Of falling...and getting up

Some of you know that this year I decided to change my life.  I decided that I was to the age where I could either be frumpy and in my 40's or fabulously fit in my 40's.   It easily could have gone either way.  I was actually leaning on being more on the frumpy side.  However, last year was not really a good year for us.  We had some sad things happen that we had no control over.  I decided that life is short and the only thing I do have control over is myself.  I can sit around and be depressed or I can get off the couch and make the most of the life I have been given.  So, out with 2010 and in with 2011 and it took a lot of hard work but I'm almost there.

So, about 3 weeks ago I decided to ride in the upcoming El Tour de Tucson.  Its a bike race that happens in Tucson every year the weekend before Thanksgiving (Nov 19).  There are 4 different races.  111 miles, 85 miles, 60 miles and 42 miles.  I'm going to do the 42 mile race.  Since I hadn't been on a bike for several years I thought maybe it would be a good idea to dust it off and practice a little.  Donna L decided to do it with me.  So, "Team Donna" has been practicing. 

Friday I was about 9 miles into my ride when I crashed.  Yep, the inevitable happened. I was at the Brandi Fenton park and planning to refill my water bottle, when I got distracted by the basketball players and went off the sidewalk. When I went to go back on the sidewalk my tires did a funky move and I crashed.

 I skinned up my knees and elbow and bruised my hip and leg.  For a few seconds I thought "I want to go home".  I got up and went and sat on a bench and sulked for a few minutes.  I thought about what would happen if I quit...  I'd never reach my goal (which was 30 miles for the day).  If I never reached my goal then I wouldn't be ready for the bike race.  If I'm not ready for the bike race, then my whole plan of getting fit is for nothing.....!!  I didn't get fit to sit on the couch!!!    So, I got back on my bike and road another 31 miles.  Yep, exceeded my goal by 10 miles.   Now I know I am ready.  I'm kinda wishing I would have signed up for the 60 mile race but I'll maybe do that next year.  We have to have goals....and falling sometimes is part of it.  Its what we do when we fall that determines our future!

I also have to say that I am so thankful to have such a supportive husband. I can't really blame him for laughing at me when I told him I was going to sign up for the race since I hadn't even been on a bike for years.  But, he's encouraged me and helped me.  Yesterday he switched my tires from mountain bike tires to road tires so it would be a little easier to ride. He hooked up an odometer so I'd know how far I was riding and helped me get all the gear I need.  XOXOXO

Also, thanks to Donna L, my riding partner.  It will be much more fun having a friend along than doing it by myself. 

The race is next Saturday.  Stay tuned for more photos and race day adventures...but hopefully no more falls.

Me and my bike

The wonderful Tucson bike loop - eventually it will go 50+ miles around the city.

The scene of the accident

The damage done ....  I didn't take pics of my elbow its but pretty much the same.