Livestrong Challenge Training Blog

Decisions...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:53:00 +0000

So I made a decision today. I've been really worried about how I'm going to be able to get in shape for my ride. 45 miles is quite a distance, and since I dealt with my kidney stones and two surgeries most of the spring/early summer, I've had basically no training all year. I know I can do the 10 mile course easily with just a little training, so I decided I'm going to switch and do that instead of the 45 miles. When I originally started thinking about this, I didn't want to do it because I felt it was a cop out, but I figured out a solution to that dilemma within myself. The event is a bike ride and 5K run. In the other event cities, they're at the same time, but in Austin the run is saturday and the ride is Sunday. So to make myself feel like I actually accomplished something even though I'm doing the shorter distance on my bike, I'm going to run the 5K also. That's going to take some training for sure since I just started running recently. I figure if I can do the 5K run and then the 10 mile ride, I'll really be proud of myself, even if I don't do the 45 mile ride.

Check out this website!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:15:00 +0000

Ok, so I've been a little behind on my blogging. Please forgive me. Life has taken some crazy turns in the past few months. I've been unable to train all summer due to suffering from kidney stones since March. I had two surgeries this summer, and I'm hoping that problem is done with now so I can get my ass in gear for the ride in October. I also attended the Livestrong Summit in July, which will warrant an entire post all its own. I'm moving back to Kansas next week, so I've been crazy busy with that also.

This post has one purpose and one purpose only: to introduce you to Captain Cure! I met Ty Wakefield at the Livestrong Summit, and we became fast friends. I have been so inspired by his story, and this project he's working on is going incredibly well. Captain Cure is a kid who gets super powers from his chemo and fights cancer. It's a comic book that Ty's putting together for kids with cancer, and it's an incredible resource!

Check out his new site:
www.captaincure.net

Livestrong Day Event Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:51:00 +0000

My Livestrong Day fundraiser is quickly approaching, and I feel like it's coming too fast. I don't have any idea how many people are going to come, how many will order beforehand, and how many will donate. I would like to get the word out to as many people as possible that might want to either order something from the Pampered Chef portion of the show or just donate to my ride. I know many of you that read this board are also participants, but if you wouldn't mind at least sending out the information to order from my show, a portion of the proceeds get donated to my fundraising total. This is going to take a lot of time and a decent amount of money to plan, and I want to make it worth it by raising as much money as I can through direct donations or customer orders.

Thanks!

Livestrong Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:08:00 +0000

I'm extremely excited and proud to announce that I have been selected as a delegate to the 2008 Livestrong Summit in Columbus, Ohio in July! I also got the travel scholarship!!! I'm so honored to have been chosen, and can't wait for the experience to begin!

Livestrong Day Event!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:09:00 +0000

So it's official! I'm hosting my very own Livestrong Day Pampered Chef Fundraising Show! I've got it scheduled and chosen the space, and I have a Pampered Chef hostess lined up. We're going to have some healthy food, possibly a silent auction, and any profits will be donated toward my Livestrong Challenge fundraising goal. I'm going to be having contests for the person who brings the highest amount of donations and also the person who brings the highest number of donations. I'm not sure what the prizes will be yet. We'll also have raffles for various merchandise. If you're interested in attending the event, let me know. I'll be posting more detailed information as the event gets closer! :)

I'm riding for...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:56:00 +0000

When I ride, I carry with me the names of everyone that donates, as well as anyone they donate in honor or memory of. This year, I am personally riding:
In Honor of Chris Newman, survivor
In Honor of Clinton Olson, survivor
In Honor of Gayle Clampitt, survivor
In Memory of Avia Bearg
In Memory of Shelley Harrington
In Memory of Lowell Wolf

Off to a great start...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:24:00 +0000

I've barely been registered for a full day and I've already got four donations worth $525!!!! Thanks especially to my mom and my Aunt Helen for donating so generously. This is so inspiring and motivates me to work even harder. My goal is definitely attainable with generosity like this in the world!!!

Now I just need to get on my bike and train. Cold, cold, GO AWAY!

Another year, another ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:07:00 +0000

It's official! Registration is open for the Livestrong Challenge 2008, and I'm riding 45 miles in Austin! I'm so glad to be participating again this year. Last year's ride was such a memorable experience. I hope that this year's ride is even HALF as incredible as last year's! I'm looking forward to another year of Challenge blogging and sharing my experience with all of you. Once again, I'm raising money to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and I hope all of you will donate. My fundraising website is:

http://austin08.livestrong.org/amandacphillips

Thanks in advance to everyone that donates!

Cancer sucks

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:51:00 +0000

So this week has been pretty bad. My aunt Gayle has fallopian tube cancer, and they found out she has more than just that. She's going in for surgery on the 13th to remove growths and to find out what stage she is. The difference between stage I and stage II is HUGE, so please pray for stage one. Then she'll start chemo based on what stage she's at and how fast she recovers from surgery. I also found out that a dear friend, Libby (who sang in our wedding), has been diagnosed with what they're calling a "low grade" cancer, PMP. It's looking like it's coming from her appendix. She's going to be starting chemo soon. On a positive note, my Gpa is doing well. He still has to get the stents in his kidney replaced periodically, but so far the cancer has stayed away.

I'm pretty good at finding songs that mean something to me, and finding meaning in lyrics...relating to them. Well, the current song that's been stuck in my head is called "How You Live" by Point of Grace. It's a contemporary Christian song, but the words apply to so much more than that, and I felt them especially appropriate for right now:

Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes

And have what you want, but want what you have
And don't spend your life looking back

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night

Don't run from the truth 'cause you can't get away, no
Face it and you'll be okay

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end, there's nobody else

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Seriously everyone, please pray for my aunt. I know all of you know someone that has cancer, or maybe you have/had it yourself, but she needs all the help she can get right now. She's still so young (in her 50s), and she has two young grandsons (both under age 5).

It seems like everyone around me is getting cancer. After the Challenge was over (can you believe it was only a couple weeks ago?), I felt almost let down in a way, because it was over...there was nothing to work toward anymore. But then I realized, I can do next year's ride. I can raise more money for the LAF. I realized I can fight to pass proposition 15, and I can vote. I got a proposition 15 poster signed by Lance at his San Antonio appearance, and I'm going to frame it and hang it on my wall to remind me what we're all fighting for.

Livestrong Weekend - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:58:00 +0000

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.

Livestrong Weekend - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:37:00 +0000

I wake up thinking it's the middle of the night, and Mom's freaking out because it's 6:45. We were supposed to wake up an hour earlier, and we're going to be late for our volunteer post! So we're all getting ready as fast as we can. We ran downstairs and grabbed a banana, since we didn't have time to wait for an omelet. Then we walked up to the staging area. Mom and I got up to our post at 13th & Lavaca (pic to the left) and Ryan waited to start the run (pic below). I was disappointed that I didn't get to see him start or finish the run, but we did see him along the route. We were standing at a corner pointing runners/walkers in the right direction, and cheering. Mom kept saying "Good job runners & walkers! Livestrong!" We saw Lance & Andy, and I swear we saw Mia Hamm (either her or her identical twin)! It was inspiring to see all the children on the route running, and I mean really running all out. He finished 145th overall at about a 9 minute mile. He was registered under my name, so his times came up under the females (which we are getting a HUGE kick out of). I saw that my friend Russ finished 53rd overall!! Congratulations!

After the run, we walked back to the hotel and realized that they had kept the breakfast open longer so people coming back from the run could eat! We were VERY happy, and ate omelets and pancakes and all that. Then we just relaxed in the room, reading and napping. We went back to the convention center and walked around a bit, taking a few pictures, put cards on the wall (pic to the left), and added names to the chain link (pic to the right). I'm posting this a bit early because we're getting ready to go to dinner at Olive Garden (loading up on pasta), and when we get back, I'm going to soak in the hot tub, shower, and do some extensive stretching before we go to sleep (leaving me no time to get online and post before bed). Hopefully, I will be hydrated and relaxed.

Pray that I get some restful sleep tonight, that I have strength tomorrow, and that I safely finish the ride. I have decided to wear my Air Force jersey tomorrow so that I can be more easily spotted by my mom and Ryan (and all my blogger friends who might want to find me at the post ride party). Hope to see you all there! :)

Livestrong Weekend - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:27:00 +0000

So, it's almost the end of Day 1 of my 3-day Livestrong Weekend here in Austin. I've had the pleasure of spending some time with Henrike the past couple days. She's staying in our room with us at the Embassy Suites. When she arrived in San Antonio, she had a few gifts for me...German chocolate in the shape of a bicycle, a coffee mug with a picture of Lance from last year's ride, and best of all a rubber bracelet replicating the "Top Climber" polka dot jersey from the Tour de France (which she said was to inspire me on the hills). This bracelet is now on my wrist right next to my Livestrong one!

After we got to Austin and checked into the hotel, Mom, Ryan and I took a trip up to Ikea in Round Rock, and then we drove back into town to go pick up my registration packet and walk around Livestrong Village. I picked up a ton of free stuff and spent a lot of money, but I love every single thing I bought, including a new Unite jersey and t-shirt, which I will wear proudly in support of the LAF and the Livestrong Army. I was amazed to see all the people there wearing yellow and getting ready for this incredible weekend. Tomorrow, my husband is running my spot in the 5K, and I will be volunteering as a cheer marshal on the route.

I'm still nervous. I'm still terrified. I'm still worried. And I'm still in big trouble regarding Sunday. I expressed these concerns in a recent message to my best friend...telling her I was nervous.

She wrote back: Don't be nervous about Austin. Look at all you've done the last few years? You got clean, you are figuring out life, you started a family, you moved away from all your friends and learned to stand on your own two feet and attempt to lean on your husband for support. Now, if you can do all that? You can make it up that hill!!! Just don't over do it, and stick with your bike buddy! And Yes, I will KICK YOUR ASS if you don't make it. I mean on the right hand... "Make it up the hill".... On the left hand 'Robin Beats my ass"..... is there really a debate here? LOL You're a strong woman w/ motivation and determination.... You can do this!!!

I responded: See...THAT is why i love you...I keep thinking that I'm doing this for other people, for cancer, for whatever...but you reminded me that I'm doing it for myself too...in spite of everything I've been through I'm still standing, and I'm stronger. I have nerves and doubts and worries and fears like everyone else, but I have determination...and a best friend standing over my shoulder (like the devil/angel) telling me she's going to kick my ass if I don't keep moving.

That reminded me...twice this morning (once after my shower and once in the car on the way to Austin) I heard this song by Rodney Atkins called "If You're Going Through Hell". It's no coincidence that I heard that song so many times today, right as I'm having a crisis of faith and confidence. If you're not familiar with the song, my favorite parts are:

Well I've been deep down in that darkness
I've been down to my last match
Felt a hundred different demons
Breathing fire down my back
And I knew that if I stumbled
I'd fall right into the trap that they were laying, Yeah

But the good news
Is there's angels everywhere out on the street
Holding out a hand to pull you back upon your feet
The one's that you've been dragging for so long
You're on your knees
You might as well be prayin'

Guess what I'm saying
If you're going through hell
Keep on going, Don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

Yeah, If you're going through hell
Keep on moving, Face that fire
Walk right through it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

This song instilled a vision in me of crossing the finish line exhausted, in pain, barely able to move...but still THERE. All I can do this weekend is enjoy this experience, cheer on the runners tomorrow, take care of my body so it's prepared for the physical strain, and continue to remind myself of WHY I chose to put myself through this test in the first place. We all know. It's the same for all of us. Good luck tomorrow morning to all the runners/walkers. I will be somewhere on the route cheering you on!

I'm in trouble...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:32:00 +0000

I'm beginning to think that maybe I'm just not supposed to do this ride. After everything I've been through this summer with the rain, the sprained wrist, the illness, etc., I got hit with the stomach flu last week. I haven't been able to ride, and so I decided that now that I'm feeling better I'm going to ride every day for the next week. Earlier this week, I took my bike in to get serviced before the ride and got my seat pack, tubes, CO2 pump, etc. Also got a riding jersey finally (an Air Force one that my husband bought me).

I got on my bike today aiming to go 10 miles, but realized right off the bat that things weren't going to go very well. I had stupidly decided to ride in the middle of the day, right in the peak of San Antonio heat. Nope, not very smart. I also hadn't decided where I was going to ride before I rode, another mistake. At first, I was very excited and motivated, because I rode right up this pretty tough hill that I've been afraid to ride for quite a while, but then I got to the busy street on my route, and had some trouble with cars zooming by me at very close distances, etc. It also didn't help that the "busy street" was STRAIGHT up hill. I was going slowly but steady, and then I had the bad luck to hit a light in the middle of the hill (I had been hoping it would turn green before I got there). That did me in. I got off the bike and walked it through some retail parking lots before turning down the wrong side street to get home. Had to turn around and walk the bike back up THAT hill, and down to the right side street (still going up hill). I got back on my bike and decided to just ride home. At this point, I had walked quite a ways while holding my bike, so my shoulder was KILLING me, making it tough to concentrate on riding. I ended up riding about 6 miles, but approximately 1 mile of that was walking along side the bike. And I was completely beet red and felt like I was dying. I almost didn't get my bike up the stairs to my apartment.

Hence the title of this posting... I'm in trouble... BIG trouble. I'm never going to be ready for next Sunday. Please, anyone that has any tips for me let me know. And anyone that believes in it, please pray for me to get the training I need to prepare for the ride.

Chili's & St. Jude's

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:48:00 +0000

On 9/24, Chili's restaurants nationwide are going to be donating 100% of profits to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. This is an amazing place, as many of you probably know. For many of us that go out to dinner several times a month anyway, this is such a great way to enjoy our meal even more.

On top of that, Chili's developed a website where you can decorate a pepper and dedicate it to someone or a group of people, etc. I created a pepper for my friend Avia, who I'm riding in memory of this October. To get to my pepper, follow these directions:

Go to createapepper.com
In the bottom right corner where it asks for a pepper code, enter: 114120

You can also create your own peppers. It's pretty fun!

Every once in a while...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:22:00 +0000

Every once in a while I like to watch the LAF Manifesto video to remind me of what we're doing and why we're doing it. I also like to listen to a few songs that help motivate me:

1. Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow - Wideawake (the Livestrong Song)
2. There's Hope - India.Arie

Also, check out this link for breast cancer shirts. They are AWESOME!
http://www.save2ndbase.com/buy_a_shirt.htm

Look what I got!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:10:00 +0000

I've been struggling a lot riding with my glasses/sunglasses, because they're very small lenses and don't shield my eyes from the wind very well, and they also need to be wiped off every two seconds or so when it's wet out. So today, I went to the eye doctor and got contacts. I can't wear contacts full time because they drive me nuts, but I wanted them for riding. My husband and I had decided that once I got my contacts, I could get the Oakleys I've been wanting! Check out what I got!!! They're so awesome!!!

http://oakley.com/pd/4852?tile

Minor setback

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 22:59:00 +0000

So I woke up yesterday with soreness in my left arm. I figured maybe it's just from sleeping on it wrong, but the pain got worse throughout the day. Then I was thinking, well, it's no big deal because it's only when I straighten my arm, and I keep it mostly bent when I ride. Today, I woke up with the same pain in my arm, but I was still thinking I'd be able to ride with it because it was just sore, not really affecting riding. I planned to ride tonight when I got home from the grocery store, but as we were getting the bags out of the car, I tried to lift one of the bags with gatorade bottles and I almost dropped it on my foot. Apparently, it's worse than I thought, because I cannot handle a lot of weight, thus riding is out for at least the next couple days (unless I get a miracle and my arm feels better all of a sudden). Grr!

Cool Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:35:00 +0000

I just saw this quote on a friend's blog and totally love it, so I had to post it here. Enjoy:

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Riding in Dripping Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 23:42:00 +0000

Today was the day I've been anxious about for a while...riding in Dripping Springs. Through posts on the Challenge message boards, we organized a small group ride in Dripping Springs over Labor Day weekend to get a feel for the area and the drive out there. My best friend surprised me with a last minute visit to San Antonio from Kansas, so she joined us on the ride, thanks to Travis, who lent us his spare bike. After getting up before 7am, showering, and getting into my riding gear, my husband helped me load the bike rack and my bike onto the back of our car. I gathered up everything I needed, filled mine and Robin's Camelbaks, and we got on the road. Traffic was basically nonexistent on the way north, and finding Travis' house was extremely easy. After meeting Travis and adding his spare bike to my bike rack, we followed him out to Dripping Springs (which was also a very easy drive). We met Steve in the parking lot and got out on the road on our bikes.

I had lofty aspirations of possibly going maybe 20 miles (but farther if I was doing ok). Keep in mind that I haven't ridden in months, and the farthest distance I've ever ridden at one time was 6.2 miles. So we got going, and it wasn't too bad. Weather was cooperating with no rain, lots of cloud cover and mild temperatures. I realized right away that I had forgotten to stretch before I got on the bike...a big mistake which can lead to major injuries (but luckily did not do that for me). My slow speed on the bike became immediately apparent, as I frequently fell behind Steve, Travis and Robin on the route, but they were nice and doubled back for me more than once. They weren't kidding when they said the hills were going to be tough. I had stopped looking at the odometer on my bike a while ago and had just started trying to survive on the bike. My god do those clipless pedals help when you're dying up a hill! It also helps to have your own personal cheer section and motivators on bikes riding behind you. No matter how slow I went, Steve and Travis stayed with me and helped me push farther.

I told Steve before the ride that when I couldn't move anymore, that's when I'd stop. Well, that time came right around 7 miles. We were going up yet another hill, and I just couldn't go anymore. I got out of my pedals and just stopped in the middle of the road, got off my bike, walked to the edge of the pavement, laid the bike down in the grass, and sat down on the ground. I felt like I might puke. My face was tingling right above my cheekbones, next to the outside corners of my eyes on both sides. My arms and legs were shaking. I didn't think I'd be able to walk, let along ride back to the car. So there I sat. Robin had ridden ahead, so Steve road up to find her and bring her back to where I was. Travis and I discussed it and thought the best option would be for him to ride back to the car on his bike with my car keys and bring my car out to where I was so I could load my bike on from there. While waiting for Travis, I had regained the ability to stand and walk a little. After resting with Steve and Robin for a while, I decided maybe we could ride back along the road, and when I needed to, I would stop and wait for Travis. Most of it would be coasting, not too many bad hills for a while, so I thought I'd give it a try. We got back on the bikes and road slowly back the direction we had come. All told I added another 2 miles to the total distance before Travis found us. Steve and Robin rode back to the lot where we had started, and Travis helped me load my bike. We drove back to the lot and loaded up to head back to Travis' house to drop off the spare bike, and then made the long drive back to San Antonio.

By the time we got back within the San Antonio city limits, I was so exhausted that I called Ryan to come get my bike, grabbed my stuff out of the car, and Robin and I both went upstairs for a nap. Robin's still sleeping, but I'm finally awake after several hours of "I'm just too tired to keep my eyes open anymore" kind of sleep.

I did learn several things today:
Lesson #1: Having other people there in and of itself is a boost.
Lesson #2: If I can go 9 miles after not riding in months, between training the next few weeks and the adrenaline rush of the Challenge itself, I will definitely be able to do the 40 miles.
Lesson #3: Even if I feel like I can't move anymore, rest long enough and I CAN get back on the bike and ride farther.
Lesson #4: I need to find a riding buddy for the actual course...someone like Steve or Travis who will help me push myself.
Lesson #5: I CAN and WILL (when necessary) push myself further than what I think my limits are. Self motivation has always been an issue for me, but I know now that I can do it when I need to.
Lesson #6 (and perhaps the most important one of all): This isn't about the bike. It's not about how far I ride or don't, or how hard it is, or how bad the hills are. This is about Cancer. This is about the Lance Armstrong Foundation and supporting their fight. This is about all the people in my life and around the world who have had or been touched by cancer. My suffering on the bike will be NOTHING compared to what cancer patients experience on a daily basis. I've had those thoughts before, but it never hit home with more emphasis than it did today. I've got tears in my eyes as I'm typing this, thinking about why I decided to do this ride in the first place...because I CAN.

Thank you Steve and Travis for being so kind and helping me survive. It was wonderful to have other people there to talk to, and, when i was working too hard on the bike to talk, people there with words of encouragement and support. I could not have gone as far as I did without your help.

Today was a good day...a very good day.

Total miles on the bike: 9 (91 left on Russ's Challenge)

Mild freakout

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:02:00 +0000

So I just looked online and saw the elevation plan for the Austin routes, and saw that the 40 mile ride (which I was already freaking out about) is actually 45 miles, not 40. I'm really hoping it's a typo. ::sigh:: Oh well.

I'm back from vacation now, so time to get training. Looking forward to getting started this weekend.

Scrapbook

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:20:00 +0000

I just decided that I am going to make a scrapbook of my whole Livestrong Challenge experience, maybe include some of these blog entries, and some from friends like Russ, Jen & Lauren (if that's ok with you guys), and even some of the comments I've received. I've got tons of ideas, including having the book itself be yellow or black, and I'm going to buy more of the actual Livestrong bracelets and cut them to use on some of the pages along with yellow & black paper, etc. :) I was thinking about using one of the Livestrong Challenge binders, but it's too flimsy.

Is anyone else totally energized by the news that the volunteer signup sheet will be up online in the next week or two? I am! My husband and my mom are both going to volunteer in Austin, and my husband is running my spot in the 5K.

Here's to hoping some more money comes in so I can make the Ride for the Roses! Good luck to everyone.

Being sick sucks!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:30:00 +0000

Between the flooding rains in Texas and being too sick to ride my bike, it's been over a month since I rode!! I'm going crazy! My doctor told me today that I have some kind of infection in my lungs similar to walking pneumonia, but it's NOT pneumonia. I should be feeling better in a couple days, and she said I should be able to breath well enough to start riding again on Sunday or so. I can't wait!! Now, of course, I have to squeeze an entire summer of training into a mere 2.5 months. There's actually three months left until the ride, but we're going on vacation for almost two weeks at the end of July/beginning of August, and I won't be able to ride during that time. I'll be walking miles and miles around New York City, and I'll work out with my sister in law in DC, so that'll be some exercise I guess. In any case, I still have LOTS of work to do. I'm going to try to find a spin class, and maybe a couple aerobic/cardio type classes at a gym or something for when we return from vacation. That way, if it rains, I'll still be able to stick to my class(es) and keep my progress going.

I haven't had much luck in fundraising lately. I'm still stuck around the same place I was in May, except for my husband's monthly $10 donation. I've put the word out to lots of friends, family, acquaintances, etc. and hopefully I'll find some people to help out with benefit events, etc. I did find two sponsors, but we have not finalized how much they will be contributing, so I have no clue how much farther I still have to go to reach my goal of $15,000. The good news is that I do have two sponsors lined up, both of which will be finalized in mid August.

On a completely non-cycling related note, my Gpa Olson (who was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer last fall) has a PSA level of almost zero! It's like 0.023 or something like that. For those of you that don't know what that is, it means my Gpa is officially IN REMISSION!!!! There is still lingering organ damage, but they removed the stents in his kidney, and he's looking SO great! We're all so relieved! He looks great and feels great, and he even said (before the doctors told him officially) that he really felt like the cancer was gone. This makes me so so so happy, and extremely grateful for the care he received at KU Med Center in Kansas City. There's also a possibility that Gpa Olson might come down for the ride, and maybe my mom too! I'm very excited about both of those possibilities!

Riding in Kansas

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 22 May 2007 14:51:00 +0000

We finally got a bike rack for the car just in time for our trip up to Kansas for my sister's graduation from the University of Kansas. I was very nervous about having the bike on the back, but it got here with no problems. I finally made time to ride on Saturday evening near my parents' house in Shawnee, and it was great. There are several bike trails in the area, so I only had to be on the roads for maybe 1/2 mile getting to and from the house to the trail. Unfortunately, I've only been able to ride once since we've been in town because of all the graduation festivities, etc. I rode about 5.1 miles, almost all of it clipped in! I'm getting a lot more comfortable with the pedals, but I'm still hesitant. My wrist is doing better since the fall two Saturdays ago, but it still gets really sore sometimes. That's all for today. Back to work I go. :(

My first fall

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 13 May 2007 00:06:00 +0000

I went out today, fully intending on riding the full ride my trainer had scheduled for me. However, at about the 5.1 mile mark, I fell for the first time, landing on my left wrist with the entire weight of my body and my bike. Luckily, that's all I hit. I have no scratches or other soreness, so it could've been much worse. See what happened was, I was stopped at a light, and I had unclipped from my right pedal and stepped down to the right light I was supposed to, but when I got my foot on the ground, the weight of the bike went slightly to the left, knocking into my left leg and pulling me down to the ground. I got right back up (giving the "I'm okay" sign to the lady in the car behind me) and rode home, where I called my husband to come downstairs and carry my bike up because I couldn't lift it. I couldn't even turn doorknobs or barely get through my shower. My mom told me that if I have any tingling in my finger or if my wrist swells at all, I should probably go to the ER to get it x-rayed. I don't think it's swelling, but I had tingling almost immediately. I have to watch the Spurs game, but I might go to the ER afterward if it's still hurting at that point to make sure there's no torn ligaments or anything like that. At least I have my priorities straight! ;)

The ride was very productive overall, even with the fall. I got my first fall out of the way with no major injuries, so I guess there's the silver lining in that. I also got completely clipped in, not just one foot...both feet. FINALLY! It's what caused me to fall, but it was SO worth it. I felt such a sense of accomplishment, and my legs really aren't as sore. I also rode up a hill while standing up! I couldn't believe I actually did it! When I got to the top, I was like...wow, did I really just do that?! So all in all a productive day, even though I didn't go as far as I wanted distance wise.

Fundraising is going well. I'm still officially at $1010, but we made $60 from our garage sale and $15 from aluminum cans (our cans, and cans from our neighbor's work) which we haven't sent in yet. That puts my unofficial total at $1125 with pending donations, etc. Can't wait for LIVESTRONG Day!

Going backwards...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sat, 05 May 2007 22:32:00 +0000

I haven't ridden since I got my new pedals over a week ago, and I haven't worked out either. I'm totally slacking off in my training. I was very excited to go riding today, and was scheduled for 9 miles. However, since I haven't ridden in a week, I only managed to get 4.3 miles ridden. My legs are KILLING me! I feel like I'm going backwards in my riding. I was up over 6 miles, and now I can barely finish 4. I was going to ride farther, but it had started to sprinkle, and I had my iPod shuffle on my bike, so decided to ride home rather than risk it getting wet.

Before I went out, I was very excited to ride with my new pedals and shoes, to finally clip in to the pedals and use the force and strength of my entire leg, not just my quads. Once I got outside with my bike, Ryan was holding the bike so I could learn how to attach my feet to the pedals. I got the hang of it, but I got really scared, so I didn't ride clipped in today. I still rode with my new shoes, but I just didn't clip in. I mostly used the back side of the pedals. The shoes did kinda clip in, so I got the basic idea. I also tried not to take my feet off the pedals or move my feet at all so I could get used to "being stuck" on the bike that way. I'm afraid of falling. I know it's going to happen at some point, but I don't like getting hurt. To be honest, I'm a baby and a complete wuss when it comes to injuries. I hate blood and I don't want to break anything. So I think that mentally it's going to take me a while to be comfortable with these new pedals, with being "stuck" to my bike while I ride. I'll get there I'm sure, but I'm scared and nervous about it.

On a more positive note, I actually pushed myself today! There was a hill that I'd gone up before, but only once (with Shelly). I was hurting really bad, but I kept thinking about what Shelly told me on another hill when we rode together... take one pedal stroke at a time. Count them in small groups. I did that, and I made it to the top! I was SO proud of myself! Hopefully, next time I'll be able to ride farther, and maybe even clip in for part of the ride. We'll see!