good luck!

I am wishing everyone participatng in the Livestrong Challenge events this weekend in Seattle good luck!!!

You still have time to get in on the action for Philly in August or Aistin in October! There are 5K walks and runs. Bike rides at 20, 45, 70 and 100. www.livestrongchallenge.org Something for everyone!!! If you can't find an event that fits your personality, but still want to do something, then you can donate, http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin.

Stop cancer now!
-Rhonda

good karma, good cake & healing

Good Karma Healing!
Tomorrow from 12 - 2
At The Lifestream Center
2001 Windsor Avenue
Small workshop about chakras, with chakra balancing and healing Reiki energy.
$20
Pineapple Upside Down Cake (cause it is summery and has yellow rings like the Livestrong Wristbands) made by The Dessert Divas as refreshment!!! You enjoyed some of their tasty treats at the bake sale. :o)

50% of all monies goes to The Lance Armstrong Foundation to help fight cancer!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Happy healing!
-Rhonda

it is a car wash!

The almost last fundraiser for the 2009 Livestrong Challenge season. July 11, 11-3 at Haverty's Valley View. I have put a flyer up on the blog for that fundraiser, along with the fundraiser this weekend and also have posted an image of the bib that I will wear the day of the ride. I chose to ride in honor of my family members that are still living with cancer or have survived cancer. I just do not have enough real estate on my body to ride for everyone who has touched my life and lived with cancer or have been taken by cancer.

The 45 mile ride is just shy of 60 days away. Minus a small problem with my collar bone popping out, I am ready to go! The collar bone is being treated by my chiropractor and acupuncturist and I plan to be 100% next week. :0) I can still ride, but uncomfortable pretty much the rest of the time.

This is one of those times where I have had to be reminded why I am riding and to keep pushing myself through, but to remember not to push to hard. Crazy balancing act.

I keep hearing people say I am to old or I'm this or I'm that... I don't believe in that. You're never to old or whatever. You just may not be able to do what you once did, but you can get out there and start. Don't sell yourself short, because of a social image you have. I've read about a gentleman for his 65th birthday decided to run the Chicago marathon, he has since inspired his daughter and helped train many others. Or the 80 year old who competes in marathons. Or how about the gentleman that pushes his son in a wheel chair through marthons and triathlons???

One thing I have learned through all of this, is that we put our own limitations on ourself. Yea, I have a few more curves at 36 than I had at 16, I recover a little more slow, but I'm still getting out there and trying. That is all you have to do is try, just see what you can do. If you make it down your drive way, WAY TO GO! If you make it past that, you're doing remarkable. Just do it!

If you want someone to ride with, then let me know, I love to ride and can ride almost any speed. Hey before you know it, you'll be doing things you never thought possible. I know I have.

Keep on turning,
-Rhonda

picking a challenge event

People do a Livestrong Challenge for many reasons and ride in honor of people or in memory of people. Here is a video from The Lance Armstrong collection of Livestrong, take a minute and see how cancer has affected peoples lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-dw3e_KoFQ

Help keep this fight so we can live in a world free of cancer:
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin

Thank you for all of your support!
Rhonda

I know I can

Now I know I can! :0) Make it 45 miles on my bike that is. :0) The total elevation that I will climb in August will be more than the elevation that I climbed on Saturday, but I know I can make it 45 miles. Which is a relief!

Saturday, June 13, Tammy (on her spiff new road bike from the last time), Casey (also a new roadie) and myself all (Jessee was also on her new road bike and Elizabeth went along too, for 34 miles) went to Blacksburg again to ride the Huckleberry, for four laps. We did 46.08 miles in 3:32:25, which is respectable. Casey finished first ahead of us, someone did not fuel along the way properly and bonked so finishing was a struggle and it was not me. I was hoping not to have to say "I told you so", so I searched for a nice way to put it. Haha! It is easy to do, feel ok and as though you have more to give and not fuel. Heck, it is easy, even elite athletes misjudge. It is a tough task to accomplish, especially for me cause I want to feul, but I am also trying to reduce the weight that I am carrying around, so I have to be careful what I eat while riding. If you are having trouble on long rides, talk to a friend who does a lot of riding or with your physician. Proper feuling, including hydration can make a huge difference in a long ride or a lot of climbing.

As part of my regular training, we have started climbing on our bikes up Mill Mountain every week. It is a good steady climb with some steap parts. There is an old road that is much steaper, I want to make it up the new road a few times without stopping first. This week we did not ride up Mill Mountain, because we were going to ride 46.08 miles. So I figure if the riding continues and keep climbing up Mill Mountain, by August, 45 miles will be an achievable task and before they cut off the course. When I signed up, 45 miles seemed like a distant goal. I was going to be happy if I was 75% of the way there before the ride. :0) I am ahead of my fitness goal for the ride.

I have posted the course description and I am excited to show you the course map, with elevation and water stations.

http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/site/c.frKPI1PAIoE/b.4180485/k.56F6/Philly_45Mile_Course_Map.htm

Saddle up!
-Rhonda

saddle wisdom part 2

Here are a few things I've learned recently with my time on a saddle. Hopefully it will help you on your rides.

1. A car door with an occupant not noticing you on a bike can be a dangerous obtsacle.

2. Long distances might call for skin protection in the saddle area. Even with padded shorts, friction occurs. Body butt'r or bag balm come recommended. Nozema was mentioned, but I'm not sold on that yet.

3. If you're on road bike, watch out for railroad tracks or road grates with wide slits. Your tires are narrow and can get stuck and hitting the tracks just right can pop a tire or knock you off your bike.

4. Friends. Find a group to ride with. They help keep you accountable when you're not feeling the ride. They can also encourage you along the way in all sorts of ways.

5. Talk to your physician if your having any unusual problems. Such as continued fatigue, slow recovery or any other things that can cause you long term damage.

Go out and ride and have fun!
-Rhonda

forward moving

"One who does not look ahead, remains behind."
~Brazilian Proverb

One thing I am doing on a regular basis is looking forward. Looking forward on the bike for any obstacles to avoid, looking forward as I work to improve my health, looking forward to fundraisers to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation, looking forward to the 45 mile Livestrong Challenge ride in August and looking forward to a world free from the devastating disease of cancer.

Cancer is a terrible disease and we have the power to stop it, but action needs to be taken.
Write letters:
Lobby your Congressperson for more funding for cancer research for vaccines, more humane chemo drugs and whatever way you feel they can help end the 1500 deaths per day that will occur from cancer.
Donate online:
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Attend:
Good Karma Healing
June 20, 12-2 at Lifestream Center $20
50% goes to The Lance Armstrong Foundation
Get your car washed:
July 11, 11-3 at Haverty's Valley View
All monies go to The Lance Armstrong Foundation

Looking forward to a cancer free world!
-Rhonda

75 days left

WOW! It is amazing how time flies when you're having fun.
Here is a quick update. Been a little busy after Lorax had her cancerous cyst removed and getting her squared around.

I have been able to do amazing things in this short about of time and have a wonderful group of people supporting me and riding with me. It is great! We have now completed three successful rides up Mill Mountain, our first Parkway ride and rode for 31 miles without more than a few minute break to stretch or fill up water bottles. This weekend we are shooting for four laps on the Huckleberry, which would put our total miles to 46.1. Since the last time we rode, Tammy has bought a road bike and two of our other friends have bought road bikes, one is renting one for the day. It is going to be another fabulous experience.

The gym thing is not as often as I am trying to get in more miles on the bicycle. Though we plan to pick that back up this week two days during the week to continue with some strength training.

Have you checked out the honor roll yet on my Livestrong Challenge fundraising page? The site is, http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin, you can add your name really easily. :0) More money in checks and cash to be sent.

This has been a wonderful experience and looking forward to the next 75 days. I am glad to be sharing this with you and you take time to read these updates.

Stay tuned for more exciting news, updates, rides and fundraisers!
-Rhonda

children and cancer

As you've already read I do not know life without cancer being in it. Sadly, but true. Fortunately I am 36 and have never had it in my body, tho many others around me have. Many are not even adults.

Today after noon, Skylar (cancer angels part 2) lost her battle with cancer. Her body got to tired to continue to fight the fight. No matter how ready you are for your loved one to be out of pain and discomfort, you are truely never ready for that next day when you will not be able to smell their smell, hold them or hear them. So remember to give blessings to the families of people with cancer. My love and prayers go out to the soul of Skylar being lifted heavenly and to her family who has shown unending love.

Another young one is fighting for his life. I do not know him, but someone at my vet does. So I'm passing along their story.

Here is the flyer as they have it:
Pack the Park-June 17th
Help us pack the park June 17 to benefit Dylan Smith (AKA Dill Pickles). Dylan us a brave 6 year old that is currently battling and winning the fight against medulloblastoma (brain cancer). He has endured numerous medical procedures over the last 6 months and has more treatments to go. We are trying to help the family with medical expenses and greatly appreciate any and all support and wishes given.
Thank you The Dylanators

For tickets you can call Monica Farris 389-2113 or go to Vinton Vet and see Lauren or Meghan.

HERE IS THE DEAL!!!!
If you buy a ticket from one of them it is $5 and $3 goes to Dylan's family. If you wait til the day of the game it will be $7 and 50 cents goes to the family. **In short you can save $2 and they get $2.50 more. So make that call.

****Really neat thing, it will be his birthday that night and he plans to attend!!!!

Keep up the fight!
-Rhonda

another name on the bib

Though we have a lot to celebrate on the bike. We still have times of struggle, both on & off. We had our first ever bicycle ride on the Parkway. We climbed Mill Mountain, I didn't freakout and feel I needed to stop part of the way up. This time I went all the way and kept going all the way to Vinton. Again with many thanks to Lisa and her wonderful coaching and cheering all along the way. Casey & Min joined us too, it was a nice group.

Lisa must've realized what she was doing, when she helped me through the heaviness in my heart. I was having a tough slow climb up Mill Mountain, a lump in my throat and I wanted to turn around and go home. I was having a moment of feeling defeated. The rain kept us off our bike all week & randomness kept us from the gym. So Tammy and I didn't feel as prepared. Not to mention the day before we found out that Lorax our 16 year old poodle was diagnosed with cancer, when we took her in to have a growth on her lip looked at. She had surgery today and all of the cyst was taken off. Given her age, we opted not to treat her cancer with chemo and/or radiation, but we are addimg to our regular vet by taking her to acupuncture to keep her comfortable. That starts next Thursday.

Lisa talked me through my visible struggle and helped me to realize that I was honoring her playful side by going out and playing outside on our bike. I talked about her playing soccer, by dodging a slightly smaller than regulation ball between her front paws. She won second place at a talent show once with such fantastic talent! :o) I ls have to brag she once won a pet costume contest. :o) She has oozing personality. Then another friend, Wanda, helped me again to realize that Lorax and my love for her will keep me strong on the bike when my dedication may waiver. Thank you to, two wonderful women that reminded me that life is pecious and deserves to be celebrated and appreciated when we have it!

So I add a 3rd name to my bib of the people I am riding in honor of, because all three have given me so much. I ride with in honor of their courage, their love of life and unique qualities. In August I chose to ride with those in my family still living with or surviving cancer; Dad, Jime' and Lorax will be proudly worn all 45 miles through the streets of Philadelphia, PA.

Don't forget to enjoy this moment!
-Rhonda