It's a Small World After All
I've always said you can't go anywhere where you don't have a connection to someone. So don't do anything stupid. Turns out I'm right. Even peddling down the highway.
After a week of no motivation and three days watching two of my grandchildren, ages 22 months and 9 months, I needed to get back into the swing of things. I only put in two days of workouts last week and really felt down and draggy. It's the most tedious time at work for me but that's not entirely the reason for my low energy.
You see, my friend Claudia was getting ready to travel to Tyler, Texas for her very first Half Iron Triathlon. She was training for this last year and was injured at a race we did together over Labor Day, just three weeks before her big race. Now she was ready to try again and I couldn't be prouder of her. She's worked very hard for this and, well, I was feeling like a slug. So many of my friends are accomplishing things beyond my scope and I was feeling like a failure. Don't get me wrong, I am the best cheerleader for my friends that I can be. They are an awesome group of people and I love to hear about their adventures. But it seems that no matter what I am doing, someone is doing more and doing it better.
But that's stupid thinking. I am who and what I am. Who would have thought that in doing JUST a sprint triathlon I would feel like a slacker. I'm slow and that's not going to change. So I did some soul searching and realized I'm doing what I want to do. I don't have it in me to do an Olympic distance triathlon let alone a half or full Iron Man. I will probably never run a half marathon let alone a full one. But I'm out there. I'm moving and I get to the finish line. I may be slow but I'm way ahead of those who don't even try. Turtle Power!
With my new perspective and a determination to be the best Me I can be, I headed out for a brick bike/run workout. The wind was around 14 mph, but that's nothing new so I might as well get used to it. I planned a 12 mile ride and a 2 mile run and I was going to enjoy it!
So when another cyclist road up beside me I was a little startled. I wasn't going very fast but I didn't think I was THAT slow. We started talking and she is getting ready to do the BAK, Bike Across Kansas, in a few weeks. I'm planning to do one day of the ride, about 60 miles. We chatted a little and she was nice about slowing down to keep pace with me. When it was time for me to turn around and head back home we exchanged names. Pam W. Hmmmm. Her's sounded familiar to me and when I gave her mine she screeched her bike to a halt. She had tried to make contact with other riders from our town doing the BAK and had been looking for me. I asked if she had a son named John and sure enough, I made the connection. Her son and my son are good friends. My son was a usher in her son's wedding. It's that small world thing all over again. We exchanged some more information and promised to introduce each other to more of our riding friends at the BAK. She is a much stronger rider then me but that's OK. Lots of people are stronger riders then me.
Pam headed on south to finish a 40 mile loop around the area and I headed back home to swap out my bike for running shoes and did 2.15 miles at my usual slow turtle pace. I'm still marveling at all the people I have come into contact with because I'm out there. Whether at a race or on a ride, there are so many great people to meet and I'm so glad I'm able to be part of that experience. Making connections in the most unusual places makes life so much more interesting.
So even if I'm slow and ONLY do sprint triathlons, that's OK. Because competing is only half the journey. Being part of the racing/riding community is the other part of the journey and it makes this small world a pretty great place to be.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Motivation Missing
I'll admit it. I'm lacking motivation right now. My training schedule is not beyond my abilities but I somehow manage to sabotage myself at least once or twice a week. I'm still getting 3 to 4 workouts in but not the 5 that the plan calls for.
Yesterday I was to do a run and a swim. I don't like doing the run first because it really makes the swim difficult. But if I waited until after my swim I would be really late for supper. I chose to not run and go home instead.
On the plus side my swim was really good. I timed the first 400 meters and it was the fastest to date. I did another 450 meters at a relaxed pace and they too were faster then my top speed last year. But I just couldn't make myself turn for the running track instead of my car.
I felt like I was letting myself down. But at the same time, I realize that if a run wasn't in me I would really be disappointed in the results. My run today was 4 mile and I kept a good pace for the first 2 miles and the 4th miles wasn't too bad either.
But life is going to get in the way the rest of the week. I will be playing Grandma with two of my grandchildren for the rest of the week. I have one more week of work until I'm done for the summer. Then I promise to follow my plan a little better. At least I have good intentions.
I'll admit it. I'm lacking motivation right now. My training schedule is not beyond my abilities but I somehow manage to sabotage myself at least once or twice a week. I'm still getting 3 to 4 workouts in but not the 5 that the plan calls for.
Yesterday I was to do a run and a swim. I don't like doing the run first because it really makes the swim difficult. But if I waited until after my swim I would be really late for supper. I chose to not run and go home instead.
On the plus side my swim was really good. I timed the first 400 meters and it was the fastest to date. I did another 450 meters at a relaxed pace and they too were faster then my top speed last year. But I just couldn't make myself turn for the running track instead of my car.
I felt like I was letting myself down. But at the same time, I realize that if a run wasn't in me I would really be disappointed in the results. My run today was 4 mile and I kept a good pace for the first 2 miles and the 4th miles wasn't too bad either.
But life is going to get in the way the rest of the week. I will be playing Grandma with two of my grandchildren for the rest of the week. I have one more week of work until I'm done for the summer. Then I promise to follow my plan a little better. At least I have good intentions.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Anything For a Donut
Saturday's training schedule was a little messed up. But when donuts are involved I can find a way to make it work.
The original plan was to go swimming then a ride. Sounds pretty straight forward. Then my hubby said he was taking the day off. That called for a revision of my plans. I train on my time, not our time, and he's been working very long hours to get planting done I was not going to miss spending time with him. He still had to go to the farm first thing in the morning to make sure the irrigation systems were running and do the daily maintenance. So while he was gone I was going for a ride and then when he got home we would head to the donut shop.
My ride was good and I even got in a little speed work. The wind wasn't too strong and my speed was just where it should be. When I got home I called Hubby. As luck would have it things were not running smooth out on the farm. It would be a few hours before he would be home. Rats. There goes my donuts. And then he had a wonderful idea. Why don't I go get the donuts before they run out of all the good ones and we'll have them later. Brilliant!
That also gave me the push to go swimming. I picked up the donuts then went to the Y. I have discovered that swimming after running or biking is hard. Very hard. But I managed 600 meters at a decent pace that even included some backstroking. Then it was home to have my donuts.
When I got there Hubby was still out working (so much for the day off) and I couldn't wait. I ate my treat and savored it with my recovery drink. No guilt involved since I did my original workout and did it well. When he finally got home he ate his donut as I watched. It's amazing how somehow things just work out.
When I first started training last year the first thing I read was to get the support of your support system. To that end I worked very hard to train on my time and still keep up with the day to day things like laundry, lawn mowing, and food. Sometimes that means sacrificing a little training time but I value my time with family and friends. But when I can make a workout fit in AND have a fresh donut AND spend the rest of the day with my hubby it's magic.
Saturday's training schedule was a little messed up. But when donuts are involved I can find a way to make it work.
The original plan was to go swimming then a ride. Sounds pretty straight forward. Then my hubby said he was taking the day off. That called for a revision of my plans. I train on my time, not our time, and he's been working very long hours to get planting done I was not going to miss spending time with him. He still had to go to the farm first thing in the morning to make sure the irrigation systems were running and do the daily maintenance. So while he was gone I was going for a ride and then when he got home we would head to the donut shop.
My ride was good and I even got in a little speed work. The wind wasn't too strong and my speed was just where it should be. When I got home I called Hubby. As luck would have it things were not running smooth out on the farm. It would be a few hours before he would be home. Rats. There goes my donuts. And then he had a wonderful idea. Why don't I go get the donuts before they run out of all the good ones and we'll have them later. Brilliant!
That also gave me the push to go swimming. I picked up the donuts then went to the Y. I have discovered that swimming after running or biking is hard. Very hard. But I managed 600 meters at a decent pace that even included some backstroking. Then it was home to have my donuts.
When I got there Hubby was still out working (so much for the day off) and I couldn't wait. I ate my treat and savored it with my recovery drink. No guilt involved since I did my original workout and did it well. When he finally got home he ate his donut as I watched. It's amazing how somehow things just work out.
When I first started training last year the first thing I read was to get the support of your support system. To that end I worked very hard to train on my time and still keep up with the day to day things like laundry, lawn mowing, and food. Sometimes that means sacrificing a little training time but I value my time with family and friends. But when I can make a workout fit in AND have a fresh donut AND spend the rest of the day with my hubby it's magic.
Friday, May 17, 2013
I'm a Turtle
I plod along, take a break now and then, but eventually get to my destination. That pretty much describes my 3.5 mile run last evening.
The temperature was in the high 80s when I set out but I can't blame everything on the weather. It was hot but not so hot that it was dangerous. I held to a slow steady pace for the first 1.75 miles. Then I had to take a break. I slowed to a jog that would make a snail proud, but that didn't help me recover enough. I had to walk. Well, I didn't HAVE to walk, I let myself walk. And that's OK. Because I've found that if I let myself recover when I start to run again I run faster then if I had tried to slog through it at a very slow jog. But the idea is to get to where I don't have to take that walking break at all. I'm there, just right at that point, but I need to stretch that point out farther.
Today is going to be a busy day at work so the rest day is coming at the right time. Tomorrow it's a swim and bike ride. I'm looking forward to that. Unless it's really windy. Where I live the odds are it will be windy. Rats.
I plod along, take a break now and then, but eventually get to my destination. That pretty much describes my 3.5 mile run last evening.
The temperature was in the high 80s when I set out but I can't blame everything on the weather. It was hot but not so hot that it was dangerous. I held to a slow steady pace for the first 1.75 miles. Then I had to take a break. I slowed to a jog that would make a snail proud, but that didn't help me recover enough. I had to walk. Well, I didn't HAVE to walk, I let myself walk. And that's OK. Because I've found that if I let myself recover when I start to run again I run faster then if I had tried to slog through it at a very slow jog. But the idea is to get to where I don't have to take that walking break at all. I'm there, just right at that point, but I need to stretch that point out farther.
Today is going to be a busy day at work so the rest day is coming at the right time. Tomorrow it's a swim and bike ride. I'm looking forward to that. Unless it's really windy. Where I live the odds are it will be windy. Rats.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Super Scheduler
That's what it takes to find the time to workout. Yesterday was a perfect example. My plan called for a swim and a run. My work called for a meeting right in the middle of my workout time. Super Scheduler to the rescue!
Lap swimming opens at 6:00 and my meeting started at 6:30. No problem. Jump right in the pool, do a quick (as quick as it gets) 500 meters, do a quick change into my running gear and high tail it to the meeting. It was a meeting for those of us working at the regional track meet in a few days. I was a few minutes late but they were still eating supper so no big deal. Since it was a meeting at the track I just hung around afterwords and did a nice paced 1 mile. I was supposed to do two but I'll admit I was trying to show off a little and ran too fast to keep it up. But that was a nice looking mile, at least for me.
That's what training takes. You have to be flexible and willing to workout at odd times. Combining my work schedule, my husbands schedule, my grand kid's schedule, and life in general is not easy. It takes creative thinking, a little juggling, a lot of prioritizing, and some luck, but it can be done. I have no idea how people train for really big events and not get snowed under with day to day living. My hat's off to them! But for today, I'm Super Scheduler!
That's what it takes to find the time to workout. Yesterday was a perfect example. My plan called for a swim and a run. My work called for a meeting right in the middle of my workout time. Super Scheduler to the rescue!
Lap swimming opens at 6:00 and my meeting started at 6:30. No problem. Jump right in the pool, do a quick (as quick as it gets) 500 meters, do a quick change into my running gear and high tail it to the meeting. It was a meeting for those of us working at the regional track meet in a few days. I was a few minutes late but they were still eating supper so no big deal. Since it was a meeting at the track I just hung around afterwords and did a nice paced 1 mile. I was supposed to do two but I'll admit I was trying to show off a little and ran too fast to keep it up. But that was a nice looking mile, at least for me.
That's what training takes. You have to be flexible and willing to workout at odd times. Combining my work schedule, my husbands schedule, my grand kid's schedule, and life in general is not easy. It takes creative thinking, a little juggling, a lot of prioritizing, and some luck, but it can be done. I have no idea how people train for really big events and not get snowed under with day to day living. My hat's off to them! But for today, I'm Super Scheduler!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Bonk
We went from winter to summer in 10 days. From record low temperatures to a high today of 95 degrees. That's Kansas. But my body was not ready for the sudden heat and I bonked on my ride today.
The original plan was to ride to the Y and swim, then ride home. That would get the 12 mile ride I needed and the swim all in one shot. The wind was low today and the temperature in the mid 90s. Just last week we were bundled with ever piece of clothing we owned to ride in Hays. But when Kate H called and wanted company on a ride I gladly changed plans. Riding with friends is a lot more fun then riding alone.
So after meeting at the zoo we took out on my favorite route. Things were going fine until about 7 miles out.The peddling suddenly got hard and sure enough I had a flat. This is the first ever flat on the open road for me. Time to see if all that knowing what to do could be put into action. With Kate's help we got the tire changed without too much trouble considering this was a first for both of us. I've helped Claudia before but I think I was in the way more then a help. Ten minutes later we were on the road again.
Immediately I knew I was in trouble.I couldn't get a good cadence going and I was struggling with every little hill. After a few miles I had to call a halt and get off my bike. My vision was narrowing to a tunnel and I felt like I was spinning. After leaning over my bike for a few minutes we started again, but before long I had to stop again.
I hate being the weakling of the bunch. But this time I just couldn't help it. It took about five minutes to clear my head but after that I was able to keep on the bike. Kate is such a good sport about waiting for this old lady when I know she could have completed the ride much quicker on her own.
Looking back I made several mistakes. I didn't eat anything before the ride except a handful of M&Ms. I don't think they count as fuel. I also didn't hydrate before the ride. I had water with me but when the weather is suddenly much warmer I know that water is even more important.
Riding with a friend was absolutely the right thing to do tonight. The training plan is just a plan and adjustments can be made. I'm so glad I did!
We went from winter to summer in 10 days. From record low temperatures to a high today of 95 degrees. That's Kansas. But my body was not ready for the sudden heat and I bonked on my ride today.
The original plan was to ride to the Y and swim, then ride home. That would get the 12 mile ride I needed and the swim all in one shot. The wind was low today and the temperature in the mid 90s. Just last week we were bundled with ever piece of clothing we owned to ride in Hays. But when Kate H called and wanted company on a ride I gladly changed plans. Riding with friends is a lot more fun then riding alone.
So after meeting at the zoo we took out on my favorite route. Things were going fine until about 7 miles out.The peddling suddenly got hard and sure enough I had a flat. This is the first ever flat on the open road for me. Time to see if all that knowing what to do could be put into action. With Kate's help we got the tire changed without too much trouble considering this was a first for both of us. I've helped Claudia before but I think I was in the way more then a help. Ten minutes later we were on the road again.
Immediately I knew I was in trouble.I couldn't get a good cadence going and I was struggling with every little hill. After a few miles I had to call a halt and get off my bike. My vision was narrowing to a tunnel and I felt like I was spinning. After leaning over my bike for a few minutes we started again, but before long I had to stop again.
I hate being the weakling of the bunch. But this time I just couldn't help it. It took about five minutes to clear my head but after that I was able to keep on the bike. Kate is such a good sport about waiting for this old lady when I know she could have completed the ride much quicker on her own.
Looking back I made several mistakes. I didn't eat anything before the ride except a handful of M&Ms. I don't think they count as fuel. I also didn't hydrate before the ride. I had water with me but when the weather is suddenly much warmer I know that water is even more important.
Riding with a friend was absolutely the right thing to do tonight. The training plan is just a plan and adjustments can be made. I'm so glad I did!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Running With The Buffalo
It's been a hectic weekend but that never seems to change. Finding the time to workout is always a problem and with everything else that life throws at me it's amazing that I find the time at all. But when something unusual happens it makes the effort so much more enjoyable. Like running with buffalo.
Friday was a nice calm day but overcast. The drought is extreme here and the rain a few nights ago has lifted everyone's hopes for more. But the wind was down and the temperature was mild so even though it was sprinkling a little I started on my ride anyway. I got a little damp and the roads were slightly wet but that's about all we had in the way of precipitation. I tried a new route and it was exactly the mileage I was looking for. All in all nothing spectacular but good.
Saturday I had the choice of 3 runs in the area. It's amazing how many more races/runs are being held compared to a few years ago when I had to drive long distances to find races. I chose a local 5K that benefited the animal shelter and was run at the zoo. The weather was cool and the wind brisk. The turnout for the run was small but I knew several of the other runners. Then they told us we would be running inside the zoo. Hmmmm. That meant the distance would be short of 5K by quite a bit. I was needing a 3 mile run to stay on my training schedule so I was a little disappointed. But what the heck. That meant that I could push the shorter distance and pick up my pace a little.
Running in the zoo is always interesting. The animals were out and watching us. The lion and puma just sat at the front of their enclosures and watched us pass by with looks of boredom. I could almost see the lion thinking "I bet they would run a lot faster if I was not behind this fence!"
Then we passed by the buffalo enclosure and as if on cue the two huge buffalo started keeping pace with us! We ran beside their area for a little while and they seemed to be showing off for us two legged beasts. The larger of the two is easily 8 feet tall to his shoulders, dwarfing us puny humans. I imagined what the Native Indians must have felt like running with a herd of thousands of these giants and having the courage, strength and stamina to bring one down. It seems impossible, but they did it to survive.
So maybe that is what I should do. Work to build my strength so that my body is ready for the challenges in this life. Push hard and long to build the stamina to go the distance to finish the tasks set before me. Dig deep to find the courage to face each obstacle head on. Then maybe I can run with the buffalo every day. Wouldn't that be amazing!
It's been a hectic weekend but that never seems to change. Finding the time to workout is always a problem and with everything else that life throws at me it's amazing that I find the time at all. But when something unusual happens it makes the effort so much more enjoyable. Like running with buffalo.
Friday was a nice calm day but overcast. The drought is extreme here and the rain a few nights ago has lifted everyone's hopes for more. But the wind was down and the temperature was mild so even though it was sprinkling a little I started on my ride anyway. I got a little damp and the roads were slightly wet but that's about all we had in the way of precipitation. I tried a new route and it was exactly the mileage I was looking for. All in all nothing spectacular but good.
Saturday I had the choice of 3 runs in the area. It's amazing how many more races/runs are being held compared to a few years ago when I had to drive long distances to find races. I chose a local 5K that benefited the animal shelter and was run at the zoo. The weather was cool and the wind brisk. The turnout for the run was small but I knew several of the other runners. Then they told us we would be running inside the zoo. Hmmmm. That meant the distance would be short of 5K by quite a bit. I was needing a 3 mile run to stay on my training schedule so I was a little disappointed. But what the heck. That meant that I could push the shorter distance and pick up my pace a little.
Running in the zoo is always interesting. The animals were out and watching us. The lion and puma just sat at the front of their enclosures and watched us pass by with looks of boredom. I could almost see the lion thinking "I bet they would run a lot faster if I was not behind this fence!"
Then we passed by the buffalo enclosure and as if on cue the two huge buffalo started keeping pace with us! We ran beside their area for a little while and they seemed to be showing off for us two legged beasts. The larger of the two is easily 8 feet tall to his shoulders, dwarfing us puny humans. I imagined what the Native Indians must have felt like running with a herd of thousands of these giants and having the courage, strength and stamina to bring one down. It seems impossible, but they did it to survive.
So maybe that is what I should do. Work to build my strength so that my body is ready for the challenges in this life. Push hard and long to build the stamina to go the distance to finish the tasks set before me. Dig deep to find the courage to face each obstacle head on. Then maybe I can run with the buffalo every day. Wouldn't that be amazing!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Timing Is Everything
It's been dry here. We have been in a major drought for over three years. So when the forecast is for rain we take it with a grain of salt. But the air felt different today so maybe, just maybe, we would get some long awaited moisture.
So with that in mind I went for my run at the local zoo. The path around it just happens to be 1.5 mile. That's pretty handy for running a 5K. I did my two laps and felt good about the run. I held pace most of the way and didn't walk at all. But the air felt heavy and the clouds were starting to pile up to the west.
Then it was off to the Y for swimming. The director said she was watching the weather and it was getting closer but I could go ahead and swim. I was really tired from my run so the first 200 meters were a struggle. But then I got into a rhythm and finished 600 meters in just under 18 minutes. I took a few breathers at the ends so that's not too bad of a time for me.
When I walked out of the Y the sky had turned very dark and the air was still. I had just gotten to my car when the first drops of rain hit. By the time I got out of the parking lot the wind was whipping dirt into the air and the first hail stones hit. Driving home was not fun but I made it. Wind, hail, and rain pounded the area and although we need the rain desperately it was pretty intense.
So watching the forecast paid off. If I had waited to run until after my swim I would have been caught out in the storm. It's so important to keep taps on the weather when you are out on a run or ride. I'll keep watching the radar and trying to fit my workouts in when it's safe. The rain is so welcome we can put up with everything else.
It's been dry here. We have been in a major drought for over three years. So when the forecast is for rain we take it with a grain of salt. But the air felt different today so maybe, just maybe, we would get some long awaited moisture.
So with that in mind I went for my run at the local zoo. The path around it just happens to be 1.5 mile. That's pretty handy for running a 5K. I did my two laps and felt good about the run. I held pace most of the way and didn't walk at all. But the air felt heavy and the clouds were starting to pile up to the west.
Then it was off to the Y for swimming. The director said she was watching the weather and it was getting closer but I could go ahead and swim. I was really tired from my run so the first 200 meters were a struggle. But then I got into a rhythm and finished 600 meters in just under 18 minutes. I took a few breathers at the ends so that's not too bad of a time for me.
When I walked out of the Y the sky had turned very dark and the air was still. I had just gotten to my car when the first drops of rain hit. By the time I got out of the parking lot the wind was whipping dirt into the air and the first hail stones hit. Driving home was not fun but I made it. Wind, hail, and rain pounded the area and although we need the rain desperately it was pretty intense.
So watching the forecast paid off. If I had waited to run until after my swim I would have been caught out in the storm. It's so important to keep taps on the weather when you are out on a run or ride. I'll keep watching the radar and trying to fit my workouts in when it's safe. The rain is so welcome we can put up with everything else.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Day One Double Up
Since this is a short (by most standards) training course they have packed a lot into each week. Today was a 20 minute swim and a 2.5 mile run. Because of the pool swim times I have to do the run first to be home when I want to be. It's not ideal but that's the way it's got to be until summer break begins.
The run went surprisingly well. I wore my new tri suit to test it out. It's a two piece suit from Zoot and it felt alright. The waist band is a little loose but I can pull the draw strings a little tighter. I kept a good pace for the first 2 miles and slowed down for the last 1/2. I don't like running on the city trail because of all the stopping for traffic involved but I got it done.
The swim was OK. I was more tired then I thought I would be even after a nice cool down after the run. I still managed to swim the first 400 in about 11:30 which for me is really good. I took it easy for the next 200 and it seems like as soon as I relaxed I flowed better through the water. I'll have to learn to adapt that attitude through the entire swim, not just at the end.
All in all a good start. I am so much farther ahead then I was last year at this time and I know I can do the event without dropping dead in the street. Tomorrow is a bike ride and a forecast of rain. I'll have to start working on Plan B.
Since this is a short (by most standards) training course they have packed a lot into each week. Today was a 20 minute swim and a 2.5 mile run. Because of the pool swim times I have to do the run first to be home when I want to be. It's not ideal but that's the way it's got to be until summer break begins.
The run went surprisingly well. I wore my new tri suit to test it out. It's a two piece suit from Zoot and it felt alright. The waist band is a little loose but I can pull the draw strings a little tighter. I kept a good pace for the first 2 miles and slowed down for the last 1/2. I don't like running on the city trail because of all the stopping for traffic involved but I got it done.
The swim was OK. I was more tired then I thought I would be even after a nice cool down after the run. I still managed to swim the first 400 in about 11:30 which for me is really good. I took it easy for the next 200 and it seems like as soon as I relaxed I flowed better through the water. I'll have to learn to adapt that attitude through the entire swim, not just at the end.
All in all a good start. I am so much farther ahead then I was last year at this time and I know I can do the event without dropping dead in the street. Tomorrow is a bike ride and a forecast of rain. I'll have to start working on Plan B.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
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| Kate H., Claudia B., Me, and Lori G. bundled up for the ride. |
Triathlon training starts tomorrow and I'm using today to recuperate from what was undoubtedly the toughest ride I have ever done to date. The Hays Rope 'em Ride was yesterday and it will be a ride I will always remember, not just because of the challenging conditions but also because I finally got to see the beautiful Cathedral of the Plains and share that experience with some wonderful friends.
Last year Kate H. and I stepped out of our comfort zone and signed up for the Rope 'em Ride after her cousin mentioned the event. It benefits the local children's center and we were looking forward to seeing the area churches that the ride passed along the way. We logged 62 miles on a beautiful spring day with the temperature nearing 95 at the end of the ride with winds of 15 miles per hour. (To read more about this ride check the post for May 6th, 2012, Record Ride!)
This year the route for the ride was to pass St. Fidelis Church in Victoria. Known as the Cathedral of the Plains it is a towering structure build by the Volga-German Catholics in the area and is a testament to their faith and dedication. Native limestone was quarried south of the town and each family hauled wagon loads of stone to meet their obligations. It was a huge undertaking and resulted in a beautiful church that draws visitors from around the world.
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| Standing next to the plaque honoring my Great Grandfather. |
However, Mother Nature was working against me. Where last year's ride was beautiful, this year's would be a challenge. I watched all week as the forecast predicted temperatures in the low 50s with winds howling out of the north at 25 mph, gusting to 35. Not good riding weather at all. I've always been a fair weather rider and this was not fair weather. But I really wanted to see the Cathedral. It's not as if I couldn't drive up any time I wanted and visit, but the thought of riding up to the church on a bike tour just seemed right.
I worked and worked with the route, revising it for different distances and wind directions. I finally accepted that the only leg of the tour that was do-able (at least for me) was out and back to Victoria. It was only 24 miles and I didn't know if my riding buddies would want to make the trip for that short of a ride. But they were all willing to give it a try and we packed all the warm clothes that we thought we could wear and still peddle a bike.
The morning dawned cold and windy, 38 degrees with a 25 mph north wind. We set off to the east and made fair time to Victoria. The half mile we had to travel into the wind convinced us that we made the right decision not to travel the north-south legs of the route. As we pulled up to the Cathedral I was humbled by the size and scope of the building. It is 144 feet to the top of the twin spires. We went inside and waited for the warmth to fill us.
The church is beautiful. The skill and workmanship of the builders is evident. The dedication of the parishioners to undertake this huge task attests to their faith and endurance. And I was humbled to think that my ancestor had a hand in this holy place. I don't know which alters he crafted but I plan to find out. And then Kate told me there was a dedication plaque in honor of my great grandfather. I was overcome with pride. With tears in my eyes I looked at my great grandfathers plaque. He used the talent he was given for the joy of others. The least I can do is use the small talent I've been given to encourage others to be their best.
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| St. Fidelis, the Cathedral of the Plain. |
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. That applies to this ride for sure. I learned that with the correct preparation anything is possible. We dressed for the weather and made the best of the route with the conditions were were dealt. I learned that dedication and faith can create magnificent monuments to the human spirit. If I can apply that philosophy to my life think what I can mold of this humble lump of clay. I also learned that doing anything with friends is so much more rewarding then doing it alone. Without my friends by my side I might never have headed out into the cold and wind and never experienced the beauty of the Cathedral of the Plains.
So today I rest. Tomorrow the real fun begins. I am so blessed to have friends to share this journey.
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