Well, here is the first of what will be many notes. After having ridden a bike for the past 5 years, the last 2 with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Cycling team (briefly interrupted by my second cardiac event), I have defined two goals for myself: 1) I along with some teammates will be riding the Triple Bypass ride in Colorado on July 10, 2010; and 2) I am going to attempt to complete my first triathlon, the Rookie Tri, on May 9, 2010 as well.
I figure some explanation is in order here...
The biking started in 2004 after the heart attack and 5 stents. Mostly casual exercise, I worked up to 3-4 times a week riding 20-25 miles each time. No major accomplishment for most cyclists, but when you start out breathing hard after the first 5 miles, I was really happy to see the computer increase in mileage and decrease in time, believe me. But joining TNT in 2007 was a big change for me in my cycling. Prior to that, I had never dreamed of riding a century ride. After all, anybody wanting to ride 100 miles at a time is a lunatic, right? Part of the deal with TNT is that you do the fundraising to support the fight against blood cancers, but to complete your event, you also get coaches, nutrition help, and mentors for the entire season.
To make a long story short, I have succeeded in completing 9 century rides since that first one in October 2007, and a whole bunch of training miles and less-than-100-mile pay rides. But this was interrupted in summer 2008 by a triple bypass operation. But hey - 5 of the 9 centuries came after the bypass. So it is all good!
Why these two goals specifically? Well the first seems obvious now, doesn't it? After all, how many triple bypass survivors have ridden and completed the Triple Bypass ride? Darn few, if any, I would imagine. So when I mentioned I wanted to do this particular ride, a few of my looney TNT teammates jumped all over it. Our plan is to just keep the pedals moving through the first of the year, and then work in a controlled training plan from January to July, go up a week ahead of time to acclimate, and ride all 120 miles, 3 mountain passes, and 10,300 feet of elevation change. No big deal, right? I will let you know. By the way - the Texas Bypass Team is going to be fundraising for LLS and the American Heart Association through this escapade, so if you are interested in supporting our efforts to fight cancer AND heart disease, email me and I will give you the info - and thanks!
The second goal isn't quite the story... fairly simple, really. After all these rides, and watching some good friends run marathons and compete in triathlons, I came to the conclusion that the cross-training would actually benefit me healthwise, and improve my cycling at the same time. The Rookie Tri is a short enough distance that I think I will be able to complete it with the right training, and help me to decide if I want to do anything longer in distance.
I will say now that I appreciate the support I have received in all these rides - and nobody laughs too loudly when I mention these two goals... thanks, all.
So, here we go -- stay tuned, and follow my "great" adventure!
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