Off to CA to the Waves to Wine, Bike MS150 Ride! :o)

Wow!! I can't believe it's finally here...well...almost.

First I have to apologize for neglecting this journal.  I have been so busy training and getting ready for the trip I haven't had much time to actually sit down and reflect all I have been through and what I am about to go through.

Tomorrow at 4 AM Ruby will get placed on her brand new bike rack, purchased just for this trip, my husband and I will sleepily hop in to the car...stop for a cup of joe so we can find our way out of town and start our 18 hour journey to California. Wow. 

My last few training rides have been going good. I did suffer a minor knee injury that has been causing problems and affecting my training, but I rested last night and feel it's definitely on the mend) I feel I have done all I can do to prepare for next weeks challenge. I have this crazy desire to really rock it in CA. I would love to ride fast and have it be easy.  I know that's asking a lot and know it's probably not realistic.  But, it is what my heart desires.  We shall see.

Okay, I'll confess I want to ride faster than my brother-in-law who is an ex-marine, star athlete, marathoner and triathlete.  I feel he has always looked down on me because of my "extra" weight and I would love to just really show him! :o)  There, I said it and I fully understand it is both unrealistic and just plain silly.  But a girl can dream, right?

This weekend I rode 75 miles, I didn't quite get to the elevation gain of the actual ride of day one next weekend. I will confess it was a tough ride for me.  For some reason I never really found my "zone" I tried, but I just never found it and the ride was never easy or enjoyable for me. When I finished the ride my confidence was pretty shot and I was starting to think next weekend might be a nightmare. The fast girl who was going to ride circles around her competition was nowhere to be found.  Up until this last weekend I was actually starting to feel like an athlete, dear I say endurance athlete. But, after this weekend I felt like anything but.

Tonight was completely different for me.  I went out for a 25 mile quick paced ride with the local bike group.  I found the ride to be very Zen for me.  It was like a meditation and helped me to regain my confidence. During the whole ride I was checking in, do I feel pain, nope I feel great. Do I feel tired, nope, I have lots of energy even after working all day...I can do this. Do I feel that feeling of hopelessness, nope, I a full of hope and confidence.

I might actually be ready to do this! Wow, feels great!

Tonight was exactly what I needed for next weekend. I have heard that an endurance event is 90% mental, well...I feel I am 100% mentally ready. I can and will do it.

Well,there it is. I am going to try and enjoy the ride and the experience and the scenery....I really will.  Honestly, I will be proud of myself for doing two MS150's in one year.



Well I'm Off to CA, wish me luck and I will be back to give a full report.