It's just like riding a bike...

So the time has come! With Christmas time over and the New Year rapidly approaching, the New Year’s resolutions have begun. I have never been one to really take much thought in having a resolution. I think I might have had the ever so popular “start going to gym more or quit drinking”, but this year I have decided on a life changing resolution. I actually have put a lot of thought and time into this New Year’s resolution. 

So here is, I am taking up biking and will compete in a race.

This is how it all came about. It all started when I read the book Who Says I Can’t? .  I have talked about the author, Jothy Resenberg in previous blogs. Anyway, while reading his book I started thinking about my years as a runner.  I can’t even describe how important those years were to me. I am so thankful that I had that time in my life to excel as an athlete. I know it was short lived but it was that same drive and determination carrying me on to run the race of my life! The skills I had developed as an athlete proved to be equally important with my personal battle with cancer. I use to run about 7 miles a day and run about a 6 minute mile, which for 8^th grade was pretty fast! I lived, breathed and slept running. I will never forget the day the doctor told me I would never be able to run again. He said the strain of running would be too much for my replacement. Crushed would not even be close to accurately describing how that day felt. I was defined by my running. Back then, that’s who I was, not just what I did. So not only was I fighting for my life, I was also fighting to discover a new identity.

“What can I do now? If I can’t run, how can I possibly be an athlete? What good am I with one good leg?”

So many thoughts went through my head.

 I wish I would have had Jothy’s book back then because I would have seen how endless the possibilities could have been for me! I feel now I lost so many years mourning the loss of my identity instead of putting all that energy into finding a new outlet. Nevertheless I have found it now! I am taking up biking! I think that if I put that stubbornness, drive, determination, which I know I have, into biking I will succeed!

I know with anything it will take hard work and some blood, sweat and tears. I am setting my goals high. With that I am going to enter in the Beauty and the Beast cycling race in March of 2011. They have several different levels at which you can compete, so I will enter in the 34 mile race. The longest is 64 miles. I have 3 months to get into shape and up to par to compete. This race is just the beginning. I want to start small but my all-time goal is to compete in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge in Boston. They raise money for the cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Its a bike-a-thon through Massachusetts; Pretty hard core. I think the longest race is 111 miles. Wow. Not ready for a two day ride but I will be doing baby steps till I am strong enough to compete in at least one of their races. Jothy watch out! Lol

First ride on my new bike was 3 miles. Felt pretty good. My husband and I took our 10 year old on a ride. Spent some nice family time. I will slowly work my way up and continue to increase my speed and length of rides. I am determined to finish the Beauty and the Beast. I may not be first (this year lol) but I WILL meet my goal. I survived cancer, I can do this!!

So I hope you will all follow me on this next chapter of my life, because this is an important step for me. I will keep you all posted on my progress and even throw in a few pictures!