A philosopher?!?

So, especially when I have had lots of wine, I fancy myself a philosopher…okay, it’s a LOT of wine…anyway, this evening, having some yummy NC wine, I came up with this thought…we think the things that matter are the ones we can see and a value on but really the things that matter are the small things that no one can see and put a value on...  The smell of your husband when you open his car even when he has been gone over a year, the feel of a hug from a true friend, your Mom’s unconditional love, your sister’s love when she covers you up and straightens your socks in a hospital bed, a text from someone unexpected, a phone call, the feel of your bicycle when you have had the best ride (inside and out)  and the list goes on and on.  Same story folks…value your loved ones because in a split second they can be gone.  Take the time when it happens to really treasure the smell, feel, sounds, etc.  Because in the years to come…those are the things that really matter.

Back again...

Sometimes my brain goes a little off and takes a break from my blog and real life...it's part of my charm. 

The past few weeks have been especially frustrating.  Riding my bike causes some pain every time I ride and that is frustrating.  Somehow, I had my biggest mileage week of the year last week.

Truly, I have never considered myself an athlete.  Even through 6 IM races, I still never thought of myself as an athlete.  And I am not sure I do today but one thing I do consider myself is a cyclist.  I'm not fast, I'm not great at it but it is what I am.  I don't limit myself to this but in athletic terms it is what I am. Cycling has brought such joy to my life.  I have made some of my best friends through cycling.  I found out my Dad died while I was on my bike.  I have cried, smiled, laughed, angered and every other emotion I can think of while riding.  My friend, Pat, calls that bike therapy.  I have actually solved all the world's problems while riding...of course, I forget the solutions when I get home.  Another part of my charm, I guess.  Really, I am writing this to encourage readers to do what they love even though it hurts sometimes.  Because in the end, it is what you are. And if it makes you happy or you finish and feel a million times better then it was worth it.  This is not to say you won't ever have a bad day but those bad days make you appreciate the good ones even more.  So, pedal on friends, pedal on.

DMZ

4/30/2011 4:54 PM(5:54 AM 5/1/2011 Seoul, Korea time) As I write this, I am sitting in my husband’s apartment in Seoul, Korea. It’s early and somehow after almost a week my body is still on good ole USA time.

A few days ago, we visited the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and this really got me to thinking. Korea fought for decades to get their freedom from Japan. In 1945, they finally did! In 1950, South and North Korea engaged in an all-out civil war. They ARE still fighting this war and are the only country in the entire world that is divided currently. On the 38th parallel is where the country is divided. Along this there are huge barbed wire fences with armed guards and if you cross the 38th parallel, you will either be shocked or shot. This is truly a site to be seen. There are tunnels underground from North Korea that were literally made with dynamite and were intended to launch a full attack on Seoul. South Korea requires their young men to spend 23 months in the ROK Army (Republic of Korea) and North Korea requires their young men to spend almost 10 years in military service.

The DMZ is a 2 mile zone on each side of the 38th parallel. This is a buffer zone between the two sides. Now, we might just think this is a line…but this line divides families, friends, and people of the same country. Very few people are allowed to cross the 38th parallel and if and when they do, it is really restricted as to where they can go.

As we were lucky to see this area, it got me to thinking how lucky we are as Americans. Most of us have never seen any effects of a true war. We very rarely think of those who are fighting in a war and while we truly appreciate them, we can never know what that might be like. We take for granted that we can usually go and see our families and friends with little government restriction. We do not have to look at armed guards every day that are trained to shoot on site. We go about our daily business and dwell on what we think is important and dwell on injustices or something someone did or said to us. I am one who is very guilty of both these things. My own husband has fought in a war that I don’t even want to think about what he does while I am mad because my grass isn’t perfect or someone didn’t invite me to go on a bike ride. REALLY?!?! The DMZ really opened my eyes to how lucky we are all in the USA. Most of us were not alive when the last war was fought on US soil and we usually feel no effects (except rising gas costs which we complain about) so we have no idea what it is like to be in a country truly divided. We really don’t understand how lucky we are. We go about our business without any thought to people who have given their lives so we can go about our business without any thought.

In the Korean War alone, over 100,000 AMERICANS gave their lives to help ensure freedom for South Korea. What does this mean to us? We don’t live in Korea…but it ensures free trade from Korea (more products than you can imagine come from Korea) and an ally if we should come under attack. If you are in the military service, it could mean you might be stationed here and it ensures that Korean people treat you extremely kindly and are very friendly!

So, here’s what I can do about this…I can learn more about this war and appreciate those who gave their lives. I can share this knowledge with others. AND most importantly, I can stop to realize how lucky I am and how good my life is. I will probably keep complaining about my yard and bike rides. But I am going to try and keep it all in perspective and be thankful that I am an American and that God has afforded me opportunities that some people will never have. Here’s the challenge to you…can you do that? Stop! Think about how lucky we are and then be thankful for our lives as Americans and not complain about things that we are extremely lucky to have?!?! We have never really seen a true war and we can see anyone we want without government restriction. We do not have to be afraid of crossing from Texas into Oklahoma (or any other state) without being shot. We do not have to see armed guards daily and be separated by a 2 mile DMZ with nasty looking barbed wire…We can ride our bikes across the entire country if we wanted to!!!!

So, today, think about how lucky we are and be thankful! That’s what I am going to try and do!

More stuff you can actually use...

So, yesterday, I got in my April Century.  My friend, Lou, somehow convinced me to join UMCA - Ultra Marathon Cycling Association-Year Rounder Challenge (http://www.ultracycling.com/standings/umc.html)%20so so I have been trying to get a century a month.  Fortunately, they let you count a century over 90 miles because I ran out of daylight and my get-up and go-got up and went!  While I was riding, the front of my knee hurt like the dickens (and how bad does the dickens hurt??? hmmmmm....).  Now, I have made several changes to my bike so last night I went to actually look for a chart that would help me narrow it down.  I found one and it was very helpful and thought it might be worth sharing.  Now, do NOT take this in lieu of a professional fitting which you can get at a professional bicycle fitter/shop near you.  But here is a chart that may be helpful if you are trying to get dialed in or can't figure out what it could be at midnight...

 Directly From http://www.caree.org/bike101bikefit.htm

 

Troubleshooting Common Bike-Fit Problems

 

Symptom/Likely Cause /Solution

 

You’re always scooting forward on the seat /Stem may be too long so you pull yourself forward as you ride; saddle nose may be tipped down too much/Install a shorter stem; level saddle

 

You’re always scooting back on the seat /Stem may be too short so you feel cramped and push yourself back; saddle nose may be tipped back; saddle may be too far forward on the rails /Install a longer stem; level the seat and center it on the rails; move your seat back

Lower back hurts /Stem too low or too long; must strain back to reach bars; or seat may be too high, causing rocking when pedaling /Try raising the stem/handlebars; still hurts? try shorter stem; check and adjust seat height

 

Neck hurts /Stem too low; must crane neck to see/ Raise the stem/bars

 

Hands hurt /Stem too low; too much weight on hands; saddle may be pointed down /Raise the stem/bars; level saddle

 

Front of knee hurts /Seat too low and/or too far forward, straining knees /Raise seat; may need to move seat further back as well

 

Back of knee hurts /Seat too high, over-extending leg /Lower seat

 

Numb bum all the time /Too much weight on the seat; may need to slide back a little on the seat. /Try to sit such that you feel the weight on your sit bones rather than the front or center of your crotch Lower handlebar position; check seat height as it may be too high; May need to try another brand of shorts and or seat; lose weight

 

Achilles tendon hurts/ Pedaling too much on your toes; cleats too far forward on your shoes; feet may not be forward enough over the pedal /Keep the balls of your feet over the pedals when you’re pedaling; move cleats back.

 

Bad gas/ Eating too many energy bars /Ride at the back of the pack

 

Extra Bike-Fit Tips

•  How you ride has a lot to do with comfort, too. The number one problem for many cyclists is what I call the vulture riding position, because it resembles that animal’s posture. It’s what a cyclist looks like when he locks his elbows and raises his shoulders, a position even hard-core pedalers often develop. You’ll feel a lot better if you RELAX. Every few miles, shrug your shoulders and let them drop and keep those elbows bent.
• Never raise any bike part too high because it can lead to failure and a crash. Parts are usually marked with limit lines that, when exposed, indicate that the part is too high. Heed these markings.
• Once you’ve found the correct seat height, mark the seat post. Please do this before you travel. This way—if the post slips, or when you pack the bike for shipping—you’ll quickly be able to get it back in the right spot.
• Likewise, measure from the top of the saddle to the center of the pedal axle (put the pedal at the bottom of its stroke, down around six o’clock) and memorize and jot down the number where you can find it. It’ll come in handy if you have to set up another bike, say a rental or borrowed one.
• Early in the season you’re not as flexible and you’ll probably enjoy a higher handlebar position. As you ride more regularly, you’ll gain flexibility and may want to lower the bars to stretch out a bit more.
• Women often require additional changes such as narrower handlebars, shorter stems and easier to operate brake levers.

 

 

 

 

 

A post you can actually use-how to pack your bike bag

As I was repacking my bike bag to ride this morning, I thought of my dear friend, Ginger.  She taught me this valuable trick some time ago and while I would love to say I thought of it, I didn't!! However, it is extremely valuable and thought I would share it with you!

How to pack your bike bag that goes on your bike:

1. Gather your supplies.  I carry two tubes, two Co2s, two Co2 heads, 3 tire levers and an alien tool.  Why?  1) I have gotten two flats on one ride, 2) if a friend has a flat you have spare stuff, 3) if you have one flat and forget to reload your bag, you still have one set of repair supplies, 4) if you lose one Co2 head on the road, you still have an extra.

So, how do you get all this stuff in that little bag...here's Ginger's trick...take the tubes and wrap them in plastic wrap.  It gets all the air out and makes them smaller.  So, I actually hate plastic wrap so if that doesn't work, use aluminum foil.  You can still squeeze the tube together tight. It is not quite as effective but it will work in a pinch.  As you can see I have one in plastic wrap and one in aluminum foil. 

2. It depends on the size of your bag but usually putting the tubes at the bottom and a Co2 cartridge in the middle works for me.  Then work the rest of the goodies into the bag.  See, I have my tubes at the bottom, one Co2 on the bottom.  My alien tool, other Co2 and tire levers are on top.  You can't see this but there is a pocket on the inside of the flap and that's where one of the Co2 heads are and one is actually on Co2 cartridge to save a little more space. It might be a tight squeeze but you can do it now the tubes are much smaller!  Thanks again Ginger!  Do you really need all this stuff?  Maybe not the additional Co2 head but the rest I would take!

3. Yes, I really do have all this stuff in my bag and on my bike.  Stop me and I will show barring I don't have a flat and forget to repack it.  Not only do I have it on my bike, I have bottle holders on the back of my bike and my bag is tucked under that.  This is very useful also because in the summer, I go on long rides with few stops and I drink a ton of water/electrolytes. 

Now, go ride your bike! 

Opportunity...

The past year and a half I have had many struggles that made me wrestle with the meaning of life and the whys and whats???  Today, I was presented with an opportunity that at first I wasn't sure but then I thought "What a once in a lifetime opportunity!"  Before I reveal it, I am still in the discovery stage and working it out with my family.  However, I will say that I am honored that the person who asked me is someone who I like very much and have a ton of respect for.  This means this person trusts my ability.  I also am honored that the person that had the idea recommended me.  She is a person I feel that we are kindred spirits.  Don't ask why because I don't know.  Anyway, I am in the process of discussing it with my Doodle Bug and learning more about it. 

This made me think that it is true...all things happen for a reason.  I lost my job I loved last year and it literally broke my heart. I went from making $1000+ a month to making A LOT less.  My spirit was broken.  But today this made me think about what this has actually done for me.  Before Atticus died, I spent a lot of time with him.  I am able to go to Korea soon.  I may take this once in a lifetime opportunity.

So, before you are like me to say NO right off the bat, look at things as an opportunity and not as a problem....

Time flies when you are having fun.

Tomorrow is our 14th wedding anniversary.  Time flies when you are having fun!  So, I thought I would share 10 things I have learned from 14 years of marriage.
1) Be yourself.  If you are as lucky as I am, your spouse really does love you for you, no matter your flaws.
2) Learn how to be alone.  This sounds crazy.  My husband is often gone 9-10 months out of the year.  I have to be alone.  So, I try (and don't always succeed) to embrace that.
3) People shouldn't be able to have a $10,000+ wedding or any wedding until they have been married at least 5 years.  Why?  Really those are the years you figure out if you can be with that person forever!
4) Learn how to be self-supporting and how to call the mechanic, do 12 things at once, figure out how to get to work and get your car to the shop and somehow have time to ride your bicycle, etc, etc, I often say if I waited on a man to do something then I would be waiting til I was dead.  That sounds mean but it's not.  The more you are self-supporting and know how to do things, you will feel better and your significant other will feel better if they are called away. 
5) It's okay to love someone with your whole heart and just know that you are #1 in their life.  NO MATTER WHAT!  This is hard for me...sometimes I feel unimportant but my husband makes me feel like I am the most important thing in his life and every decision he makes is for us, not just him.
6) Get over the little stuff...when you are young and newly married, you often get all jacked up over stuff that doesn't really matter. 
7) It's okay to miss the way your husband/wife smells. Sometimes I will run across something that smells like my Doodle Bug and it is the best smell.
8) Love your in-laws.  These are the people who made your spouse who they are.  They, like you, only want the best for their child.  A lot of times, it has nothing to do with you.
9) Make sure your spouse always kiss you good night. I go to bed way earlier than my husband and every night he is here, he tucks me in and kisses me good night.  Even if you are mad at them, because that one kiss makes everything okay.  I even bought a sign that hangs close to my bed that says Kiss Me Good Night!
10) Despite popular opinion, walk away when you are mad.  This will benefit you and your spouse in many ways.  In our house, when we argue and walk away...our house is crazy clean.  Or I have rode my bicycle to China and back.   Really, I usually only stay really mad for an hour or so.  Then I am done with it.  So, embrace it, deal with it right away and move on.

Thanks for letting me share this.  Every marriage is different. I am thankful for having a husband who loves me for me.

Say what you need to say

Okay, if you didn't know this, John Mayer is absolutely my favorite artist.  I don't know if it is because he can play the s**t of a guitar or his lyrics. Probably the lyrics, I am lyric person and I think very deeply sometimes.  A therapist once told me that I carry others' baggage-whether I know them or not...anyhow, there is one song of John Mayer's I love but I don't listen to very often but tonight the vino won the battle between me and this song.  The song is Say.  If you saw the movie The Bucket List, you might understand.  Shortly before this was released, my Dad died from lung cancer and my mother warned me not to watch it but I did and somehow Jack Nicholson looked and acted like my Dad.  The details of that part of life are boring but would look good on Jerry Springer.  Say...it's hard to listen to because it says lots of things we don't want to hear.  So here it is in black and white...so please say what you need to say to those you love because you just never know.  We all hear that all the time.  But REALLY do it.  Trust me, you won't be sorry. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQtGqmi2O2U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX4jBL29aic

Take all of your wasted honor,
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems
Better put 'em in quotations...

Walkin' like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moments
Knowin' you'd be better off instead
If You Could Only SAY what you need to say...

This is the hardest lyric for me because sometimes I can see my Dad's eyes closing even though I wasn't there and often my faith is broken...
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open, wide...

People!  Put the BS behind you because the person you care about the most might not be here tomorrow. If you have never had someone close to you die, you might not have any idea but those who have, they do know.  Don't waste one second. We all do it but really really really try to do better.  I will and I hope you will too.   Cause, "You better know that in the end, it's better to say too much then to never say what you need to say again."

You know how you say, we need to plan to get together again, but never do.

Today, my Mom sent me an email about one of her former co-workers, Ruffin.  He passed yesterday and she wrote me this today about him, "You know how you say, we need to plan to get together again, but never do."  Ruffin was a kind, gentle man in my mind and I think my parents are really sad about his passing.

So, this got me to thinking about what she said, "You know how you say, we need to plan to get together again, but never do."  When I was in high school, I had a boyfriend, John K., whose Mom passed while we were dating and this actually taught me a lot.  It taught me to always say I love you and get together when you should.  So, I have always tried to say I love you and get together when I could.  I have not always succeeded but I am human.  Today, we had a car wash and when I left I made Bob M. hug me and said "because you just never know"  and you don't.  So, hug the ones you love and get together with the folks you want to because you just never know.

What does this have to do with riding a bike?  Honestly, I don't know.  I can only think of saying we should ride and then don't and then what if something happened?  How would you feel?  So what if that person is faster, slower, etc, etc.  Life is short!  People are gone before you know it.  Maybe not just through death but moving or changing hobbies.  Who knows?  So, if you care about someone or want to ride, DO IT!!!!!!!!    You don't know and you might end up with regrets.  Don't do that. 

Besides the obvious, this thought makes me so sad.  My husband is active duty military.  While I am so proud of him for serving and giving up probably 5-7 years apart from his family (and people probably shooting at him), I know this means we will probably be moving within the year and this makes me so sad.  Sad because I have been blessed with lots of cycling friends that I may never see again.  Do they care? I hope so.  I care.  I have been inspired by lots of cycling friends that I may never say that to or see after I leave.  And like my Mom I say we will get together or stay in touch but I know that we probably won't.  Not out of some mean intention but life tends to get in the way.  Soon, we will have less memories of each other but then one day we will wish we shoulda, woulda, coulda and it's too late.   Don't do it folks.  Love the people you care about and do get together.  I am going to do my best to do that because it's important and I don't want to be a shoulda, woulda, coulda.  You don't do it either.  Life is short!

I believe in you.

My friend, Kathy, has breast cancer.  We have a long history together as she was pregnant with her son when my mom was pregnant with me.  So, it is safe to say she has known me my WHOLE life!  Kathy writes these wonderful letters and sends the best care packages and I have been fortunate enough to receive lots of them over many moons.  She and I went to every bar on a cruise boat one night on my mom's 50th birthday cruise!  She was at Ironman Florida.  This New Year's I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and Kenny in a beautiful place.  I am sure that my mother has told her many of my adventures.  She is probably one of the most wonderful people I have ever known.  She is kind, she is beautiful, she is always smiling and she is thoughtful.  When my Mom told me she had breast cancer, it was like one of my favorite aunts had been diagnosed.   We have had a lot of cancer over the years and the C word scares me to death.  My Dad died from lung cancer (quit smoking Folks!), my Mom had uterine cancer, my StepDad had prostate cancer, and although undiagnosed we think my Grandma had some type of cancer.  My friend, Alexa, had breast cancer and was still in remission when I met her years later.  My other friend, Ruth, had breast cancer when I worked with her at Holy Trinity.  To me, the thought of Kathy having breast cancer scared me to death.  Here is what I know...I know she is strong and she can do this.  However, I love to send cards so every so often I send her a card when I see a good one and today at Target, I saw one and it said:

I believe in mind over matter.

I believe in the human spirit to prevail.
I believe in miracles & blessings, both great & small.
I believe in possibilities.
I believe that hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over, not as something to stop us.
I believe in you.

This card about brought me to tears in the card aisle in Target.  Why?  (Well, I may have PMS) Because I do believe in all of these things and I do believe in Kathy.  Sometimes I wish someone would say that to me but I believe in Kathy and I just know all will be okay!  My Mom told me recently she was going through radiation and it wasn't going the best.  Radiation is poison.  Somehow it works but I don't know how a poison can work in your body.  I am sure I could Google it.  I remember meeting my Dad after he had radiation and it was not great.  I have been spared most of the bad stuff with cancer, I have seen a few hard times and I have no idea what that must be like.  But there are only a few people I know that are this strong and Kathy is one of them. 

But here is the point to you...I believe in you whoever you are and you should believe in yourself.  You can do whatever you set your mind to.  There will be hurdles but there will also be many miracles and blessings (big and small) and many possibilities.  Sometimes all you need to get to where ever you are going is for someone to believe in you. 

Wind is my frienemie!

Okay, I know it will be windy from March to May here.  It happens every year but I think I forget how much the wind can kick my booty.  Today, I rode with my cycling bud, Andrew, on his easy ride (notice I said his easy ride) and of course, I felt like we had a head wind on the way out.  The wind sometimes breaks your spirit and it did mine today.  But wind, like hills, are supposed to be our friends.  Sometimes they are and they make us stronger, etc, etc, etc. and they are your friend. But some days they just break you down and then they are your enemy.  So, that makes them our frienemies. 

The frienemie teaches us how to get through things we don't like and we are better on the other side of them.  But gosh, sometimes it hurts to go through them. So, I pushed through the wind and it wasn't easy but I know come summer time I will be thankful. 

"There is more to life than increasing its speed."

Every week I watch Hoarders and this actually makes me clean my house like a crazy person.  Hope I never get into a marathon... One result of this is that I keep several binders of articles I plan to use later.  So, this week when I was going through my articles to file, I found this quote, "There is more to life than increasing its speed." Mahatma Gandhi

Gosh, ain't that the truth?  We are always so busy trying to speed through life that I think we often lose sight of the true purpose of life.  We lose sight of what is really important. 

Recently, on several group bike rides, this has happened.  People want to speed through the ride to get done or go here or there...the heck with everyone else.  Now, I know some people can fly through a ride with no extra effort and I know some people can ride to China and back with little effort.  And maybe that is important to those people and that is fantastic.  But it is not important to all members of the group...there are some cyclists that ride their bikes to be social, to exercise and to have fun.  Now, this is only my opinion and really that and $4 can get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks...what is really and truly important to me are people that I care about and want to share the thing I love with.  Realistically, I know this is not important to everyone. 

As a spouse of a fella who spends 9-10 months out of the year somewhere else, I can tell you, without one iota of a doubt, that the seconds you spend with any person you care about are valuable.  We don't want to speed through it.  There is more to life than increasing its speed.  Trust me when I tell you that I would not speed through one second of the time I spend with the Doodle Bug.  And when he is gone, those are the seconds I wish I would have relished more.  I don't want to increase the speed of that because I want to enjoy the more part of this quote.

So, you think...REALLY???  These are just some people I ride with!  Really...These are people you spend the majority of your free time with.  These are the people who can truly understand your passion.  These are the people who will help you when you need it.  Now, are these people more important than your family?  I sure hope not!  But they are people who enjoy the same passion you have and the time you have with them should not be sped through.

Sure, I know people will argue this point and maybe they are right. What do I know? Everyone's idea of important things differs. Here is what I think and agree with Gandhi, "There is more to life than increasing its speed."


In reality, I know we all have different goals.  That is fantastic!  Go for them!  But don't forget about what is truly important and what not to speed through.  What is important to you?  Write it down and put it somewhere that will remind you of the important stuff and what not to speed through.

Forgiveness…

In my life, I have made a lot of mistakes that I truly regret. TD Jakes once said on unforgiveness…you can forgive someone but you don’t have to be their best friend. Hmmmm…does this mean you can ask for forgiveness and not have to be someone’s best friend? If you haven’t figured this out by now, I might try to act tough but most people really know I have a tender heart and I take things personally, get my feelings hurt easily and I do think about things I have done wrong to someone or something and make myself nuts about them. There are lots of mistakes I have made in my life that I am truly sorry for. Some I don’t care if the person knows that and some I do care if they know. Mistakes…everyone makes them and they hurt others (even if unintentionally). Without going into detail, I have let some people down and I am sorry. I don’t know how to approach that with these people but gosh, I sure hope they know that I know I made mistakes and I am truly sorry. You can never go back to where you were before but you can forgive. This is a difficult concept.

So, what does this have to do with riding your bicycle? Well…sometimes life is like riding a bicycle. You start out with a group and you work really hard to stay with this group. But you make some mistake and you lose the group or leave someone out there alone that doesn’t know their way. If you are still with the group and left someone out there alone that doesn’t know their way, that’s a mistake because that person trusted you. If you lose the group and have to find your way on your own and get lost, then that’s a problem too. What do you do in either situation? Hard to tell but in your heart you know the right thing and you have forgive that person and YOURSELF! At the end of the ride, did you leave feeling crappy or good? Now, some people don’t get it and never will. But most of us do get it. I have done both…made a mistake and lost the group AND left someone out there. For those things I am truly sorry.

Here is the positive to take away from that…we all make mistakes (I make them every single day). You have to forgive your own mistakes and the mistakes of others. Each mistake teaches you something – good or bad. Take the lesson. Sounds cliché, I know but oh, so true. Most importantly, know you made a mistake and apologize even if it is eons later. This takes a huge burden off you even if the person hates you forever. You did what you could and at the end of the day, sometimes that is really all you can do. One more thing, and listen to me here, forgive yourself. We are all human. If no one ever made a mistake, think of how boring things would be or how we would never know hard times to appreciate the good ones.

To the people I have wronged, I am sorry. I am sure whatever and whoever it is I could come up with a laundry list of excuses but all that matters is that I am sorry I hurt you and I will try to never lose the group or leave you out there alone again.

Last thing here…my Dad died 5 years ago April 2. The last time I saw him I was so mad at him but I will tell you that the one thing I take comfort in is that the very last thing I said to him (even if my anger) is I love you. I also wrote him a letter that I actually had to pay for with others but I will tell you that I am glad I said I love you and that I wrote that letter. I will also tell you that my sister later told me that my Dad said “I know she loves me” and I never doubted that he loved me. And that, my friends, is the greatest gift you can give others and yourself, know that you love and that you are loved. And Forgive…other people and yourself. Don’t lose your group or leave anyone out there alone.

Atticus

Honestly, I have put off posting on this blog because I wasn't sure if I could cry any more...I felt I might be all cried out.  On the evening of March 1, 2011, Atticus died.  His little heart just gave out, I think.  He was 16 years old.  This year I will be married for 14 years but for the better part of the past 9 years, I have spent more time with my cat than my husband.  Atticus was the best cat ever.  He snuggled, he knew when I was sad, mad, or whatever. He knew when I drank too much wine and cried because someone broke my heart.  Atticus and Matt would watch TV from 9 am to 2 am and be perfectly happy.  Atticus would come down when he heard the garage door open, when you opened a can, and when the saucers clanked. Still, I wait for him to come out. 

Atticus had a heart arythmia that was diagnosed several years ago.  The past 4-5 weeks he just wasn't himself.  I took him to the vet and we tried all sorts of medications, vitamins and different dosages.  Finally, he had a grand mal seizure and his little heart just couldn't go on.  My heart is broken into a million pieces.  I wept for many hours so much so that I am not sure if I have any more tears.  Now some folks say it's just a cat and maybe to you, it is just a cat.  I have no children and my husband is gone a lot.  Atticus was our kid.  He was always here and loved me despite or maybe in spite of my flaws. 

While my heart is broken, I know Atticus went peacefully and I was there.  I think of the line in Steel Magnolias, "M'Lynn: I find it amusing. Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something. I just sat there. I just held Shelby's hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just peace. Oh god. I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life." 

Now, I know this isn't as drastic but that's how I felt after I got past the weeping, I was there when he went, I wasn't there when he came in but I was there when he drifted out.  It was peaceful, the seizure had stopped, no noise, no tremble...just peace.  I petted him and petted him and told him we loved him and it was okay for him to go.  Since then, I had shoulda, woulda, coulda moments every minute but I do know that there was peace for Atticus.  No sickness, no pain, no missed heart beat, just peace.

I have rationalized it to death...how it would be selfish of me, how I did the right thing, how I know he is with Lizzy, Scout, and Red...etc, etc, etc.  Finally, I went online and found out that I am not crazy for missing my cat who has been with me for 16 years.  I am human and it will get easier.

Do I miss him?  Only every millisecond of every second of the hour of the day. 

Spinning Pop & Latin Mix

Okay, I love to teach spinning and I am from Texas.  I have been blessed to teach a few more classes this month and this will be one next week (if you are in my class, it's a preview).  So, I have been working on a Pop/Latin Mix for a few weeks and haven't quite nailed until tonight...and yes, thanks to AI and J.Lo, I was inspired to finish it.  Plus March 2 was Texas Independence Day from Mexico and May 5 is Cinco De Mayo!  I think it is pretty good for a little white girl who knows nothing about Latin...whatcha think?

Pop & Latin Mix

1. Dreaming of You by Selena
2. The Cup of Life by Ricky Martin
3. Conga by Miami Sound Machine
4. Not Myself Tonight by Christina Aguilera
5. Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez
6. I Need to Know by Marc Anthony
7. Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira
8. Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
9. Rhythm is Gonna Get You by Gloria Estefan
10. On the Floor by Jennifer Lopez with Pitbull
11. Hero by Enrique Iglesias

Quiet

Recently, I bought this machine that converts your negatives, slides, pictures into jpegs.  So, tonight I got it out and scanned a bunch of negatives in.  It was great.  Found lost pictures of our wedding and lots of other fun stuff. 

As I was finishing that up and fixin' to go to bed (and yes, you can be fixin' to go somewhere) I realized I had neglected to check the mail, I walked out and thought how quiet it was, peaceful.  There's a storm brewing so it's warm but quiet and peaceful.  It made me think of when I was young my Dad would say stuff like "listen how quiet it is."  I would think what does he mean?  Surely there is something to do somewhere.  My Dad would also take us on the endless drives that I HATED!!!!  But as I walked out to the mailbox tonight, I realized he was right...it was quiet, peaceful, almost serene.  Just the wind and some neighborhood sounds.  It was comforting that just for a second it was serene.  Everything was the way it was supposed to be.  Everyone and everything seemed at peace.  I walked in, grabbed the laptop and came outside to ponder this. 

Here's what I think it is...we are all so busy rushing around, trying to be whatever we think we are supposed to be, trying to do the right things, trying to be the right person, trying to impress people who could really care less, trying to get whatever it is that we think has to be done right this second done, that we totally forget what quiet and peaceful is like.  We don't pause and think how peaceful this is.  Maybe my Pop saw that and appreciated it.  Now, I am older I appreciate it.  It is comforting to know that for just a brief moment that it is peaceful and all is okay.  You are okay.  And for that brief moment you can appreciate that, you appreciate God or whatever it is that works for you.  And maybe you think, like I do, OMG, my Dad was right.  So, just stop for a brief moment and listen to the quiet, feel peaceful and really appreciate it.  I think you will be glad you did.

Because S*** Happens

My sister, Jeanette, just sent me this in a chat about a family members' illness. People may think it sounds mean, I think it is perfectly rational.  When I looked up the cause of our family members' illness, it said the cause was unknown...I think I like my sister's rational better.  More poetic is what I told her.  

Here is the thing...I am one of those people who always want to know why things happen...sometimes this is great because then you can understand and rationalize it. But sometimes there is no reason...which can be torture for people like me.  But I think my sister has it...because s*** happens.  No reason, no sense to it and you won't ever make sense of it. 

In light of that, thought my positive quote of the day was actually pretty appropriate...POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY-The abundant life does not come to those who have had a lot of obstacles removed from their path by others. It develops from within and is rooted in strong mental and moral fiber. - William Mather Lewis

Pondering that quote in addition to this idea, I think that s***happens but without that stuff (i.e. obstacles) there is no way you can have a true appreciation of an abundant life.   Without those obstacles (s***), you cannot develop the mental and moral strength to get through life.  So, my sister is indeed right, s*** happens but somehow it makes you stronger morally and mentally.  Thanks Nette, I am gonna keep you and your degree from the school of life!

Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY...Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This was in my email inbox.  I sure hope this is true...my life lately has been an experiment in patience and sanity.  Not sure how it is going but all I can say is I still have a sense of humor.  Life...is...interesting. Just when you think things are going the way it should...BAM!!!!!  Detour!  It's a good thing God allows detours because my life has taken so many twists and turns that it could be a really bad roller coaster.  But...I do firmly believe Mother Theresa when she said, "God never give you more than you can handle, I just wish he didn't trust me so much."  So, the past year hasn't been the best, I lost the job I loved due to budget cuts, I got attacked by a dog, I am overqualified for jobs I apply for and I live the majority of my life alone even though I am married.  Well, we get through it just like everything else. 

It's kind of like this bike ride I went on on Sunday.  My friend, Lou, organizes a century every month.  So, Sunday about 11 of us start the ride and 3 go shorter, so we have 8 for the century.  Now, on the way out we were into a headwind...now according to Mike R. it wasn't that bad but I don't care, it was a headwind.  However, on the way home we flew...we get to the last stop and everyone seemed like they could have been happy with 80 miles. But at mile 90, the pace went up like crazy.  I was pooped and I wasn't sure I could get in.  Somehow working with Lou, we caught up to the last group and came in at a pretty quick pace.  Now, I have no idea how we managed that but we did.  We got it done!  It was hard but I think we all went home a little more confident and feeling good.  Sort of like life...we are not sure we can get through whatever is hard but we do and we are a little more confident the next time. Some times you just need a little help from your friends.

You're perfect to me

Today, I used Pink's ****in' Perfect as a cool down in my Spin class.   What I wanted to say to my class (but I am not close enough to most of them) is that they were all perfect in their own way.  We all think we have so many flaws and beat the crap out of ourselves about them...yes, I am the poster child for this action.  But as I grow wiser (notice I didn't say older), I realize there is more to like than to dislike.  However, there are many, many days when I beat myself up.  So, Pink's lyrics rang true to me today and many other days.   Think about this lyric ...Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead...gosh, I sure we could all realize how to do this and realize that we are perfect in our own way. 

Here are a few lyrics from the song...
"Made a wrong turn, once or twice, Dug my way out, blood and fire, Bad decisions, that's alright, welcome to my silly life, Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood, Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down, Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated, Look, I'm still around"

 You're so mean, when you talk about yourself, you were wrong.  Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead.  So complicated, look happy, you'll make it!   Filled with so much hatred...such a tired game.  It's enough! I've done all I can think of.  Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same.  Oh, pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel Like you're less than perfect.  Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing You're perfect to me"

Thank goodness for most of us is that if we feel less than perfect...call your Mom!!!  Trust me from experience, if you ask your Mom if she thinks you are perfect to her, she will say absolutely!!!  In fact, last night I had to take some pictures of scars from a dog bite on my neck and ear.  Having a nice camera is NOT always a benefit...the scars and marks left on my ear and neck about sent me into meltdown.  My ear is deformed and I have a 2-3 inch scar across my neck.  Now, do you see it?  Probably not.  I am thankful for fantastic surgeons and all the Womack staff that helped me. I am thankful for the friends who got me to the hospital when they thought I was going to die and never let on how bad it was.  However, with a good camera, the flaws are undeniable.  So, after I looked at the photos and felt nothing near perfect, I called my Mom.  After about 10-15 minutes, my Mom made me feel perfect to her.  Try it, I bet it works.  Hey, I bet you could call my Mom and she would have you feeling perfect about yourself. 

If your Mom doesn't do it then call your best friend...or if in doubt, call/email/FB me.  We are all indeed perfect in our own way and we need to remember that.  (Ummmm, yes, I realize how corny this is but sometimes we all need a little corniness in our lives.)  Or watch this...and feel perfect...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Rax2PXiWA&feature=fvst

UnValentine's Mix Play List

Since January, I have been teaching 2 spin classes a week.  Last May, I finished teaching at UNCP as adjunct faculty were cut due to budget cuts.  When I lost my job, I was crushed because finally I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.  So, thanks to my friend, Nilsa, I got a job teaching 2 classes a week.  I always forget how much I love it until I do it again.  Mad props to my friend and Spin Mentor, FurMan, who really gave me a great basis for teaching.  Sometimes I give a class and have to write him and tell him that I gave a class he would proud of.  Anyhow, yesterday my class was UnValentine's Mix. All that love on Valentine's is sometimes too much so to balance it out I had a UnValentine's Mix.  I listened to it again today on my bike ride and thought it was groovy enough to share.  It was good for angry climbs and empowering for fast flats.  Try it out... And remember to always warm up and cool down...

1) Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), Greenday
2) Love Stinks, J. Geils Band
3) Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson
4) Survivor, Destiny's Child
5) Hit the Road Jack, Ray Childs
6) Fighter, Christina Aguilera
7) Strong Enough, Cher
8) Not Ready to Make Nice, Dixie Chicks
9) I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
10) Karma, Alicia Keys
11) Just Fine, Mary J. Blige
12) Cry Me A River, Justin Timberlake
13) I Used to Love Him, Lauryn Hill

PPO

From time to time, I have a PPO...Pity Party for One.  I think we all need to have them from time to time. Hey, we are human...we all feel unappreciated, unwanted, unworthy at some point in our lives.  I wish I could say I was perfect and never had those but I do.  However, I am done with it.  However, I do truly believe that some times we have to go right through the middle of the bad stuff to get to the really good stuff. I'm an expert in this particular discipline.  I have spent years going right through the middle of bad stuff to get to the best stuff.  This, my fellow friends, has made me stronger.  However, I will tell you there are moments where I suffer from the worst stuff.  Honestly, I do believe that you have go through the crappy stuff to really really really really appreciate the really good stuff.  If life was perfect then you would have no idea how good the good stuff really is.  So, I do the best I can to get through the bad stuff because I know the best stuff is coming.  Now, I am all about being positive but if you never ever have nothing bad happen, how can you know what awesome is????  Ponder this question for awhile...then smile!  Cause you can get through just about anything if you have faith and a little determination.  Love and hugs to you all!!!!!!  I'm gonna get through this and whatever else comes my way...Bear with me and  yourself...it really is okay to sometimes be sad...because the best stuff comes on the other end. 

First Century of the Year and some other fond memories

As a cyclist, I feel very lucky to have shared in other people's accomplishments as others have shared in mine!  Today, was no exception.  We rode our first century of the year with 7 other fine cyclists.  Today, I feel honored to share in my friends' first century.  Nilsa and Marti rode their first century with us today!!!  Marti is a bad a**, just so you know, so it felt great to be on his first century.  Nilsa has only been riding a relatively short time so we are all SO proud of her for sticking it out!  What makes this even nicer is that they are married.  It feels great to share in such a great accomplishment. 

This allowed me to reflect on some other fond memories of sharing in other friends' accomplishments.  One I am particularly proud of is sharing Lou's first double century weekend (I think that is correct) a couple of years ago along with my peep, Marvelous Marvin.  Lou is a great friend of mine and has really come such a long way.  He has overcome many things that some people would never be able to get through so to share this was fantastic! Another memory I was able to share with Lou is when he got to his 10,000 mile mark in 2010...okay, now he is a regular bad a**!

Another fond memory come from 2007 CNC when 8 of us started a century and for 4 of them, it was their first.  It was particularly great to share my friends', Allison and Sandy, first century.  I think that has bonded us together for life!  These are some fantastic ladies and I feel honored to have shared in their first century.  Since then Allison has ridden a 4:55 century and Sandy has ridden at least a portion, if not all, of the past four CNCs.  I was also thrilled to have shared this with one of my favorite long distance peeps, Jimmy D.  Jimmy D. is a whole other inspiration: Type 1 Diabetic, ice climber, awesome cyclist and all around Bad A**...but don't tell him I told you!  Jimmy and I have shared many long miles during CNC!!!

Another more recent memory was riding another first century with our friend, Wayne, on Veterans Day 2010.  Wayne, while a handsome devil and good cyclist, is not a particularly young guy and has overcome being a lazy 220 pound man not that long ago.  He is absolutely one of the nicest men I have met.  It was so nice to share it with him because he is a pretty groovy guy and has overcome many obstacles and smiles all the time.  Oh, and Vince, our resident 76 year old cyclist was with us for this century and he basically could have kicked our a**es.  So, when people complain they can't do something because they are old...I want to them to see Vince.

The path to greatness is along with others.  - Baltasar Gracion, Spanish Priest

I was looking for a quote about you never feel better than when you help others.  But this quote is more  appropriate.  Honestly, I feel so lucky to have shared in these moments.  What makes me even more lucky is I got to share some of them with my favorite sista girl, Leo...and that is a whole other blog post!!

B Groupians

Yesterday, I convinced my girlfriend, Leo, to ride our regular club ride in the COLD!  We actually had a ton of fun and got in a 41 mile ride.  In the summer, our club usually divides into 4 groups based on ability level.  In the winter, we have 2 groups most of the time.  Usually we all ride together to the first stop and I love we started really doing that.  There we split up...in the winter, I usually like to ride between 40-50 miles at a reasonable pace.  We also made up a new language along the way.  Geekinese, Autonese, Leofer, Jenona...be glad you weren't riding behind us because we cracked ourselves up.

Yesterday, there was 7 of us in the B Group.  Now, this is nothing against A group cause I love 'em and there are days I wish I was that fast!  So, when Claude and I were chatting about the groups and he said he would be in the A group soon.  I said we were more interesting and besides we would cut a ride short to eat.  So, in our new language, this would make us the B-Groupians.  What is a B-Groupian?  We ride anywhere between 18 to 22 mph (sometimes more and sometimes less) steady. We crack ourselves up when riding.  We cut rides short to eat or talk about food while riding and what we will eat when we are done.  Some of us make these crazy mileage goals and ride LONG several days a week in the summer.  We are quick to go back and pick up a stragler or two and slow the group down.  Sometimes we will ride as slow as the slowest person and don't mind a bit.  It's not always about the speed but the ride.  Do I ever want to be in A Group and want folks to think I am a fast cyclist?  Do I get offended when someone says (when we are riding 17-18 mph on warm up) that's fast for you?  Yes, both of those things are true.  Do I know some people will say you are not trying hard enough or have some other rude comment?  Yes.  Here is the bottom line, I like being a B-Groupian.  I like riding where we can chat sometimes, I like laughing, I like eating, I like riding long at a steady pace, I like helping people love the sport I love, I like staying with folks that fall off because someone helped me and it is only right to pay it forward, I like that sometimes it is about the ride and not the speed, I like not always feeling like it is this big rush to get through with the ride, I like being where people don't make you feel bad about having a bad day because we all have them.  I like getting off my bike and then going to lunch with friends in cycling gear so I don't look crazy in spandex alone.  Luckily, my peeps, although they could easily be A groupers, are B-Groupians too. So, ride on B-Groupians, ride on!

The Ice Ride

So, for the past two days I have been stuck in my house. First, there was between 2 and 4 inches of snow and then it iced over (Okay, northern folks...I live in the South, we don't get that much snow or ice!)  So, this morning I decided that I should venture out on my little commuter with cross tires.  Now, if you know me at all, this is amazing because I hate, hate, HATE the cold.  People! I am from Texas where we can have a month of days over 100 degrees and not bat an eye but if there is a drop of snow or ice, we will close the entire state for a week. Anyway, I bundle up and I am SURE I looked ridiculous.  I have bags on my feet - thanks Pat D. for this tip, a goofy hat on and two pair of gloves.  So, out I go.  I can tell I am not the only one who has not ventured out in two days.  The streets are almost completely quiet and the cars are covered in ice and snow.  The road is fine but when I get to the trail...ICE!  Now, I am not a mountain biker but I like to be in the woods and toodle along.  I do think 5 miles of riding in the woods should sometimes equal 20 on the road.   The woods are actually gorgeous with the snow and ice.  The sun is hitting the ice on the trees and glistening, the trail is pretty with the ice and snow in almost pristine condition.  It was almost peaceful even with my tires crunching the snow as I slowly roll along.  Turns were interesting and if I had to dodge a tree, it could have been a disaster.  I make a short circle in the woods and head for home.  As I exit the trails, I see people out scaping ice off their cars and getting ready to head out.  This actually made me sort of sad.  I guess I don't mind when life is a little slower and things are quiet and peaceful and we are not rushing around like crazy people.  Guess this brought me back to the real world.  So, my total ride was a little over 3 miles but I keep thinking in my quest for 10,000 miles this year, 3 miles could make all the difference.

Snow...

Usually in the South, it is pretty mild through the Winter.  We can usually ride with some regularity...this year, not so much.  Today, it is snowing and although 2 inches is forecasted, it looks like it is way more than that and it's still coming down.  Yesterday the high was 38 degrees and usually it is much colder on the bike.  Now, I know there are some really tough folks out there that ride in this weather.  I am from Texas where if it snows the roads literally roll themselves up.  I can take 100 degree days in the sun but cold, ice and snow - H*** to the NO!  So, luckily today I found this article from http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=685&sc=3040+++++ that helps  the weather sensitive folks like me.

12 Quick Workouts for Work or Home

Article By: Megan Gressor

You don't have to "work out" to benefit from exercise. Any activity will improve health and aid weight loss — as long as you keep moving. The human body was designed to move, yet many of us now scarcely stir, spending all day in sedentary jobs and then driving home for an evening of television, surfing the Web or video games.  Our modern entertainment habits and labor-saving devices — from cars to computers to elevators — are having disastrous effects on the national waistline. A quarter of us never engage in physical activity at all, according to the American Heart Association, while 60 percent of adults don't get enough exercise to keep fit. The result of this, combined with poor eating habits? The epidemic of obesity and associated health problems currently gripping the United States.

The good news is that weight gain can often be avoided or reversed with regular physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week — the U.S. Surgeon General's recommendation, as well as part of the Good Health Guidelines in Weight Watchers PointsPlus™ Program. Any activity that you enjoy and resolve to stick with is fine. "Exercise" doesn't have to mean working out at the gym or engaging in competitive sports: It can be any physical activity, including gardening or housework, that gets you moving and using energy.  It isn't even necessary to pack that 30 minutes of activity into a single burst; it can be achieved in shorter increments — such as three 10-minute sessions — throughout the day. Try to increase your physical activity in as many ways as you can. Below are some tips for doing just that, whether you're at work or at home.

At work
•Walk to work, or at least get off the bus or train a stop early and finish the journey on foot. If you drive, try to park a distance from your office.
•Program regular breaks into your workday to move around the office.
•Take the stairs, not the elevator.
•Go for a 20-minute walk at lunchtime.
•Visit your colleagues in person, rather than calling or e-mailing them.
•Stand whenever possible (while on the phone, for example).
•Time to kill before an appointment? Try walking up and down the hall or doing some calf raises.

At home
•Walk or ride a bike to the store instead of driving.
•Hide the TV remote, and get up to change the channel. Better still, turn off the TV and play with your kids, or take your dog for a run.
•Wash your car manually.
•Recruit an activity buddy: You're more likely to persevere if you exercise with some company.
•Keep comfortable shoes handy in the car; use them whenever an opportunity to exercise arises.
Be sure to reward yourself when you reach your exercise goals.

Build it up
One half hour of moderate activity a day is usually all that's required to maintain adequate physical health. If you want to boost your cardiovascular fitness, gradually add more vigorous activity, like running, in-line skating or jumping rope, to your regimen until you've built up to 30- to 60-minutes sessions, three to four times a week.

10 reasons to get moving
Need an excuse to get active? There are at least 10 that we can think of! Regular moderate exercise...
1.Makes you feel great
2.Helps boost your metabolism
3.Burns off calories, aiding weight loss
4.Tones muscles and improves shape.
5.Helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
6.Can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers
7.Improves sleep, promotes relaxation and combats depression
8.Increases strength and flexibility
9.Keeps bones healthy and prevents falls in the elderly
10.Helps you maintain your desired weight for a lifetime

Send some motivation????

Winter makes me unmotivated...so, here is some advice for staying motivated on these yucky days...here's hoping it gives me a kick in the pants...

Increasing cycling motivation with these 13 tips

Sometimes any sport can be difficult to motivate yourself to do, even if it is so beautiful a sport as cycling.

You can increase your motivation in many different ways. The methods that motivates you, often depends on what time of year you are at, and the situation you are in right now.

Here we list 13 tips to increase motivation, so you can continue your progress with constant motivation in your baggage.

1. Use objectives to build up a structured training sessions. The training from both long and short-term goals is motivating in itself.

2. Train varied bicycle training. You should alternate between long, short, soft and hard training days.

3. Vary your training. Do a long hill in heavy gear sitting in the saddle all the way to the top. Or try standing all the way up the hill in heavy gear.

4. Train shorter. Many often train to far in relation to the individual level. Even if you think you train exactly the length that match your level, on a day where you're lacking of motivation try to train shorter. Generally, you will end up being more fresh when you get home, and hopefully fresher the next day.

5. Get into your training clothes a.s.a.p. Once the couch is jumped upon your back when you get home from work, it gets even harder for you to get out the door to train.

6. To watch a video with professionals while training at a hometrainer may also be motivating!

7. Try cycle to and from work. It cost valuable time if you need to get home to change clothes before you can cycle. This time can be utilized for training, and get you into your  bike clothes directly after work.

8. Choose a different route. Take a day out of your calendar where you one day cycle on roads that you have never been before. Eg. turn suddenly to the right where you tend to run left.

9. Combine your workout routes. If you have 2-3 solid training routes it can often be motivating combining the routes so you would create a new route.

10. If you have a day where you lack of energy or motivation for training that is planned, try an hour in the swimming pool instead. Swimming will not involve your muscles as hard as that running can do. Even on hot summer days the swimming pool may seem relaxing, though you might train 30-40 min.

11. Cycle a short day, or drop completely bicycle training. Follow this up by going to bed early so you are rested the next day and hopefully more motivated to practice.

12. You can replace your bicycle training by taking a walk in an exercise center. Remember that you do not have to train hard in training equipment, as your muscles in the season is not ready for this kind of training. Indoor cycling is often good in a gym where there is usually television and others to watch training.

13. You should alternate between training in a group and training alone. To train alone for long periods, can reduce motivation. Find training partners or groups you can train with on a regular basis, like eg. two times a week.

http://improvecycling.com/index.php/articles/improve-cycling/motivation/134-increase-cycling-motivation-with-theese-13-tips