Frogs, Hills & Wind

Never in my life have I ridden 160km in one day.

The next day was supposed to be the same. The course director made it 150km.

I was OK with that.

The rain was relentless on day one.

Tears blended into the dampness on my cheeks as I rode under the start gantry. I thought about all who I have lost, and those that are in the fight for their lives.

The day had finally come. What I was riding for.

Part of raising $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation. Research for a cure.

By the time we got through the border and the route split came, I was riding solo. Most of the 3,000 plus riders opted for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer Classic route. A cool 120km a day versus the hilly and longer Challenge route. My choice.

At least I was warm. Icebreaker socks. Two breathable shells and shorts.

The time set in. I pedalled on. At one point the mesh of rain in the marshes had me delirious. Glasses were unforgiving. Stowed in the back pocket.

I came upon something. Readying to swerve my eyes caught a glimpse and I made a shout out with glee.

“You’re the biggest dang frog I have ever seen!”

Back legs perched in the puddle. I thought he a water bottle!

There were hills and head winds. Rough roads with no shoulders. Cow farms for dairy. Donkeys alone. Beautiful fillies and their mothers.

Spectator cheering points dwindled as the roads stretched further. Soon deep rainforests and puddles that grew wider.

Thankfully we had pit stops and signage markers galore. Whenever a doubt of my route crossed my mind, I’d look and see more.

Day one I was strong.

Camp was damp and later muddy. The hot showers were great.

Food was a plenty. I’d heard last year they’d run out.

Everyone was happy. Hard work had been the day.

I was tired for lack of sleep from the night before.

After dinner I lay down. Soaked from the weather. Feet muddy from the terrain.

The nap was short. A porta-potty visit got me up.

It was then I found the yoga tent. And afterwards the reason why I committed to being here.

Therese had the RV gussied up with Team Nanaimo. Funds raised over three years. In the thousands. Again my tears flowed.

Her brother stood at the door. I introduced myself and walked in.

The last time I’d visited the three of us had spoken about Cancer.

Roger with throat cancer. He talked through a machine. With the belief that the cure is around the corner.

Thanks to the BC Cancer Foundation and the clinical trials he was involved with, he got through eight more years of living.

Sadly, the Universe took Roger back November 10, 2011.

What he left behind was hope.

Later I slept. Awake while the trains rambled by.

Sometime in the darkness, the rain stopped. 

Day two was drier. My legs felt great to start.

Until the first 20km mark. The Niagara Falls knee flared up.

An ill-fitted bike, a ride on a whim – Toronto to Niagara Falls had started this weakness some 20 years ago.

Each pit stop had ice. I’d zip-lock a bunch into my tensor.

The last 30km had me pedaling from the Pain Cave.

I was cooked. Rather, my Niagara Falls knee was.

Didn’t bother Rosea, my red DeVinci Silverstone II road bike.

With only one flat to brag about. My own fault.

In the morning at Obsession Bikes, the mechanical support crew had spoken.

While pumping up another lady’s tire I’d mentioned the “F” word.

“Surprised you didn’t get a flat with your tire that low.”
Oops. That cursed me for the day.

It wasn’t until the 233km mark. To be honest I had only just thought, “Wouldn't it be nice if I had an excuse to stop and rest.”

No sooner did I think it then I got the bumpity bump.

When I proceeded to inspect the rubber was worse. The split in the tire was oozing through with frizz from the tube.

Thankfully the sweepers were nearby. GPS’ed my exact stop and promised to take me back once I got everything dialed.

Logged an extra 1.5 hours onto my day.

By then I was feeling worse.

Didn’t want to be Lanterne Rouge.

There was still 80km to go.

Epic impact. Epic ride rolled through my head.

I thought again about yesterday.

The tall yellow flags on bicycles indicate a survivor.
It was near the end I approached a man from behind.

“Only six kilometres left,” I said to reach out for conversation.

The face that looked back was as old as my son. No more then 20 years.

As I pedalled on again I felt the tears stream by.

The man doing the full pull for his partner. She wearing the flag.

The boy with the trailer.

Fighters. Cancer survivors.

My Pain Cave grew worse. The idea of riding across the nation washed away.

But then the split to re-group with the Classics to the finish.

My odometer said ten more, and suddenly we were there.

I came. I saw. I rode. I fundraised.

It was a pleasure to do all of that.

The 2013 registration is already open.

I’m not planning on doing it again next year.

Maybe you will. By riding, or volunteering, or by supporting someone who is.

Epic ride. Epic impact.

Really. 
You get both.


Thank you to everyone who donated to my ride!

Ready to RIDE!

Thank you to all who have donated to my Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer (go ahead and donate if you haven't and want to!). 

I am amped and ready to roll!!!

My bicycle's chain is greased and my tires are pumped (my rubber is a little scarred so could you ask the Universe to save the flats for when I get home!).

By the way, my bike's name is Rosea. She's a red DeVinci Silverstone II. I've asked her to keep me safe for the weekend, to which she has already complied!

Big shout out to Hillary for volunteering to pick me up tomorrow at 4:45am!!! and drive me to the start! What a trooper. I am SO GRATEFUL!! Yes it's Vancouver to Seattle, starting in Surrey!

I am riding the Challenge Course which is 160km a day!

My phone will be shut off for the entire weekend and I won't have my computer - will post to my blog when I'm back.

We know about the rain. I'm packing Hot Shots (thanks Hora Li and a happy smiling face. At least the temperatures will be warm.

Be nice to roll around somewhere I've never been.
With all of you, your friends, your family and all of the loved ones who we have lost or have been touched by Cancer - you are all in my heart and with me every single pedal stroke of the way.

Thank you for supporting this effort.
Smiles and hugs!
rollin' on... and on! and ...on!
Jane

Doe Ditty Dumb

Not sure where it came from. The title that is. It just popped into my head.

Been missing writing my blog posts. Too much life expectancies getting in the way. Some things take over. Mash up all the rest.

The big weekend is coming up. The moments I’ve been training so hard for.

I’m ready. Made the quota on the minimums. Grateful for my mama for reaching out to her circles.

The legs feel good. Here’s hoping the rancid chest cold leaves me before Friday.

There can be a flop when you stretch yourself hard towards one goal. Questionable intentions. Got me to wrangling three in one month.

Yes, June is busy. The Victoria Goddess Half-Marathon run to start things off. Coming up to the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, followed by the 140km Tour de Victoria.

As the DH’ers in my life (Downhill Mountain Bikers) would say. I’m dialed!

Knowing what all of this has done for me is the lift. Weight loss, fitness, focus. Time for training. Then some more.

Tonight I’m on the steel commuter rolling home. The smell is in the air. Trying to act like spring. The drizzle softens the haze of the worshipped green all around.

Who would of thought I’d of spent all this time outside come rain or come shine?

As the droplets christen the sea the dimples of the moon or the sun warp the surface as each oar rows me home.

My journey is peaceful. The sound of an oar-lock rocking to the catch of the water.

At least it’s not cold like December. There were a lot of wet, long and cold training rides. Many damp and frosty runs. 

The time was worth it. 

Ready or not, here we come!

The forecast for the weekend is for rain. Warm temperatures filled with lots of spring rain.

No matter.

It will be a doe ditty dumb.

Whatever that means.

YES I Can!

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to my Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. I’ve received emails from folks saying they want to donate. I’m at 77% of my goal!

The event is June 16 & 17^th so not much time left.

I urge you to click on the top left link of this blog to donate or click here and thank you SO much for rolling with me!

I appreciate all of you!!

The body does what the mind says.

For the most part.

But if you’re an endurance athlete, as the old saying goes, Mind over Matter – can take on a whole new meaning.

Over the last three weeks I watched with prowess and excitement our Canadian Pro Cyclist, Ryder Hesjedal’s daily achievements in the Giro d’Italia.

On the weekend, I took to the live feeds, even in Italian. What I witnessed was incredible.

There’s a lot of verbiage out there that cyclists, runners and the like use to express when your body starts to tell you, “NO MORE – STOP!”

My favourite is bonking. There’s also gassed, tanked, hit the wall, done and the pain cave of course.

Ryder went beyond. From what I could see. He ignored his body and dug so incredibly deep, beyond the threshold. Into the unimaginable. A place maybe even he had never been before.

This weekend I am doing my first half-marathon. The Victoria Goddess Half-Marathon on Vancouver Island.
I’m super excited and scared. Training. Well, I’ve been more focused on the time in the saddle then the running. Mostly due to a niggling calf scar tissue injury that hasn't left me yet.

Even though, I am going to do it anyway. Taped up. And with these thoughts in mind: if I say I can - I WILL!

When the going gets tough, I’m going to think about Ryder and what he did.

Focus on the finish.

YES I can!

Chasing Rabbits

There’s a good chance in the morning on my daily commute that I will come across another cyclist. Given the sun is shining.

My roll these days is almost an hour to work or school, and an hour home. I’m enjoying being out there, even with the challenges.

There are certain stretches where I like to pump it up. Raise the heart rate and burn a sweat.

Or chase a rabbit!!!!

That would be another cyclist. Maybe half a kilometer a way. And so the groove is on.

Catching them and passing them is one thing, but not giving in to them passing me after I pass them, is another.

So I crank it up. Roll along. Focus. Focus. And sweat.

Sweat is sweet. You know you’re working it.

Especially when you have a rabbit to catch!


I'm training for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer June 16 & 17th. If you'd like to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation through my ride, please go here and thank you in advance for helping to find a way to heal the World from Cancer.

To Scare Yourself

Who came up with that line anyway?

“Do something everyday that scares yourself.”

When I feel the uncomfortable twang I am reminded.

It’s everyday now, although getting somewhat easier and less frequent.

Considered homeless by the Vancouver Marine Police I’ve been relocated to the North Shore for anchorage. Another week and I can go back to the False Creek shuffle.

For another two weeks.

Then I come back again.

It’s amusing in many ways. And difficult too.

I wish I had roots. Access to power. A nearby shower. Laundry.

I’ve asked the Universe. Why me? What have I done that has been so wrong?

In acceptance I have discovered. It’s not what I’ve done that’s wrong. It is the lofty goals I have set for myself.

The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer 320km Challenge course next month.

Thank goodness it is spring and not winter!

Gingerly I plop the road bike, less the front wheel, derailer side up in the aft end of the dinghy. Gently placing the loaded panniers (complete with laptop) and front wheel in the bow.

Carefully I step to sit so I can row to shore and repeat the process.

Then it’s putting the bike together and setting off.
For what really scares me.

Riding skinny tires in Vancouver. Over the Second Narrows bridge.

Clear glasses have made a difference. Weekly brake adjustments as well.

Experience is starting to show. I can roll the hills with more confidence.

No speed wobbles. Panniers get packed to balance.

What does it make me knowing I scare myself daily?
Stronger?

Perhaps.

Or less likely to search out other ways to scare myself!

Just One Pound

It means a lot to me to receive donations from people I have never met.

Less then eight weeks now to the 320km cycling Challenge. The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Training has been my mantra. Time now to spin my wheels on reaching my minimum donation goal so I can ride.

I’ve struggled with reaching out.

Initially I heard the event company that organizes the ride takes 70% of the funds raised. That has since been clarified. It's 30%.

The stigma attached to a cycling event sponsored by an oil company wrenched my moral code for the longest time too. Yet, they are helping to raise funds for a painful and heart wrenching disease that has swept through communities and ravaged families for decades. Even mine.

Time to heal the wounds. To help. To do something.
I do know now the BC Cancer Foundation helps and the funds stay here.

When I began this journey there were two things I knew I had to do to get there. Firstly, set up a training regime that would jam into my full-time school/part-time work schedule. Secondly, peel off some pounds to make it all easier.

Thursday’s is my weekly weigh in. I reached a bit of a plateau in the last month. One pound up or no pounds lost. Well, until this week.

Yesterday when I weighed in I was down 1.2 pounds. To date I’ve lost 15.6 pounds. Thanks to the training and the focus to shred some with the help of Weight Watchers on-line.

Even though I’m not at my weight loss goal. I am getting there.
By setting these goals for myself, I am helping myself so I can help others.

My energy is better. I can wear my skinny jeans. My gate is like a thoroughbred. I feel so much lighter on my feet.

Especially this week. 

Even though it was just one pound.


If you'd like to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation through my ride please go here and thank you in advance for helping to find a way to heal the World from Cancer.

Training Ups

Signed up for the Victoria Goddess Run. A half marathon. Yup, call me crazy.

It’s two weeks before the 320km Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Which is three weeks before I do the 140km Tour de Victoria.

I know. I'm asking for a bit much out of this 40 almost 50 year-old body.

But hey, if you don’t take the leap you’ll never know how far you can jump.

Saw an interesting anecdote on Twitter today. Someone wrote they’d done a workout, then realized the “pros” would be doing another one, so they’d better get out there and up it.

Anotherwards, instead of doing what you should do or what you think you can. Do more.

Enough said.

So I’m telling my riding pal this morning, as we huff and puff up some hills on our bikes, that I signed up for a half.

“So how much running are you doing now?” she asks.

“About 40 minutes. Once, sometimes twice a week,” I reply.

“How far is a half marathon?” comes next.

Me in a mumbo jumbo said something like, “Over 20kms.”

Then, the lightning bolt.

“How far do you run in 40 minutes?” she smartly inquired.

“About 6.5 kms,” I reply meekly.

“So I guess you need to start running more,” she concludes.

Silence.

Seven weeks till the half. That’s the challenge.

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

Now fit that in with school, work, living and training for a 320km cycling ride.

Thinking I might need a new pair of running shoes.

Skinny Jeans

Booked six hours in the saddle this weekend.

I’ve learned a lot about my body.

Was close to bonking after the second hour today. Reminded myself to eat every 45 minutes. Tried that yesterday and it got me through.

It also helped to have a destination in mind.

Felt I should reward myself with a coffee at the new Musette Caffe where you can pack your bike in. No worries.

Took me a bit to find it. Was happy when I did.

Must of had a confused look on my face when I rode up. I saw a bunch of harsh locks outside. Was sure I’d read I could roll in.

Couple bike dudes looked down on me through the window. I pointed at my bike and to the door and I got the bring it in nod.

Was gassed when I parked my bike and booked it to the counter. Coffee and some fuel was only on my mind.

First thing I got asked was how my ride was. I elaborated and detailed yesterday’s and today’s. We discussed the wind during yesterday’s Iona Beach roll. I reiterated the tailwinds on the way home. Zoom, zoom, zoom!

There were wooden blocks on the floor as you walked in to park your back wheel. Genius. I’d wondered how they’d fit them in. There was a family, a couple fit cyclists reading Pro Cycling rags and more then a few pairs of riders in gear.

More guys rolled in.

We got to yacking. Where else can you go with your bike and talk saddle routes?

Turns out we had a lot in common. Plus they had a social team. Doing the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer as well.

Small world.

Or is it just we’re cyclists?

We exchanged contacts and I geared up for home. 
Fondly I reflected on my Friday night purchase. I’d bought a new pair of jeans.

If I can keep up this effort of training and nutritional regime, I’ll get the last 20 pounds off. Can hardly wait. Be easier for the ride. And afterwards, I’ll get to wear my skinny jeans.

The ones I bought on Friday night are a size too small.

Taking Shape

It’s harder now. Takes longer. Never thought I’d say it.

To work up a sweat.

Already feeling it. Down one for sure. Pant size that is.

The scales don’t lie either. Thirteen pounds to date.

Happy? YES!

Better then that. I feel taller. I feel proud.

Training (cycling), cross-training (running), yoga, meditation and Weight Watchers. It’s working.

There's never enough time to do exactly what I wish for. As long as I keep consistent I tell myself. Then I'm doing OK.

Although tonight when I threw the gym bag on the bench my only thought was Executive (sauna and shower). 
Bag the run in the rain.

Then I sat and contemplated that further.

Yesterday was a nothing day. Monday awash (one of the pitfalls of living on a boat. When there’s a windstorm – you don’t sleep).

Someone walked in. The guilty pang went off.

I got changed. Decided I’d do whatever I felt like when I got going, distance wise.

Truthfully I wanted to cave. Eat dinner. Go to bed. Bag the homework.

Once geared up (for rain and wind) I did the right thing.

Hit the bike for a warm-up, did the stretches, push-ups and core. Then I headed outside for my run.

Injury prevention is huge for me. I plan to go the distance. The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer Challenge Course which is 320kms of cycling over two days in June.

Decided on a different route tonight. Read somewhere it’s good to change things up.

Before I knew it I was 20 minutes in. Slow. But steady.

Then the tunes got real good. Somehow my feet got lifted. I was pumping. Power strikes. Half-way there.

The boot to the finish felt sweet. I dialed 42:27.

You never regret going. You only regret when you don’t go.

Feels so good.

Taking shape.

Carving Time

Getting up at 5am is hard.

For me.

By 3pm I’m dizzy. By 5pm I’m awash.

There’s always more work to do.

But it seems as the weeks flow by, like the river running downstream. There’s no stopping time.

Training and working out time takes time.

I can’t stop thinking about June. Will I be ready? I want to enjoy the ride.
Today I heard from one of the organizers of the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer that there’s 2,500 feet of elevation gain on both days.

To which I replied (in my nervous voice), “What goes up must come down!”

Somewhere I read about the idea of developing a habit of doing side planks before every meal.
This got me thinking.

Workout goals for this week now include:

• Morning workouts (no matter what).
• Extra core at lunch – to include planks (during school).
• Push-ups on breaks.
• Gym (strength training) and a run Tuesday and Thursday.
• Hill ride sufferfest Wednesday.
• Bikram Yoga Monday and Friday (6am).
• Long rides Saturday and Sunday.
• Let’s see if I can fit it all in during the early mornings.

That way school and my part-time job during the week will also get 100%.

There’s also a few birthday parties to attend to on Saturday and Sunday.

Ah, carving out time...

Work Out Time

Missed my Monday morning Bikram Yoga class this week. 

Which was bad.

I’d booked five hours in the saddle over the past weekend.
My plan is to practice Monday's and Friday's. Monday's to free up the tightness, Friday's to prepare for the rides.
I’m currently training for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer (cycling 160km a day times two).

Sometimes time can be our enemy.

Same with sleep. We need it. But getting it, is another matter.
Today I got a long run in. First time in a while. 

It was pouring rain. I could of chosen not to go, but instead I geared up and headed out.

Not thinking of anything other then, “At least I’m doing it!” I struggled on.

Running has always been in my life. I love it.
But past injuries like a nagging Achilles injury and snapped Soleus slowed me down.

My goal some day is to run a half marathon. 

I’m at my mum’s this weekend (hence no riding) so my route is one I did when I was twenty pounds lighter (sad, but true - really).

Festering in the wind and the rain, I carefully chose my steps in the grass along the waterfront. All the while saying to myself, “I’m so grateful I can run.”
There comes a point when you haven’t been doing something for a while when your body quickly reminds you of your age.

I felt it.

Then I chuckled to myself. Consistency with running hasn’t been key as of late.

Once the week before. This would be my second time this week.

In the damp I kept telling myself. “I am getting there.”

Then I started to see Robins in the trees. Five of them in one. Spring soon. 
A healthy distraction.

The first hill came. I shortened my stride and stepped in as best I could. Slow.

Get home injury free - the goal.

Then came the time when it felt like I was getting past my comfort zone. To my delight the sky opened up. Not for more rain. For the endorphin rush.

That’s what it’s all about!

Why we get addicted to running, or any other sport for that matter.

Once you’re edging past your comfort zone a whole new set of emotions floods in. And as long as the body is following the mind. You’re OK.

Work out time.

The best.

Training Love

Can hardly wait for the weekends. Not just because it’s the weekend.

Because I know I can get in a long ride and not feel rushed.

This morning I booted out the door at 5:30am for a Bikram Yoga class. The plan is to set myself up for the pedal to the metal by aligning and strengthening my flexibility.

Balance and core are also key to the build up of mileage. 

It was magic this morning. I become more tuned into my body each class. I don’t have time for everyday. When I go, it counts.

Since sourcing training programs and speaking with pals, those in the know I’ve come up with a regime that time permitting I plan to stick with.

Doesn’t matter the weather. The weekend rides, back to back slow go, build the base are the light in the sky.

This morning as I bent over eyes to my thighs, sweat rolling down between my legs, head to my knees, I asked my temple to take me there.

I also asked for forgiveness for any bad I’ve done in the past.

There’s only good from now on.

Training love.

Spin Spun Fun

Facebook has it’s advantages. Like planting seeds.

In your head that is.

Somehow I got a LIKE on the new Cadence Spin Studio in Vancouver.

Not sure which “Friend” led me there.

Seems the rage these days. They’re popping up everywhere.

Which is great.

More folks are cycling. Gearing up for the RBC GranFondo Whistler or Kelowna.

Or like me, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Cripey, I started spin classes at the YMCA in Victoria a few years ago now. Remember my son’s father saying, “You’d love them.”
Sure enough, rather then intervals on some side street in the rain - spinning inside is the next best thing.

Pumping tunes. Pedaling energy all around. You’re amongst like-minded passionate cyclists.

They’ve got to be.

Only thing is - the cost.

First class was free for me today. To give the studio a try. I got a wicked Wednesday wake-up with Becky.

Sure I sweat buckets. Loved the new bikes. Music was great. I got a banana afterwards.

But $22 for a drop-in? For 45 minutes.

Yikes.

No question, the rush you feel afterwards is addictive.

As a student, I’ll have to weigh in on my weekly allotment of exercise expenditures.

Minus one Bikram Yoga 90 minute class for one 45 minute spin?

On the positive side, at least you can do drop-ins on either.