A Week of Complete Awesomeness

We're Week Two into 2016, and it's been filled with so much awesomeness that I haven't had a chance to post on the blog. Starting out the new year on the bike, I had a fun, fun, fun trail ride with Chippy and, really, how fabulous is this kid?! Adventures with Chip 2016 is going to be a blast.

Pink sunglasses, BeardHead hat, no gloves, no problem

I've been riding and running and eating clean for 13 days straight, with a huuuuuuge boost from my dearest friend Ingrid, who just happens to be a pretty incredible athlete and health coach. Ingrid arrived on January 7th and spent a week here on the North Shore, getting me back into a running routine, joining me on trail rides, bike workouts (including P2 with Coach Shayne!), and walks around Boston and Cambridge. She gave me a fresh insight into issues that have been plaguing me for a while, and I feel completely renergized. 

Dropping her off at the airport this afternoon for her return flight to Houston left me in tears on the drive home. I miss her already!! Still, we had a fantastic time together and I have a good feeling about the year ahead for both of us. We had an amazing week and I'm excited for the new year!

A first for Ingrid -- riding MTBs in the snow!

Congrats USA Women's Hockey

I don't watch a lot of television, (although I do sometimes catch a weather report), and didn't watch all of the Olympics while they aired. I tried. I really did. I caught a men's ski event where NBC showed two runs, followed by a 15 minute "human interest" story about one of the competitors, (really, foreshadowing his gold medal win), cut to 10 minutes of commercials before airing two more runs, and then cut back to ten more minutes of commercials. Good gravy. I saw a total of four skiers before I gave up.

I followed the competitions online and caught Olympic hockey fever while following Danvers native Meghan Duggan's twitter feed from Sochi. (Love her!) I'm disappointed the gold medal slipped out of the Americans' grasp today, but the US women played an amazing game, (and Mike DVR'd it so I could fast forward through the commercials). Unfortunately, the hockey gods were on Canada's side today. Congrats to Team USA and Team Canada -- an exciting game by both teams. 

Be bold... Live life fully... Have adventures.

Riding with Tim as we finish up Day 1 of the Undefeated

As I continue to iron out my plans for the summer, I can say without a doubt I'm most looking forward to riding with my friend Tim Brown. It was three years ago, on February 3rd, 2011, (the same day Will turned 12), that Tim lost both legs and an arm to an IED blast in Afghanistan. Tough stuff. His life was forever changed that day in February -- the day he defied death -- as it does for all of our wounded warriors. I don't know anyone with as much focus, grit, determination and courage as Tim. I saw his undeniable strength in action as we climbed Torrey Pines near the end of our Undefeated Ride last October -- and he has reminded me every day since not to take my own strength and ability for granted.

Lately it seems like every time I send him a text message, I'm catching him at an airport heading off somewhere. (The minute he reads this he's going to laugh and nod his head). Whether he's on a mountain bike trip with Ride to Recovery, or competing in the Melbourne Marathon, (where he claims his time was "crap"), or flying out to Crested Butte for a weekend of skiing, you can be certain that nothing is going to slow him down. He truly lives life to the fullest. It won't surprise him to know how much I admire him, how he inspires me, and how much I value our friendship.

When I first learned fellow Vanderkitten VIP athlete Joan Deitchman was forming a crew for her solo effort in the 2014 Race Across America, I called Tim to hear what his thoughts were of me possibly joining Joan's crew. RAAM is one of the most grueling endurance events in the world, and the opportunity to participate with Joan is an exciting one. (While I won't be on the bike in this event, being a part of a RAAM crew is no easy task.) Tim completed the race last year as a member of an 8-man relay team with other wounded servicemen from Walter Reed Bethesda, and knows firsthand what is involved and how tough it's going to be. He expressed his full confidence that I'd be up for the challenge, and hearing that meant a lot to me. I'm thrilled to be joining Joan's crew.

RAAM will now postpone the plans Tim and I made to get together in May, (I had planned to head down to Maryland for some training rides), but he's coming up this way in April for the Boston Marathon with Team Achilles Freedom. (Yaaaay!!) I'm hoping we can ride together while he's here, if the snow ever melts, and I'll try to get down to Maryland this summer. We have an Undefeated EOD ride to train for!

I Love Kudos

It was a while ago that I read The Strava Files in Bicycling Magazine, and at the time, I couldn't quite understand the appeal of Strava or what it was all about. I was neither on Strava, nor did I have a Garmin, and cycling stats and the community aspect of it all just wasn't on my radar.

Since last June, however, I've been uploading my rides, (the data collected from my Garmin gps), to Strava as part of Shayne's coaching. (Or at least I do that when I remember to press the start button on my gps.) It was helpful to get my coach's feedback during the season and receive kudos from the small handful of friends who ride and happen to be on Strava. I've also acquired a few cycling buddies I know only through Strava, who chime in every now and then with a comment or kudo -- And I love seeing their rides in return -- especially Chris S. and Kyle W.'s. They both amuse me, and wow, do they ride!

Since becoming a VanderkittenVIP, I've received even more encouragement and inspiration from my fellow kittens. The girls are amazing. Receiving 8 kudos for my simple 10 mile ride on a Sunday was just so nice. I know it wasn't an epic ride -- (and seeing Chris ride 100 miles that same day makes me shake my head) -- but it's January in New England and the wind off the causeway knocked the stuffing out of me.

Most of the VKVIPs on Strava lately are riding in warmer locales -- California, Arizona, Australia -- but a few are battling the same elements I am. (Candace is in Pennsylvania and had the same rain we had a few days ago.) I haven't recorded my trainer rides or gym workouts, but I might start doing that just to keep track of what I'm doing. I woke up this morning thinking I've been lazy, forgetting that I actually went to P2 yesterday. Huh. I really should write these things down. They say the mind is the first thing to go.

I got 8 kudos on Sunday -- it was a nice pat on the back for my effort -- and I kinda needed it. Thanks, kittens! (And Chris, Shayne, and Lila, too!) You brought a smile to my day.

The Finish Line to 2013

Another year draws to a close, and I'm reflecting on 2013 while looking ahead to the new year. This was an inspiring year in so many ways, with sad undercurrents mixed in. The bombing at the Boston Marathon, and the tragedy of the Seacoast Century, took the breath out of me. Sometimes it's hard to keep the momentum going, and I'm grateful to the many people who helped me move forward and reach my goals this year.

My health has improved, and although there are some days I'm dragging, it's not even close to how I felt a few years ago. My red cell count is still stupidly low, but I've been able to push through the fatigue without resorting to EPO. (Ha ha... I wouldn't want to be banned from cycling, i.e. Lance Armstrong.)  I credit my increase in energy to the changes I made in my diet this year -- sticking to whole, unprocessed foods and adhering to a Paleo lifestyle. I know there are skeptics to Paleo, but it's working for me. You should always find what works best for you.

This year I took on five different charity rides, including rides for the Vermont Food Bank, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the EOD Warrior Foundation -- and raised nearly $10,000 along the way. It wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support I get from all of you. Thank you for that.

Many of you know, after my crash in 2012, I was challenged to ride and raise money for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. I didn't know what EOD was at the time, and I didn't know the ride was on the other side of the country, but I agreed to look into it. When I talked to Mike about the ride in January, he supported my endeavor 100 percent. (More like a thousand percent, but he's a math geek and 1,000 percent wouldn't work for him.) Mike's support set everything else in motion in 2013... the training, the rides, the coaching... all of it. (Thanks, honey!)

The Undefeated EOD Ride wasn't the longest ride I've ever done, but it was the most inspiring -- and a remarkable challenge. I've said it many times, but it bears repeating that I'm grateful to the many people who made it work -- Especially my family and friends; my coach Shayne Gaffney; all of my riding partners; and of course my many sponsors.

I'm also indebted to the amazing warriors and friends I met on the ride; Tim, Jim, Schreck and Julia, Christine and Matt, Jimmy, Brad, Morgan, Shane, Jason and Chelsea, Kathy, Kevin... it's a long list. Thank you.

I don't know what adventures lie ahead, but I'm excited for the New Year! I'm inspired by my fellow Vanderkitten athletes and can't wait to join in on some of the fun. Since my cycling days are somewhat in limbo, (due to snow), I'll have to get my VK action on the slopes. I'm hoping Joe, my favorite snowboard instructor, is back at Nashoba Valley this winter. (I'm determined to graduate from the Nashoba Slope, Joe! Get ready!)

Like last year at this time, I'm hanging on for winter frostbite rides, but the weather hasn't cooperated. I am also working to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge... with a lot of rowing and running to do. (OMG. I can't believe how much running I still have to do...)

But, I can see the finish line to 2013 -- I intend to finish strong.

Undefeated EOD Ride Day One

Tim Brown, me, Richard Schreckengaust, Julia Woods & Jim Woods.

Just one of many fantastic photos from the ride. Great teamwork and amazing new friends on Day One. I had an incredible ride thanks to these four -- Tim, Julia, Schreck and Jim. I met some truly wonderful people this weekend, but these four will forever be in my heart.

When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.

Chris Andrieu & Casey Braden

My "Monday motivation" comes from EOD Tech Chris Andrieu, whose own determination helped me get back on the bike last week after the Seacoast Century. (Seriously, if it weren't for the EOD Ride ten days from now, I probably would have called it quits on the season.)

Chris lost the lower part of both legs in an IED explosion in February, (yes, this year), and has been training for the Undefeated/EOD Ride on a tandem, along with his buddy Casey Braden. (Amazing.) Last week, Chris was fitted for a new custom Litespeed bike, determined to ride the event on his own -- and his own resolve became my inspiration last week as I sorted through my emotions. It was a tough week... and I needed the perspective. (Thank you, Kathy Meyers, for the thoughtful encouragement.)

I'm planning to ship my bike out... tomorrow! (Wow. Time is flying.) I'll be without my Trek for the next week or so, and my cousin Pete has my Specialized right now, so I'll borrow Will's bike for my rides this week -- and for the Sea Glass Ride next weekend. He was a little hurt when I said wasn't looking forward to the downgrade. Hahaha... he's so sensitive!

Gran Prix of Beverly

Sending huge props to Shayne for racing in the Fidelity Gran Prix of Beverly tonight. Shayne has had a hard recovery from his crash two weeks ago and still has pain in his hip from the fall. He went out there and raced tonight anyway... which proves his mental toughness or total insanity. Great job, Coach!

Also sending kudos to Gran Prix race director Paul Boudreau and Essex County Velo for bringing back the women's field for this year's race. (Something they had to eliminate in the past due to financial reasons.) Thank you, ECV, for supporting women's cycling! Bravo!

The Finish Line to 2012

Just 1 week to go before 2012 comes to a close -- It's that time of year when folks start thinking about setting new goals and making resolutions for the new year.

This year has really gone fast, although in reality it was no faster than any other year. I had a lot of support this year in my 2012 goal to get stronger, fitter and healthier. I owe a lot to 5 amazing women who encouraged me throughout the year and kept me on track to seize each day. Leslie, Kim, Elena, Pam and Deb... Thank you. (I'm looking forward to setting new goals and reaching for higher stars with you in 2013.)

I'm also indebted to Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe for helping me reach my fitness goals. (I still haven't figured out the correct way to do a burpee, but I'm working on it).

And I'd be remiss without saying how grateful I am to ride with my dear friends of the North Shore Cyclopaths. The last 2 years have been tough for us -- and my crash this summer didn't help matters. I guess, though, in hindsight it's given us something to laugh about. (I'm not too thrilled about being nicknamed "Crash Cronin", however. That's a little harsh.)

There are still 10 days left to 2012. I'm still riding our Saturday morning Cyclopath rides, although my fellow frostbiters are wimping out. (Is it still a Cyclopath ride if I'm riding alone?) I'm also working hard to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge. I'm glad there are still ten days left because I have a lot of running and rowing to do. This challenge has helped me make better choices this holiday season... I've been ignoring the carton of egg nog that stares at me every time I open the fridge.

I can see the finish line to 2012 -- I intend to finish strong.

Honoring our Veterans

Sending a salute to all members of the armed services today, November 11th. In addition to honoring family, (my dad, Bill, is a Marine and my cousin's two boys are both in the Navy and Air Force; Mike is currently deployed), I am honored to ride with three Cyclopath-Marines, Bill, Ellen, and Cape Cod Mike! (CCM's Marine call sign is actually "Gonzo". Oorah.) Thank you for your dedication and service -- I love you all.

Moody Blues

Its been almost 3 weeks since the crash and I have good days and bad days. I'm trying not to get too down on myself, but my days feel oddly empty without being able to get out and ride. The blues creep in and I get moody. I still have craptastic headaches which don't seem to be easing up. My friend Matt gave me a call after hearing about the crash and clearly got me at a bad time -- He's a military guy and has no patience for "poor me" attitudes. (Just my luck that he called when he did). He crudely told me to pull myself together and get back on the bike... which is exactly what Manny and Sam said to me after I crashed and flipped over a car a few years ago... only they used nicer words.

Matt asked me to ride for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation next year if I can. He reminded me that I'm going to be able to get back on the bike at some point... and he can name a half dozen guys who can't. That gave me a sobering dose of perspective… and I promised to look into it. (Matty, if you're reading this, I heard you. The only easy day was yesterday.)

Perseverance

"Fall down 7 times, Stand up 8." -- Japanese proverb

One Challenge. New Goal: $36,000,000

Great video. It was made a few years ago, but sums up the PMC -- the challenge, the goal, and the camaraderie -- quite nicely. I'm sure I caught a glimpse of one of our Cyclopaths in this video as well. (Click off the "ads by google" to see the full screen.)

Just Do It

Remember this Lance Armstrong ad for Nike a few year's ago?? It still makes me want to get out and RIDE! (Click to play. 1 min 33 sec.)