We are the Dancers

So, this past week the Cleveland Cavs had their big announcement.

About new dancer auditions...

My husband asked "Platypus goal?"  It might be a little too soon for 2014 - but no one puts Platypus in a corner. Given a year to master a triple pirouette?  Who's to say for next season?  I rule nothing out!

I got a summer cold that has been making the rounds, but my training rides the past week or so have been in the 12-mile range.  I have a lot of work to do to be ready for Bike MS.  Please help if you can - every dollar helps this great organization.

I took the past two days off to recover from my sneezes, but it's back to work this weekend...

8.6

I will need to learn new adjectives.

Today marked my first real training ride as I prepare for Bike MS - Pedal to the Point.  It was my first ride on a bike in years and my first since DRD diagnosis. To be sure I could make the attempt, my husband placed my bicycle in a stationary trainer in our home recently.  After a week of riding without travelling... it was time to put the rubber to the road. 

I was joined by my husband, father and a dear friend who decided he was up for a last minute adventure.  The weather was perfect.  A bit serpentine at first, I was able to get moving and find balance. My nervous energy was quickly replaced with awe as I tried to take everything in --- cool breeze, shifting contrast of shade and sun and the freedom of coordinated movement.  At a few points I sounded like our little platypus (she will be two soon) with an unfiltered laugh and a few spontaneous "Wheeeeeeeeee" moments as I sped downhill. 

At our halfway point we stopped on the path to take in a gorgeous rock formation and waterfall. I thought about those who I am riding for --- some who lose accessibility to these sights because they don't come equipped with ramps and require steps.  (How unfair that sometimes, such beauty is hidden from those who might be invigorated and comforted by it the most.)  It is not something I can articulate - feeling so sad, humbled and overjoyed all at once. 

8.6 incredible miles today.  I hope I have many more to go - whether I can describe them or not.

 

30 Miles - Bike MS

After about 10 years of being monitored and kept moving (literally) by the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center, I figure it's a fitting tribute for my first Platypus adventure to be for this great cause.  People say "30 miles? Pshhh, that's a pretty easy/fun ride."  I don't have the experience yet to refute or deny - only to note that at this time last year my "wheels" were powered by my hands and biking would have been out of the question.  (See the "About Me" section for the brief background on this.)

My husband placed my bike into his stationary trainer this weekend.  I got on board.  Felt pretty unsteady at first --- learned a few things quickly:

1) Seat adjustment = crucial
2) Padded shorts
3) Padded shorts
4) ... Padded shorts?

I'm excited!  I ordered up a small bike computer to track my distance.  I rode today until I was soaked with sweat and pride.  I officially have signed up for the ride and my fundraising page is live.  I am a bit nervous that when the computer arrives, it will tell me that my perceived hard effort yields only a mile or two.

Stay tuned friends - I'll keep you posted!