Now I have, but I haven't been holding up my end of the bargain on my riding. I told you all in one of my earliest posts that my commitment to you was that I would ride 1 mile for every $5 that were donated. Now I know that I am a little bit behind - though not much since I was able to ride a good portion of last week (including my Thursday morning ride and a ride on Sunday). However, I haven't been documenting the dedications as much as I hoped. To be honest, it all happened when I lost a bit of wind from my sails after I put together a video one evening the garage. It was cold outside - my thinned out blood tells me it was miserably cold outside, but my Midwestern roots (and parents) remind me that there is nothing "miserable" about 26 degrees. Likely just another sign of me becoming a PacNWerner, but I digress. I was in the garage, on the rollers (also can be miserable at times since you dont get any change in scenery), and I did a Flip video dedication to my friend and fellow survivor Flutie. RAF gave me a nice donation when I sent out an email telling folks of what I've been up to. In fact, even getting my email inspired him to take the plunge and register for LIVESTRONG Austin. It will be great to meet him in person and hopefully keep up with him - it might not be a headwind holding you back, Flutie, I just might be holding onto your saddle for a pull. Well, lo and behold, the damn video wouldnt upload to YouTube. I've tried more than 2 handful of times and now I'm out of fingers - or at least have been out of motivation to try and repost it. Nevertheless, I kept riding but holding out hope that I would do my rides in order (for the most part) and document the dedications the same way. My list of dedications is at home, but look forward to an upcoming post on who I've been riding for.
This weekend was another great opportunity for a ride. The stars aligned and Patrick and I were able to get a free pass from our wives to go on a ride and Michael was able to join us as well. As Sarah got ready to go to the bridal shower for Kaitlin, I was getting my bike into the car and heading down to Seattle. The forecast was calling for high 40s - maybe even hitting 50, but I wore my tights just in case. Better to be warm than cold, right? Well, it wasn't a miserable day, but it was biting cold. I'd guess it was more like the low 40s and a few different times I needed to ignore the lack of feeling in my fingers, but we did about 26 miles, which included a climb up 65th in Seattle to Top Pot Donuts. I decided not to get a donut since I'm trying to lose weight right now, and I'm glad I did. Down to 183.6 this morning. Only 20 lbs to go! I'd say the most amazing part of the ride (and I know it's because they haven't had as much time), normally I'm able to do hills, but nothing like Patrick and Michael. However, since I have a longer commute and have been able to ride more with my schedule, I've even started to become a bit of a hill hunter. Going up the ridge, I was able to sustain a faster climb than both of them - something I've never done - and something I'll probably only be able to do for another week or 2 until they catch up and pass me. Still, it was pretty cool.
In even better news, our friends Mark and Maria finally decided to get some hybrid/comfort bikes and Maria just told me today that she is hooked and didn't realize how much she would love biking. They may not be doing the STP or a LIVESTRONG ride, but they are riding and that is all that matters.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Wife is Amazing
It sure wasn't fun, but our 5 month old daughter got a horrible flu - in fact we spent the night in urgent care getting her some fluids via IV. People at work thought I was crazy yesterday when I still biked into work, but as I told them, it was the only thing that kept me awake - nothing like a nice early morning breeze of fresh air. It sustained me for a few hours, but by 3 I was cross-eyed and ready to sleep on my keyboard. The ride home woke me up to get some chores done around the house and we were in bed by 8. Knowing that she was taking off from work today (can't send a sick little girl to daycare), she let me sleep through the night.
On top of that, I didn't have any meetings this morning, the weather in the Puget Sound has been amazing, and I was planning to get a good ride in. My bride insisted that I still take the morning off and go for a ride since I wanted to so badly. I really should have brought my shoe covers because the nice thing about my shoes (LG Ergo Airs) is that they have great ventilation for the summer. My toes were a bit chilly, and I didn't do the 50-60 miles I was originally planning since I wanted to get into work by 11-11:30. When I got out to Carnation it was already 10 so I knew I should probably cut the ride short to get into work at a good time.
I was at the intersection of the Tolt River Road and West Snoqualmie River Road (heads to Preston - route to get to Issaquah) and decided it would be best to head back in to Redmond. The climb is just over 1 mile at an average of 7.5% gradient. I would be lying if I didn't say that I pulled over and didn't climb it all at once. But for being my first "non-commuting ride" (typically 10-20 miles) this year, I'd say that a ride of 40 miles of rolling hills with the one climb was pretty good. I was satisfied.
More to come on the ride dedication...
Sorry for being so absent lately.
LIVESTRONG
On top of that, I didn't have any meetings this morning, the weather in the Puget Sound has been amazing, and I was planning to get a good ride in. My bride insisted that I still take the morning off and go for a ride since I wanted to so badly. I really should have brought my shoe covers because the nice thing about my shoes (LG Ergo Airs) is that they have great ventilation for the summer. My toes were a bit chilly, and I didn't do the 50-60 miles I was originally planning since I wanted to get into work by 11-11:30. When I got out to Carnation it was already 10 so I knew I should probably cut the ride short to get into work at a good time.
I was at the intersection of the Tolt River Road and West Snoqualmie River Road (heads to Preston - route to get to Issaquah) and decided it would be best to head back in to Redmond. The climb is just over 1 mile at an average of 7.5% gradient. I would be lying if I didn't say that I pulled over and didn't climb it all at once. But for being my first "non-commuting ride" (typically 10-20 miles) this year, I'd say that a ride of 40 miles of rolling hills with the one climb was pretty good. I was satisfied.
More to come on the ride dedication...
Sorry for being so absent lately.
LIVESTRONG
Monday, January 17, 2011
Rant
I apologize that I've been so absent on this. I had been holding off on getting a video posted here, but our FLIP has not been cooperating when it comes to uploading to YouTube and it is irritating me. I pulled together a nice video of cycling in the garage for my friend and fellow survivor Robert who made a nice donation to me.
I'll give it another try and then I'll have to just move past it and get some better postings up here. Especially with the Tour Down Under kicking off today.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG
I'll give it another try and then I'll have to just move past it and get some better postings up here. Especially with the Tour Down Under kicking off today.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Our LIVESTRONG Story
LIVESTRONG urges those affected by cancer to share their story. This is what I shared...
After 4 months of what I was told could be a 6 month chronic cough, several appointments to the doctor until I could finally tell he was annoyed that "oh, you're back again" I finally pointed out additional research to the doctor and asked that I be referred to an ENT. Despite the pathology reports not being 100% confirmed the ENT called that Saturday night as I prepared dinner prior to Trick 'r Treating to tell me that I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma. "Looks like we caught this early."
I didn't know if it was a trick or a treat, but I definitely got sick from it after the PET scan revealed it was Stage 3. 27 years old. Married for just 1 year and told we have cancer. Immediately, my beautiful wife started telling everyone that "we have cancer" because she wouldn't let me go through it alone - and it impacted her just as much.
We were recommended to visit a fertility clinic, but just couldn't see going that route. So instead, knowing that there was a risk of infertility we took advantage of the 4 days between my PET scan and first round of chemo. Our daughter was born in August of 2010.
Throughout treatment there were probably more good days than bad - I was blessed. But during the rough days, the hope of our child growing kept spirits high. Also, knowing that aerobic exercise has been recommended to help patients through treatment, I kept riding. There were nights when I'd ride on my rollers for only 3 miles and I would sit in the garage and cry. But 3 miles was all my body could handle. Still, though, we signed up for the Livestrong Challenge Seattle, shared our story of getting pregnant with Lance's friend College (who couldn't wait to tell Lance), and exactly 2 months after my last chemo I rode 70-miles in the rainy Seattle Challenge.
Those 6 months of treatment were the worst of my life, but they were also the best. They taught us so much. Patience. Hope. Love. Family. Perseverance. Strength. Unity. My diagnosis was the worst thing for me, but the best experience. Finally, my family knows someone with a cancer story that wasn't a death sentence. My perspective on life, love, cycling, and the LIVESTRONG community is forever changed.
I will keep riding for those who can't. I will keep riding to be a riding billboard for LIVESTRONG. I will keep riding for my health and to share how much LIVESTRONG has impacted my life through my treatment and now afterward. I will keep riding so that my daughter someday can say, "my daddy had and beat cancer, and LIVESTRONG did so much that now there is no more cancer.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Donations
I've been very proud and even a little amazed at some of the great donations that have already come in on our journey to $12,000. Just after Christmas, I sent out my first email blast. Although it didn't yield the quantity that I was hoping for, the quality (read: generosity) of those that I did receive were amazing. As I write this, we are sitting at $725. Aside from begging friends and family on email, twitter, and facebook, I've been designing things to help get some big funds raised - I hope!
I've submitted a letter to a past employer to see if the would provide a business donation and/or sponsor a ride for me, however, have yet to hear back. It was a long-shot and not sure if I should expect to hear anything in return. I've contacted Golds Gym to of Redmond/Issaquah/Bothell to see if we could set up a bike-a-thon or 24-hour ride fundraiser. I haven't heard back yet and will be checking back with the manager next week. Though Microsoft Gift Matching doesn't apply to vendors, I did submit a letter to them to see if there was anything else we could do - set up donation jars at locations on campus, if they could support me with a donation, etc. Hopefully, whether positive or negative, I'll hear something back on Monday.
Other ideas that I'm going to pursue are with Albertsons, TOP Foods, local restaurants, and maybe Performance Bike (though I dont think that would happen because Brent said that stuff comes from corporate down).
I'm really hopeful that I can get some businesses to allow me to put out donation containers or do a LIVESTRONG night at a restaurant for a certain percent of profits. Or, the easiest, is always a overall sponsorship. It would be the best, and I think it is really what we will need to really get us climbing the ladder with the added zeros on the fundraising.
Just gotta keep on keepin' on!
LIVESTRONG
I've submitted a letter to a past employer to see if the would provide a business donation and/or sponsor a ride for me, however, have yet to hear back. It was a long-shot and not sure if I should expect to hear anything in return. I've contacted Golds Gym to of Redmond/Issaquah/Bothell to see if we could set up a bike-a-thon or 24-hour ride fundraiser. I haven't heard back yet and will be checking back with the manager next week. Though Microsoft Gift Matching doesn't apply to vendors, I did submit a letter to them to see if there was anything else we could do - set up donation jars at locations on campus, if they could support me with a donation, etc. Hopefully, whether positive or negative, I'll hear something back on Monday.
Other ideas that I'm going to pursue are with Albertsons, TOP Foods, local restaurants, and maybe Performance Bike (though I dont think that would happen because Brent said that stuff comes from corporate down).
I'm really hopeful that I can get some businesses to allow me to put out donation containers or do a LIVESTRONG night at a restaurant for a certain percent of profits. Or, the easiest, is always a overall sponsorship. It would be the best, and I think it is really what we will need to really get us climbing the ladder with the added zeros on the fundraising.
Just gotta keep on keepin' on!
LIVESTRONG
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sarah Leopold, Christmas, and Health
Today is the day after Christmas and as Sarah and I were eager to enjoy some of the day after Christmas sales. Well we didn't yield much in terms of the sales but there also wasn't much to yield - in my opinion. However, after not being able to get out on a run yesterday I told her that I'd really like to either take a 3 mile run or get some time on the rollers. We got home, she, being the incredible wife she is, told me to get out and do something before I settled into other projects while she took care of the dishes from last night (that's right, I'm a lucky guy!). Out to the garage I went. 1.67 miles into it, I remembered that even with the garage door open I dont get much of a breeze so I moved the rollers to the edge of the garage (still under the overhang of the roof) and got back to pedaling.
I enjoyed (though complained to myself at times) a great 20 miles in a rather brisk breeze. Though I didn't receive a specific request those 20 miles were broken down for a few different reasons. Firstly, I rode for Sarah Leopold (my wife was named after her late grandmother). My wife never had the chance to meet her grandmother because she struggled with various health issues throughout her life, and was ultimately stolen from the family by the evil cancer. Though it is never easy to say goodbye to a family member, grandma's passing happened at the same time that my wife's parents found out they were pregnant. Being the first female born in over 70 years, my wife was given the name Sarah. I'm sure she was an amazing woman, and she fought so much more than cancer in her life. I'm sure she was an amazing woman and I was happy to ride in her honor.
The reason I chose to ride for Grandma Sarah is because one of the gifts I received for Christmas was a donation from my father-in-law toward my fundraising. The donation was given in my honor because the whole family has really enjoyed to see how Sarah and I have embraced the Livestrong movement. It was a great Christmas present to receive. Yes, it gets me $100 closer to my ultimate goal, but most importantly it provides added funds to help those who need it most as they battle the beast. We need all the help and funds we can get to support those who are fighting cancer now, will tomorrow, and continue to live life after cancer.
Another reason that I moved the rollers out of the garage (besides the wonderful benefit of keeping my body temperature down) is that in riding in honor of my father-in-law, I know how much he REALLY loves and embraces the outdoors. In fact, as I was riding, he was skiing Stevens Pass (I just hope it wasn't as winding at the mountain because it had a miserable potential). Shortly before my diagnosis, Dad really wanted to improve his health. He began focusing more on what he was eating, started doing more hiking, and became a fanatic on rowing like I have with cycling. We all need to find the hobby that best suits us and get out and keep the body moving, and stay healthy before it's too late.
On a side note about the rollers. Riding the rollers isn't much fun. I mean, it is because I love biking, but it is SO MUCH more enjoyable when you are actually moving. There were various times when I would look down at my distance and say, "meh, that could be good enough," but then I would remind myself why I was out riding and my promise to those who donate to my support of Livestrong. So I kept riding. But while I was out there, I saw a total of 4 cyclists all bundled up, fighting the wind on the road. As much as I don't like the rollers at times, cycling with 30+ mph gusts just doesn't seem very enjoyable either.
LIVESTRONG!
I enjoyed (though complained to myself at times) a great 20 miles in a rather brisk breeze. Though I didn't receive a specific request those 20 miles were broken down for a few different reasons. Firstly, I rode for Sarah Leopold (my wife was named after her late grandmother). My wife never had the chance to meet her grandmother because she struggled with various health issues throughout her life, and was ultimately stolen from the family by the evil cancer. Though it is never easy to say goodbye to a family member, grandma's passing happened at the same time that my wife's parents found out they were pregnant. Being the first female born in over 70 years, my wife was given the name Sarah. I'm sure she was an amazing woman, and she fought so much more than cancer in her life. I'm sure she was an amazing woman and I was happy to ride in her honor.
The reason I chose to ride for Grandma Sarah is because one of the gifts I received for Christmas was a donation from my father-in-law toward my fundraising. The donation was given in my honor because the whole family has really enjoyed to see how Sarah and I have embraced the Livestrong movement. It was a great Christmas present to receive. Yes, it gets me $100 closer to my ultimate goal, but most importantly it provides added funds to help those who need it most as they battle the beast. We need all the help and funds we can get to support those who are fighting cancer now, will tomorrow, and continue to live life after cancer.
Another reason that I moved the rollers out of the garage (besides the wonderful benefit of keeping my body temperature down) is that in riding in honor of my father-in-law, I know how much he REALLY loves and embraces the outdoors. In fact, as I was riding, he was skiing Stevens Pass (I just hope it wasn't as winding at the mountain because it had a miserable potential). Shortly before my diagnosis, Dad really wanted to improve his health. He began focusing more on what he was eating, started doing more hiking, and became a fanatic on rowing like I have with cycling. We all need to find the hobby that best suits us and get out and keep the body moving, and stay healthy before it's too late.
On a side note about the rollers. Riding the rollers isn't much fun. I mean, it is because I love biking, but it is SO MUCH more enjoyable when you are actually moving. There were various times when I would look down at my distance and say, "meh, that could be good enough," but then I would remind myself why I was out riding and my promise to those who donate to my support of Livestrong. So I kept riding. But while I was out there, I saw a total of 4 cyclists all bundled up, fighting the wind on the road. As much as I don't like the rollers at times, cycling with 30+ mph gusts just doesn't seem very enjoyable either.
LIVESTRONG!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Aluminum v. Carbon
Recently I've read a few different blogs, discussions, and one research paper on carbon vs. steel or aluminum. Now first let me start off by saying that my aluminum was originally purchased as a "I'd like to have a bike, have a mountain bike in WI, no need to spend too much on it" bike. In other words, I didn't know nearly the amount that I know now (which still can be expanded) about bikes, cycling, technique, components, etc. It is a Redline 740 (I think) with a mix of Tektro and Sora components, a triple, and pedals that had clips on them (which I guess it still a step up from just plastic pedals - but you get the drift).
As I believe I've mentioned before, at the end of this summer I found a really nice deal on a Fuji Team that was sitting in the warehouse and listed at clearance. It is the same model as my friend Patrick (though his is a year or two older). I did some convincing, multiple pats of the eye, the "what would you like me to cook you for dinner tonight my love" and lo and behold, I was given permission to make the purchase.
As winter has come upon us, I've got the fenders on my aluminum for winter commuting and typically am only on my carbon when on my rollers in the garage. Friday the roads were clear and the weather was looking nice so I felt comfortable taking the newer ride. I've got a mix of 105 and Ultegra components on it (so still nothing to brag about), and I also know that my Redline could use some maintenance and new items (chain, cables and housings, brake pads soon, etc.). That being said, the Fuji is so much more responsive. It's stiffer, shifts easier, I feel like there is more torque off the line, and really just overall stiffer. Maybe I'm not the best to describe it, but then again, if you've been on both, you know what I mean. It's a different, smoother ride. I can't argue the points that the actual research paper stated which was that for a short commute (like I have - 12.5 miles) there isn't a significant time savings by being on a carbon compared to aluminum or steel. But I can argue that of my 2 rides, it is the preferred ride. And maybe it puts me in a better mood and I get into more of a rhythm when sensing the stiff responsiveness and smooth rolling, but it does shave a few minutes off my commute. I'm not sure if it's as an analyst or a cyclist but I track stuff like that. It also nearly guarantees interesting looks when people ask how long of a ride it is and I can tell them 37 minutes to get into work and 42 going home - we track precision. My father-in-law does the same thing going around the lake on his rowing scull. Keeps our competitive edge right?
LIVESTRONG
As I believe I've mentioned before, at the end of this summer I found a really nice deal on a Fuji Team that was sitting in the warehouse and listed at clearance. It is the same model as my friend Patrick (though his is a year or two older). I did some convincing, multiple pats of the eye, the "what would you like me to cook you for dinner tonight my love" and lo and behold, I was given permission to make the purchase.
As winter has come upon us, I've got the fenders on my aluminum for winter commuting and typically am only on my carbon when on my rollers in the garage. Friday the roads were clear and the weather was looking nice so I felt comfortable taking the newer ride. I've got a mix of 105 and Ultegra components on it (so still nothing to brag about), and I also know that my Redline could use some maintenance and new items (chain, cables and housings, brake pads soon, etc.). That being said, the Fuji is so much more responsive. It's stiffer, shifts easier, I feel like there is more torque off the line, and really just overall stiffer. Maybe I'm not the best to describe it, but then again, if you've been on both, you know what I mean. It's a different, smoother ride. I can't argue the points that the actual research paper stated which was that for a short commute (like I have - 12.5 miles) there isn't a significant time savings by being on a carbon compared to aluminum or steel. But I can argue that of my 2 rides, it is the preferred ride. And maybe it puts me in a better mood and I get into more of a rhythm when sensing the stiff responsiveness and smooth rolling, but it does shave a few minutes off my commute. I'm not sure if it's as an analyst or a cyclist but I track stuff like that. It also nearly guarantees interesting looks when people ask how long of a ride it is and I can tell them 37 minutes to get into work and 42 going home - we track precision. My father-in-law does the same thing going around the lake on his rowing scull. Keeps our competitive edge right?
LIVESTRONG
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