red ribbon ride - closing ceremony (we're home!)

Well, surprisingly our spinning is over and while the quads need a break, we didn't collapse when we hit home. We were still so lively, energetic and ready to partay! Mom, Linda, Bill, Will and Lex came to closing ceremonies and cheered us on for our final mile in. William and Lexi are destined to do it next year with me even though they're not 16. Will said "what are they going to do if I just 'happen' to be biking the same route you are on?" He's my negotiator!

Thanks to Angie and Debbie for encouraging (I mean 'making me') do the ride. I had a blast thanks to you and your open arms!
See you next year!

red ribbon ride - on the road

What can I say, each day brought a new surprise... whether it be weather challenges, knee pains, stinky cow smell, winds, blown out tires, halloween in July, or more.....we encountered it. It was all good! I'd do it again.

Day 1 = minneapolis to lake city - 35 miles in the rain! (75 miles)
Day 2 = lake city to rochester - the hills are alive! (79 miles)
Day 3 = rochester to northfield - the farms are alive and so is the wind! (80 miles)
Day 4 = northfield to st. paul - slow start, chillax spinning, brunch at 10am at B's mom's house (45 miles)

The energy, verve, positive attitude and companionship of the team was unlike any I've experienced. I didn't know what to expect, but this is a shining example of the power of "we" over "me".

Check out some of the wacky stuff we did or created along the way!

red ribbon ride - (early!!!) morning departure

I awoke at 5 am on Thursday morning to energize my body with coffee and fruit before mom drove me to my drop off point. Our 300 mile AIDS bike ride taking place over four days started with a bright and early 6:30 am departure from the mall of america. Who knew I didn't need coffee to perk me up? Team Milkshake (12) had enough spark to send 10 astronauts to the moon and back! No joke.

Approximately 300 of us were sent off with good wishes, thanks from our supporters, hopes for good weather and great spirit. And now...the games and fun begin!

Tri survival

Yo yo. Just completed my fourth Lifetime triathlon after a two year hiatus. A week ago I wanted to back out of the Olympic long distance fearing I couldn't do it well, but I'm glad I stuck it out. The swim looked more daunting this year than in the past despite my love for swimming. The bike rocked and all those spinning classes paid off!! You know me and the run - we have a like - hate relationship! In the end, I shaved off 13 minutes from my last time to get my personal best time. That's all that matters. You know me...smiles all the way!

Thanks to all of you for your support. Thanks Linda for the new tri suit. It gave me power!

My Tri Boys!

When do I get to do a triathlon Gita? This is what I heard for years at the finish line of my Lifetime Fitness triathlons. Well, the boys have grown and I signed them up for it this year. No training, just complete confidence in themselves and their ability to do it. 

I packed their bags and the car, prepared them mentally for the race and what to expect and they did the rest. Alexi (13) was to swim 100 meters in a pool, bike 5 miles and run a mile. William (10) did half that distance. They both came with smiles, great energy, and a positive can do attitude (hmmm......wonder where they got that from?).

At the finish line they had smiles, but realized it was harder than they thought...when you put all that together, it's different than running a 7 minute mile in gym class.  Nonetheless, they're charged up and in the game. Onward and forward. Pretty soon, they'll be passing me at the finish line!

Go guys!

Linda turns one year younger!

The girls headed out to celebrate Lindy's birthday. 29 forever baby!