog? Well for starters, how about being alive? I was reminded by that as I went to the cancer hospital this week for my regular 6 month check up (thanks, Dr. M!). Most of the time between these 6 month intervals I forget that anything is wrong. I mean, I feel great and my life is normal in every way. This of course is a great feeling but it can also lull me into a sense of complacency and taking things for granted. Just like we all do sometimes, right? Then I get the regular wake up call. So much for taking anything for granted. Not taking things for granted is a silver lining. I wish it was something that everyone could experience but without having to go through cancer to do so.

So why else is it all good? How about seeing the kindness and goodness of your fellow man - friends and colleagues and even people whom you have never met. People who are not only genuinely willing - but even anxious - to provide advice, equipment, course information, coaching, etc. Wow. I am in awe and grateful to all of you - Natasha, Jerry, Steve, Corey, Frank and others. Thank you. Thank you for your warm and giving spirit. I really appreciate it.

We have a training ride this Sunday in Solvang with Team Type 1. It will be great to ride the course and get to know it a little, meet some fellow riders and get in a good ride. I'm really looking forward to it. I will be sure to report back after the ride.