Well, here I was all confident and cocky about my first attempt at hills. Although it certainly kicked my ass last Sunday, I did it, and was proud. Imagine my surprise when I take on Griffith Park with the guidance of a veteran rider and can barely make it up the first one! Wow! Do I have a way to go. I've got to tell you, I am not a fan of reality checks! And boy, did I get one!
The interesting part was that it wasn't my legs and muscles that were killing me, it was my lungs and my poor little heart felt like it was going to burst right out of my chest. I thought I was in pretty decent shape. Not an athlete, but healthy. I do my 12 and 30 mile rides without feeling the need to pull over and throw up, or pass out when I get home. Turns out, those hills are just a little more difficult ;)
I'm really glad I've started early and have the time to train. Here's hoping I can make the hills a regular part of my week, in order to build up the necessary abilities to survive the ride in June!
Tomorrow is the World AIDS Day Ride and I'm looking forward to it. This will be my first ride with such a large number of participants. It should be a good experience for me to prepare for riding with 2,500 people :) I'm slowly building my group size to get accustomed to riding with so many others. Plus, it's wonderful to meet more people who are cyclists, supporting AIDS fundraising or both or neither!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Day of Firsts
Well, this weekend provided a plethora of firsts for me; first official training ride, first ride with hills and first use of my new bike rack. I've gotta say, each one almost killed me! The stress of a 50 minute ride on the 101 and 110 freeways with my bike strapped on was so stressful for me! I had tested out putting the rack on the trunk the night before, but I couldn't stop glancing in the rear view mirror every few seconds or stop my stomach from clenching with every bump and hop terrified I'd look back to see my precious cargo under the tire of an 18 wheeler!
Once my bike and I got safely to the meeting point, I was nervous for a whole new reason. Everyone else was a professional! They all had "Lance" style road bikes, were decked out in spandex and clip in to the pedals sneakers! I felt totally out classed! The description did say beginners, right?!?! So here I come, in my black yoga pants (still too many body issues to pull on the spandex just yet), Hybrid bike and Universal sweatshirt ;)
Then there's the ride itself....the hills that were described as "rolling" have me practically peddling in place on the way up with glutes burning and quads screaming and gripping my handlebars for dear life on the way down as I reach speeds of 25 miles an hour without pedaling! That doesn't even factor in the cars who leave maybe 4-6 inches between the two of you!
Besides all that whining...it was an AMAZING day! I met and rode with some fabulous, fearless females! I had the best workout of my life! I learned how to ride with more than one person at a time and practiced calling out dangers ad directions...and I laughed a lot (when I wasn't crying or complaining) with these mildly insane but ever so supportive and entertaining women!
Can't wait for the next one!
Once my bike and I got safely to the meeting point, I was nervous for a whole new reason. Everyone else was a professional! They all had "Lance" style road bikes, were decked out in spandex and clip in to the pedals sneakers! I felt totally out classed! The description did say beginners, right?!?! So here I come, in my black yoga pants (still too many body issues to pull on the spandex just yet), Hybrid bike and Universal sweatshirt ;)
Then there's the ride itself....the hills that were described as "rolling" have me practically peddling in place on the way up with glutes burning and quads screaming and gripping my handlebars for dear life on the way down as I reach speeds of 25 miles an hour without pedaling! That doesn't even factor in the cars who leave maybe 4-6 inches between the two of you!
Besides all that whining...it was an AMAZING day! I met and rode with some fabulous, fearless females! I had the best workout of my life! I learned how to ride with more than one person at a time and practiced calling out dangers ad directions...and I laughed a lot (when I wasn't crying or complaining) with these mildly insane but ever so supportive and entertaining women!
Can't wait for the next one!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thanks Giving indeed!
I am so overjoyed at the wonderful and immediate response from the first round of emails I sent out asking for support! I only sent them to family and co-workers and the response has been wonderful!
I am so grateful for all of the love and support! I am surrounded by the most wonderful, giving people!
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!
I am so grateful for all of the love and support! I am surrounded by the most wonderful, giving people!
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Ahhh the frustration!
I really want my early morning pre-work rides to become a regular habit...I just can't seem to get up at 5:15 am on the three required days! I did fine on Monday and Wednesday this week, but no luck today :( I just did not want to go. Humph! I'm pretty sure I used to be an early bird, I enjoyed having time to myself and the chance to get a lot accomplished before anyone else was stirring. These days it's such a struggle to not hit snooze over and over until the last possible minute!
I also need to get out my donation letters and start pulling in some cash! I'm a little daunted by the minimum amount, but also want to go over the required $3,000 and raise $5k! I know, doesn't make sense, but there it is.
I also need to get out my donation letters and start pulling in some cash! I'm a little daunted by the minimum amount, but also want to go over the required $3,000 and raise $5k! I know, doesn't make sense, but there it is.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Back In The Saddle Again
So here I am, starting up again :) After my initial "kick off" I went out of town for a few days and wasn't able to ride. When I got back in town, I just couldn't get myself up and out of bed in time to ride before work. Then, this past weekend a killer migraine took me out for the whole 48 hours. Yes, excuses, I know...but pretty valid ones I think.
Anyway, after all of the set backs, I got up this morning and got my 12 miles in! Here's to keeping it going all week!
Last Thursday I also had the pleasure of attending an orientation for new riders. It got me very excited for this journey, both the ride and the fundraising. I finally got to meet my rep face to face. I haven't been shy about harassing her electronically, but it was nice to see her in person and to meet another staff member, Pam. My loud self will fit in perfectly with this crew :)
There was a lot of information and some good talking points for donors in explaining where the money goes. I was able to ask some newbie questions, like "How do we get ourselves and our bike up to San Francisco?" or "Do those solar chargers work?" since we don't have access to electricity in most camps. The meeting was supposed to be from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, I was the last to leave at 9:30 pm! Shocker :)
On my way in to the orientation I met an adorable young man just hanging out at the Village and when I told him I was riding he gave me big hug and said "You're doing that? That's awesome! We need more people." My response was WOW, didn't know they'd lost so many people and he said "Oh, no. I just meant we need more good people." Made my heart break that this kid was so aware of the need for tolerance. It inspired me even more to support such a great cause.
So, that's the latest on me. Hoping to ride Wednesday, Friday and at least one weekend day, if not both! I'll let you know how it goes.
Anyway, after all of the set backs, I got up this morning and got my 12 miles in! Here's to keeping it going all week!
Last Thursday I also had the pleasure of attending an orientation for new riders. It got me very excited for this journey, both the ride and the fundraising. I finally got to meet my rep face to face. I haven't been shy about harassing her electronically, but it was nice to see her in person and to meet another staff member, Pam. My loud self will fit in perfectly with this crew :)
There was a lot of information and some good talking points for donors in explaining where the money goes. I was able to ask some newbie questions, like "How do we get ourselves and our bike up to San Francisco?" or "Do those solar chargers work?" since we don't have access to electricity in most camps. The meeting was supposed to be from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, I was the last to leave at 9:30 pm! Shocker :)
On my way in to the orientation I met an adorable young man just hanging out at the Village and when I told him I was riding he gave me big hug and said "You're doing that? That's awesome! We need more people." My response was WOW, didn't know they'd lost so many people and he said "Oh, no. I just meant we need more good people." Made my heart break that this kid was so aware of the need for tolerance. It inspired me even more to support such a great cause.
So, that's the latest on me. Hoping to ride Wednesday, Friday and at least one weekend day, if not both! I'll let you know how it goes.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Today was a Good Day!
Not only did I manage to get up and get 12 miles in before work...but I also received my first donation!!!! Woo Hoo! Thanks Aunt Linda :)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Traing - oh the Irony!
So I had been riding pretty faithfully, 3 - 4 times a week. And then I signed up for the ride...and now I haven't ridden in over a week! Seriously!
My riding buddy Ed and I had been riding 8 miles Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before work. We would then do a 30 mile ride on either Saturday or Sunday. In order to prepare for the ride, I wanted to increase my weekday rides to 12 miles each and do 30 miles both Saturday and Sunday. They recommend increasing your ride by 10% every week. I did do the 12 miles before work on 2 consecutive Mondays, but didn't keep up with the rest of the week or the weekend! So frustrated with myself for that!
I have Monday and Wednesday of this week to ride, and will then be out of town for a wedding Thursday thru Monday. Once I'm back my goal is to do the 12 miles on the 3 weekdays and 30 on both weekend days. Fingers crossed I have the discipline and motivation!!! In order to be held accountable I will be posting on facebook and twitter when I do ride.
My riding buddy Ed and I had been riding 8 miles Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before work. We would then do a 30 mile ride on either Saturday or Sunday. In order to prepare for the ride, I wanted to increase my weekday rides to 12 miles each and do 30 miles both Saturday and Sunday. They recommend increasing your ride by 10% every week. I did do the 12 miles before work on 2 consecutive Mondays, but didn't keep up with the rest of the week or the weekend! So frustrated with myself for that!
I have Monday and Wednesday of this week to ride, and will then be out of town for a wedding Thursday thru Monday. Once I'm back my goal is to do the 12 miles on the 3 weekdays and 30 on both weekend days. Fingers crossed I have the discipline and motivation!!! In order to be held accountable I will be posting on facebook and twitter when I do ride.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
New Adventure
Alright, I am re-purposing this often used blog (note sarcasm) to chronicle my exciting new journey. I have recently committed (probably should have been committed) to do the 9th annual AIDS Lifcycle Ride. In June of 2010 I will be riding my bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles over the course of 7 days. Yes it's insane. But, it's for a great cause and what a life experience! I have 8 months to train myself for the 545 mile ride, as well as raise the $3,000.00 required to participate.
My plan is to journal the process here and share it with my friends and family and their friends and family. I'm going to put up video clips (Vlogs to all us tech savvy kids) whenever I can (hopefully some action shots for you to mock) to give you a better insight in to the whole process.
I'm open to any and all fundraising suggestions and help as the amount is very intimidating! It has already been suggested that I sell some knitting items, so that will be coming along shortly.
I will be attempting to utilize the gazillion social networking sites out there to track and post my progress, including Twitter and Facebook. I already have a page on the ride site for donations and will be pushing that link hard! (see below)
http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/jotrostle
Thank you all in advance for sharing this adventure with me! I will need your support, a lot. Not just financially, but also emotionally and to remind me why I'm doing it on those mornings that I just don't want to get up and ride!
Following this post I will put up my current ride schedule and you can hold me accountable....I'm sure I will need it. Please follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jotrostle and become my friend on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jotrostle
Once again the AIDS Lifecycle page: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/jotrostle
From the site, a little information on why we ride:
It’s easy to think that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem. Medications have come a long way, and people are living longer, healthier lives. This is why the work of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is so vital. These agencies continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community. We ride to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors, and the general public. We ride because—in the current economy—our agencies need these funds more than ever. Ultimately, we ride so that someday, we won’t have to.
Please go to the site and learn about what these two amazing organizations do, and where your generous donations will be going. http://www.aidslifecycle.org/
Wish me luck!
My plan is to journal the process here and share it with my friends and family and their friends and family. I'm going to put up video clips (Vlogs to all us tech savvy kids) whenever I can (hopefully some action shots for you to mock) to give you a better insight in to the whole process.
I'm open to any and all fundraising suggestions and help as the amount is very intimidating! It has already been suggested that I sell some knitting items, so that will be coming along shortly.
I will be attempting to utilize the gazillion social networking sites out there to track and post my progress, including Twitter and Facebook. I already have a page on the ride site for donations and will be pushing that link hard! (see below)
http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/jotrostle
Thank you all in advance for sharing this adventure with me! I will need your support, a lot. Not just financially, but also emotionally and to remind me why I'm doing it on those mornings that I just don't want to get up and ride!
Following this post I will put up my current ride schedule and you can hold me accountable....I'm sure I will need it. Please follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jotrostle and become my friend on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jotrostle
Once again the AIDS Lifecycle page: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/jotrostle
From the site, a little information on why we ride:
It’s easy to think that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem. Medications have come a long way, and people are living longer, healthier lives. This is why the work of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is so vital. These agencies continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community. We ride to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors, and the general public. We ride because—in the current economy—our agencies need these funds more than ever. Ultimately, we ride so that someday, we won’t have to.
Please go to the site and learn about what these two amazing organizations do, and where your generous donations will be going. http://www.aidslifecycle.org/
Wish me luck!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Looking for some helping hands.....
So the kick of it is, after coming home uber-inspired and motivated, I spent the better chunk of my afternoon looking into the pithy little web names I had come up with on my short ride back. Of course, they were all taken. Not to be discouraged about finally finding something that was exciting to me, something that would bring and share positive energy, I decided to utilize the blog I had started as an assignment for a class I took last year. The poor site had 2 posts and they were over a year old. Anyone who knows me knows I always have something to say, but I found myself strangely silent at the keyboard every time I tried to begin blogging.
Anyway…I went to the site and found I didn’t like the layout, it just did not say “You must read me. You must share me” so I tried to change they layout so it would grab you and make you want to stay. Needless to say I got completely sidetracked trying to rewrite HTML coding, make the look of it unique etc. But I believe I have a good idea, an interesting one that came from a conversation at the brunch. I’m hoping “If I write it, they will come.”
So, I am sending this little blog in its infancy to all of you…all of the amazing women in my life. Some I saw this morning, some I haven’t seen in years. My hope is to begin something that you will all help me grow.
Thank you Erika for the idea! Let’s create a site (a blog to start) for all good news and only good news all the time. I am asking for suggestions for the site name, as I said all I came up with were already taken. I’m also asking for you all to share. Share your personal stories, share things you’ve witnessed and pass on the rare news item you read/watch/hear that make you feel good and I will post them. Send pictures that make you smile. Songs that fill you with joy, video clips that make you laugh out loud. I want to create a place for all of us to go to be reminded that there is always joy in the world and love in our lives, if we just CHOOSE to see it. And of course SHARE IT!
Anyway…I went to the site and found I didn’t like the layout, it just did not say “You must read me. You must share me” so I tried to change they layout so it would grab you and make you want to stay. Needless to say I got completely sidetracked trying to rewrite HTML coding, make the look of it unique etc. But I believe I have a good idea, an interesting one that came from a conversation at the brunch. I’m hoping “If I write it, they will come.”
So, I am sending this little blog in its infancy to all of you…all of the amazing women in my life. Some I saw this morning, some I haven’t seen in years. My hope is to begin something that you will all help me grow.
Thank you Erika for the idea! Let’s create a site (a blog to start) for all good news and only good news all the time. I am asking for suggestions for the site name, as I said all I came up with were already taken. I’m also asking for you all to share. Share your personal stories, share things you’ve witnessed and pass on the rare news item you read/watch/hear that make you feel good and I will post them. Send pictures that make you smile. Songs that fill you with joy, video clips that make you laugh out loud. I want to create a place for all of us to go to be reminded that there is always joy in the world and love in our lives, if we just CHOOSE to see it. And of course SHARE IT!
Inspired by Amazing Women
So I just had brunch with the most amazing group of women. Women, who inspire me, move me, encourage me, support me and entertain me. I am continually awed by their affect on me every time we get together. Maybe it’s more profound this time, since it’s been several months since the last gathering I was able to attend, or because I was in a solitary place before, or maybe it’s because the state of the economy and the state of the world are constantly trying to suck us down in to the spiral of negativity, but I left them with such a drive to be a better woman, a better human being, and share all of the amazing positive energy that I came home knowing I had to create this site.
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