June 17, 2008
The Real Winner
Here is "Rhonda" from San Diego California. the winner of the Trek Bicycle drawing at the Danskin Triathlon held in Anaheim this weekend. Receiving her winning information from my relay team member and Danskin organizer for Trek Bicycles; Lindsay Bradley.
Rhonda is such a deserving winner. She was telling us that she is a breast cancer survivor for 10 years. She trained and trained to enter last year but was too ill at the last minute. This year she was ready to "Tri" again, and guess what, she was on a borrowed bicycle because she did not own one. Well now she does, and I hope to see her again next year if not before, perhaps in San Diego this weekend where there will be a WSD Trek demo visit in her home town. By the way, I did tell Rhonda that I wanted to feature her in my journal and I hope she likes the picture because its a great way to remember the moment. Aren't these girls just the best and perfect examples of the Women Who Ride. Fabulous, both of them.
So I am on my way to San Diego this weekend to attend the WWR Demo. Let me know if you want to go along for a visit with our friends "down there", as we say in the long state of California.
Come Ride With Me
June 9, 2008
"Tri vs. Trying"
Coming up this week I will be attending the Danskin Triathlon on Saturday and Sunday. This year the venue is held at California Adventure inside Disneyland Park here in Anaheim, California. How fun is this, I can commute to a major event and it's only about 12 miles from from home. Gosh, sometimes I drive further than that just to take a bike ride. I will be participating in the Relay with Annalisa Hughes, my youngest daughter who will be doing the running, Lindsay Bradley, who manages the Danskin Tour for Trek is our swimmer, and I will do the bicycle leg. I have more to learn here and I thought the Relay would be a perfect way to become acquainted with the Tri. Annie and I already have a commitment from my daughter Gina to participate next year. Her health is improving every day and she has next year on her radar as a goal for herself.
I am learning to look at things from the full "glass" perspective these days, and although I am not doing the complete Tri, I am out there "Trying", by participating and learning and both Annalisa and I are looking forward to the new experience. This is certainly different from any other organized race we have ever participated in. It will also give me more to discuss with my Trek sisters, the next time we all meet together.
This weekend I rode my bike for 90 minutes came home, got on the trainer and did my interval training. A little bit different for a workout but this is part of my fitness plan. I am so glad I have the CycleOps all set up and ready to go, so I can mix up my training. This week I need to get in some good workouts early in the week, and then stop by the bike shop before Saturday to have them look over my "Little Girl Twin" to make sure she is in good shape for Saturday.
Come Ride With Me
May 15, 2008
"Da Nile"
During the week when I am busy with work and the day to day issues, I like to take you along with me even when it is not on a bicycle. I want to help convince you that for most issues that step in front of us, we can pass them by and still manage to do some sort of exercise. It will help you learn and want to do more to keep yourself healthy. This week I have been giving a lot of attention to health matters, most of which are mine. This is really all very personal stuff I share but I do feel that I am no different that anyone else and I want you to connect with me as the average woman out there in Bike land.
"Good thing I don't like donuts." Diabetes is tough work and since I am in this rebuild mode, I might as well visit this too. I am not a hypochondriac in any sense of the word. What I do want to point out is that this is all human, natural stuff that shows up at different times of your life. There will always be something to deal with.
My daughter Gina and I have promised to support each other with our Diabetes Management, and while again this is a very personal issue to share with you, I want everyone to know that this too can be managed even though it will never go away. We can enjoy our health and a bicycle lifestyle. Diabetes is 98% self managed and if you don't take responsibility for it, it will kick you in the butt for the rest of your life with heart disease and kidney problems to say the least. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy an active lifestyle; in fact it will help you in the long run.
I got the results today of my A1c Hemoglobin, and it was right on the mark. I was resisting this test because I didn't ' think I had done the job. My RN support told me that because of my cycling and healthy eating choices that my test was excellent and if there was one thing that you can do to help this process, it is the exercise. Now that I am sure I'm headed in the right direction, maybe I can start to safely take off a few pounds. So, don't let anything stop you from doing what you want and need to do. Next test, the old Mamogram; how am I going to report on that one? :- ) stay tuned.
Happy Birthday Annalisa, May 16, 1971, Love Mom
April 16, 2008
"We found Christy"
I received a long letter today from Christy. If you recall we featured her as a guest with an interest in bicycling. Here is what happened. Her husband got a great job offer and they moved from her lifelong home in Colorado to North Bend Washington. What a change don't you think? I told her that it will be a great experience for her and to enjoy the special time together with her husband.
She went on to tell me that since this move took place within such a small window of opportunity, she decided to leave her Trek bike behind with her nephew, and he is in 7th heaven learning about independence.
FABULOUS...Now she can go out and look for a new bike and she has already paid a visit to the Trek dealer, Singletrack Cycles. Christy tells me that they are really promoting the WSD program and will let her test ride the bikes, Of course they will.
So as soon as they get moved from temporary headquarters, she is going to get back on track, or path or trail and keep us posted on her equipment choices. By the way, Christy is my "Niece", and, I am so proud and happy that she has chosen to keep in touch with me even though her Uncle Cliff has passed. Thanks for the friendship Christy because we share a lot of "stuff".
Come Ride With Me.
March 20, 2008
"5 Long Years"
It's been five years now since my husband, Cliff Westrope passed away from Melanoma. As I promised him, I have continued to work for Cancer Awareness and to bring the message home for everyone ever affected. I am directing those efforts into "Trek Women Who Ride" as a Product Advocate where they have allowed me to write about my cause. As a result of that exposure, I have been invited to join Team Pelco as a participant in the Lance Armstrong Challenge. Cancer is an emotional experience with ups and downs; I did not want it to take away my hope for the future so I have turned my passion into energy to spread cancer awareness.
More than 10 million Americans are currently living with cancer, and more than 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year alone. It's time for us to do something about this. We must unite to make cancer a national priority. The LIVESTRONG challenge provides us with an opportunity to do just that. In honor of all my friends, family and the millions of people affected, I will be riding my bike on July 12th in San Jose, California. I have committed to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation which was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
I know I can do this with the support of friends like you. I'll keep you updated on my fund raising and training progress as I prepare for the event. Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
February 26, 2008
"More Please"
It seems that everyone is worried about weight loss these days, and I am among the concerned masses (pardon the pun) After I started down the path of life alone, I managed to work off 60+ pounds as described in my original story. How was I crowned? with Diabetes 2. I have not mentioned this until now because I had plenty of other stories to tell. It's kind of embarrassing because diabetes is often linked with obesity and I have enough demons without other reminders from where I have come. I am not a weight loss snob, and even though I have a very curvy figure that will never go away, I want to take off more weight. The problem is, I cannot starve myself. I must eat healthy while trying to keep my blood sugar in balance. With all the exercise I do, sometimes I get overwhelmed and I actually become very discouraged. It's difficult to manage weight AND eat 6 small meals a day AND keep from gaining AND keep blood sugar from spiking. Sometimes I feel myself sicken at the thought of jumping on the scale, and I try not to do that too often using instead, my glucometer as my scale. I thank Coach Mary who is aware of this issue and has encouraged me tremendously. When I did my metric century, part of my victory was managing my blood sugar while doing all those miles.
I must admit when I hear of fad, and quick weight loss diets I am somewhat jealous and somewhat annoyed. It takes a lot of patience and determination to plan healthy meals, but I know in the long run that I will be healthier for the effort. Why am I sharing this? maybe it will help someone else to ignore fad weight loss promises and hang in there with a proven plan and quietly work through it like I try to do. I WILL say the healthy person that needs to lose 5, 10 or 20 pounds, to quickly reach a goal, can withstand some calorie and nutrition deficit without any problems. Let's all be mindful that everyone has to stick with his own path to achieve goals; and it's good, to have goals.
Come Ride With Me.
January 31, 2008
"Class of 1965" Part 3
So here is Maria's (Mud's) e-mail to me. I will continue to introduce you to many inspirational women who are determined to stay fit, limber, happy, and maybe just a little sun tanned; well past 60 years. One additional story about Maria's life of sports tomorrow. Thank you Mud for the update and the material. Keep us posted on the latest.
"Wow, I'm so very proud of you for taking on this project with Trek. Your articles are great for those of us who are already 60 and also for those youngsters out there who probably think 60 year olds are couch potatoes. You know being 60 is not all that bad if you really think about it. I'm doing more with my life, now, than I did when I was in my 30's. I play Women's Senior Softball and now I've found another sport I just love to peices; Pickleball. I've been having a lot of trouble with my right knee so I am saying good bye to Softball after being actively involved since 1995 and have 5 championship rings to boast about. I too think biking is a great sport because for years I was involved in cycling. I even made a trip with some friends and my husband and kids to the San Diego area from Orange Country. This was a 100 mile trip that was very challenging for me. Also, when I lived 5 miles from work, I would ride my bike during the summer to work and back. I will do more bicycling when I retire in a few years because I want to keep healthy and young at heart. I play Pickleball on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. I want you to know that after reading your inspirational artiles that I know I need to fit in a workout schedule somewhere since I have a home gym and an elliptical machine in my garage, Duh...
So thank you my friend for sharing your Blog site with me and for your passion to pursue your dreams and take on the challenges that you have! It's a Good Life and I hope to live it to it's fullest. And I look forward to reading your blogs. I plan to share your site with several of my over the hill gals. God Bless and Love ya, Mud."
January 24, 2008
"Trek News"
Please take a moment before you sign out of the website today. Make a point to click on the TREK Advocacy site. "One World, Two Wheels". Trek sister Susan wrote a great article on this but I would also like to encourage you to take the time to look at it.
Rebecca Anderson is the Trek Advocacy Director and we had the opportunity to meet with her again on our last trip to Wisconsin. Rebecca and her team are truly committed to this project and as you read, you will not only gain a new awareness of Treks inspiring story of commitment and responsibility toward our environment but also keeping our children healthy.
As the public becomes informed, things begin to happen. Consumers start to become involved and we begin to embrace vision. Give us your thoughts on this program; directly to Rebecca or through Women Who Ride. This is your chance to make a difference.
Come Ride With Me
January 8, 2008
Meet Christy
I promised not too long ago to introduce you to a few connections that I have made with my readers. Later in the week I will be posting a photo of another friend that I have already introduced you to.
For today, please meet my friend Christy. She has contacted me from Colorado and is at a very significant crossroads in her life. She had made a decision to start riding her bike again and learn how to ride with the clips and special shoes. She has made a comitment to become healthier, stronger and has already increased her confidence about the bicycle and her daily life. She visited her local bike shop for encouragement and instruction and it was there that she discovered that her bike was the wrong size, and way to big. Ahhh yes, yet another story. We have been exchanging e-mails for some time now and decided to become exercise/training pen pals.
We have also discovered we have many other interests in common that we can share, including Belly Dancing. I haven't mentioned this to you before now, why, I have no idea. There is just so much that I have yet to reveal about what get's me on that bicycle for yet another ride. So, stay tuned for things that Christy and I will share; training, ideas, kudos, whatever it takes to keep us peddaling down the right path. Let me know if you have a good story to share. There is always room for good information to pass along. If I am really lucky, I'll be sharing a trip to Denver Colorado so Christy can...
Come Ride With Me.
December 2, 2007
I Want To Be Just Like Barbara When I Grow Up
My Trek sister Susan often ends her e-mails to me by saying, "I want to be just like you when I grow up". I always liked the way that sounded and thought it was a great compliment. Thanksgiving weekend I met Barbara who is 92 years young. I am showing you a picture of one of Barbaras favorite things, Roses; her house is full of fresh cut roses in lovely keepsake vases.
Barbara walks to her gym every day to put in her time on the treadmill and she also walks to the store for fresh vegetables a few times a week. Living on her own she plays bridge, cribbage and prepares all her own meals. This young spirited lady has a stellar attitude about facing every new day by just jumping in there and tackling what she has to get done on her own. Although she no longer drives a car, she does shop with friends and still finds a visit to Costco worth the trip because her shopping buddies then divide the large parcels so everyone shares in the deals and bargains. I am anxious to tell more of her story. Maybe the one about flying the airplane, maybe about her college days at Oregon State or one of many more. She can be an inspiration to all of us so the next time I visit Barbara I will take a picture of her on the treadmill.
I am introducing you to Barbara because I want to be just like her when I grow up. Although her son visits her twice a month, in between those visits she does her own thing, lives her life, doesn't create drama around herself and is a great role model for women that function well into their 90's. Take care of yourselves ladies, if we are lucky enough to live into the 90's then we need to be prepared to be strong and self-sufficient like Barbara. Let's get started.
Come Ride With Me
November 12, 2007
Where's The Finish Line???
As I was reading an article today, it came to mind that I seem to judge many things by putting whatever concept it is, into a "Block of Time". I seem to have created this Race with myself trying to achieve so many things . I don't think I have become obnoxious about any of it; and I certainly don't preach my philosophy about good health, to others. Rather, I am determined to be the best "I" can be, which leaves a long road ahead to travel. Well, I guess it's good to have goals, and I guess it will give me something to work for. So, Where's The Finish Line???
I stopped, listened to my heart, thought I heard something and turned around. Guess what I saw...The Finish Line, miles behind me. Jeeze, I have been so busy I didn't notice that I eclipsed my original goal. My sense is that this has probably happend to many of us. Do me a favor and join me for a moment. Stop, take a break from the forward momentum and just enjoy where you are in life. It's a great place to be. Take the time tonight to go out and look up in the sky and enjoy the view of the stars. It's one of my favorite things to do. It makes me feel like I really belong exactly where I am.
Come Ride With Me
October 29, 2007
Postcards From The Edge
Every week I try to summarize my bicycle experience and think about the things I need to change or improve about the experience. I try to be realistic about my goals and what I can and expect to accomplish. One thing I know, is that I am anxious for our ladies bike ride club to get off the ground because a few of my issues will resolve themselves just as time progresses. Strength and technique is a big issue too and Coach Mary Daubert has suggested a bicycle trainer system to set up at home. She has already told me about many ways this can help. My summary:
- Sometimes it is a challenge to find a passerby to document my bike ride in a picture.
- I love to ride in solitude, it is wonderful to listen for the sounds of nature.
- When I am alone, nobody will see my mistakes. (good thing, bad thing)
- The ride home in the car is rather boring because there is no discussion of the day's ride.
- I need more knowledge about bicycle mechanics.
- Strength, strength, strength.
I Promise to report progress, change or improvement in all these areas.
Come Ride With Me
September 12, 2007
Life Got In the Way
I too have received many requests for my entry to the Women Who Ride Campaign. Thank you for asking.
I suppose you could say I started over at the age of 55. This is a solo journey I began after my husband of 20 years, passed away. I am sure as anyone would do; I put my life aside for two years, to shower him with love and care to the best of my ability. As his last wish to me, I promised I would turn around my own health and create a healthy life for myself going forward.
I had a lot a weight to lose and had not exercised in a long time. So, I set forth to heal my body, my heart and my spirit. I knew if I was going to succeed it was not going to happen overnight, and one of the lessons I had to learn was to be patient. I started by using old exercise videos from around the house and learning to read the labels on the food I was buying. As I slowly progressed, I found enough courage to drag myself into a local exercise studio for women. I was religious about my visits at least three days a week and soon I had the confidence to take long walks out in public to boost my routine.
As I mentioned before, it was a slow process, but I kept raising my goals and after three years, I ran a charity “5K” with one of my daughters, who faithfully stayed next to me during the entire race; since then we have even run a "10K" together.
So, here I am today, 4 years into my journey, many pounds lighter, and my new TREK 7000 bicycle was my present to myself for my 60th birthday. I hopped on that beautiful "ride" as if it was just yesterday that I last rode. I am now setting new goals to enjoy my cycling experience for many years to come.
I want everyone to know that it wasn't easy, but I am glad I took the road to good health on my journey forward through life. I feel so good about myslef today, and would like to help to encourage and convince other women, that it is never too late to start living strong.
Come Ride With Me
August 24, 2007
It Starts Here
If you have read my initial story line, you will be aware of how my journey has progressed from No Energy, No Motivation, and No Hope. Every time I felt I couldn’t accomplish something, I tried to remember the well used adage “Baby Steps”. Every goal I achieved was made up of small victories such as walking one block. I try to remind myself there is really no rush or no hurry. I will say it didn’t happen overnight and I learned quite a lesson in patience. I can now walk for miles, run, as long as the knee is healthy, and my new discovery is the Bicycle.
It’s really very easy to get started and I found myself rolling down the road before I had time to think up excuses. I started asking the young kids at work questions about bicycles. They didn’t care that I was older and they didn’t say “What are you thinking”. They politely answered my questions, and that gave me the courage to walk into a bike shop and ask more questions.
Come ride with me.
August 15, 2007
No Rocking Chairs Allowed
After becoming a widow I didn’t think I would be eager about anything ever again. Everything was an effort and I literally didn’t have the passion to do anything. I remember one of my friends saying, "I should introduce you to my mother, maybe you could keep each other company." Yikes, get me outta here!
The only rocking chairs allowed are those that display a lovely "throw" or perhaps a home for a trailing ivy. That is until they design one that has pedals.
I won't settle for what is expected. I vow to explore and try new things. That's why I am learning this new sport to prove that I can. I may get discouraged, I may get bruised, and I may get lonely. But not for long baby, somebody is going to notice.
Come ride with me.
