So here it is.... 2 months later...

I've been a total blog slacker. Here it is in late December, over two months since my last post.

What's my excuse for not writing? I guess the only honest answer is that I just didn't feel like it. For some reason, I couldn't get myself to write. I didn't think I had anything worthy to write about. And I'm questioning the whole blog thing - is it too self indulgent? Is it something I can seriously maintain with some regularity?

Such questions. But alas. One truth remains: I like to write.

Who says I always have to write on a regular schedule? Who says I always have to make it interesting? Who says I always have to be articulate? Who says - on some subconscious level - that I need to prove my Ivy League education by creating frequent, creative and insightful missives?

Who says? Well, I guess that would be me. I really need to stop this over-thinking about my under-writing. It's just total brain clutter. And it's not good for my writing.

Enough rambling. Here's some news:

I met my 2000 mile biking goal this season! I barely squeaked in the last 28 miles on Thanksgiving Day and my bike is now safely tucked away for the season.

In the interim, my 13 year old daughter and I joined a gym for the next few months to build our strength before my next biking and her soccer and lacrosse seasons start. So far, it's been really fun mother/daughter time. I've been feeling that good sore when you've really pushed the weight machines.

And surprisingly - and I can't believe I'm saying this out loud - I don't miss my bike at all. Sometimes, you just need a break. Just as I did, apparently, with my writing.

Fall Splendor

This is what it's all about. The leaves have been spectacular this year, most likely due in part to such a rainy June.

I love biking through a canopy of fall leaves when I'm out there on the road. The color, the feel, the smell - I love everything about it. Being out on the road helps ensure I enjoy this fleeting season before the leaves fall away.

What I've Been Doing on My Blog Vacation

Well I guess I dropped off the blog scene for 2 months. No updates, no pictures, no nothing. How did that happen?

All I can say is that sometimes life gets so busy that you neglect to do the things that keep you healthy and sane, like sleeping enough, eating right, exercising, connecting with friends and for me, blogging. Actually, other than biking 430 miles since my last blog post, I've done very little of the above in the last several weeks.

So what have I done since August 17?

• I actually did get up at 6 a.m. the day after my last blog post and rode my old morning route. I had forgotten what a great way to start the day that is.
• I rode the Seacoast Century again this year. The day was as fun and beautiful as last year.
• I've been doing the family thing - spent a week in Chatham, celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary, and helped get the kids settled in school and sports schedules.
• And finally, I've been grinding it out at work, putting in more hours than I should as I try to transition into yet another new role with my company.

My big push for biking right now is to log in 2000 miles this season. I have 240 more miles to go to get there. And although the finish line to this goal isn't too far away, my ability to fit in rides longer than 20 miles at a time is dwindling as we make our way through fall.

I'm going to get there, though. Because this goal - in addition to riding my very first Pan Mass Challenge - has been the main motivator to my riding this season.

Morning Inspiration

When in a lull - and, sadly, I AM in a lull - I've found it's always helpful to post a picture to inspire me.

This is at the midway point of an 18 mile morning ride I used to do regularly last summer before work. Maybe this view will motivate me to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow, get out on my bike and start the day off right.

Post PMC Blues...

A funny thing has happened to me since the PMC.

I've been in a bit of a slump with my riding. My energy is low, my speed is not what it should be and my focus is a bit off.

I guess that's only natural in the days following what I would categorize as one of the top 10 most rewarding events of my life to date.

The transition back to the real world after the PMC was interesting. I was on a total high coming off the boat from Provincetown - full of memories, excitement, emotion, pride and physical exhaustion from the event.

That translated the next day to total bike brain fog. I was a complete space shot, unable to concentrate or multitask. That happens when you are in the zone with your riding, though. All that is important is the next 10 feet in front of you.

It took a full 24 hours for the fog to clear and I started feeling back to normal. I had no real physical issues to recover from, only the initial pain of getting the lactic acid out of my legs on my first ride back on my bike.

It was really just the mental recovery that I had to deal with. And that's what's slumping my riding, I'm quite sure.

I'll get my groove back soon, I'm certain. In fact, my husband just told me he was so inspired by my PMC experience that he wants to buy a bike, train with me and do the PMC next year. Now there's motivation!

Living the PMC

What can I say about my very first Pan-Mass Challenge? How can I actually describe one of the most inspirational, emotional and physically challenging experiences I've ever had?

The only thing that comes to mind is to list the thoughts and images that will stick in my mind for years to come.

• 163 miles from Wellesley to Provincetown. Two days. 10.5 hours of ride time.
• Riding with PMC veteran and friend, Sue, who helped make this experience so special.
• Sharing the road with 5000+ fellow riders and new friends, like second day riding buddy, Laurie, in the biggest athletic fundraiser in the country.
• Feeling like a hero for the weekend, with thousands and thousands of cancer survivors, family members and supporters cheering us on alongside the road.
• Seeing signs saying, "Thank you for saving my life!"
• Riding alongside pictures of the PMC Pedal Partners, children who are receiving advanced treatment at the Jimmy Fund Clinic.
• Seeing the best in humanity - people so polite and thankful, riders and bystanders looking out for each other.
• Passing a group of supporters at the wee hour of 5:30 a.m., cheering us on as we came off the Bourne bridge.
• Hearing my name yelled out while going by (forgetting that my bike was tagged with my name)
• Young and old saying, "Thank you so much for riding. Thank you so much for doing what you are doing."
• Riding with tears in my eyes and so full of emotion
• Having my daughter, her friend and her friend's mom come cheer me on.
• Hearing the cheers and shouts from what seemed like a few hundred teens from the camp in Brewster.
• Seeing the pictures on the back of riding shirts of children, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and other loved ones who are battling cancer or who have battled and lost.
• Getting goosebumps from the multiple bag pipe players serenading us on both days
• Feeling like Lance Armstrong in the pelaton, zooming down a hill pushing 30 mph with dozens of other riders.
• Struggling up the sweltering big hills in the dunes of Provincetown, knowing the finish line was only a few miles away.
• Hanging with my friend Drew, who inspired me to ride this event, and my former college classmate, John, who helped motivate me to actually do it.
• Running into other friends and those I didn't know I'd see.
• The fun and celebration of the party boat home - a frat party like no other with 900 new found friends
• And most importantly, the $30M (hopefully - the final numbers still aren't in yet) for cancer research and treatment.

Taking pictures of the actual ride itself was next to impossible given the dynamics of group riding. But here are some highlights at various stops along the way.

The 7:00 a.m. Wellesley start.

Me and riding buddy and 10 year PMC veteran, Sue.

With good friend Drew, a 17 year PMC veteran.

Sue checking out the ice bag chairs on day two.

Me and my daughter Erin, who actually got up early on a summer day to cheer on her mom!Friend and former classmate, John, who unknowingly sat down next to me at lunch the first day amidst 2000 riders.
Billy Starr, PMC founder and master of ceremonies, welcoming us aboard the party boat home from Ptown to Boston.The band totally rocked the boat for the three hour trip.

Getting a hero's welcome entering Boston Harbor.

Thank you so much for all who sponsored me. I couldn't have done it without you and your support!

It was such an honor and a privilege to ride and be part of something so important. It was a profound experience and the memories will live on in my mind for years to come.

In Memory and In Honor

Why am I riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge for the first time this year? What's my motivation?

I ride in memory and in honor of the following family and friends:

This is my Aunt Doris, whose life was cut short by ovarian cancer in 2005. Although we lived many miles apart, she was always my favorite aunt - so warm, loving and generous. She lives on in our hearts and memories.

I also ride in memory of friend and fellow mom Carol, who was taken too young from her family in 2007. She was a loving wife and mother and a gentle soul. Through her death, Carol taught us all about life.

Finally, I ride in honor of my friend Tim. His is a survival story. Diagnosed last year with stage III colon cancer, he is now cancer-free due to early detection and targeted treatment. His battle taught me all about resilience in the face of life's unexpected and unfair turns.

Riding the PMC is my way of supporting the fight against cancer. The challenge of riding 165 miles pales in comparison to the battle these three and so many others have faced.

But hopefully, every mile will take us closer to a cure for cancer.

Pre-PMC Stats

I like numbers. Almost too much, some would say. Here are my stats so far this season:

Total number of miles ridden: 1110

Longest ride: 70

Hours of ride time : 72+

Typical average speed: 15-16 mph

Fastest speed: 32 mph (I'm a wimp!)

Number of rides: 55

Number of dropped water bottles: 1

Number of close calls with clueless drivers: 2

Number of times I've inadvertently given myself a flat tire: 3

I hope to ride at least 900 more miles before the season ends this year, so I'm more than halfway there. Either way though, I feel physically strong and mentally ready for the PMC this weekend.

Final Push

Yesterday I did my last big training ride before the PMC. I rode in the Cycle for Shelter which supports Emmaus, Inc, a non-profit organization providing housing and services to the homeless in Haverhill. I rode in this event last year and really enjoyed it.

My initial plan was to ride the 100 mile course with a friend. But ultimately, given a variety of circumstances, I wound up solo riding "just" 62 miles, or a 100 km.

It was a beautiful course up into NH and along the coast of Hampton, Rye and inland towards Exeter. Here's one shot I took along Rt. 1A in North Hampton, which I was rode on just a few short weeks ago.

Initially, I thought I'd be dealing with thunderstorms given the forecast. Thankfully, the course successfully dodged them but it turned out to be an absolutely sweltering day as you can see from the haze.

I had a great ride but came to the realization that any solo ride over 60-70 miles is too long. I like company for these big efforts! Thankfully, I'll have plenty of company to look forward to this coming weekend at the PMC.

Hitting 1000

This past weekend I passed the 1000 mile mark. That was my mileage goal to get to the PMC and I'm happy to report I met it 2 weeks early.

My plan is to reach 2000 by the end of the season. Hopefully continued motivation, strong legs and good weather will help pull me through.

Swamped

What can I say? I just like swamps.

Solo 70 Miler along the Coast

In keeping with the ocean theme I have going, yesterday I did something totally fun. I took the day off from work and instead of sleeping late, relaxing and puttering around the house, I went for a 70 mile bike ride up and down the New Hampshire and Maine coastline under glorious blue skies all by myself.

I thought I might have had a riding buddy or two but when that didn't pan out, I started teetering about if I should go or not. I mean really, what was I thinking? But thankfully, I got myself up and out the door by 7:00 a.m. before I could fully talk myself out of it.

Basically my ride was this: I parked at Hampton Beach, hopped on my bike and rode up the coast 35 miles and back to the beautiful Nubble Lighthouse in York Beach, Maine. This particular route was a leg of the Seacoast Century I did last September and I was looking forward to trying it again.

The route took me through Hampton, North Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, Kittery, ME, and York. And although it was generally a flat route, it still had its share of challenges: dodging open car doors and pedestrians near the beaches, crossing metal grated bridges, navigating (and getting slightly lost on) the streets of downtown Portsmouth, and some strong cross and head winds to contend with on the way back. There was even a roundabout thrown in for good measure and multiple open ice cream stands, which I successfully managed to bypass (though I would have been SO there if the lines weren't so long).

Overall, it was a beautiful ride on a beautiful day and I'm so glad I pushed myself out the door to do it. Here are a few more pictures from the route. The above shot is from York Beach looking out at Nubble Lighthouse in the distance.

Total ride time: just over 4.5 hours. I'll be doing this route again during the century in September and I'm looking forward to having some company - and maybe some ice cream - next time.

Oceanside Eye Candy

This image I spotted in Newburyport while biking made me stop and turn around. Ahh...the sites and smells of the ocean.

PMC - 3 Weeks and Counting....

I can't believe it. Just three weeks from today I will be in Bourne celebrating after riding the first day of the PMC.

Time has really flown by this biking season though I'm not sure why. The weather has been the pits - long stretches of rain and the coldest temperatures recorded in 103 years. But that hasn't stopped me from getting out there on my bike to train! Well, actually it has at times, but I am making good progress. And just in the past two weeks alone I've managed to get in over 230 miles.

Just back from a 57 mile solo ride up to Newburyport today. Had a quick visit with a friend and made a pit stop at Plum Island to check out the beach. What a gorgeous day.

Somehow on my way home I missed the turn I wanted to take so this added a few extra miles. Getting lost seems to be a theme for me this year. More on that later.

For now, I'm going to put up my weary feet and settle in for a nice glass of wine.

PMC - 58 Days and Counting...

I've been really lax about updating my blog lately.  I just can't seem to fit in in. 

Thankfully, though, I've been out on my bike training for the PMC, which is the most important thing.  Especially given that it's just 58 short days away.

To date this season, I've ridden 515 miles over 29 rides.  My average ride is under 20 miles - shorter than last season but at least I'm getting out on my bike more frequently.  

Some short term goals: 

• Pick up the pace in terms of mileage and do at least 60-80 miles per week going forward
  
• Do a few significant back to back rides so that getting up and out on my bike at 5:30 a.m. for a second 80 mile day won't be a total shock to my body
• Learn some basic bike maintenance so I won't feel so inept if my tire goes flat or my chain continues to squeak
• And one last one just for grins.... my perpetual goal to lose just 5 more pounds.....

Capture the Moment

So you might be asking... why do you have a picture of dead daffodils on your blog page?

It's actually quite clear.  Sometimes the simplest of images convey the most powerful of truths.

These are the same flowers as those pictured in my preceding post, but just one week later.  Beautiful flowers one day, dead flowers just 7 days later.  I was so glad I had actually paid attention enough to stop and enjoy them in all their beauty the first time I went by, since only a week later they were gone.

This happens a lot in life.  Every day we are presented with opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature, a connection with someone, a chance to learn something new or to see things differently.  Sometimes these opportunities are obvious, sometimes they are subtle.

But if you pay attention, if you stop and pause, if you take that chance and say what's in your heart, if you turn back to take the picture, you'll capture that moment.  And a day, a week, a month, a year later, you might just be glad you did.

Spring into Summer

Well, for all the complaining I did about how long the winter was, last weekend we seemed to bypass spring altogether and jump right into summer.  Temps were in the 80s - perfect training weather for the PMC, which is smack dab in the middle of the high heat of summer. I love it.

Here's evidence that the winter has finally left us.  Now the roadside view gets more interesting and colorful.

100 Days and Counting....

The Pan Mass Challenge is exactly 100 days away!!   

And speaking of 100, I finished the second 100 miles in my training.  Thankfully, it was easier than the first.

Kickin' Butt

My butt, that is...  This past weekend I got out for two back to back power rides - 40 miles on Saturday and just under 30 on Sunday.  

I had my first of the season wind-free day on Saturday, taking a nice rural route through North Andover, Boxford, Topsfield, Hamilton, Ipswich and back. What a pleasure.  Here's a picture of the church in Topsfield Center.

On Sunday I went out and back to Byfield to watch my son's lacrosse game.  The route back takes me up one of the biggest monster hills in the area. It almost sucked the life out of me as I tried to maintain a speed of at least 5 mph so I wouldn't fall off my bike.  Thankfully, I made it and was rewarded with a 31 mph sprint down the backside. But clearly I need more uphill work.

I hope to eventually work up to 7 - 9 hours per week as the spring progresses and we move into summer.  This weekend I was on the bike almost 5 hours, so I'll be in good shape if I can repeat this formula in addition to some lighter weekday rides.

PMC Freshman Orientation

Last week I attended the Pan Mass Challenge "Freshman Orientation".  This event was planned for newbies like me to learn all about the PMC.  

Founder Billy Starr kicked off the presentation and was followed by enthusiastic speakers on things like fundraising, training, safety, nutrition, logistics, and anything else you'd want to know if you were doing this event for the first time.  It was very informative and I'm so glad I went.

The highlight of the night for me was seeing the videos about why the PMC was started, why people do it, and the impact it has made in people's lives. I'm not embarrassed to say that I was openly weeping during certain clips.

I knew I was in for a big physical challenge when I signed up for this. I also knew I was supporting a great cause. 

But I had no idea of how being a part of something this big - this huge - might affect me.  I think I got a glimpse of it as I was watching the videos, wiping my eyes.  Now I can't wait to live it.

A Swamp Thing

Ah, another swamp picture.  

I never really had a thing for swamps before I started riding.  But I sure seem to take a lot of pictures of them.  

I don't know why that is. Maybe I just happen to pass a lot of swamps on my rides.  Or maybe there are just a lot of swamps out there.

Whatever the reason, they always catch my eye and give me a few moments of quiet tranquility.

The First 100

I've got the first 100 miles of training under my belt and all I have to say is this: Boy, was I out of shape!

These initial miles have felt so hard. I'd like to say it is because I've chosen hilly routes on excessively raw and windy days (which I think I have). But unfortunately, I think it's simply because I'm out of biking shape.

Why is it that it takes so long to build, but then falls off so fast? That's just not right. Plus, it seems that being in shape in other ways, like through running or walking regularly, doesn't really do much in the bike shape department.

All I know is this can't have anything to do with getting older, right?

The only choice here, though, is to get my butt back out there regulary and keep pushing forward. And just maybe, the second 100 won't be as hard as the first.

The Memory of Winter

I complained a lot about the cold this winter.  But occassionally I did stop to appreciate its quiet serenity, like this roadside scene from my first ride of the season last month.  

My blog as a "word cloud"

I saw this on my friend John's blog and thought it was so cool.  Wordle is a free service that automatically creates "word clouds" from words in a list, a web page or a blog.  The words that are bigger are those that occur more frequently in the list or blog.

Here is a Wordle of my blog. 

 Check it out larger by clicking here.

The 2009 Training Season has Begun!

Okay, enough dilly dallying and lollygagging. It's finally bike season!

It can't come soon enough for me. This winter was long, cold, icy and pretty depressing at times.  But all that is behind us now and we finally have clear roads and the promise of sunny skies, warmer temps and flowering trees to look forward to.

I've been out four times this season so far - 10, 11, 20 and 32.5 miles respectively. The latter I did yesterday and I actually woke up at 4:30 a.m. with very sore leg muscles, from my ankles to my butt.  I think I may have been a little overly ambitious but that kind of sore is a good thing and I actually welcome the pain. It's time to shed that winter layer!

The plan for me this year is to ride at least 2000 miles (which is roughly 60 miles per week). I'm also committed to three organized rides this summer:

1. Pan Mass Challenge (163 miles)
   
2. Cycle for Shelter (100 miles)
3. Seacoast Century (100 miles - a repeat of my first century from last year)

I've also decided I'm just going to focus on getting the miles in, whether that be in several little bursts (like lunchtime) or longer stretches on weekends.  I'm also not going to harp on my speed (or lack thereof).  I'm just going to get out there and ride.

So stay tuned!  More biking adventures to follow... 

PMC - I'm In!

Okay, here's some news. Today I signed up to ride the Pan Mass Challenge in August!

I'll be riding the two day course from Wellesley to Provincetown with my friend Sue. I wasn't sure about doing this ride last month, as I mentioned in a previous post. But the pull to do it was too strong to resist.

So now I'm committed. I can't wait to be part of this special event to support such a great cause.

Dry Spell

Okay, I think it's obvious I'm going through a little dry spell here.  

Not much blog material of late since there's been no biking, no running, no concerts and no exciting adventures to write about.  I think I've also got an unintentional winter hibernation thing going during these icy, cold, dark January days.

When I've got something fun or interesting to share, I'll be sure to write about it. Until then, bring on spring!!

Winter Undying

Here it is the day after yet another big snowstorm in New England.  

This peaceful view is from our back porch overlooking our small pet cemetery where Reggie the cat, Rosie the hamster and Bubbles the cockatiel have all been laid to rest.  Quite a serene spot, especially in the winter.

New Year Vision

Because I read too many Oprah magazines during my vacation .... and because I had too much time on my hands.... and because I recently stumbled upon the quote, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there," I decided to take my goal setting very seriously for the new year. 

So seriously, in fact, that over vacation I actually created a poster size visual depiction of my goals with themes and pictures and it's now framed and located above the computer I'm typing from right now.

I know. At some level this is laughable.  But I love this kind of stuff. It appeals to my undeniable need for order and organization in my life.  And it also gives me the illusion of control.  

So here I have my 2009 "vision board", a work of art (to use the phrase loosely) depicting my hopes and dreams for 2009.  

The themes of my goals are relatively generic and simple and shared by most.  The thing that is so powerful, though, is seeing a visual depiction  - rather than a written list - of those goals. It's really quite empowering, actually.

Fitness is one of my main themes, not suprisingly, and I'm planning some big things in 2009 to take my biking to the next level.  

One of which is a 2000 mile goal for the year.  I rode 1430 in 2008, but I started a bit late in mid May and it took a while to build up my weekly mileage.  Maybe since I stated this goal out loud, it will now be as achievable as my first century. 

It remains to be seen whether my vision board will be effective or not. But I'm hoping that by seeing a graphical depiction of my goals on a regular basis, it will help make my vision for my life a reality in 2009.

Speaking of vacations...

I mentioned in my last post that one of the things I did during my "staycation" was to book the next real family vacation for April.  We were excited to head back to the Florida Keys to the beautiful Cheeca Lodge, where we enjoyed several days last April.  I posted a few pictures from the area here last month.

Well how freaky is this? The day after I booked our vacation I found out the Cheeca had a major fire on New Year's Eve - the worst on the Keys in 20 years. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the hotel is closed indefinitely for repairs, which are estimated to be in the millions.  How scary.  And what a huge bummer.  

So on to plan B, which we are still formulating.  One radical idea floating in our family is to forgo the family vacation altogether this year and buy a used bass boat so our son can continue his obsession and passion for fishing.  

This would be a funny turn of events given that for years, my husband and I always said we'd never buy a boat.  Never say never, as I said before. Or at least, not yet.

My Wonderful "Staycation"

I've made several references to the word "vacation" during my recent blog posts.  December has been a stressful month.  Well, more like Q4 has been a stressful quarter.  Thankfully, though, a relaxing vacation is what I finally got.  

For the price of just 4 vacation days, I hit the jackpot with almost two full weeks off from work.  From the time I walked out of the office on December 23 until the time I walk in on January 5, my work life has gone on temporary shutdown. How great is that?

So where did I go on my vacation?  Here's the best part - nowhere. I had a "staycation", which Urban Dictonary defines as "A vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer."  And enjoy I did.

After a hectic but fun Christmas holiday, I segued into one of the most productive, relaxing and enjoyable periods of time this year. 

I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but here is some of the fun I had during my staycation:

• Slept almost every day until 10:00
• Had the best dreams just about every night
• Hung with my family and hung with some friends
  
• Ran and walked our dog several times
  
• Cleaned the entire house top to bottom
• Created a full year budget for 2009
• Booked our family's next real vacation in April
• Put away all the Christmas decorations and updated my Christmas binder for next year
• Drank some great vodka - Zyr and Imperia (both Vegas finds)
  
• Watched football, hockey and my new personal finance fave, Dave Ramsey
  
• Watched 5 episodes of Lost (in an effort to catch up before Season 5 starts)
• Finally finished 13 back issues of the Oprah magazine. (I think the weight of these equals the 40 pounds Oprah confessed to gaining in her latest issue)
• Made a personal "vision board" for 2009.  (I know this sounds hokey, but I love this stuff. More on this in a future blog post.)
• Organized all my digital photos for 2008
• Got a new home computer, loaded all my programs and reorganized all my data files
• Sold some furniture on Craigslist we've been meaning to sell all year
• Signed up on Facebook (not really sure why...)
• Made a home cooked meal for my immediate family (I don't like to admit this, but I typically only cook for company).
• Smiled every day

I know this all doesn't sound like it was a fun time but this was one of the best vacations I've had in a while.  And it's not over yet - I still have 3 days left! 

Clearing all the crap off my to do list and decluttering my mind and home goes a very long way in reducing my stress level.  

Just what the doctor ordered. And just how I want to start 2009.