Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Easter!

Here is a picture of my bike at the Acton Boxborough track, newly named the Richard E Dow Track after a man that inspired me to run as hard as I could and a man who lost his struggle with cancer at much to young of an age.  I stopped by the track on my Easter morning ride.  I wasn't sure what to expect but it was both a bit sad but surprisingly a bit uplifting as well.  Uplifting because a man that meant so much to AB track, to students at ABRHS and to me will be remembered forever.  I will bring Jordan to that track when she gets older and will explain that Daddy used to run around here while Grammie and Grampy used to yell and scream.  I will also explain all the great friendships that were forged while spending countless hours running around and around (and probably fooling around a bit too!).  But most importantly I will explain to her why "Uncle Dick's" name is on the front straight and how he was a special man who inspired and mentored many. 
So I only got one ride in this weekend.  It was a 35 miler through the hills of Harvard with new team member Chris Joyce.  I am already feeling a little better and am looking forward to warmer weather and longer rides.  We had a wonderful Easter with an egg hunt, french toast and a great family dinner.  Jordan entertained during all of it.  I hope your Easter was special as well. 
Three goals to speak about. 
1.  I have raised a little under $1000 towards my goal of $9000
2.  I lost 1 lbs on my way to 159
3.  I have a total of 81 miles on the bike so far this year.


Bye for now.
Steve

Sunday, April 1, 2012

First Training Weekend

So finally I got out on my bike this weekend.  Very busy weekend with two bike rides sandwiching my parents 50th anniversary.  First to explain the pic on the left.  This is what I feel like right now and especially while out on my bike Saturday.  For the riding....  My first ride of the year was a nice 18 mile ride through Harvard.  It was tough.  I am always amazed that I feel so bad on the first ride back.  My second ride was a little better.  28 miles with Team Lick and it was much more enjoyable.  Another tour of Harvard but at a much nicer pace.  We had a few new members of Team Lick out there and it was great to meet the 'new blood'.  It is going to be an amazing year!  But the real reason for the ride is to raise money to fight cancer so on Saturday morning I sent out fundraising letters.  I really am hoping to raise over $9K this year.  I also have two personal goals that I am going to share here in the hopes that a little external motivation will help me.  The first is that I would like to get in 2000 miles before the start of the PMC.  I will be tracking my progress here and can say that I am already 2% towards my goal.  The second goal is to get my weight down under 160 lbs.  This one will be a little tougher but I am committed.