The year began with a small campaign by my past coaches and the team manager to get me on onto the Death Ride Team (a week before kickoff!). My friends were no help...they supported it (I obviously need to re-evaluate my friends)! So much so, that my bike shop offered to build me a bike for the event, and in record time. No one was going to let me out of this opportunity, so they won that battle. In hindsight...I'm glad they did.
I had never experienced that level of pain, discomfort and suffering while training for an event! At the same time, I had the most wonderful experience bonding, laughing and commiserating with my team. It was a fun group to go through that 6 month journey to the gates of hell (aka The Death Ride).
The process allowed me to achieve a fit level in cycling to also ride events I would have never considered before...the Grizzly Peak Century and the Shasta Century. I also would finally get to ride in the Napa area, by participating in the Napa Century. It was spectacular ride that I actually enjoyed after my insane training season!
This was also the year that I would experience my first bike accident. I was fortunate it was a minor incident and my bike didn't sustain any permanent damage. BTW...I don't recommend getting your body exfoliated by asphalt...road rash sucks! However, the plus side was that it redirected my focus! Taking several weeks to heal and get my bike repaired was a blessing in disguise. It gave me the time to assess my life, and mine was out of balance.
September and October, gave me the chance to secure a new position with LLS, find a new home, spend more time with my horse and compete in my first dressage show. Basically, I organized, focused and reclaimed the direction of my life again! Good or bad, I truly believe everything happens for a reason.
Just as I was settling into my new routine, Death Ride came a callin' again! Now, I know I've lost my mind, because I agreed?!? I obviously drank too much of the "Kaufman Kool-Aid" to want to do this for a second time! This time I know what to expect but training will be much tougher for me this season. Not only will I be fundraising for Team in Training but my work schedule leaves me very little time to train. I will need to learn some new methods (bike trainer in my living room) and better time management skills. I foresee sleep becoming a luxury this year;-)
I'm thankful to what was a fulfilling, fun and life altering 2011! Now onto to whatever 2012 has in store for me...I hope its all good things!
Wishing everyone a fun, safe and prosperous 2012!
