Livestrong Weekend - Day 3

We got up about 4am to drive out to Dripping Springs so we could get a good parking spot and what not. Well, we got the car loaded up (a feat in and of itself) and then we headed out. When we got there, they were waving people into a parking lot. I didn't realize until after the fact that it was the volunteer lot, and they weren't checking for volunteer parking passes or anything. But they said we didn't have to move, so we stayed there. We got all our stuff and stood there shivering, because it was rather chilly, and I was in just my bike gear. We wandered around for a while, and then I put in my contacts while sitting on the curb. This is not a good idea when it's windy out, and I did drop one contact on the ground. Luckily, I washed it off, and there were no tears. Once I got that done, we went to bag check and then Henrike picked up her bike from the Trek people. We got some food from the stand by the bike line up (I got a half a bagel and a couple orange wedges), and then wandered around before we went back to where the 40 milers were lining up. Mom and Ryan sat on the sidewalk (pic to the left).

At this point, I had this cramp in my shin area (you know the driving/walking muscle that runs up your shin from your foot/ankle area...that muscle). I felt like it was strained, but I was convinced I was just psyching myself out. I wanted to do the 40 miles, and I was set on it. So I lined up with the 40 mile riders (pic to the right) and my riding buddy Henrike (pic to the left). We set off on the course, and man was that route bumpy! It was great to finally be riding in the Challenge, and I was totally loving my Livestrong Oakley's for blocking the wind out of my eyes. I could feel my legs starting to burn right away, but I was determined to keep going. We got to the first rest stop (pic to the right), ate some oranges and PB&J, drank some Gatorade, and I realized that the cramp in my shin wasn't me psyching myself out...it was for real. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't ride, but I didn't think I'd be able to finish the 40 mile course, so I talked to Henrike and decided to cut off on the 10 mile. I was feeling pretty disappointed in myself, but decided it was the best thing to not push myself to hard and risk further injury. I called my mom to let her know I was taking the shorter course so she and Ryan could be at the finish line waiting for me. Since I was riding by myself now, I got out my iPod shuffle and turned on the music. I figured I'd let the rest of my ride have a soundtrack other than "whooosh" from the wind.

I got to the point where the 10 mile course turned right, and I was still feeling disappointed, but I just told myself it was the best thing and kept going. I turned the corner and immediately freaked. It was the largest incline of the ride thus far. I decided to walk it, but as I was trying to step down, my cleats got stuck on my pedals. I didn't want to fall, so I just kept praying that I'd have enough momentum to get me up the hill, and I'd try again to get out of the pedals on a flatter surface. Luckily for me, there was a nice man at the top of the hill, and I yelled out to him telling him my feet were stuck and asked for his help. He ran over and stood in front, holding my handlebars so I could get my feet unstuck. I stepped off the bike and rested for a minute or two, then decided to walk up the street a bit and get back on my bike. After that, I didn't have to stop once for the rest of the course. I didn't clip in though. I think I'm going to have to get different types of cleats...or maybe just shoe straps. This isn't the first time the cleats have gotten stuck.

So I had the computer on my bike and I was watching the miles tick by and I was thinking how great I felt and wishing I hadn't taken the shorter route. Once I got onto 290, I was pretty much completely alone. There were two riders a long way ahead of me and no one behind me. This stretch was pretty bumpy for a while, then a nice portion of fresh pavement. Around mile 7.5, the Livestrong song (Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow) came on my iPod, and I started crying. I was thinking about Avia and how she died, my Gpa who is in remission, my aunt who just got diagnosed recently, all the people that donated to me, all the great survivors riding, and then I thought of my mom and Ryan who were waiting for me to cross the finish line. It was VERY windy at this point, and I was getting a little scared. But then "If You're Going Through Hell" came on my iPod (I had it set on shuffle...so this was completely coincidence), and I just pushed on through with determination...like...I'm not going to let WIND beat me on this course. I'm going to just keep going. Then I saw the sign for Tiger Lane, and the cop cars. I heard the cheering from the finish line, and I couldn't believe I was almost there. I got choked up again seeing all the people cheering me on, even though I didn't know any of them. They announced my name, and then I saw Mom & Ryan and I grinned! They had a sign for me and they were cheering and yelling. I was so glad to have them there.

After putting my bike in the corral and getting some food from the Ride for the Roses tent (Thank you Henrike for the bracelet), I talked to Mom & Ryan about the ride and I realized that I probably could've done about 20 or 25 miles, but I wouldn't have been able to finish the 40, especially since that hill I struggle with was almost at the very end of the 40 mile course. We put my stuff in the car, and I changed out of my bike shorts into jeans. Then we went to cross the street to the pizza place, and we saw Lance ride by us. After sitting at the pizza shop for a while, I decided to take my book and sit at the finish line so I wouldn't miss Henrike. I was there for a while cheering people on as they crossed, and I found out that my friend Travis was cramping up around 62 miles or so on the 90 mile course. I sent him text messages encouraging him. I never found out if he made it across the finish line though. Then I saw Henrike coming (pic to the left) and I cheered for her. We waited around to see Lance speak and Wideawake perform (pics below) before heading back to the car to meet up with Mom & Ryan.












We had a great time, and I cannot WAIT to do it again next year. It was amazing to see all the survivors crossing the finish line. I was especially inspired by a father and son team who crossed the finish line holding their hands up in the air, clasped together. I raised enough money to be listed in the book of top fundraisers, even though I fell short of my goal. But that gives me something more to work toward next year. Yes, I decided I'm doing the 40 next year. No excuses. I will be ready this time...and hopefully I'll have a better bike to ride. :)

This year's ride may be over, but the fight isn't. We're soldiers in the Livestrong Army. We're waging war on cancer...and we are going to win.