New Cannondale Slice

Check out Brian's new Cannondale Slice. Isn't it beautiful!! Thanks goodness it's built so it isn't living in the living room anymore!

--Jill

Unequalled Fitness

After Brian being off his bike for almost a year now, one would think that we'd be about the same fitness level or at least close. I remember when Brian first got off of crutches and started riding again last fall before getting his stress fracture, our fitness levels were about equal. It was so wonderful for me!! I was finally equal to Brian's fitness! Of course, it only lasted for about two weeks until he started regaining his fitness. Then the stress fracture came, and he was back on crutches.

He's been on his bike about three times this past week. I, now, have been injured for the past month and have hardly ridden at all, but still! Did I really lose that much fitness? Maybe Brian's just super-human.

Brian went out on his new Cannondale Slice. It was his first ride, and yes, he was fast. Hopefully, now that I'm getting back on the bike, although slowly, I can have a chance to keep up with him!

Do as I Say, Not as I Do

As a coach, I know it’s important to take things slow when either getting back to training after a break, or when getting into shape. But sometimes we’re our own worst coach.

A few weeks ago, Jill and I went out to the 24hr of Old Pueblo race to help, cheer, and have fun. I brought my bike. I didn’t actually think I was going to use it, except maybe to get from the camper to the expo area.

I was selling t-shirts at the Crank Brothers booth and Jill came up, needing to ride. I thought “OK, she wants me to tune her bike before she goes—no worries.” Nope. Next thing I know I’m riding my first ride back since my crash. On a mountain bike. At night. On a strange course.

Fast forward to this week. I was helping out at a friend’s triathlon training camp. I was swimming with them and showing them around, and Jill and I were tour guides. They were going to go on an easy ride, so I thought “What the hey, I’ll go too.” It was a beautiful ride with great people and a good route. 70 degrees in Tucson in March. Ahhh. So two days later, I ride as well. This time it was a little longer and had a bit of a climb on it. OK, it was a 70 mile ride up Mount Lemmon to 9000’. I made it. And the 10” cookie at the top was great. (Thanks, Eric, for taking the last Butterscotch cookie.)

So, I guess you can say I’m back!

And I sure hope my surgeon is not reading this.

Here's a picture going up Mt. Lemmon.

Brian

Vanished lives

Yesterday I received news about two cyclists who were hit and killed by a police officer who, officials think, fell asleep at the wheel. The three cyclists were hit head-on—two fatalities; another seriously injured. One of the two killed was pro triathlete and cyclist Kristy Gough. Jill and I met Kristy a few years ago at a training camp, though we didn’t get to know her well. She and her boyfriend, Clas, kind of did their own thing. They were a very nice, quiet couple. And both very good athletes.

This should remind us of how quickly our plans can change in this world. Last May Jill and I were enjoying hanging out and racing at California mountain bike races in our new camper. We knew many of the racers and it was fun just riding and visiting with friends for those two weeks. No stress, minimal plans, no worries. Jill and I were planning out our racing for the next few years and dreaming dreams. Suddenly on May 4, everything changed. I had a severely broken leg…camping trip was over…my plan to turn pro the next month had vanished.

Here’s the big lesson: We can plan our plans, but know that we’re not in control. My plans were changed, but I’m thankful to be alive. Kristy’s plans of going to the Olympics are now gone, but much more tragically, her family and friends have to deal with her being gone. Kristy was a wonderful person and a great athlete. We really must think beyond this life and realize that this life, even if you live to be 100, is still very short compared to eternal life that we all will live. Let’s make sure we do everything in this earthly life to ensure a happy eternal life with our Creator.