Weather Update: 16 Days to Go

So, who knew this would turn more into a weather blog than a biking blog? I haven't been able to ride this whole week because the wind never gets below 20mph. See the lean on that tree?? As I type, Euless has winds up to 30mph!!! Can you belive that?!?!? It's been this way all week. I'm hoping once the storms pass through, the wind will die down, and I'll be able to get back out there. There is a small issue of my knee still being angry for trying to fight mother nature on Sunday, so I'll have to keep my eye on that too. I REALLY wanted to ride to Lisa Moore's house tomorrow, but I guess that will have to wait. I've been telling her since January 2009 that I was coming to her house. There's a big hill to conquer to get there, and I'm determined to conquer it :-) Stayed tuned for further updates, as this wind saga continues.

What was I thinking???

No, not about doing 40 miles in 40 days, but you're close! I said in my first entry that I am trying to doing something outside my normal m.o. I'm trying to push past this slump I've been in for quite some time, especially since Mom passed away. WHAT WAS I THINKING doing this around Mother's Day?!?!?!!! A glutten for punishment, or just clueless sometimes. I only slump more during the holidays...geesh! But, like I said before, I pushed through the holidays and came out with a new holiday towel and an Elvis experience. I'm going to keep riding, keep looking for Elvis, who knows what else.

DUDE!!! STOP THE WIND ALREADY!!!!!

Ok, so if you have had a bad day, and don't want to hear anyone else complain about anything, now is the time to stop reading. This angry cat pretty much captures how I'm feeling about all this right now. WHAT IS UP WITH THE WIND?!?!??!!!! 23mph today. Not all day. It was only about 10 around noon. BUT, when I want to ride, 23. My knee is killing me from yesterday's attempt at fighting 27 mph wind. So, what did I do??? I went to the gym. Well, that's boring now. I didn't last long before I got bored. I didn't want to go in the first place, but my "coach" Kevin made me get up and go. And for what?! 15 minutes of boredom, and aggrivation of my knee.

Why the knee, you may ask? I was in a motorcycle accident back in 1997 in Honduras. Had surgery in Houston to place 3 screws and replace ACL with my hamstring, which is now only 3/4 where it should be behind the thigh, and 1/4 as a stand-in ACL. Should I have kept it in shape all these years? Probably, but I didn't, so this is where I am.

I'm angry this isn't working out the way I wanted it to the past week. I haven't had what I would consider consistant rides since I couldn't pull it together last Monday night. It's like there's always something trying to get in the way. Two long rides, two short rides. I had hoped to be pushing 20 mile rides by now. I've made it to 18, but I want to keep going. It's supposed to be windy for at least the next two days, then rain with lightening for the three days after that. Arg!!! I'm very upset about all this. I haven't figured out what to do about it yet, and that frustrates me more. Usually, this is when I start eating, but I'm out of cake. Church group gobbled it up. I guess that was the point. Actually, I'm just so disappointed I want to go to bed now. It is 10pm. Not that outrageous a thought...

And just as an interesting fact, now that I'm back home from the stupid gym "work-out" winds are down to 8 mph...sigh...

I looked Mother Nature in the Eyes: 20 Days to Go

Mother nature looked back at me and blew as hard as she could!!! Mother nature is killing me today!!!

Conditions: 76 degrees, sunny, 17 mph wind with gusts up to 27.

I felt every bit of it!!! Mother nature won this round. I had to go home. I couldn't do it. She took her big fat shoe, and kicked my big fat bicycle all the way back home. I only made it 5 miles. Those 27 mph gusts were more often than JUST the 17mile an hour wind. I will confess that I wasn't, and still am not, in the best of moods for this today, but I thought I would try. NOPE. Go home she said, so go home I did. So, I'll get after it again tomorrow. I can't say that I'll be in better spirits. One thing is for sure...mopey attitude leads to not the best bike ride. Maybe I should eat cake :-)

Whew...21 Days to Go

So, this is one of the new hills I'm treking up. It's a killer, yet part of my "next level."

Last night's ride's conditions: Sunny, 90 degrees when I started - 85 degrees when I finished, winds at 10-12 mph.

I was out there biking along the hard hill route, finished it up, and thought, "I wonder if I can do it twice?" So, off I went to do it twice. AND I DID!!! Now, if you read "knooks, crannies, crevices, and fannies" I'd like to add "and cleavage" My chest muscles are SOOOO sore. TOTALLY NOT expecting that!!! I didn't even know I had chest muscles!!! Maybe that's part of the problem. Anyway..I rode a total of 18 miles yesterday. It took me 2 hours. I got some good ol' vitamin D from the sun. Getting a bit of a farmer's tan/reddening. I guess here you'd call it a bikers tan. Don't know if I can make it out today because of the soreness, but we'll see what later on holds for me.

It's interesting because I run into the same people out there each day. The one's that get me revvvvved up the most are who I like to call "the wagon people." They are a couple with what looks to be about a 2-ish yr old daughter. The daughter rides in the wagon, and they take up the whole sidewalk. When I say my "on your left" thing, they just look at me like I'm crazy, and keep on about their business. So, last night my choices were to either hit the brick wall on our left, or go out into the street into oncoming traffic. Or I supposed another option is to run them over, but I just can't bring myself to do that...yet. So, I waited for oncoming traffic to pass by and out on the street I went. Fortunately, the cars were understanding in the two lanes available and everyone moved over for me :-) Don't think I didn't take the first opportunity to get back on the sidewalk though. It just scares me is all. I don't want to be run over by a car, and all they have to do is form a single-file line and let me pass. Anyway...the wagon people.

Knooks, Crannies, Crevices, and Fannies

So, there are places I didn't even know existed on my body until this bike riding started cleaning out the cobwebs. My goodness!!! When I started this blog I said that I was out of shape and overweight. The overweight thing isn't as much an issue as the out of shape bit. I won't go into too many details, but I'll just say I didn't realize that hamstrings were so long and calf muscles got so angry. I also now know where the term "pain in the neck" comes from. I can tell I'm losing some of my "shapeliness" which is a good thing. AND...did you know that angry muscles twitch...no matter where they are located on your body?? ;-) So, I just thought I'd share :-) It's very rainy today, so we'll see again if I ride in the rain, or if I just go to the gym. I wouldn't mind riding outside if it's not too bad.

25 Days and Counting

I set out to find additional routes since I'm needing more road to ride. I was disappointed to learn that we don't have very many complete sidewalks around here. Some of them even stop about 50 yards before the intersections. Did they run out of concrete?!? So, I'm thinking I may start hitting the trails. I'm a bit intimidated by actual trails...there are REAL bikers and runners and whatnots. It's kinda like the first day of high school, when you think, "ok, who's gonna be the one to embarass me for not knowing where to go or what to do?" Wow, that takes me back. I was more scared about the fact that there were 3 floors in one building for high school, than I was about the 2 floors with 3 buildings that were in jr. high. Interesting how our minds perceive things. Anyway, back to biking. I'll have to do some research, but I know the trails are calling my name. Probably safer than next to the freeway anyway...lol!! Oh yeah...I went to Stratford High School and we are the Mighty Spartans!!! Explains the pic today :-)

Oh Yeah...I made it up that hill!!!!

Conditions: partly sunny, 64 degrees, 3 mph wind (VERY happy about this)

So, this morning I thought, "I'll try the two hills that I have tried to conquer twice before and not made it, see what happens, and plan my workouts around how much work I need to do to get up the hill." I SAY PHOOEY ON THE HILLS!!! I guess all this bike riding is paying off, because I nailed it!! Hence the Rocky pic :-) I was going to put a pic up of the hill, but it was too dark to take a pic tonight. I'll get that up tomorrow. I was evidently spotted by a friend as she was coming home from the gym. I'm hoping she didn't throw up seeing me in my fancy pants. I'm tellin' ya...I don't need to be wearing these things out in public!! If it weren't for the padded serenity it provides my bottom, they'd still be on the rack at the store!! My goodness!! Catch me at day 40, but whew, not now!!

So, I'll practice on that hill and call my friend Lisa Moore and tell her I'm coming over. The ultimate hill is on the way to her house. I tried it last year and it was a definate no go. As irony would have it, the name of the street at the top of the hill is High Point. NO KIDDING!!!! Next Saturday...hope she's home :-)

26 Days Left: The Revival

So, I didn't make it anywhere yesterday but the couch. Not for lack of effort though. It was just one of those nights where I just couldn't pull it together. It happens...BUT, not to be dismayed. Today is the day for revival :-) Today is the day I get back on Farfalla Viola and conquer Euless/Grapevine. This pic shows the hill that has been my nemisis. While not very steep, it's just a long booger. My goal for today is to get past this, and add a couple more. I'll post pics as soon as they are conquered. I'm totally rested, so I'm hoping the new long boogers will be put to shame...mwuahahahaha.

HELP!!!!

I'm having a LOT of trouble pulling it together today. I've now missed daylight, while attempting a new recipe for dinner that has flopped so bad that Kevin is on his way to pick up something else for dinner for us...FIRST TIME EVER!!! So, this means my only option for tonight is the gym, but it's already stupid 8:15 and I don't want to go to the gym. UGH....stay tuned for the probably not so exciting conclusion. Is this where I chant "Thunder cats are on the move, Thundercats are loose..."??

Thoughts and Goals

Thoughts:
So, part of this quest is to get outside of myself, and do something that forces me to live life again since my mom passed away. So, I've been thinking...there is definately a "pre-Joanna" and "post-Joanna." And I dare say it goes back further than my mom's passing. Perhaps as far back as to when my brother passed away. The "pre-Joanna" was embracing life's experiences with enthusiasm and curiosity. The "post-Joanna" is much more fearful when it comes to experiencing life and being curious about new things. I would say to the point that I would not try things in fear of failure and ridicule. I'm tired of feeling this way and, I say BOO on "post-Joanna." I say it's time to be "post, post-Joanna." I miss the person who enjoyed life and it's experiences. I almost feel a "Thunder Cats, HO!" coming on, but I'll try to keep that to myself...lol!! It makes me a little mad that something like death can really put such a damper on things for such a long time. Rough stuff for sure, though. I don't think that one 40 mile ride can fix everything, but it's a definate start to doing something I've wanted to do for a very long time, an didn't have the guts to do it.

Goals:
This week I've decided to concentrate not so much on distance, but making it up that next big hill. I need to get my body used to stuff like that too. I feel the distance will come, but the hills will need some work. "Thunder Cats, HO!!"

Oh yeah...it rained!!

I decided to go for it, and try to beat the rain. For all practical purposes I did, however, I did get a little spit bath from the Lord. This is the smelly, yet adorable duck pond I pass during the route. This is also where I usually have the most trouble with people not working with me so I can get around them. Joys :-)

Conditions: 68 degrees, 8 mph wind, raining

So, I did it. I'm ahead of the game again, now that I know how far I'm actually going. I rode 13.5 miles today, and am back on track. I did it "flatly", but did it nonetheless. You know, when it's raining outside, there isn't anyone to get in your way. No crazy wagon people that take up the entire sidewalk, no drunk neighbors who move to the left when I say "coming up on your left", nobody with earbuds in to not hear me when I try to pass. It was lovely. Tomorrow is my day off, and I'm well in need!!

My crew is doing well too. Spoke to one of them last night and she is movin' and groovin'!! I can't wait to see what that trail is like!!!

Total miles this week = 37.5

And...I'm learning more about how to ride my bike. I'm getting more used to the gears and how they work with what I'm trying to do. I'm getting stronger and able to ride some standing up too. Helps the bum a bit, and is eventually supposed to help me get uphill better. I have a balance issue still while standing and riding, so I'll work on that too. So, this is not just about distance, but a bit of skill and some strength as well. Lots to learn here...phew...

28 Days to Go: It's raining today...boo!

Well, it's supposed to rain all day long. There are little bits and pieces of time where it's not raining. So, should I go for it during a dry spell, or go to the dreaded gym today? This is the question. Stay tuned...answer to come.

The Ride

Conditions: cloudy, 70 degrees, and 5 mph wind (a relief actually!!)

This was my first night ride, and WOW what a great one it was!! Besides the little gnats that get in your nose (EEEEEWWWWW) it was gorgeous outside. Nice little breeze too. So, Kevin went with me, and he survived the 10.5 miles we rode! This was his inagural outside ride, and he tackled it! Ugh...it took me a week and a half to do this...ugh...MEN!!! I mean, what a great coach he has been the past week and a half (wink, wink). Nothing too noteworthy this time. There was a cop that had someone pulled over two different times when we passed him. We rode through a sprinkler to cool off toward the end of the ride. A good decision. I introduced him to the apple cooldown technique, and he is now a believer. So, tonight I can revel in the fact that I have now been 10.5 miles. I am a quarter of the way there with a month to go. Onward ride!!!

29 Days to Go: Rampin' it UP!!

I thought I would share this incredible picture!! I pass this empty corner spot during every ride. The corner spot that used to be the best bakery in the world, my bakery...Delicious Delights!!! I guess you can call this the "after" pic. Funny how things work out.

Speaking of working out...(great segue)I'm excited about tonight's ride, Kevin is coming with me. He is going to parktake in the madness that is "40 miles in 40 days." He's been working out at the gym, so it'll be interesting to see how that translates to the road. I got my hair cut today, so I hope the ponytail holds up ok.

30 Days to Go: I Digress...

What a bummer!! I finished today's ride thinking, "WOW!! I just rode 10 miles!!" I then decided I wanted to add a leg to the route I'm taking, and wanted to see how much mileage it would add. I got in the car to map it and realized that I, in fact, have been riding less than I was thinking. So, the route that kicked my butt today was only 7 miles...not 10...BOOOOOOO!!!!

Last year, when I was training for the sprint triathlon, I drove a route and I really thought I remembered it being exactly 5 miles long. I really thought I was riding the same route, but evidently such is not the case. I have no idea where the 5 mile route is...wait a minute...yes, I do. It just hit me. Ok, well, I have to ramp it up a bit. I should be at 11 miles today, meaning 12 tomorrow. I have a very flat route mapped out, so I'll try to get to 12 miles very flatly tomorrow. Is that a real verb...flatly?? I like it :-) Good thing I have the day off.

I started using gloves. Like them a lot! The fingers are cut out of them. My hands get kinda sweaty and slip around on the handle bars. The gloves stopped that immediately. I think I'm starting to look like an ath-a-lete. Fake it 'till you make it...that's what I always say :-)

Today's conditions: cloudy, 72 degrees, wind at 5 - 10 mph.

I can tell I'm getting better at my uphills. My stamina is also getting the hang of this a bit better. I've also noticed that I'm not having the usual allergy problems I normally have. Don't tell me those crazy docs, dieticians, trainers, nutritionists, and my mother were right all this time. Diet and exercise, diet and exercise, blah, blah, blah...lol!! That's what I've changed this year anyway. Eating less fat, salt and sugar, and obviously excercising more. Go figure!!

WHAT A WEEK!!!

OK, so who knew that Monday would be a 12 hour work day, Tuesday a 10 hour day and then yesterday a stinkin' 14!!!! Needless to say, I haven't gone out since Monday. I'm pooped!!! Fortunately, I don't have a slave driver boss. He is letting me come in late to day, leave early, then not come in tomorrow. So, I hope to get back on track riding today. Fancy pants are clean, just waiting for the ride of a lifetime :-) Going to shoot for 10 miles today, so I'll be mentally getting ready for that today as well. Seems like a lot...just wait, ey?

The Ride: The Wrong Way

This picture really sums it up right now. I ate the apple after the ride, of course. If you call the phone number, you'll find me at work. If you can read the address on the check, send money. It's spelled Birchfield, oh, and Joanna has an "a" at the end, not an "e" :-)

Conditions: Sunny, 70 degrees, wind at 7 mph (FINALLY!!!!)

So I went for it. The reverse 8.5 miles that has more uphills than downhills. In my mind, it's definately the wrong way!!! I did it, surprisingly. I had no idea I could make it. My intent was to get as far as I could, and keep working on it the rest of the week. So much for that!! Score, been there, done that. I now have my next, much steeper hill to conquer. That's for next week. I'll get better at the one I conquered today first. I'm not saying it was easy, I just conquered it...that's all. I'll be adding a mile tomorrow as well, so, yes, this is getting hard now. I like it a lot!!

I love the outdoors and all the smells. From grills being fired up and floral smells to stinky duck ponds and pollution. You gotta love it all :-)

33 Days and Counting...down...

Yesterday was my "day of rest" however it was anything but that, and now I'm scared of my ride later on today. I went to church, and left from there to go to a work meeting...still in my church clothes. Then, I get a call from Kevin that he has FREE Rangers tickets, 18 rows behind home plate and they are in the 5th inning if I wanted to try and make it. Well, DUH!! YEAH I WANT TO TRY AND MAKE IT!!!! Ended up parking WAY far out there, and while still in my church clothes that included heels, I hoofed it as fast as I could for a brisk 15 minute walk to the stadium. Did I mention the heels??? Got there to realize I was on the complete opposite side from where I needed to be.

All that to say, there were two lessons learned!! First, my feet REALLY don't like me to do what I did...LOL!! Second, I'm already building stamina from all this bike riding, because I wasn't out of breath or in any other kind of muscle pain from the little sprint. I assure you, this out of shape and overwieght girl would normally be dying from such an adventure. I got to see two innings, two great plays including a Ranger run, and got a ballpark Coke in a big red cup :-) Good times.

So, hopefully my feet will stop cramping by the time I need them for tonight's ride. Time will tell...

Outside the Box: 35 days to go

Conditions: partly sunny, 71 degrees, 16 mph winds with gusts up to 22 mph

I have now taken Farfalla Viola farther than she's ever been before... 8.5 miles in one outing. And...the fancy pants may be great with absorbing shock, however they are useless against glut cramps...aaaahhhhh!!! And...that apple things still amazes me. One little apple afterward and no need for Alleve. And...with the wind already!!! I said this little prayer while riding, "Lord, please calm the wind. This is killing me." Immediately, there was one of those 22mph wind gusts. Guess the answer was a resounding, "Nope! Muwahahahaha" Does God say Muwahahaha??? Anyway...It was a great day for riding. Nobody was out either, so I didn't have to figure out how to get around anything abnormal. Nobody called me names today. Things are good. Did I mention how amazed I am at the apple thing??? It's just so simple!! Who knew??

Lance Armstrong??? Seriously????: Day 36

The Ride

Conditions: Sunny, 70 degrees, winds at 10 mph with "mild gusts"

I did my 5 mile jaunt again, and it was MUCH harder today than yesterday. I think my muscles are finally saying, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?" I did make it the whole way without stopping, which is a MAJOR miracle. So, I was puttin' along, on the sidewalk I might add, and this mocha colored Tahoe drove by and someone screamed, "Go Lance Armstrong!" out the window. I figure I can take that one of two ways. I either look completely ridiculous because I am definately one of those people who shouldn't be wearing these tight fancy pants and that's all they could come up with, OR I ROCK THIS OUTFIT!!!! I'm going to go with the latter :-)

I also realized today that I am only going to reach 23 miles for the entire week. Uh...if I can't do 40 miles in a week, I have a LLLLOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG way to go before I can do it in one day!!! I'm going to try adding a mile to the ride tomorrow.

Pansie-Bottom

So, this is one of the new outfits!! I have fancy pants :-) And...I have a story!! I left work early today, all excited to go to my local bike shop and get me some new fancy pants. Obviously, I have no idea what I'm doing...I'm overweight and out of shape. I did my internet research and thought I knew exactly what I was looking for, but realized quickly when I got in the store that I had no clue. I was, however, able to discern which section was female vs. male...1 point for Joanna!! I looked around for someone to help me and there wasn't anyone except the male types at the counter and bike repair area. Feeling a bit vulnerable, I went to one of the dudes and asked if he could help me when he was finished with the lady he was with. In a VERY condescending tone he said, "I have other cutomers." I looked around and NO HE DID NOT!! But, being in my vulnerable "Pretty-Woman-on-Rodeo Drive" state, I just left the store. THANKS FOR MAKING ME FEEL MORE OVERWIEGHT AND MORE OUT OF SHAPE!!!! He IS the Pansie-Bottom Jerk-Boy!! Kevin has asked me to tone down the language now that I've been able to vent privately...teeheehee :-) I called the store and got that guy's name, and tomorrow I'm calling back to report him.

So, Kevin and I went to Academy (my new bike shop) and they were VERY helpful! I should go back to the other shop with my new fancy pants and say the classic line, "Remember me, the one you wouldn't help yesterday? Big mistake. Big. Huge!" The lady who checked me out said it was "refreshing" to see people getting outside more.

So...the ride:

Conditions: clear skies, 55 degrees, wind at 3 mph, rode at dusk

I went 5 miles tonight, and had a couple of moments where I thought I was going to die. BUT my fancy pants saved me :-) I can't tell you the difference in wearing regular sports shorts and a tee vs. fancy pants and shirt. I love it!! Very smooth and glide-y. I went the way of more downhill than uphill, and the goal is to reverse the path and have more uphill than downhill by next week.

Also, I learned today from the Dietician at work that if I eat "good carbs" within 20-30 minutes after the ride that the way the body converts that into energy will help with my muscles not being so achey afterward. I was afraid I would hurl, but I ate an apple and seems to have stayed down. Now lets see if it helped the muscles. Also, we'll have to wait until morning to see if the fancy pants helped my butt not hurt so much. Quite a dramatic day in the biking world. Glad I can rest now...CSI marathon is on!! WOOHOO!!! Couch time is here!!!

Juggling: 37 Days Left

Today will be the juggling act of fulfilling my commitment to my job, and coming home to ride. Isn't that always the issue? Work runs late, hunger sets in, want to eat, need to ride, sun going down, drained from the day, oh what a cry baby!!! This is what I was talking about. The cranky don't wannas. I'm already there. Winds are only supposed to be at 10 to 15 mph today. Half the force of the other two days. That doesn't help motivate me at this point, but maybe the sunny day will be inspiring. Also struggling with eating healthy, ESPECIALLY when they bring in all the food at work. I've got several "I don't wannas" in there!! Maybe, just maybe, there's an adult in there somewhere that will eventually take over. Maybe...

More to come...

Butt Cheeks: 38 Days To Go

I think I'm gonna need some of those fancy pants that have padded butt cheeks. Either that or one of those donut thingys to sit on from here on out. My bottom isn't used to all that bouncin' around. It's more familiar with soft microfiber couches, that don't move around at all. Hurts to walk, sit and stand. Kinda like in 7th grade at camp when my friend Karen jumped off the metal see-saw while I was up in the air, and I came crashing down and broke my tailbone. Same feeling, however this time I actually have to go to work instead of laying down on a cot in the nurse's air conditioned cabin drinking lemonade all day. She swears she slipped, but knowing her, I'm pretty convinced she saw a prank in the making.

Anyway, the quest for fancy pants is on. They will make my butt cheeks look bigger than they already are, but if there is some form of comfort to be had...BRING IT ON!!!!

And then...I'm taking the day off. I'm working a 12 hour day and I think it will be dark when I get home. It was when I left home. Maybe my fancy pants can be bright yellow so I can be seen at night if needed. We'll see about that!!

Today's Ride

Conditions: sunny, partly cloudy, 77 degrees, steady 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph

I only thought there was wind yesterday!!!! Overall a good ride though. Another 3.5 miles. There was this guy in the way though. He was walkin' along, struttin' his stuff, easin' on down the road...the center of the sidewalk. Brick wall to the right, busy street to the left. I give my shout out, "on your left", and he keeps on a groovin' down the middle not missing a step. I repeat, "Sir, On Your Left." Nuthin'!!! I get right behind him and give it my best yell, and if you know me, you know I've got a good one, "SIR!!!" He looks around, and looks shocked that someone is behind him...moves to the right as I yell "ON YOUR LEFT!!" I bet I'll get more and more of those stories as the days wind down.

Otherwise, I loved smelling the honeysuckle and those purple floral things that look like a bunch of grapes. I do like being outside, I just don't do it enough. Watch out sun...I'm comin' for ya...as soon as I take a nap...LOL!!!

The Trail: Day 39

Here is the now infamous 40 mile trail. I mean seriously!!! 40 MILES!!!??? I'm whiney and achey after day one and 3.5 miles. Kevin is REALLY gonna love living with me over the next month...mwuahahahaha!!!

It's gonna be windy again today. Up to 25 miles an hour. And, I'm having guests over at 7. Somehow gonna have to ride, shower, get dinner ready and be "not dead" in about an hour and a half after I get home from work. I figure at some point the rides will take much longer. Not yet, though, with this outta shape woman!! Short, sweet, and directly into 25 mile an hour wind. This is how I roll!!!

And, my apologies, it's spelled Diane. Only one "n". Gotta get the names of my crew right, ey? :-)

Today's Ride

Conditions: Sunny and 78, with wind gusts up to 33 mph

I went 3.5 miles with off and on moments of being into the wind. My legs feel like Jello, and now it's time to watch the Astros open their season against the Giants. See...I can still be a couch potato...teeheehee!!!

The Countdown: Day 40

What a crazy mess I've gotten myself into!!! I wanted to do this. I gathered the crew, helped set the day, and now look at me. Out of shape, overweight, and 40 days left to make this happen!!!

Date: May 15, 2010
Crew: Dianne and LeCreshia
Mission: 40 miles, from Weatherford to Mineral Wells, and back on mountain bikes (I've named mine Farfalla Viola - purple butterfly in Italian - see pic of bike)

Honestly, this has now turned into a mission of resurgence. The return to life comeback tour. To briefly sum, I have been sort-of tucked away from living life since my mom passed away 4 years ago. I had my Christmas season comeback tour this past Christmas, and WOW how that was hard. Surprisingly, harder than hiding from it. I went to the parties, mingled in "happiness" with friends, watched Kevin decorate the tree, and pushed myself harder than ever to not give in to tucking myself away somewhere until it was over. The result: I have a new Christmas ornament, a new Christmas dish towel, memories with my family and friends (that strangely includes an Elvis performance and pics of my dad trying to "drop gang signs"...), and a new tradition. Not too shabby :-)

This is my next phase. Adventure!! I tried to tuck away (even though I started this whole thing), however my crew is thinking I'm going to be there ready to go. So, with my again grumpy attitude (like Christmas) and desire to continue stay tucked away (like Christmas), I forge ahead. I will find it strange if I see Elvis performing during this adventure, I will have to say. The hopeful result will be that I will be in better shape, will have lost some weight, and will have had an awesome experience with two of the most grounded people I know. The saga begins...