90 Miles...Experience Pays Off!!!

O.K., I haven't blogged like I did for you last year, but I did manage to accomplish my goal of 90 miles this year. This was more of an accomplishment for me this year because of the personal life distractions. I suppose you could say that life got in the way of me training as I should and made this year's race a real test.

Anyone can give up and say I just can't do it. It's the easiest thing in the world. But to dig deep within yourself and hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.

I must admit that when I saw the 65 mile route detour sign at the mile 37 Power Station, it did cross my mind for a moment to take the easy way out yesterday. However, I looked inside my heart and knew there was only ONE WAY to the finish line and that was 63 miles down the road in the other direction. Looking both ways, I remember thinking...Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep.

Lessons Learned this year????

• High expectations breed high quality results. If you set the bar at a high level, you will find yourself striving to exceed it.
• The expectation of integrity, high quality and consistency is a great motivator that is fed by valuing the commitment to do what you say. I believe that your integrity is one of the most valuable traits you can possess.
• You've never ridden enough to know everything. Rely on experts and ask questions...thank you David and Linda. Your pearls of wisdom were invaluable to me on this ride...that and the Endurolytes, peanut butter sandwiches, and bananas. ;-)
• Base training for this event is a MUST. Never do anything like this unless you put in the hours throughout the year first. Thanks to my time in the saddle, I knew & understood my body well enough to know when I could push it and when to ease up on the big climbs.
• Find inspiration anywhere you can...music, self-talk, etc. I programmed my iPod shuffle with some of my favorite tunes that inspired my competitive spirit. It's amazing how music can help you when you need a little extra push!
• Lastly, look around and enjoy life. Take in the beauty all around you and appreciate your health. Life is a blessing (I know this, but sometimes forget). We all have a sweet spot...it's the state of mind in which we experience the most joy in life and satisfaction of being yourself. For me, it's riding my bike. When I take in "the moment" I sense a warm energy within me and feel refreshed!

Thank you God for keeping me safe this day and being by my side each and every mile.

I have survived another year and road my bike to say..."take that cancer!"

Dianne Rockefeller, 47 years old
Stage Three Cancer Survivor and Life Enjoyment Cyclist

2010 Special Thanks this year go out to:

My Husband Elisha for not thinking I'm nuts and understanding why I do the things I do. You've NOT been traded in for a bicycle seat! xxxoooxx!!!!

Beth - You put in the weekly miles by my side so many days this year. You will never know what a great friend you are to me!

My dog Bacchus - for always greeting me with a big lick and wagging tail every time I return from riding and not minding the kennel!

Team 38.2 - Thanks for all your encouragement and the new friendships. See you next weekend at Tour De Gruene-in my jersey of course!!!

And to my LAF donation supporters...I didn't let you down!!!! - Mike Swinney, Virgil Thompson, Tom Chandler, Dan Kirkland, Greg Kinney, Beth Sullivan, Lisa Fisher, Connie Verdile, Mary & Geoff Crabtree, Carol Cox, Gabe Desorcy, Dana Singleterry, Gayla & Jeff Pruett, Hank & Pat Denk, Meghan Pritchet, Dan Skill and Mike Acquisto

Who knows? Maybe this event will be a regular thing????? I'll post the race photos in about two weeks.