Remember the "More Than a Ride" blog has changed addresses to a free standing blog.
www.morethanaride.com
If you are not sure what to do, here is what you do.
Go to www.morethanaride.com and click on register and follow the directions or click on the RSS feed an click how you would like to receive the updates from the blog. There is a new blog post today and more to come and I would hate for you to be left out of the loop. :o) Let me know if you are having any problems.
Keep connected with the journey!
-Rhonda
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Also an issue that is on the rise and increasing. Especially with cancer expected to take the lead in 2010 for cause of death. So sad considering many cancers can be prevented and treated if caught early enough, such as breast cancer. Be sure to get to know the facts about Breast Cancer at www.livestrong.org or www.komen.org. Both sites have excellent information and about treatment options.
In case you didn't know, the Susan G. Komen Foundaiton was started by a sister who made a promise to her sister when she was dieing of cancer. It is now the largest foundation with a single cancer focus. There are all sorts of Breast Cancer Awareness events in Roanoke, VA and beyond, be sure to find an event near you and help build awareness. Guys, do not you are at risk too!
According to the CDC (Centers of Disease Control):
# 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer.
# 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.
Get to know the facts and do a self exam once a month!
Be aware!
-Rhonda
In case you didn't know, the Susan G. Komen Foundaiton was started by a sister who made a promise to her sister when she was dieing of cancer. It is now the largest foundation with a single cancer focus. There are all sorts of Breast Cancer Awareness events in Roanoke, VA and beyond, be sure to find an event near you and help build awareness. Guys, do not you are at risk too!
According to the CDC (Centers of Disease Control):
# 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer.
# 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.
Get to know the facts and do a self exam once a month!
Be aware!
-Rhonda
Sunday, October 4, 2009
13.1/26.2 Challenge & FREE Entry Contest
"13.1/26.2 Challenge & FREE Entry CONTEST" Posted on the blog www.morethanaride.com.
”Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”
~William Ellery Channing
So far, there are four people who have accepted the challenge set forth to join me in a life changing 13.1 miles!
Here is your chance to get a FREE entry into The Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon and Half Marathon (www.blueridgeparkwaymarthon.com)!
I completely will admit that the training guide that I am going to use is from the book mentioned a few weeks ago in the blog post “Rainy Day Reading”. The half marathon training schedule that I am using is from, The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women, by Dawn Dais. If you do not have the book, email me (Rhonda@morethanaride.com) and I will get you a copy of the schedule, though you may enjoy the book.
If you are like me and have never in your life participated in or thought you would be doing a half marathon, then this helpful schedule will be just what you need. With a run group and a walk/run group for a half marathon, it takes you over a 20 week time frame. Those 20 weeks will start in December 2009. Yes it will be cold then!
Now, to help you even more with accepting this most amazing challenge of joining me over 13.1 miles and how you can get a FREE entry into The Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon and Half Marathon (www.blueridgeparkwaymarthon.com), all you have to do is answer a question. The weather is getting cold and for most of us it is requiring more gear than simply lacing up sneakers and throwing on a T-shirt and shorts.
What is your preferred source of warmth on those cold days of training through the winter?
A. Tights (sleek like a gazelle)
B. Track warm up pants (the whistling would sound neat)
C. Tough it out in the shorts (my legs lost feeling years ago)
D. Take it to the gym (I’m a weather princess)
Email me at Rhonda@morethanaride.com or post a comment on this blog post. Your name will be thrown into a hat, well more like a fish bowl or salad bowl, seeing as how I do not have a nifty top hat laying about the house. But either way your name will be added and winner will randomly be drawn from submissions between today October 5, 2009 to October 19, 2009, will be entered and a name. Remember your email and name has to be included in the response so that you can get cool updates on The Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon and be notified if you won.
Good luck!
-Rhonda
”Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”
~William Ellery Channing
So far, there are four people who have accepted the challenge set forth to join me in a life changing 13.1 miles!
Here is your chance to get a FREE entry into The Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon and Half Marathon (www.blueridgeparkwaymarthon.com)!
I completely will admit that the training guide that I am going to use is from the book mentioned a few weeks ago in the blog post “Rainy Day Reading”. The half marathon training schedule that I am using is from, The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women, by Dawn Dais. If you do not have the book, email me (Rhonda@morethanaride.com) and I will get you a copy of the schedule, though you may enjoy the book.
If you are like me and have never in your life participated in or thought you would be doing a half marathon, then this helpful schedule will be just what you need. With a run group and a walk/run group for a half marathon, it takes you over a 20 week time frame. Those 20 weeks will start in December 2009. Yes it will be cold then!
Now, to help you even more with accepting this most amazing challenge of joining me over 13.1 miles and how you can get a FREE entry into The Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon and Half Marathon (www.blueridgeparkwaymarthon.com), all you have to do is answer a question. The weather is getting cold and for most of us it is requiring more gear than simply lacing up sneakers and throwing on a T-shirt and shorts.
What is your preferred source of warmth on those cold days of training through the winter?
A. Tights (sleek like a gazelle)
B. Track warm up pants (the whistling would sound neat)
C. Tough it out in the shorts (my legs lost feeling years ago)
D. Take it to the gym (I’m a weather princess)
Email me at Rhonda@morethanaride.com or post a comment on this blog post. Your name will be thrown into a hat, well more like a fish bowl or salad bowl, seeing as how I do not have a nifty top hat laying about the house. But either way your name will be added and winner will randomly be drawn from submissions between today October 5, 2009 to October 19, 2009, will be entered and a name. Remember your email and name has to be included in the response so that you can get cool updates on The Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon and be notified if you won.
Good luck!
-Rhonda
1 mile
1 mile as posted to the new site www.morethanaride.com! Go join today, only a few more posts left on this site.
“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one... characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers. “
~Henry David Thoreau
One mile never seemed to be so far as when I took the first step. Retracing in my head the steps I had just taken, with intervals of 2 and a half minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking. I knew the distance I was going to have to cross to complete the task at hand.
A runner passed, giving a big smile and a “thumbs up” just before I got to the half mile point. I just had a group of girl runners run past me leaving me in their dust watching them gracefully bound away out of site. This left me wondering why I was even bothering. Then I remembered I set a really cool goal and I kept going. That “thumbs up” came at the right moment, then I was at half a mile. I had just finished a half a mile two days earlier so I knew it was achievable, but knows an off day is a possibility. Slowly up the little incline (which feels like a hill), half a mile and beyond, I was now running to the next goal of one mile. I had to keep reminding myself to go slow, to just reach the goal and not allow myself to get excited at this point.
Then at .75 of a mile I started to chant my mantra as the road beneath my feet started to feel like a conveyor belt moving in the other direction, keeping me from moving forward. With every other step I spoke a new word under my breath, “Yo..soy..una..machina*.”, and I kept with it. Then a woman passed, we had seen her every morning since we started, I told her with a quiver in my voice (from excitement) that I was about to finish my first mile without stopping. Then I told a stranger that blew past me. I was proud of my almost accomplishment.
With blubbering tears of joy, I finished the last steps up the incline over the other side of the bridge. Wanting to run to Tammy and Lisa to tell them of my most amazing accomplishment, my body needed to stop and walk for a while. I was still crying tears of joy when I got to them, because I had just finished running my first mile since high school.
I am ashamed of saying that we have driven past people who are running along the side of the road, probably looking a lot like I do now when I run; I have said, “why bother at that point? Just walk”. Well now I know and I am sorry! As my friend Lisa said, you had the “runners bounce” and that is what matters. That little bounce makes a difference, it is tougher and it does make you work. I had sweat rolling and bouncing off. It may not have been a graceful gazelle running across the park along the greenway, but I was running. Now after that first mile of running without walking, I feel like I can call myself a runner, although I felt like a runner with my intervals and proud of every step I take no matter how they are take!
Baby steps!
-Rhonda
*translation: Yo soy una machine = I am a machine. :o) It works!
“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one... characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers. “
~Henry David Thoreau
One mile never seemed to be so far as when I took the first step. Retracing in my head the steps I had just taken, with intervals of 2 and a half minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking. I knew the distance I was going to have to cross to complete the task at hand.
A runner passed, giving a big smile and a “thumbs up” just before I got to the half mile point. I just had a group of girl runners run past me leaving me in their dust watching them gracefully bound away out of site. This left me wondering why I was even bothering. Then I remembered I set a really cool goal and I kept going. That “thumbs up” came at the right moment, then I was at half a mile. I had just finished a half a mile two days earlier so I knew it was achievable, but knows an off day is a possibility. Slowly up the little incline (which feels like a hill), half a mile and beyond, I was now running to the next goal of one mile. I had to keep reminding myself to go slow, to just reach the goal and not allow myself to get excited at this point.
Then at .75 of a mile I started to chant my mantra as the road beneath my feet started to feel like a conveyor belt moving in the other direction, keeping me from moving forward. With every other step I spoke a new word under my breath, “Yo..soy..una..machina*.”, and I kept with it. Then a woman passed, we had seen her every morning since we started, I told her with a quiver in my voice (from excitement) that I was about to finish my first mile without stopping. Then I told a stranger that blew past me. I was proud of my almost accomplishment.
With blubbering tears of joy, I finished the last steps up the incline over the other side of the bridge. Wanting to run to Tammy and Lisa to tell them of my most amazing accomplishment, my body needed to stop and walk for a while. I was still crying tears of joy when I got to them, because I had just finished running my first mile since high school.
I am ashamed of saying that we have driven past people who are running along the side of the road, probably looking a lot like I do now when I run; I have said, “why bother at that point? Just walk”. Well now I know and I am sorry! As my friend Lisa said, you had the “runners bounce” and that is what matters. That little bounce makes a difference, it is tougher and it does make you work. I had sweat rolling and bouncing off. It may not have been a graceful gazelle running across the park along the greenway, but I was running. Now after that first mile of running without walking, I feel like I can call myself a runner, although I felt like a runner with my intervals and proud of every step I take no matter how they are take!
Baby steps!
-Rhonda
*translation: Yo soy una machine = I am a machine. :o) It works!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Happy October!
Happy October! as posted at www.morethanaride.com, do not forget to join the new blog site so you can keep getting updates. Let me know if are having trouble.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
~ Henry Ford
It is October and Breast cancer Awareness month and tomorrow is LIVESTRONG Day so be sure to wear your yellow LIVESTRONG wristband or other gear. If you do not have a wristband, let me know, I still have some and all the money goes to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. You can also get shirts, shorts, shoes and other LIVESTRONG Gear at Dick’s Sporting goods or through their website www.livestrong.org, though it may not reach you in time for tomorrow.
With October comes cold weather and boy I should have put on some running tights or something more than shorts. It was chilly and my legs are still chilly, I must have forgotten it was fall. It might have been the extreme cold after my first .75 miles on the return trip, when I decided to see if I could run for half a mile solid without stopping. I kept my watch timer counting down to two and a half minutes, just in case. It beeped and I reset it. About that time I was running up toward Walter and told him with as much excitement as I could muster that I had just ran for five minutes and was shooting for half a mile. It was not much faster than my walk, but I had the “running bounce” happening, the rest will fall into place. I ran for a whole half a mile (actually close to .6 tenths of a mile) without stopping!!! I was giddy with excitement!!!
I am just amazed at how well I have done! It is tough; some days are easier than others, some days you feel like you are really doing great and others you feel like your legs are of cement. The thing on those tough days that I try to remember is that I cannot compare myself to the gals that just left me in the dust. What I do have to remember is that I am out and moving my body and doing more today than I had done yesterday. It is about doing it!
LIVESTRONG!
-Rhonda
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
~ Henry Ford
It is October and Breast cancer Awareness month and tomorrow is LIVESTRONG Day so be sure to wear your yellow LIVESTRONG wristband or other gear. If you do not have a wristband, let me know, I still have some and all the money goes to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. You can also get shirts, shorts, shoes and other LIVESTRONG Gear at Dick’s Sporting goods or through their website www.livestrong.org, though it may not reach you in time for tomorrow.
With October comes cold weather and boy I should have put on some running tights or something more than shorts. It was chilly and my legs are still chilly, I must have forgotten it was fall. It might have been the extreme cold after my first .75 miles on the return trip, when I decided to see if I could run for half a mile solid without stopping. I kept my watch timer counting down to two and a half minutes, just in case. It beeped and I reset it. About that time I was running up toward Walter and told him with as much excitement as I could muster that I had just ran for five minutes and was shooting for half a mile. It was not much faster than my walk, but I had the “running bounce” happening, the rest will fall into place. I ran for a whole half a mile (actually close to .6 tenths of a mile) without stopping!!! I was giddy with excitement!!!
I am just amazed at how well I have done! It is tough; some days are easier than others, some days you feel like you are really doing great and others you feel like your legs are of cement. The thing on those tough days that I try to remember is that I cannot compare myself to the gals that just left me in the dust. What I do have to remember is that I am out and moving my body and doing more today than I had done yesterday. It is about doing it!
LIVESTRONG!
-Rhonda
Monday, September 28, 2009
More Than a Ride Continues
Now at www.morethanaride.com!
On March 14, 2009, I started the blog “More Than a Ride”, Tammy came up with the name and it has been a perfect name. I had no clue when I decided to sign up for a LIVESTRONG Challenge raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and start this blog that my life was going to change so much.
You see, I had just found out in January that my Dad had stage three esophageal cancer. I was trying to figure out life and understand illness and death. I think I was doing a pretty good job, but found out later that I was struggling more than I thought. Though I did realize I needed to do something to help myself and still be able to help my family when needed. So forcing myself out on a bike to train for a 45 mile bike ride and fundraiser was a journey I started and wanted to share it with you. Primarily, because I know I am not the first person to experience a loved one with cancer, sadly I will not be the last.
So, here we are six months later. I completed my first LIVESTRONG Challenge and raised a total of $1,195 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Please note: I did not do it alone! However, when I crossed the finish line I heard a little voice whisper in my ear, (it was probably one of the “cancer angels” I have gliding along with me) “Rhonda, your life will never be the same”. I have to agree, because I soon realized how amazing it is to do something that you do not think that you could do. Even though I had ridden more than 45 miles before that day, those 45 miles were the toughest I have ridden to date. It lived up to the name of LIVESTRONG Challenge and served the purpose to push me to my limit, to bring me to tears of fear and tears of joy.
Now I am ready for the next journey and I would love for you to experience something as amazing as I did. I hope you can join me April 24, 2010, for 13.1 miles!
In fact, I am challenging you! (standing with a Victorian white glove in hand)
Come to Roanoke, VA and join me for 13.1 miles in the Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon (www.blueridgeparkwaymarathon.com), it is considered one of the toughest on the east coast. No, I am not crazy, but the experience will be one of the most rewarding you have ever had. IF YOU SO CHOOSE not to join me for 13.1 miles, remember you can walk and have 7 hours to finish, you have a few other options. Remember, I will nag!
If you choose not to walk, run or run/walk 13.1 miles with me, I ask you to donate at least $13.10 to FOUR different non-profits fighting cancer (of your choice) in honor of three people in your life, plus $13.10 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.livestrong.org), making it 13. You have until April 24, 2010 to complete.
There is also another choice we call it the stimulus option. If you choose not to join me for an unforgettable 13.1 miles, I ask that you VOLUNTEER at 13 area fundraising events (they do not have to be cancer related), such as 5Ks, half and full marathons, and so on.
You see, “More Than a Ride”, is more than about the ride, it is about “changing the world one revolution at a time”. Whether you choose to turn your pedals, sneakers or hours volunteering, it is amazingly rewarding to do all of the above and making a difference in the world around us. I hope you choose the one you think you have no possibility in achieving, because I know you will cross whatever finish line you set!
Come on along and join the journey!
We are changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
PS: LIVESTRONG Challenge 2010 is out there too, so stay tuned for that journey! It is going to be a great year!
On March 14, 2009, I started the blog “More Than a Ride”, Tammy came up with the name and it has been a perfect name. I had no clue when I decided to sign up for a LIVESTRONG Challenge raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and start this blog that my life was going to change so much.
You see, I had just found out in January that my Dad had stage three esophageal cancer. I was trying to figure out life and understand illness and death. I think I was doing a pretty good job, but found out later that I was struggling more than I thought. Though I did realize I needed to do something to help myself and still be able to help my family when needed. So forcing myself out on a bike to train for a 45 mile bike ride and fundraiser was a journey I started and wanted to share it with you. Primarily, because I know I am not the first person to experience a loved one with cancer, sadly I will not be the last.
So, here we are six months later. I completed my first LIVESTRONG Challenge and raised a total of $1,195 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Please note: I did not do it alone! However, when I crossed the finish line I heard a little voice whisper in my ear, (it was probably one of the “cancer angels” I have gliding along with me) “Rhonda, your life will never be the same”. I have to agree, because I soon realized how amazing it is to do something that you do not think that you could do. Even though I had ridden more than 45 miles before that day, those 45 miles were the toughest I have ridden to date. It lived up to the name of LIVESTRONG Challenge and served the purpose to push me to my limit, to bring me to tears of fear and tears of joy.
Now I am ready for the next journey and I would love for you to experience something as amazing as I did. I hope you can join me April 24, 2010, for 13.1 miles!
In fact, I am challenging you! (standing with a Victorian white glove in hand)
Come to Roanoke, VA and join me for 13.1 miles in the Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon (www.blueridgeparkwaymarathon.com), it is considered one of the toughest on the east coast. No, I am not crazy, but the experience will be one of the most rewarding you have ever had. IF YOU SO CHOOSE not to join me for 13.1 miles, remember you can walk and have 7 hours to finish, you have a few other options. Remember, I will nag!
If you choose not to walk, run or run/walk 13.1 miles with me, I ask you to donate at least $13.10 to FOUR different non-profits fighting cancer (of your choice) in honor of three people in your life, plus $13.10 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.livestrong.org), making it 13. You have until April 24, 2010 to complete.
There is also another choice we call it the stimulus option. If you choose not to join me for an unforgettable 13.1 miles, I ask that you VOLUNTEER at 13 area fundraising events (they do not have to be cancer related), such as 5Ks, half and full marathons, and so on.
You see, “More Than a Ride”, is more than about the ride, it is about “changing the world one revolution at a time”. Whether you choose to turn your pedals, sneakers or hours volunteering, it is amazingly rewarding to do all of the above and making a difference in the world around us. I hope you choose the one you think you have no possibility in achieving, because I know you will cross whatever finish line you set!
Come on along and join the journey!
We are changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
PS: LIVESTRONG Challenge 2010 is out there too, so stay tuned for that journey! It is going to be a great year!
changing up a bit
Hey!
This is awesome and exciting. I will continue for a few more blog posts to post here on this blog site. However, I will be switching to www.morethanaride.com. This is cool because originally I had no clue where the blog would take me. Nor did I know where the LIVESTRONG Challenge would take me. Over the past several months I have learned truly that this journey has been "More Than a Ride"!
It has been:
More than expected.
More than amazing.
More tears than thought.
More than a blessing!
I can keep going too!
I hope that you join me in the next journey of "More Than A Ride". It is a little different. Feel free to ask if you want to continue to get updates and having trouble getting connected. As I said, I'll give you a few more posts here to give you some time, I know we have busy lives.
SOOOOOoooo, go to www.morethanaride.com and click on the little box or link thingy RSS. Select how you want to receive notifications and follow the directions from there. Let me know if you have problems and I'll try my best to talk you through. :o)
Tomorrow will have an amazing exciting announcement!
Come on along and join the fun!
-Rhonda
This is awesome and exciting. I will continue for a few more blog posts to post here on this blog site. However, I will be switching to www.morethanaride.com. This is cool because originally I had no clue where the blog would take me. Nor did I know where the LIVESTRONG Challenge would take me. Over the past several months I have learned truly that this journey has been "More Than a Ride"!
It has been:
More than expected.
More than amazing.
More tears than thought.
More than a blessing!
I can keep going too!
I hope that you join me in the next journey of "More Than A Ride". It is a little different. Feel free to ask if you want to continue to get updates and having trouble getting connected. As I said, I'll give you a few more posts here to give you some time, I know we have busy lives.
SOOOOOoooo, go to www.morethanaride.com and click on the little box or link thingy RSS. Select how you want to receive notifications and follow the directions from there. Let me know if you have problems and I'll try my best to talk you through. :o)
Tomorrow will have an amazing exciting announcement!
Come on along and join the fun!
-Rhonda
Friday, September 25, 2009
running
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
~Arthur Ashe
So I have been running. I have to say I have a new hurt in my legs, I did not think possible and my knees, well they may never be happy with me again. However, I am up to running for a minute and a half solid for a mile and a half. That is big, since I have not run since I was in high school and then it was mostly up and down the basketball courts. One would think that with all of the cycling I have been doing that my legs would be strong and have the strength needed to run without the soreness. WRONG!
Like I said, my knees hurt, I hobble now every now and then and standing out of a chair takes me a few minutes. I do not mind though and here is why. You see, I started this blog back before spring hit, as a way to tell my journey through completion of a LIVESTRONG Challenge and sharing in my experiences with cancer. Though not a survivor or someone with cancer myself, I have had a lot of experience around cancer with many friends and family. I remind myself when it gets tough that I have had friends to have difficulty getting up to go to the bathroom to get sick off their chemo or even to help feed their children. I have had friends unable to hug their children. So I may hobble from time to time, but it has to do with working to help end cancer.
I am not a good runner, I recognize that I run with friends that leave me behind as the bop off along the greenway. One friend just joined and thought I had a limp. No, I said, it is my funny little stride with my achy-not use to running knees. I walk for a minute and a half and walk for one and repeat for the set destination that day. I remind myself repeatedly, that sometimes it is not about me or the end, it is about the journey. The LIVESTRONG Challenge journey changed my life and gave me a new set of eyes. I see now more than before the different ways we get out and go do. We may not do it the same as someone else or as well as someone else, but we are doing it.
I hope you join me on this next journey! On Tuesday you will see the next phase of "More Than A Ride". I will still be working toward ending cancer and you are going to enjoy where we are going. I am goig to invite you out of the blog! In the mean time, visit http://starcitystriders.com/ to find a couple of 5K races to participate in and register. Set a goal to get you out and moving, find friends and talk to your physician about your new athletic goals. One I have joined as a walker, but will instead cheer for the participants is "The Drumstick Dash" (http://www.rescuemission.net/ddash%20info%2009.htm) which is Thanksgiving morning here in Roanoke, VA and has become a tradition in our family. It is a lot of fun! This money also goes to another great cause that I believe in, because we never know when we may need to knock on their door for services.
It is important to do what we can, to make a difference in this world.
Changing the world one revolution (of sneakers now) at a time!
-Rhonda
~Arthur Ashe
So I have been running. I have to say I have a new hurt in my legs, I did not think possible and my knees, well they may never be happy with me again. However, I am up to running for a minute and a half solid for a mile and a half. That is big, since I have not run since I was in high school and then it was mostly up and down the basketball courts. One would think that with all of the cycling I have been doing that my legs would be strong and have the strength needed to run without the soreness. WRONG!
Like I said, my knees hurt, I hobble now every now and then and standing out of a chair takes me a few minutes. I do not mind though and here is why. You see, I started this blog back before spring hit, as a way to tell my journey through completion of a LIVESTRONG Challenge and sharing in my experiences with cancer. Though not a survivor or someone with cancer myself, I have had a lot of experience around cancer with many friends and family. I remind myself when it gets tough that I have had friends to have difficulty getting up to go to the bathroom to get sick off their chemo or even to help feed their children. I have had friends unable to hug their children. So I may hobble from time to time, but it has to do with working to help end cancer.
I am not a good runner, I recognize that I run with friends that leave me behind as the bop off along the greenway. One friend just joined and thought I had a limp. No, I said, it is my funny little stride with my achy-not use to running knees. I walk for a minute and a half and walk for one and repeat for the set destination that day. I remind myself repeatedly, that sometimes it is not about me or the end, it is about the journey. The LIVESTRONG Challenge journey changed my life and gave me a new set of eyes. I see now more than before the different ways we get out and go do. We may not do it the same as someone else or as well as someone else, but we are doing it.
I hope you join me on this next journey! On Tuesday you will see the next phase of "More Than A Ride". I will still be working toward ending cancer and you are going to enjoy where we are going. I am goig to invite you out of the blog! In the mean time, visit http://starcitystriders.com/ to find a couple of 5K races to participate in and register. Set a goal to get you out and moving, find friends and talk to your physician about your new athletic goals. One I have joined as a walker, but will instead cheer for the participants is "The Drumstick Dash" (http://www.rescuemission.net/ddash%20info%2009.htm) which is Thanksgiving morning here in Roanoke, VA and has become a tradition in our family. It is a lot of fun! This money also goes to another great cause that I believe in, because we never know when we may need to knock on their door for services.
It is important to do what we can, to make a difference in this world.
Changing the world one revolution (of sneakers now) at a time!
-Rhonda
Sunday, September 20, 2009
rainy day reading
Here in Roanoke, VA it is a drizzly day. Not a day you want to go outside and ride or run, though you could if you are die-hard. There is always a gym option, but sometimes it is good to embrace a day and relax.
Here are some books I have read or reading that were informative, entertaining or inspirational. Not every book is good for everyone. For example Tammy loved one book, but I was not all about it. So browse and find what you like.
Ok, so there are a lot of magazines and blogs. The mags I read most frequently that are athlete oriented (Martha doesn't fit here) are Bicycling, Runners World, Triathlete and Blue Ridge Outdoors (A local free rag). Then there is www.roanokeoutside.com is a great local blog and resource for stuff to do in the area.
These books are fabulous and inspirational, especially if you or someone you love has ever had or has cancer:
It's Not About The Bike & Every Second Counts
Both by Lance Armstrong
They are both very moving and inspirational!
Ladies only! Sorry guys, but I'm a girl and we have some unique needs and well anything you can do I can do better...
Every Woman's Guide to Cycling, By Selene Yeager
She breaks down cycling for woman. Looks t bikes the differences in male and female built frames and more. She also helps with those little things like the special needs for a woman's hydration, special saddles and clothes to help you still have style and grace. Plus, tidbits to help even the serious cyclist. You can find her regularly in Bycicling magazine.
Us chubbies!
Heft On Wheels, by Mike Magnuson
He shows that even a bar, hopping, smoking kinda person can change their life and experience the previously unthinkable.
Plan your next ride:
Rails To Trails! we have the MD, DE, VA & WV edition, look for one for your area. Our first big rides were completed on a Rails-to-trails with multiple laps on the Huckleberry.
Then for some sarcastic entertainment:
The NonCyclist Guide to a Century ... by Dawn Dais
Tammy enjoyed her whit and humor. I got lost with it and didn't finish it. However I know we all like a different things.
Now for running books. Yes I am running.
Marathoning for Mortals; The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running for Your Life; & No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide
All 3 by John "The Penguin" Bingham
I'm a penguin! Penguins are the runners in the back of the pack that are kinda not fast but love being out there just the same. He says it is ok to run/walk, there is no shame in that. I have to agree! I enjoy his humor and honesty, witout feeling discouraged.
The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women, by Dawn Dais
It has a great training guide for running or run/walking a half marathon and one also fr a marathon. Once again, I could notmakeit through, but Tammy enjoyed it.
Ultramarathonman, by Dean Karnasaz
Amazing! He makes you feel like going out for a run! Though I don't recommend how he went out for his first run. Very good!
Hope these help you find inspiration when you need it. Next week you will find out why you may need inspiration and you are going to love every minute of it. Cause as I always say, "Without the journey, we will never go anywhere"!
Enjoying the journey!
-Rhonda
These are just a few, mostly the ones we felt worthy of purchasing.
Here are some books I have read or reading that were informative, entertaining or inspirational. Not every book is good for everyone. For example Tammy loved one book, but I was not all about it. So browse and find what you like.
Ok, so there are a lot of magazines and blogs. The mags I read most frequently that are athlete oriented (Martha doesn't fit here) are Bicycling, Runners World, Triathlete and Blue Ridge Outdoors (A local free rag). Then there is www.roanokeoutside.com is a great local blog and resource for stuff to do in the area.
These books are fabulous and inspirational, especially if you or someone you love has ever had or has cancer:
It's Not About The Bike & Every Second Counts
Both by Lance Armstrong
They are both very moving and inspirational!
Ladies only! Sorry guys, but I'm a girl and we have some unique needs and well anything you can do I can do better...
Every Woman's Guide to Cycling, By Selene Yeager
She breaks down cycling for woman. Looks t bikes the differences in male and female built frames and more. She also helps with those little things like the special needs for a woman's hydration, special saddles and clothes to help you still have style and grace. Plus, tidbits to help even the serious cyclist. You can find her regularly in Bycicling magazine.
Us chubbies!
Heft On Wheels, by Mike Magnuson
He shows that even a bar, hopping, smoking kinda person can change their life and experience the previously unthinkable.
Plan your next ride:
Rails To Trails! we have the MD, DE, VA & WV edition, look for one for your area. Our first big rides were completed on a Rails-to-trails with multiple laps on the Huckleberry.
Then for some sarcastic entertainment:
The NonCyclist Guide to a Century ... by Dawn Dais
Tammy enjoyed her whit and humor. I got lost with it and didn't finish it. However I know we all like a different things.
Now for running books. Yes I am running.
Marathoning for Mortals; The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running for Your Life; & No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide
All 3 by John "The Penguin" Bingham
I'm a penguin! Penguins are the runners in the back of the pack that are kinda not fast but love being out there just the same. He says it is ok to run/walk, there is no shame in that. I have to agree! I enjoy his humor and honesty, witout feeling discouraged.
The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women, by Dawn Dais
It has a great training guide for running or run/walking a half marathon and one also fr a marathon. Once again, I could notmakeit through, but Tammy enjoyed it.
Ultramarathonman, by Dean Karnasaz
Amazing! He makes you feel like going out for a run! Though I don't recommend how he went out for his first run. Very good!
Hope these help you find inspiration when you need it. Next week you will find out why you may need inspiration and you are going to love every minute of it. Cause as I always say, "Without the journey, we will never go anywhere"!
Enjoying the journey!
-Rhonda
These are just a few, mostly the ones we felt worthy of purchasing.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
road id
Let me tell you a story about a hike, a 17 year old, a bike and an ER.
Last night I met up with a group of friends that meet every Wednesday evening to hike around a local mountain. Mill Mountain is a nice hike with some challenges. It is so wonderful to have a group of friends to share all sorts of adventures with. Well ten minutes into the walk up the old road to our trail head, we see a seemingly calm young man sitting on the wall. We looked over closer and noticed a good amount of road rash and blood, so we hopped on over.
We get over and he could not see us clearly, he was seeing in pinks and greys. He looked really hot and really pale and a lot in shock. One of us dumped water on his head as we tried to contact a parental unit (it was a bad time of day to find people we learned) and address some of his immediate concerns. We got him to lay on the ground in case he passed out and so he could maybe get some oxygen to his head. Another cyclist (who also happened to be a police officer) was riding by up the road and stopped. He called EMS, while we were trying to find anyone he could talk to on another phone.
Let me tell you, for the type of accident he had at 17, he was quite calm and brave. I would'a been all sorts of upset!
So EMS got there and he was loaded up into the rescue vehicle and we loaded up his bike into our car. I followed him as the others walked on. Well at 17, I do not know I would have wanted to have been left alone in an ER, after all that had just happened. So I stayed in the ER, as we talked about all sorts of stuff, while we waited on his Mother. He was not feeling well, felt a little light headed and I did not want him to start thinking and get more scared than he was.
Long story short, he has a broken wrist and getting a pin put in it on Friday (tomorrow), hurts a lot and got pretty shaken up I am sure. His Dad picked up his bike from me today and I was glad to find out he did not have a concussion, though he was hurting pretty bad.
I did not think I would ever need identification or emergency contacts on me, whether running, walking, hiking or biking. You see I have always thought this way, I do not really go that fast in descents when I am on my bike, I wear a helmet and use caution if the terrain or weather calls for a little something extra. Plus, I am fortunate to often have friends to ride with. Even if I was by myself I always felt I would be ok, if there was an accident. I also figured that with a helmet on and working toward maintaining a low speed I would be able to give the phone numbers and names of people to call. Last night I found out that is incorrect! Our new friend could not remember any numbers and was so panicked or in shock that he could barely register who to call.
So this has inspired me to get something I have talked about a lot, but have lacked follow through. Purchasing a Road ID!
What is this you ask?
It is this really great idea! It is a bracelet, anklet, necklace, shoe attachment, you pick it, with your personal information on it. Name, hometown, emergency contacts and even space for a personal motto.
Where do you find this great idea?
www.roadid.com
Here is what I am getting, though the "dog tags are cool too": http://www.roadid.com/common/learnmore_ankle.aspx?GoBackURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.roadid.com%2fcommon%2fid.aspx%3fhash%3dankle
I hope you take time to build your own Road ID sooner rather than later! Make it easier for people who find you to contact your loved ones!
Quick and happy healing my friend and look forward to riding with you when you are all better!
Not going into an ER as Jane Doe,
-Rhonda
Last night I met up with a group of friends that meet every Wednesday evening to hike around a local mountain. Mill Mountain is a nice hike with some challenges. It is so wonderful to have a group of friends to share all sorts of adventures with. Well ten minutes into the walk up the old road to our trail head, we see a seemingly calm young man sitting on the wall. We looked over closer and noticed a good amount of road rash and blood, so we hopped on over.
We get over and he could not see us clearly, he was seeing in pinks and greys. He looked really hot and really pale and a lot in shock. One of us dumped water on his head as we tried to contact a parental unit (it was a bad time of day to find people we learned) and address some of his immediate concerns. We got him to lay on the ground in case he passed out and so he could maybe get some oxygen to his head. Another cyclist (who also happened to be a police officer) was riding by up the road and stopped. He called EMS, while we were trying to find anyone he could talk to on another phone.
Let me tell you, for the type of accident he had at 17, he was quite calm and brave. I would'a been all sorts of upset!
So EMS got there and he was loaded up into the rescue vehicle and we loaded up his bike into our car. I followed him as the others walked on. Well at 17, I do not know I would have wanted to have been left alone in an ER, after all that had just happened. So I stayed in the ER, as we talked about all sorts of stuff, while we waited on his Mother. He was not feeling well, felt a little light headed and I did not want him to start thinking and get more scared than he was.
Long story short, he has a broken wrist and getting a pin put in it on Friday (tomorrow), hurts a lot and got pretty shaken up I am sure. His Dad picked up his bike from me today and I was glad to find out he did not have a concussion, though he was hurting pretty bad.
I did not think I would ever need identification or emergency contacts on me, whether running, walking, hiking or biking. You see I have always thought this way, I do not really go that fast in descents when I am on my bike, I wear a helmet and use caution if the terrain or weather calls for a little something extra. Plus, I am fortunate to often have friends to ride with. Even if I was by myself I always felt I would be ok, if there was an accident. I also figured that with a helmet on and working toward maintaining a low speed I would be able to give the phone numbers and names of people to call. Last night I found out that is incorrect! Our new friend could not remember any numbers and was so panicked or in shock that he could barely register who to call.
So this has inspired me to get something I have talked about a lot, but have lacked follow through. Purchasing a Road ID!
What is this you ask?
It is this really great idea! It is a bracelet, anklet, necklace, shoe attachment, you pick it, with your personal information on it. Name, hometown, emergency contacts and even space for a personal motto.
Where do you find this great idea?
www.roadid.com
Here is what I am getting, though the "dog tags are cool too": http://www.roadid.com/common/learnmore_ankle.aspx?GoBackURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.roadid.com%2fcommon%2fid.aspx%3fhash%3dankle
I hope you take time to build your own Road ID sooner rather than later! Make it easier for people who find you to contact your loved ones!
Quick and happy healing my friend and look forward to riding with you when you are all better!
Not going into an ER as Jane Doe,
-Rhonda
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
get out & ride!
Yes, the 2009 Philly LIVESTRONG Challenge is over, but the riding has not stopped. Plus I have started to work on my running and working toward the half marathon in Roanoke, VA (home turf!) in April of 2010. So not as much riding as before. More coming soon on that. I took some time off from the blog, to set the focus for the next events. Stay tuned!
SO HERE WE GO! You need a bike!
I know you're itching to get out and feel the wind blow across your face, feel the wind rushing by as you cruise down the street. It is something I look forward to as soon as I get off my bike.
Go to www.campuscruisers.com and get your really cool "Campus Cruiser" Bike and we'll even let you call it a "Greenway Cruser". :o) $25 of each of the Komen Cruisers sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. A one-speed is $299 and a 3-speed is $499 and you get some good karma points for your bonus contribution.
Ride-onward friends!
-Rhonda
SO HERE WE GO! You need a bike!
I know you're itching to get out and feel the wind blow across your face, feel the wind rushing by as you cruise down the street. It is something I look forward to as soon as I get off my bike.
Go to www.campuscruisers.com and get your really cool "Campus Cruiser" Bike and we'll even let you call it a "Greenway Cruser". :o) $25 of each of the Komen Cruisers sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. A one-speed is $299 and a 3-speed is $499 and you get some good karma points for your bonus contribution.
Ride-onward friends!
-Rhonda
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
learn more about childhood cancer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQYlX3r-KWs&feature=PlayList&p=7D9E1CAC01BC79A3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=66
Take a moment to learn more about childhood cancer and some of the warning signs. Many childhood cancers are hard to diagnose. This is very informative and interesting.
Learn more www.livestrong.org
LIVESTRONG
-Rhonda
Take a moment to learn more about childhood cancer and some of the warning signs. Many childhood cancers are hard to diagnose. This is very informative and interesting.
Learn more www.livestrong.org
LIVESTRONG
-Rhonda
September is Child Cancer Awareness
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month! With 36 children and teens diagnosed daily, we need to change the odds. Support the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help with research and to offer support to those diagnosed, www.livestrong.org.
And watch this video, a young child took it upon herself to start making a difference after her diagnosis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nIoZ-gHZrw
Peace and joy!
-Rhonda
And watch this video, a young child took it upon herself to start making a difference after her diagnosis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nIoZ-gHZrw
Peace and joy!
-Rhonda
Sunday, September 6, 2009
get ready
Get ready, there is a challenge coming your way real soon!
What do you have to give?
"Whatever your 100% looks like, give it!"
~Livestrong
What do you have to give?
"Whatever your 100% looks like, give it!"
~Livestrong
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Livestrong Challenge 2009 Summary *The Directors Cut!
On the front of the map that showed the directions for the ride I was to take the next day read, "Are you ready for a Challenge?". One thing I did notice was the total climbing elevation moved from 1600 some odd feet to 1700 some odd feet. I had no clue what I was about to undertake in less than 24 hours.
I was so proud picking up my packet and they made me feel absolutely wonderful about the money I raised. Cowboy and Lorax went out to pick up the packet with us. They wore their "Team Mascot" and "Team Captain" T-shirts. It was a family event! :o)
#569 was going to be what I wore and we paused for photos. My LIVESTRONG Challenge T-shirt as well as everyone elses reads, "Game On Cancer", I think that is well put! We kept it low key the rest of the day, to recover from the long drive up in the sheets of pouring rain thanks to Bill the hurricaine. It was still kinda soggy when I picked up my packet, but the rain eased up through the day and dried the ground some.
We slept through Tammy's alarm, but woke up to mine. This started us off 15 minutes later than we had planned. I ate breakfast and we were off. I was worried I would be late and relieved to find that I had plenty of time. In fact I ended up standing and waiting with everyone else in the bike corral. As I put my tire on once we got there, I noticed my breakfast was still in my throat and that my nervous tummy had come back. Oy vey, it was about to be a long morning I was afraid.
Wheels on, I took a spin around the lot to make sure all the bike parts were working correctly and checked out the porta-potty situation. I hate those things, they are some sort of torture device. Spun back to Tammy to finish getting ready and stand in line of the porta potties, wishing I did not have to. Breakfast is still in my throat, it might have even moved up some.
So Tammy stood with me in the bike corral taking pictures. If you look at them, I look terrified in most of them. That would about sum it up. I was also wondering when my breakfast was going to move the rest of the way down. Everyone is milling around and talking, meeting up with friends, talking, and waiting. I did not have a thing to talk about, I was stuck in my head and wondering what I was about to encounter. Poor Tammy was standing there patiently. Then quietly a voice comes over the speakers, different from the guy talking and giving us start time updates. "Oh say does that star spandled..." and a hush goes across the parking lots.
Then we all cheered and sent off the 100 mile group. It contained a guy on a fixed gear to ride the whole 100 miles, more power to him, I enjoyed my granny gear. It also had a professional cyclist, Jason Powell who rides with Team Jelly Belly. I thought that was pretty cool, to take time off to help raise money and ride in an event to help fight cancer. 70 mile group rolled out next, I have no clue how some of the ones on the mountain bikes did in that group. It seemed to have less in that group than the 100 or the 45. Not sure why.
Then we were rolling out. It was slow going for the first 5 miles at least because we were all there on top of each other. You couldn't look around much, because everyone was weaving in and out and trying to get situated and find their friends. The first "power stop" came up around mile 10. I did not see Tammy, which was also the first cheer station location. So I kept going so that the crowd could thin out and the friends I had met were skipping this stop. Sadly they dropped me around mile 12, on a long two mile steady climb and a cross street that I had to wait for. The event is not a race so the course was not closed to cars, though there were wonderful police officers all along the course at streets intersections.
Jim and Karen were the first two people I rode with and started talking to. They were riding in honor of a friend who had an intestinal cancer that had spread throughout their body. Their friend had multiple surgeries and had many organs and parts of organs removed, along with chemotherapy. They said that they went into remission this summer and was riding the 20 mile ride. As I said shortly after the first "power stop", they dropped me, I wish I had not been dropped, becuase the next eight miles were tough.
When the terrain is tough, you feel really lonely. This was when the climbing started. The rains the previous two days put a lot of rocks, debris and silt in the road, making it hard to utilize the downhills. Not to mention the downhills were twisty and around corners. It made the uphills tough, becuase you had no momentum to help you up the hill. I passed a really bad accident and was afraid of what news was being relayed back to the people waiting. So on a really tough hill, I hopped off, switched my bottles around, cause one was empty and one cage is easier to get to. I told Tammy I was not at second power stop yet, but doing ok, toughest ride I had ever done.
As I rolled into "power stop 2", I had tears in my eyes. That was the toughest milage I had put on my bike and I was only at mile 21 and more climbing to go. Being grateful for our new riding crew, even told Tammy if we had not riden with them, I would have already been in a SAG van.
Tammy met me at that "power stop", I was ever so glad to see her, with a hug, a banana and peanut butter. The 100 and 70 mile groups did not leave much by the time I got there. I think the hug was the most valuable thing! :o) I had to make a minor bike repair so I was there for a few minutes longer than I had planned. Talked to an athletic trainer from the Philadelphia area that said she was glad we got the rain, cause it had been terribly hot until that day. I said, it has been really cool in Roanoke, VA, so this was hot. LOL! We're in the south.
I headed out on the second half of the ride. Little did I know that the next 3 miles was going to be an uphill climb, with a steep decent and more climbing. It was not an easy climb either and really started to see people hik-a-bike, especially the ones riding on a hybrid or moutain bike. And God bless the ones that did 45 miles on a hybrid or a mountain bike, because a road bike makes it 50% easier to ride. Trust me, it makes a difference.
It was amazing at the end of the 3 1/2 mile climb was a family out giving the riders water. I had just hiked-a-bike up that hill, cause well, my legs were burning after the first three mile climb, then a short descent and then another 1/2 mile up. I made it up most of that hill, but wanted to finish and did not know what was ahead and my thighs were on fire! This family was so sweet, their 7ish year old daugther looked like she was splashing herself with water and very proud to have carried a bag of ice all the way out to the road. It was a "surprise generous power stop" with ICE COLD WATER. They were very gernerous. They said this was their 3rd year doing it and had it down pretty good, the first year was a little rough going.
I climbed back on and met Lela from Fairfax, VA. We chatted for a few miles, trying to help each other out through the rest of it. She was in a breast cancer pink ribbon jersey and her bib said she was riding in honor of her Mama. As we talked I learned that she her Mother has been diagnosed four times with breast cancer and Lela has set out to start organizing a "Dog Walk" for breast cancer in Fairfax. Sadly, I lost her on a hill in a very hot section so I do not have any other details. Maybe I will be able to find out more for you in the future. I wish her and her mother well and sorry we were not able to finish together.
I could not believe it when I finally made it to the 3rd "power stop" that it was only 25 miles. OMG! That last few miles were tough! There was a tub of ice and part melted ice, that I wanted to sit in. It looked like it would feel really good!!! By now the sun was super hot, so I picked up bite of bagel, filled up my bottles and got a towel to help dry my face. Saddled up and headed out. At this time we started to see people pull off with really bad leg cramps, stomach cramps and heat fatigue.
Somewhere after the 3rd stop I ran into Rob and Jason with Team Fatty (www.fatcyclist.com). Fatty's wife Susan is fighting cancer. I found out while riding with Jason he had done an interview with Fatty at www.rocbike.com and possibly the only voice interview he has done. Jason was riding an Xtracycle. Good God knows how he made it through carrying all of that extra bike. Well I was carrying a lot of extra person, maybe it was the same. Though his bike even had nobby tires, which cuts down a lot on the drift factor. We chatted for a while and learned that we both have family dropping like flies from cancer. Though our odds are increasing in my family and so far everyone is holding their own. :o)
At the top of one hill that most people climbed there was a chap sitting on the guard rail. He was talking about how tough this route was this year. He said last years was tough, but this one is tougher. He said Lance Armstrong was at the 2008 Philly LIVESTRONG Challenge and said it was to easy. This guy had participated in all of the Philly Challenges so far and this was the toughest. I do not know if Lance really said all of that, but it had already been the toughest ride I had done. There were more hills to come. I had learned early on that LIVESTRONG Challenge is correctly named.
Then after another long one mile climb there was another family out there. It is amazing the generousity people have to use their money to buy cups and ice and sit out there in the heat to give us ice and water. They filled bottles with that priceless water solid!!!! I wanted to sit in their cooler, but did not think the hips would make it through the top, then it would have just been awkard. So I did not ask. I climbed back on the saddle and finished that hill. Very grateful for my icy cup of chilly goodness in my bottle!
Around 15 miles to the finish there was a family that set a gallon of water out and some cups. They sat on the porch cheering everyone on and telling us we were doing a good job. I did not stop there, I had a good momentum going up the hill and did not want to stop, but thought it was kind just the same.
Let me tell you about the people on the side of the roads. It was neat to experience people out cheering you on, that have no clue who you are, but they offered an amazing amount of encouragement. One woman stood out there with this huge triangle, it was bigger than her head and had to weigh a ton. She clanged around that triangle, as we rode by. Lots of cow bells too! Thank you to each of you!
Finally at the last "power stop", about 10 miles out. I was hot. Incredibly hot!!! I was so hot I think I had steam coming off as I drank water outta the cooler. A lot of people had started to leave in SAG vans after the 25 mile stop from exhaustion, overheated and injury. Some had popped tires or other bike issues.
There were two really bad accidents that required an ambulance. That was sobering. I was extra careful after the first one and extra-extra careful after the second, because it was in a steep descent.
At that last stop, Tammy said you're still standing, I'm seeing lots of people coming in, in a SAG van, you're doing great, keep going. I filled up my bottles and headed back out. Cheered Lela as she rolled in to the "power stop". I figured that at this point if the bike fell apart or something happened I could walk across the finish line but I was going to finish by golly. I got tears in my eyes, because it had been a tough ride and I knew more inclines were ahead, though not steep hills, but knew I was going to finish.
I did not get off the bike any more, except for a few stop lights. Had trouble getting on at one light, my back was tightening up and it spasmed as I climbed back on the saddle. That startled me, so I timed the next lights so I would not have to get off the bike. About three miles to the finish I talked to a couple of medics that rode the whole 45 miles with big hot back packs on. They were nice and kinda funny, I had been riding alone again since the last "power stop", so it was nice to talk to someone. Like I said, when you're hot and it is tough, it gets lonely.
We were all starting to get excited cause we were at the finish line. One gal said ok, my odometer says 45 miles, I'm stopping here, send the shuttle. One guy said here we go, we're in the home stretch. Then as a police car comes flying up the street behind us, I shouted back that he was going to fast and needed to slow down. We laughed. It was that kind of excited chatter you have when you have just done something you did not think you would make it through.
Then I saw the stop light at the Montgomery Community College sign. I got one huge lump in my throat along with a big goofy grin!!! I have to say the past 45 miles had been incredibly tough, I was surprised to have to walk up some of the hills (something I'll work on this next year) and I questioned if I was going to make it a couple of times. I was hot, my body was tired, I was hot, hungry and AMAZINGLY proud!!!
Riding down the shoot of yellow with balloons all lined with people cheering you as you finished. I saw Tammy and smiled really big, unable to hold back the lump at that point. Gliding across the finish line with a big grin on my face and a full cup pour out!!! I quickly found Tammy and gave her a big hug.
A very nice volunteer was there offering cold water. The volunteers were amazing and many volunteered many years. One gal giving us food had LIVESTRONG tatooed on her wrist when her Dad died of cancer. She hads volunteered every year. They all had smiles and were quick to help out. Thank you to each and everyone of you, without you, it could not have happened!!! Oh and I don't want to forget Dylan, at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters who answered a lot of endless questions and helped me with a lot of stuff in preparation.
If there was a hiccup, the participants did not experience it. It was the most rewarding and unforgettable experience I have ever had.
I also owe an amazing huge thank you to Tammy!!! Who without her, I would not have been able to go to Philly. She stood and waited a lot Sunday in the blazing sun, she took pictures and was patient as I nervously waited before the ride. She was there to help me get the bike put away and get into comfortable shoes, peal the gloves off and stand patiently by my side. She was even patient when I insisted that I had to go through the cool mist tent. Let me tell you, that the cool mist tent was amazing!!! I had never been so hot that I wanted to sit in a bath of ice. Yet she stood smiling and taking pictures. She is amazing and I look forward to riding with her in the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge.
Thank you to everyone that donated, I was able to raise $1,145! That is really good!! Just so you know, I did not make my goal and I plan to make that goal for the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge. That goal is $2500, so be ready!
I really cannot recommend enough that you try a LIVESTRONG Challenge. I have participated in many cancer fundraising events before. This is the first time that I have felt like my achievements have made a difference and that I actually acheived something and that they were appreciated. They really make you feel great about everything that you do. It is truely an unforgetable experience. Be sure to plan to participate next year, www.livestrongchallenge.org, I'll see you in Philly if you go there, because there are four cities to choose from and many different events, even a walk.
LIVESTRONG!
-Rhonda
I was so proud picking up my packet and they made me feel absolutely wonderful about the money I raised. Cowboy and Lorax went out to pick up the packet with us. They wore their "Team Mascot" and "Team Captain" T-shirts. It was a family event! :o)
#569 was going to be what I wore and we paused for photos. My LIVESTRONG Challenge T-shirt as well as everyone elses reads, "Game On Cancer", I think that is well put! We kept it low key the rest of the day, to recover from the long drive up in the sheets of pouring rain thanks to Bill the hurricaine. It was still kinda soggy when I picked up my packet, but the rain eased up through the day and dried the ground some.
We slept through Tammy's alarm, but woke up to mine. This started us off 15 minutes later than we had planned. I ate breakfast and we were off. I was worried I would be late and relieved to find that I had plenty of time. In fact I ended up standing and waiting with everyone else in the bike corral. As I put my tire on once we got there, I noticed my breakfast was still in my throat and that my nervous tummy had come back. Oy vey, it was about to be a long morning I was afraid.
Wheels on, I took a spin around the lot to make sure all the bike parts were working correctly and checked out the porta-potty situation. I hate those things, they are some sort of torture device. Spun back to Tammy to finish getting ready and stand in line of the porta potties, wishing I did not have to. Breakfast is still in my throat, it might have even moved up some.
So Tammy stood with me in the bike corral taking pictures. If you look at them, I look terrified in most of them. That would about sum it up. I was also wondering when my breakfast was going to move the rest of the way down. Everyone is milling around and talking, meeting up with friends, talking, and waiting. I did not have a thing to talk about, I was stuck in my head and wondering what I was about to encounter. Poor Tammy was standing there patiently. Then quietly a voice comes over the speakers, different from the guy talking and giving us start time updates. "Oh say does that star spandled..." and a hush goes across the parking lots.
Then we all cheered and sent off the 100 mile group. It contained a guy on a fixed gear to ride the whole 100 miles, more power to him, I enjoyed my granny gear. It also had a professional cyclist, Jason Powell who rides with Team Jelly Belly. I thought that was pretty cool, to take time off to help raise money and ride in an event to help fight cancer. 70 mile group rolled out next, I have no clue how some of the ones on the mountain bikes did in that group. It seemed to have less in that group than the 100 or the 45. Not sure why.
Then we were rolling out. It was slow going for the first 5 miles at least because we were all there on top of each other. You couldn't look around much, because everyone was weaving in and out and trying to get situated and find their friends. The first "power stop" came up around mile 10. I did not see Tammy, which was also the first cheer station location. So I kept going so that the crowd could thin out and the friends I had met were skipping this stop. Sadly they dropped me around mile 12, on a long two mile steady climb and a cross street that I had to wait for. The event is not a race so the course was not closed to cars, though there were wonderful police officers all along the course at streets intersections.
Jim and Karen were the first two people I rode with and started talking to. They were riding in honor of a friend who had an intestinal cancer that had spread throughout their body. Their friend had multiple surgeries and had many organs and parts of organs removed, along with chemotherapy. They said that they went into remission this summer and was riding the 20 mile ride. As I said shortly after the first "power stop", they dropped me, I wish I had not been dropped, becuase the next eight miles were tough.
When the terrain is tough, you feel really lonely. This was when the climbing started. The rains the previous two days put a lot of rocks, debris and silt in the road, making it hard to utilize the downhills. Not to mention the downhills were twisty and around corners. It made the uphills tough, becuase you had no momentum to help you up the hill. I passed a really bad accident and was afraid of what news was being relayed back to the people waiting. So on a really tough hill, I hopped off, switched my bottles around, cause one was empty and one cage is easier to get to. I told Tammy I was not at second power stop yet, but doing ok, toughest ride I had ever done.
As I rolled into "power stop 2", I had tears in my eyes. That was the toughest milage I had put on my bike and I was only at mile 21 and more climbing to go. Being grateful for our new riding crew, even told Tammy if we had not riden with them, I would have already been in a SAG van.
Tammy met me at that "power stop", I was ever so glad to see her, with a hug, a banana and peanut butter. The 100 and 70 mile groups did not leave much by the time I got there. I think the hug was the most valuable thing! :o) I had to make a minor bike repair so I was there for a few minutes longer than I had planned. Talked to an athletic trainer from the Philadelphia area that said she was glad we got the rain, cause it had been terribly hot until that day. I said, it has been really cool in Roanoke, VA, so this was hot. LOL! We're in the south.
I headed out on the second half of the ride. Little did I know that the next 3 miles was going to be an uphill climb, with a steep decent and more climbing. It was not an easy climb either and really started to see people hik-a-bike, especially the ones riding on a hybrid or moutain bike. And God bless the ones that did 45 miles on a hybrid or a mountain bike, because a road bike makes it 50% easier to ride. Trust me, it makes a difference.
It was amazing at the end of the 3 1/2 mile climb was a family out giving the riders water. I had just hiked-a-bike up that hill, cause well, my legs were burning after the first three mile climb, then a short descent and then another 1/2 mile up. I made it up most of that hill, but wanted to finish and did not know what was ahead and my thighs were on fire! This family was so sweet, their 7ish year old daugther looked like she was splashing herself with water and very proud to have carried a bag of ice all the way out to the road. It was a "surprise generous power stop" with ICE COLD WATER. They were very gernerous. They said this was their 3rd year doing it and had it down pretty good, the first year was a little rough going.
I climbed back on and met Lela from Fairfax, VA. We chatted for a few miles, trying to help each other out through the rest of it. She was in a breast cancer pink ribbon jersey and her bib said she was riding in honor of her Mama. As we talked I learned that she her Mother has been diagnosed four times with breast cancer and Lela has set out to start organizing a "Dog Walk" for breast cancer in Fairfax. Sadly, I lost her on a hill in a very hot section so I do not have any other details. Maybe I will be able to find out more for you in the future. I wish her and her mother well and sorry we were not able to finish together.
I could not believe it when I finally made it to the 3rd "power stop" that it was only 25 miles. OMG! That last few miles were tough! There was a tub of ice and part melted ice, that I wanted to sit in. It looked like it would feel really good!!! By now the sun was super hot, so I picked up bite of bagel, filled up my bottles and got a towel to help dry my face. Saddled up and headed out. At this time we started to see people pull off with really bad leg cramps, stomach cramps and heat fatigue.
Somewhere after the 3rd stop I ran into Rob and Jason with Team Fatty (www.fatcyclist.com). Fatty's wife Susan is fighting cancer. I found out while riding with Jason he had done an interview with Fatty at www.rocbike.com and possibly the only voice interview he has done. Jason was riding an Xtracycle. Good God knows how he made it through carrying all of that extra bike. Well I was carrying a lot of extra person, maybe it was the same. Though his bike even had nobby tires, which cuts down a lot on the drift factor. We chatted for a while and learned that we both have family dropping like flies from cancer. Though our odds are increasing in my family and so far everyone is holding their own. :o)
At the top of one hill that most people climbed there was a chap sitting on the guard rail. He was talking about how tough this route was this year. He said last years was tough, but this one is tougher. He said Lance Armstrong was at the 2008 Philly LIVESTRONG Challenge and said it was to easy. This guy had participated in all of the Philly Challenges so far and this was the toughest. I do not know if Lance really said all of that, but it had already been the toughest ride I had done. There were more hills to come. I had learned early on that LIVESTRONG Challenge is correctly named.
Then after another long one mile climb there was another family out there. It is amazing the generousity people have to use their money to buy cups and ice and sit out there in the heat to give us ice and water. They filled bottles with that priceless water solid!!!! I wanted to sit in their cooler, but did not think the hips would make it through the top, then it would have just been awkard. So I did not ask. I climbed back on the saddle and finished that hill. Very grateful for my icy cup of chilly goodness in my bottle!
Around 15 miles to the finish there was a family that set a gallon of water out and some cups. They sat on the porch cheering everyone on and telling us we were doing a good job. I did not stop there, I had a good momentum going up the hill and did not want to stop, but thought it was kind just the same.
Let me tell you about the people on the side of the roads. It was neat to experience people out cheering you on, that have no clue who you are, but they offered an amazing amount of encouragement. One woman stood out there with this huge triangle, it was bigger than her head and had to weigh a ton. She clanged around that triangle, as we rode by. Lots of cow bells too! Thank you to each of you!
Finally at the last "power stop", about 10 miles out. I was hot. Incredibly hot!!! I was so hot I think I had steam coming off as I drank water outta the cooler. A lot of people had started to leave in SAG vans after the 25 mile stop from exhaustion, overheated and injury. Some had popped tires or other bike issues.
There were two really bad accidents that required an ambulance. That was sobering. I was extra careful after the first one and extra-extra careful after the second, because it was in a steep descent.
At that last stop, Tammy said you're still standing, I'm seeing lots of people coming in, in a SAG van, you're doing great, keep going. I filled up my bottles and headed back out. Cheered Lela as she rolled in to the "power stop". I figured that at this point if the bike fell apart or something happened I could walk across the finish line but I was going to finish by golly. I got tears in my eyes, because it had been a tough ride and I knew more inclines were ahead, though not steep hills, but knew I was going to finish.
I did not get off the bike any more, except for a few stop lights. Had trouble getting on at one light, my back was tightening up and it spasmed as I climbed back on the saddle. That startled me, so I timed the next lights so I would not have to get off the bike. About three miles to the finish I talked to a couple of medics that rode the whole 45 miles with big hot back packs on. They were nice and kinda funny, I had been riding alone again since the last "power stop", so it was nice to talk to someone. Like I said, when you're hot and it is tough, it gets lonely.
We were all starting to get excited cause we were at the finish line. One gal said ok, my odometer says 45 miles, I'm stopping here, send the shuttle. One guy said here we go, we're in the home stretch. Then as a police car comes flying up the street behind us, I shouted back that he was going to fast and needed to slow down. We laughed. It was that kind of excited chatter you have when you have just done something you did not think you would make it through.
Then I saw the stop light at the Montgomery Community College sign. I got one huge lump in my throat along with a big goofy grin!!! I have to say the past 45 miles had been incredibly tough, I was surprised to have to walk up some of the hills (something I'll work on this next year) and I questioned if I was going to make it a couple of times. I was hot, my body was tired, I was hot, hungry and AMAZINGLY proud!!!
Riding down the shoot of yellow with balloons all lined with people cheering you as you finished. I saw Tammy and smiled really big, unable to hold back the lump at that point. Gliding across the finish line with a big grin on my face and a full cup pour out!!! I quickly found Tammy and gave her a big hug.
A very nice volunteer was there offering cold water. The volunteers were amazing and many volunteered many years. One gal giving us food had LIVESTRONG tatooed on her wrist when her Dad died of cancer. She hads volunteered every year. They all had smiles and were quick to help out. Thank you to each and everyone of you, without you, it could not have happened!!! Oh and I don't want to forget Dylan, at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters who answered a lot of endless questions and helped me with a lot of stuff in preparation.
If there was a hiccup, the participants did not experience it. It was the most rewarding and unforgettable experience I have ever had.
I also owe an amazing huge thank you to Tammy!!! Who without her, I would not have been able to go to Philly. She stood and waited a lot Sunday in the blazing sun, she took pictures and was patient as I nervously waited before the ride. She was there to help me get the bike put away and get into comfortable shoes, peal the gloves off and stand patiently by my side. She was even patient when I insisted that I had to go through the cool mist tent. Let me tell you, that the cool mist tent was amazing!!! I had never been so hot that I wanted to sit in a bath of ice. Yet she stood smiling and taking pictures. She is amazing and I look forward to riding with her in the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge.
Thank you to everyone that donated, I was able to raise $1,145! That is really good!! Just so you know, I did not make my goal and I plan to make that goal for the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge. That goal is $2500, so be ready!
I really cannot recommend enough that you try a LIVESTRONG Challenge. I have participated in many cancer fundraising events before. This is the first time that I have felt like my achievements have made a difference and that I actually acheived something and that they were appreciated. They really make you feel great about everything that you do. It is truely an unforgetable experience. Be sure to plan to participate next year, www.livestrongchallenge.org, I'll see you in Philly if you go there, because there are four cities to choose from and many different events, even a walk.
LIVESTRONG!
-Rhonda
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
What next?
Ok. So I am still riding high on yesterday!!! WOW-WOW-WOW!!!! And ouch-ouch-ouch-ouch I'm still pretty sore.
So I finished the 45 mile Livestrong Challenge Ride and I bet you think I'm gonna stop. Well as the song goes, "ain't stop'n me now...." and well here is why.
In 2010, 10 million people will die of can EACH year. Not to mention that when I started this journey I was 246 pounds and my eating had fallen out of control and I had stopped excercising. Why? Because I was upset, someone I love was going to have to have to face life with cancer. Cancer can be unforgiving and there are a lot of inpredictable variables. Back to me, so I fugured I had to have a goal to get me going. It worked, though my weight is not a lot lower, my body has shrunk and I am doing some pretty great things.
In Dublin, Ireland right now the Lance Armstrong Foundation is hosting a global cancer summit. There Dr Wild stated that obesity, environment, STDs and tobacco atributed to 1/3 of all cancers. So I want to help you change those odds!
Friends Agaisnt Cancer Team - FACT!(more on this in the near future) We can be from anywhere, but plan to meet up and participate in a Livestrong Challenge annually. More on the team later, but I want you to know, the healthier your body the better your odds at making it through the cancer treatments. So this way, you are not alone even if virtually. You'll hear about my struggles through training later this week.
I will not toss The Lance Armstrong Foundation to the side, but I am going to continue to fight cancer, in as many ways possible. The next events that I am training for, to fight cancer are as follows.
March 27, 2010
Charleston, SC
The Cooper River Bridge Run
http://www.bridgerun.com/event.php
Yes folks I'm gonna be walking with a little running (more on that later), don't think I'm hanging up the bike.
There is an online registrations and here is the registration form:
http://www.bridgerun.com/uploads/2010Application.pdf
I will be registering and selecting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. You'll be learning more about that in months to come. It is a great foundation.
Susan G Komen Race For The Cure
April 10, 2010
http://www.komenroanoke.org/main/index.php?m=1&p=18
Learn more!
Philly 2010
I had planned to do 100 miles, but after yesterday I am reevaluating that. I ran into a guy at the top of a climb, cause we stopped to rest that explained the toughness. He had participated in every Philly Livestrong Challenge and this was the toughest. Why? Because Lance Armstrong was there last year (2008) and felt the course was not challenging enough, so they added more climbing. Trust me, Livestrong Challenge is the right name. Do not get me wrong thje volunteers are all wonderful and everyone makes you feel absolutely amazing through every step!!! My whole experience through the Livestrong Challenge is one of my proudest moments in my life!
If you so choose to hope with on with FACT, we can do different events, you can run or walk the 5K or bike 20, 45, 70 or 100. Registration is low and you only have to raise $250 and they give you a website to assist you.
So, yes "More Than a Ride" will continue onward, because we are against cancer.
Changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
So I finished the 45 mile Livestrong Challenge Ride and I bet you think I'm gonna stop. Well as the song goes, "ain't stop'n me now...." and well here is why.
In 2010, 10 million people will die of can EACH year. Not to mention that when I started this journey I was 246 pounds and my eating had fallen out of control and I had stopped excercising. Why? Because I was upset, someone I love was going to have to have to face life with cancer. Cancer can be unforgiving and there are a lot of inpredictable variables. Back to me, so I fugured I had to have a goal to get me going. It worked, though my weight is not a lot lower, my body has shrunk and I am doing some pretty great things.
In Dublin, Ireland right now the Lance Armstrong Foundation is hosting a global cancer summit. There Dr Wild stated that obesity, environment, STDs and tobacco atributed to 1/3 of all cancers. So I want to help you change those odds!
Friends Agaisnt Cancer Team - FACT!(more on this in the near future) We can be from anywhere, but plan to meet up and participate in a Livestrong Challenge annually. More on the team later, but I want you to know, the healthier your body the better your odds at making it through the cancer treatments. So this way, you are not alone even if virtually. You'll hear about my struggles through training later this week.
I will not toss The Lance Armstrong Foundation to the side, but I am going to continue to fight cancer, in as many ways possible. The next events that I am training for, to fight cancer are as follows.
March 27, 2010
Charleston, SC
The Cooper River Bridge Run
http://www.bridgerun.com/event.php
Yes folks I'm gonna be walking with a little running (more on that later), don't think I'm hanging up the bike.
There is an online registrations and here is the registration form:
http://www.bridgerun.com/uploads/2010Application.pdf
I will be registering and selecting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. You'll be learning more about that in months to come. It is a great foundation.
Susan G Komen Race For The Cure
April 10, 2010
http://www.komenroanoke.org/main/index.php?m=1&p=18
Learn more!
Philly 2010
I had planned to do 100 miles, but after yesterday I am reevaluating that. I ran into a guy at the top of a climb, cause we stopped to rest that explained the toughness. He had participated in every Philly Livestrong Challenge and this was the toughest. Why? Because Lance Armstrong was there last year (2008) and felt the course was not challenging enough, so they added more climbing. Trust me, Livestrong Challenge is the right name. Do not get me wrong thje volunteers are all wonderful and everyone makes you feel absolutely amazing through every step!!! My whole experience through the Livestrong Challenge is one of my proudest moments in my life!
If you so choose to hope with on with FACT, we can do different events, you can run or walk the 5K or bike 20, 45, 70 or 100. Registration is low and you only have to raise $250 and they give you a website to assist you.
So, yes "More Than a Ride" will continue onward, because we are against cancer.
Changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
2009 Philly Livestrong Challenge DAY!!!
WOO-HOO!!!!
I rode honoring my Dad, my uncle Jime (pronounced Hi-me) and Lorax our little baby girl who also rode to Philly with us.
Let me tell you something!!! This has been an amazing experience!!!
I am very proud of myself! The accomplishments of this Livestrong Challenge rank up there with some of the proudest things I have done in my life thus far.
Speaking of things so far in my life, this was also the toughest bike ride I have taken to date. I thought since I had done a 53 mile ride and a 60 mile ride and climbed up Mill Mountain almost once a week, I was going to be set. My nerves got up the night before when I noticed the elevation moved from 1600 odd feet of climbing to 1700 odd feet of climbing.
Well let me tell you something, well guess I've done that for the past few months. LOL! Titling these rides as a Livestrong Challenge is correct!!! I climbed a lot of hills and walked a few too, especially toward the end. It had gotten hot and by the end I had been in the saddle 4:48:12, the total milage was 46.3 miles.
I met a lot of great people all in the same fight. The fight to end cancer! Jim, Karen, Jason, Lila, and some encouraging riders along the way. We all cheered each other along. Expect their stories later.
Please pray for all the individuals that went down, two required an ambulance and were pretty bad looking. Slowed me down on the sharp corners or sharp descents. Sad that they got hurt during such an amazing ride.
I know you might be thinking; Why on Earth would you want to do this and planning on a repeat in 2010? Simply put, it is amazing to push yourself beyond what you thought ever possible. Tears were in my eyes as I crossed because of the amazing ride I had just taken and how I raised $1,145 to help end cancer. I am very proud of myself.
LIVESTRONG!!!
-Rhonda
I rode honoring my Dad, my uncle Jime (pronounced Hi-me) and Lorax our little baby girl who also rode to Philly with us.
Let me tell you something!!! This has been an amazing experience!!!
I am very proud of myself! The accomplishments of this Livestrong Challenge rank up there with some of the proudest things I have done in my life thus far.
Speaking of things so far in my life, this was also the toughest bike ride I have taken to date. I thought since I had done a 53 mile ride and a 60 mile ride and climbed up Mill Mountain almost once a week, I was going to be set. My nerves got up the night before when I noticed the elevation moved from 1600 odd feet of climbing to 1700 odd feet of climbing.
Well let me tell you something, well guess I've done that for the past few months. LOL! Titling these rides as a Livestrong Challenge is correct!!! I climbed a lot of hills and walked a few too, especially toward the end. It had gotten hot and by the end I had been in the saddle 4:48:12, the total milage was 46.3 miles.
I met a lot of great people all in the same fight. The fight to end cancer! Jim, Karen, Jason, Lila, and some encouraging riders along the way. We all cheered each other along. Expect their stories later.
Please pray for all the individuals that went down, two required an ambulance and were pretty bad looking. Slowed me down on the sharp corners or sharp descents. Sad that they got hurt during such an amazing ride.
I know you might be thinking; Why on Earth would you want to do this and planning on a repeat in 2010? Simply put, it is amazing to push yourself beyond what you thought ever possible. Tears were in my eyes as I crossed because of the amazing ride I had just taken and how I raised $1,145 to help end cancer. I am very proud of myself.
LIVESTRONG!!!
-Rhonda
packet pick up
Picking up the packet today. I might wear my Tshirt for a week, just so I can tell everyone about this experience.
I didn't sleep weel, I am so excited about tomorrow, plus a vicious storm came through around mid-night. I tought a plane as landing on the building. Woke up at 5:20a.m. so excited I filled my bottles andhave them chilling in the fridge. All my gear is set out and ready to go.
There is a hurricaine that they are blaming the incredible amounts of rain on. Driving 10 hours to get her in the sheets of rain was not fun. We couldn't drive any faster and still be able to see and even had to pull off once.
Off to Montgomery Community College to pick up my packet. Saw everyone setting up for the ride this morning on the news.
Don't forget, I can still take donations on the website
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Til tomorrow!
-Rhonda
I didn't sleep weel, I am so excited about tomorrow, plus a vicious storm came through around mid-night. I tought a plane as landing on the building. Woke up at 5:20a.m. so excited I filled my bottles andhave them chilling in the fridge. All my gear is set out and ready to go.
There is a hurricaine that they are blaming the incredible amounts of rain on. Driving 10 hours to get her in the sheets of rain was not fun. We couldn't drive any faster and still be able to see and even had to pull off once.
Off to Montgomery Community College to pick up my packet. Saw everyone setting up for the ride this morning on the news.
Don't forget, I can still take donations on the website
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Til tomorrow!
-Rhonda
on the way
We are on our way to Philly. I could not have done it without you. Though I am still raising money on the website http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin.
Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way!!!
Here we go!
-Rhonda
Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way!!!
Here we go!
-Rhonda
flat begging
Ok, so now, I am just begging you. Please donate! I really want to raise as much money as I can for The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to help give as much money as possible to fight cancer. If you do not know much about LAF here are a few things.
Yes it was started by 7 time Tour de France winner and testicular cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. It helps to provide 24 hour support to people living with cancer. You can call anytime and they have someone there, a survivor to help with the terrifying questions you might have, because your fear is not always set to the 9-5 office hours. The have detailed information on the different treatment options, because there are often several options out there. If Lance Armstrong would have gone with the first treatment suggested to him, he would not have gone on to inspire many people with cancer or affected by cancer being in their life. His lungs would have been trashed by the treatment. LAF also helps to be an advocate to help you get a second or a third opinion and they also help when there is no more treatment options left. It is important to know smeone is there for you.
I believe in The Lance Armstrong Foundation and that is why I plan to participate in a Livestrong Challenge every year. They have gone global and working to end cancer on many fronts, not just in the U.S., but everywhere. Why? In 2010, cancer is to become the leading cause of death around the world. Cancer has no borders!
DONATE PLEASE! http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Thank you,
-Rhonda
Yes it was started by 7 time Tour de France winner and testicular cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. It helps to provide 24 hour support to people living with cancer. You can call anytime and they have someone there, a survivor to help with the terrifying questions you might have, because your fear is not always set to the 9-5 office hours. The have detailed information on the different treatment options, because there are often several options out there. If Lance Armstrong would have gone with the first treatment suggested to him, he would not have gone on to inspire many people with cancer or affected by cancer being in their life. His lungs would have been trashed by the treatment. LAF also helps to be an advocate to help you get a second or a third opinion and they also help when there is no more treatment options left. It is important to know smeone is there for you.
I believe in The Lance Armstrong Foundation and that is why I plan to participate in a Livestrong Challenge every year. They have gone global and working to end cancer on many fronts, not just in the U.S., but everywhere. Why? In 2010, cancer is to become the leading cause of death around the world. Cancer has no borders!
DONATE PLEASE! http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Thank you,
-Rhonda
More Than A Ride
When I signed up for the 45 mile Livestrong Challenge, I started this blog. I was struggling with the name, truth be told I was struggling with a lot in those days, and Tammy gave me this name. I new when she said it, that the months ahead would be more than about the ride and they have been. It has been an amazing few months.
When yet another loved one was diagnosed with cancer, my world began to spin and nothing made sense. This time we were looking at my Dad's battle with cancer, I still remember his Dad's battle. Cancer is not one of those things you forget. It just eats away until your body has nothing left to give.
I remember a friend who was in her second bought with breast cancer. The first one took her breast, this time it had moved to her lungs and chest. She had a 6 year old she had to take care of and she was just beginning to get back on her feet. It seemed cruel, her daughter had no family to go to and Darlene had few people to turn to, because she had no close family. Cancer moved through her body, made her neck rigid and it took her mind by the end. I remember one of the last memories with her, she had been moved to a nursing facility by then. She looked up at me, all of a sudden crystal clear she said, "Today is our anniversary of when we started talking. Thank you for being my friend.", tears were on the edge of my eyes and a huge lump in my throat. While holding my hand, she picked up her head and then she said, "here they come, they have such a sweet sound and they make me feel better." and her head dropped and the next time I went to visit she was not clear again. I sat with her and got her a few things she asked for, though none of it made sense to me. I wondered later if the mind goes so the body doesn't feel the pain. She made the most loving decision of her life, before she went on to be an angel. She allowed a loving family to adopt her now 7 year old daughter, knowing she could not do it much longer. They had been caring for her over the past months and she new they would take care of her.
So is this "More Than A Ride"? You better believe it!!! It is about finding yourself and honoring your loved ones who have wn the battle and about honoring the memory of those watching over us. I had no clue how much I would change when I signed up for this ride and I for once was given something by cancer. Because cancer has taken a lot from me. I was given "More Than A Ride" and all that came with it. I cannot explain it, it just is and you have to experience it yourself.
Help find a cure! Help stop cancer! Help there to be options!
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Changing the world one revolution at a time.
-Rhonda
When yet another loved one was diagnosed with cancer, my world began to spin and nothing made sense. This time we were looking at my Dad's battle with cancer, I still remember his Dad's battle. Cancer is not one of those things you forget. It just eats away until your body has nothing left to give.
I remember a friend who was in her second bought with breast cancer. The first one took her breast, this time it had moved to her lungs and chest. She had a 6 year old she had to take care of and she was just beginning to get back on her feet. It seemed cruel, her daughter had no family to go to and Darlene had few people to turn to, because she had no close family. Cancer moved through her body, made her neck rigid and it took her mind by the end. I remember one of the last memories with her, she had been moved to a nursing facility by then. She looked up at me, all of a sudden crystal clear she said, "Today is our anniversary of when we started talking. Thank you for being my friend.", tears were on the edge of my eyes and a huge lump in my throat. While holding my hand, she picked up her head and then she said, "here they come, they have such a sweet sound and they make me feel better." and her head dropped and the next time I went to visit she was not clear again. I sat with her and got her a few things she asked for, though none of it made sense to me. I wondered later if the mind goes so the body doesn't feel the pain. She made the most loving decision of her life, before she went on to be an angel. She allowed a loving family to adopt her now 7 year old daughter, knowing she could not do it much longer. They had been caring for her over the past months and she new they would take care of her.
So is this "More Than A Ride"? You better believe it!!! It is about finding yourself and honoring your loved ones who have wn the battle and about honoring the memory of those watching over us. I had no clue how much I would change when I signed up for this ride and I for once was given something by cancer. Because cancer has taken a lot from me. I was given "More Than A Ride" and all that came with it. I cannot explain it, it just is and you have to experience it yourself.
Help find a cure! Help stop cancer! Help there to be options!
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Changing the world one revolution at a time.
-Rhonda
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
3 sleeps
In three sleeps we will be packing up and heading out for Philly! I did not think that we would ever get to this day, it seemed so far away, yet so close.
When I started out the most I had traveled on my mountain bike was 15 miles, 18 if I am lucky. Traveling 12 miles was a long ride. Now 12 miles is a keep my muscles warm ride. It is amazing how far I have come in such a short amount of time. One thing I do not feel that we have come far enough about is the fight against cancer.
1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
I am sorry those are not good odds! I am about to ride 45 miles and plan to keep on riding, this has become my fight too, while so many people learn to live with a disease that knows no barriers. Cancer has taken many people I love and have put many people I love through a living hell. Many people you love may have the same battle and struggles. May you LIVESTRONG, through those days.
So we can find out ways to make these battles easier, find ways to cure and find ways to end the devastating diagnosis of "you've got cancer." and together we will. One thing I ask you to do is to make an appointment to get regular exams by your family physician, eat healthy foods, exercise and to donate today; http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin.
I'm not giving up! Are you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ZWbQ5-wrA&feature=related
Riding to a cure!
-Rhonda
When I started out the most I had traveled on my mountain bike was 15 miles, 18 if I am lucky. Traveling 12 miles was a long ride. Now 12 miles is a keep my muscles warm ride. It is amazing how far I have come in such a short amount of time. One thing I do not feel that we have come far enough about is the fight against cancer.
1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
I am sorry those are not good odds! I am about to ride 45 miles and plan to keep on riding, this has become my fight too, while so many people learn to live with a disease that knows no barriers. Cancer has taken many people I love and have put many people I love through a living hell. Many people you love may have the same battle and struggles. May you LIVESTRONG, through those days.
So we can find out ways to make these battles easier, find ways to cure and find ways to end the devastating diagnosis of "you've got cancer." and together we will. One thing I ask you to do is to make an appointment to get regular exams by your family physician, eat healthy foods, exercise and to donate today; http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin.
I'm not giving up! Are you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ZWbQ5-wrA&feature=related
Riding to a cure!
-Rhonda
Friday, August 14, 2009
another way to get back at cancer
We have to fight cancer on all fronts. I picked The Lance Armstrong Foundation, but there are other ways to fight cancer.
Take yoga at Uttara Yoga Sudio
August 31 - September 4
Ride your bike and do yoga for $5 and the money will be donated to The American Cancer Society.http://www.uttarayogastudio.com/
Class schedule:
http://www.uttarayogastudio.com/schedule/index.html
This might be easier:
Mondays*
Noon - Power Yoga. Siobhan
6:30 pm - Yoga Basics. Karen (JUNE only- karma class, $5 drop-in donation)
5:30 pm - July 6 through August 10 only - Hot Yoga. Rita (*75 min. class, 6-week series 7/6 through 8/10). $12 drop in, $60 for six weeks, separate fee class, class pack cards not accepted
Tuesdays
9:30 am - Hatha. Jill
5:30 pm* - Hatha Flow. Wendi (*75 min. class)
Wednesdays
9:30 - Power Yoga. Siobhan
Noon - Power Yoga. Jill
5:30 pm - Hatha. Lisa
6:45 pm - Ashtanga. Arien (*75 min. class)
Thursdays
9:30 am - Hatha. Jill
12:15 pm* - Beginner’s Yoga. Lisa (*45 min. class - karma class, $5 drop-in donation)
5:30 pm* - Hatha Flow. Wendi (*75 min. class)
7:00 pm* - Power Yoga. Cathy (*75 min. class)
Fridays
9:30 am* - Ashtanga. Arien (*75 min. class; no class 6/5 & 7/24)
11:00 am - Jivamukti Yoga. Mary (*75 min. class; no class in AUG)
5:30 pm - Beginner's Yoga. Lisa (4-week series, JUNE only)
Saturdays
9:45 am - Hatha. Jill (no class 7/18)
11:00 am - Children's Yoga (ages 4-8). Jill (only AUG 1, 8, 15)
Sundays
8:30 am - Power Yoga. Shannon
10:00 am - Children's Yoga (ages 9-13). Jill (only JULY 28, AUG 2, 9)
5:00 pm - Less Stress Restorative Yoga. Jill (only JULY 12, 26, AUG 9, 23)
Breathe!
-Rhonda
Take yoga at Uttara Yoga Sudio
August 31 - September 4
Ride your bike and do yoga for $5 and the money will be donated to The American Cancer Society.http://www.uttarayogastudio.com/
Class schedule:
http://www.uttarayogastudio.com/schedule/index.html
This might be easier:
Mondays*
Noon - Power Yoga. Siobhan
6:30 pm - Yoga Basics. Karen (JUNE only- karma class, $5 drop-in donation)
5:30 pm - July 6 through August 10 only - Hot Yoga. Rita (*75 min. class, 6-week series 7/6 through 8/10). $12 drop in, $60 for six weeks, separate fee class, class pack cards not accepted
Tuesdays
9:30 am - Hatha. Jill
5:30 pm* - Hatha Flow. Wendi (*75 min. class)
Wednesdays
9:30 - Power Yoga. Siobhan
Noon - Power Yoga. Jill
5:30 pm - Hatha. Lisa
6:45 pm - Ashtanga. Arien (*75 min. class)
Thursdays
9:30 am - Hatha. Jill
12:15 pm* - Beginner’s Yoga. Lisa (*45 min. class - karma class, $5 drop-in donation)
5:30 pm* - Hatha Flow. Wendi (*75 min. class)
7:00 pm* - Power Yoga. Cathy (*75 min. class)
Fridays
9:30 am* - Ashtanga. Arien (*75 min. class; no class 6/5 & 7/24)
11:00 am - Jivamukti Yoga. Mary (*75 min. class; no class in AUG)
5:30 pm - Beginner's Yoga. Lisa (4-week series, JUNE only)
Saturdays
9:45 am - Hatha. Jill (no class 7/18)
11:00 am - Children's Yoga (ages 4-8). Jill (only AUG 1, 8, 15)
Sundays
8:30 am - Power Yoga. Shannon
10:00 am - Children's Yoga (ages 9-13). Jill (only JULY 28, AUG 2, 9)
5:00 pm - Less Stress Restorative Yoga. Jill (only JULY 12, 26, AUG 9, 23)
Breathe!
-Rhonda
1 week!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDfCTJQTpXs&feature=channel
We are a week away. I will be riding in my first Livestrong Challenge! If you cannot ride this year, let's ride next year together, the more we have against this disease that knows no limits the better our odds. www.livestrongchallenge.org
We are going to make a difference!
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
We are a week away. I will be riding in my first Livestrong Challenge! If you cannot ride this year, let's ride next year together, the more we have against this disease that knows no limits the better our odds. www.livestrongchallenge.org
We are going to make a difference!
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
What would you say to cancer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feXOVkDp-Rw
What would you say to cancer if you could?
I say, "NO MORE!".
Donate today and stop the cycle, 8 million people will die this year to cancer. Will we know any of those 8 million? http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
What would you say to cancer if you could?
I say, "NO MORE!".
Donate today and stop the cycle, 8 million people will die this year to cancer. Will we know any of those 8 million? http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
numb hands
Yikes! Saturday we went on a long ride, it was 60 miles, the longest Tammy and I have ever gone and it was not easy. There was at least 15 miles that was climbing, though it was not steep it was a tough climb or "slog" as we call it up the road. About 7 miles of it was a tar and gravel mixture, which made it tough to look around and tough to do anything other than look at the road and avoid pot holes and whatever else might cause injury.
My collar bone/shoulder was screaming in pain! I was hurting so bad I took Advil and I have not done that in two years. It hurt bad and a couple of other people we ride with regularly had some old aches to surface again. This ride seemed to bump a lot to the surface and look at some ergonomic changes.
One thing that did surface again was Tammy's hand going numb. It was a problem more on the mountain bikes and really had not been a problem on the road bikes. So we thought it was in the past, until Saturday when her last two fingers went almost completely numb. Eeek!
Here is what happened. There is a nerve, well there are many in your hand, but one nerve that runs between the two padded areas on your hand. This nerve is the nerve most commonly linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. There are a series of stretches and other things that you can do to help prevent this, find a good sports medicine person, Qigong instructor or physical therapist for these actions. Because the only other treatment is slicing that nerve and well, you really do not want nerves sliced through unless it is the last resort.
There are a few things that caused this and Saturdays tough ride probably aggravated the situation. Riding with a constant pressure on your hands can cause the nerve to be pressed so long that it stops sending signals to the fingers. Having gloves or handlebars with to much padding can cause this problem, oddly just as much as not having gloves and padding can cause the same problem. It is all about finding the balance that works best for you. It is that whole thing that what works for one person may not work for another person. So keep at it until you find what keeps you most comfortable on the saddle, even for the long and bumpy rides.
By the way! There are 600 spots left for the Philly Livestrong Challenge!!! www.livestrongchallenge.org and you have a little over one week to raise your minimum. I know you can do it!!! Come ride with me next week, the deadline to register is August 20th and the ride is the 23. If you cannot ride this year, then please donate, we're all fighting cancer http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin.
Come along and join the fun!
-Rhonda
My collar bone/shoulder was screaming in pain! I was hurting so bad I took Advil and I have not done that in two years. It hurt bad and a couple of other people we ride with regularly had some old aches to surface again. This ride seemed to bump a lot to the surface and look at some ergonomic changes.
One thing that did surface again was Tammy's hand going numb. It was a problem more on the mountain bikes and really had not been a problem on the road bikes. So we thought it was in the past, until Saturday when her last two fingers went almost completely numb. Eeek!
Here is what happened. There is a nerve, well there are many in your hand, but one nerve that runs between the two padded areas on your hand. This nerve is the nerve most commonly linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. There are a series of stretches and other things that you can do to help prevent this, find a good sports medicine person, Qigong instructor or physical therapist for these actions. Because the only other treatment is slicing that nerve and well, you really do not want nerves sliced through unless it is the last resort.
There are a few things that caused this and Saturdays tough ride probably aggravated the situation. Riding with a constant pressure on your hands can cause the nerve to be pressed so long that it stops sending signals to the fingers. Having gloves or handlebars with to much padding can cause this problem, oddly just as much as not having gloves and padding can cause the same problem. It is all about finding the balance that works best for you. It is that whole thing that what works for one person may not work for another person. So keep at it until you find what keeps you most comfortable on the saddle, even for the long and bumpy rides.
By the way! There are 600 spots left for the Philly Livestrong Challenge!!! www.livestrongchallenge.org and you have a little over one week to raise your minimum. I know you can do it!!! Come ride with me next week, the deadline to register is August 20th and the ride is the 23. If you cannot ride this year, then please donate, we're all fighting cancer http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin.
Come along and join the fun!
-Rhonda
Monday, August 10, 2009
Livestrong Playlist 2
We are in the homestretch just before the 2009 Livestrong Challenge, so I thought it would be a good idea to update the inspirational iPod tunes. Some for creating speed when I'm in the gym, others are uplifting and a few other good ones to get us through. Though the song has crossed my mind, Bruce Springstein's "Streets of Philadelphia" will not make this playlist, mainly because I cannot listen to it without crying.
Hope you enjoy and please do not forget why there is this blog titled "More Than A ride". We're changing the world and ending cancer one revolution at a time! http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Enjoy!
-Rhonda
Livestrong Playlist 2
Prayer for Peace - Star Children from the Earth Dance CD (it just feels good)
Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copeland if you've watched the Olympics you know why
Carmina Burana, O'Fortuna - Carl Orf, it builds you up
The Olympic Spirit - John Williams and the Boston Pops, again watch the Olympics
Rind of Fire - Johnny Cash, Yea it surprised me too, but those tires are a ring of fire!
La Copa de la Vida - Ricky Martin, it is a repeat, for obvious reasons. Gotta enjoy life while we have it!
The Freight Train - DJ Irene from Phonosynthesis - Listen you just hear a fast moving group of cyclist in it.
I like to move it - Will i am - it is fun and well you gotta move it move it!
Elevation - U2 from the Tomb Raider Soundtrack, it is fun and lifts you up.
Dive In The Pool(X-union remix) - Barry Harris Featuring Peppa Masha, Cause you get soaking wet out there on a bike. Yep it is a repeat, it's that good.
Speedball'n - Outkast - Gotta have some more speed in the selection
Spin spin Sugar - Sneaker Pimps - It has some speed too!
If Everyone Cared - Nickelback - Listen to it, it has soul.
Make it Go Away(radiation song) - Sheryl Crow - For Tammy, because when we had a breast cancer scare a year ago, it gave her some strength and well it's obvious if you listen.
Hope you enjoy and please do not forget why there is this blog titled "More Than A ride". We're changing the world and ending cancer one revolution at a time! http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Enjoy!
-Rhonda
Livestrong Playlist 2
Prayer for Peace - Star Children from the Earth Dance CD (it just feels good)
Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copeland if you've watched the Olympics you know why
Carmina Burana, O'Fortuna - Carl Orf, it builds you up
The Olympic Spirit - John Williams and the Boston Pops, again watch the Olympics
Rind of Fire - Johnny Cash, Yea it surprised me too, but those tires are a ring of fire!
La Copa de la Vida - Ricky Martin, it is a repeat, for obvious reasons. Gotta enjoy life while we have it!
The Freight Train - DJ Irene from Phonosynthesis - Listen you just hear a fast moving group of cyclist in it.
I like to move it - Will i am - it is fun and well you gotta move it move it!
Elevation - U2 from the Tomb Raider Soundtrack, it is fun and lifts you up.
Dive In The Pool(X-union remix) - Barry Harris Featuring Peppa Masha, Cause you get soaking wet out there on a bike. Yep it is a repeat, it's that good.
Speedball'n - Outkast - Gotta have some more speed in the selection
Spin spin Sugar - Sneaker Pimps - It has some speed too!
If Everyone Cared - Nickelback - Listen to it, it has soul.
Make it Go Away(radiation song) - Sheryl Crow - For Tammy, because when we had a breast cancer scare a year ago, it gave her some strength and well it's obvious if you listen.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
and miles to go...
It is amazing how fast, yet how slow August 23 has been in getting here. In two weeks from today I will have completed my first ever Livestrong Challenge (www.livestrongchallenge.org) and raised a respectable amount of money. I will have riden 45 miles through the streets of Philadelphia and will have proudly displayed the names of cancer survivors in my family; Dad, Jime' and Lorax. I don't have enough body realestate for everyone, though everyone is important.
I chose a Livestrong Challenge, because I believe in The Lance Armstrong Foundation and I believe in the need to end cancer. This is my first Livestrong Challenge, I plan on others and would like to see an end to the need for a Livestrong Challenge.
I believe far to many people have lost their lives to cancer, to many have lost their hair, to many have sat in fear, to many have cried and to many have been touched by cancer.
I have mentioned all the people in my life that have had cancer. I've shared some personal stories and some I will in the future. I am going to write a few of the names of people whom I have known during their cancer battle, listened to their story (cause sometimes it feels good to have someone to listen), sat with in their last days on earth (cause I know they are all angels now) or have known while in their battle. Feel free to post comments of people in your life or your own name.
Lorax, Dad, Jime', Nannie, PaPa, Mini, Thresa, Don, Tammy (not my partner), Pat, Pat (yes 2 different people), Anna, Darlene, Virginia, Ann, Margaret, Sandy 'Re, Richard, Nancy, Kenny, the tearful woman who worked in my building years a go with a pink ribbon breast cancer hat on who needed a hug, Eyde, Skylar, Peggy, Evelyn and sadly the list continues...
Please help to stop the vicious affects of cancer, donate to The Lance Armstrong Foundation! http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
I am not stopping until people stop hearing, "you've got cancer"!
You can change more than you think!
-Rhonda
I chose a Livestrong Challenge, because I believe in The Lance Armstrong Foundation and I believe in the need to end cancer. This is my first Livestrong Challenge, I plan on others and would like to see an end to the need for a Livestrong Challenge.
I believe far to many people have lost their lives to cancer, to many have lost their hair, to many have sat in fear, to many have cried and to many have been touched by cancer.
I have mentioned all the people in my life that have had cancer. I've shared some personal stories and some I will in the future. I am going to write a few of the names of people whom I have known during their cancer battle, listened to their story (cause sometimes it feels good to have someone to listen), sat with in their last days on earth (cause I know they are all angels now) or have known while in their battle. Feel free to post comments of people in your life or your own name.
Lorax, Dad, Jime', Nannie, PaPa, Mini, Thresa, Don, Tammy (not my partner), Pat, Pat (yes 2 different people), Anna, Darlene, Virginia, Ann, Margaret, Sandy 'Re, Richard, Nancy, Kenny, the tearful woman who worked in my building years a go with a pink ribbon breast cancer hat on who needed a hug, Eyde, Skylar, Peggy, Evelyn and sadly the list continues...
Please help to stop the vicious affects of cancer, donate to The Lance Armstrong Foundation! http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
I am not stopping until people stop hearing, "you've got cancer"!
You can change more than you think!
-Rhonda
Friday, August 7, 2009
almost two weeks
We are just over two weeks away until the Philly Livestrong Challenge 2009!!! This has been an amazing past few months!!! I really cannot say it enough!!! Thank you to each of you for all that you have done!
A couple of things, this blog will continue after the 2009 ride, because the fight against cancer is not going to stop! Two I am contemplating organizing a Livestrong Challenge Team for next year. How about it, "Star City Cyclists"? Who is gonna join?
You know, I had a thought cross my mind today when an ambulance went screaming up the road. I pulled over to the side of the road, moving out of the way. I looked at the a lot of other cars, just sitting on the road and not moving to the right as we are instructed in drivers ed, although there was room to move. It made me think, that if their loved one was in that ambulance; would they not be frustrated that the cars were in the way, limited the speed at which they can get to the hospital? We often do not think of how our actions affect other people when we are in a hurry. It is interesting once the shoe is on the other foot how we look at things in a different light. Things are all relative, but one thing I have noticed that has proven consistant and that is cancer AFFECTS and EFFECTS EVERYONE!!!
So please, make a donation today http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin! Any amount helps, it adds up and makes a difference.
Make a difference!
-Rhonda
A couple of things, this blog will continue after the 2009 ride, because the fight against cancer is not going to stop! Two I am contemplating organizing a Livestrong Challenge Team for next year. How about it, "Star City Cyclists"? Who is gonna join?
You know, I had a thought cross my mind today when an ambulance went screaming up the road. I pulled over to the side of the road, moving out of the way. I looked at the a lot of other cars, just sitting on the road and not moving to the right as we are instructed in drivers ed, although there was room to move. It made me think, that if their loved one was in that ambulance; would they not be frustrated that the cars were in the way, limited the speed at which they can get to the hospital? We often do not think of how our actions affect other people when we are in a hurry. It is interesting once the shoe is on the other foot how we look at things in a different light. Things are all relative, but one thing I have noticed that has proven consistant and that is cancer AFFECTS and EFFECTS EVERYONE!!!
So please, make a donation today http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin! Any amount helps, it adds up and makes a difference.
Make a difference!
-Rhonda
Monday, August 3, 2009
Gear - pedals
So after a post last week I was asked; How can you pull your pedals without yur feet falling off? This prompted me to wonder how many understand the differences.
As a child the idea of attaching my foot to a pedal seemed like a crazy idea. What if I fell off? Though the thought was raised when we got our mountain bikes years ago, we never did follow through because we just were not comfortable enough yet.
So the first pedal type is the standard, put your foot on and go kind of pedals. These are the most common on entry level and department store bicycles. Not a thing wrong with these pedals, unless you are trying to improve effeciency. It is most important that you are on the bike.
There is a toe cage that kind of traps your toe onto the pedal. It is adjustable and affords you the ability to have some push and pull with your peddle strokes though not the same as the clipless pedal. One issue I had with this style was I was riding in sneakers with a tread and that made pulling out in a hurry a little difficult. Otherwise an affordable step to gaining more effeciency on the bike.
The clipless pedal comes in all sorts of styles. The tension that is applied to clipping in and out is adjustable, so the more comfortable you get the more tension you can apply. It is important to get use to clipping in and clipping out before going out on the road. It is easy to forget your foot is attached to the pedal. The you become face to face with the pavement. Trust me, I grabbed a lot of stop signs in the early days of the clipless pedal, even with practice.
The clipless pedal is helpful because you can push on the down and pull on the up. This way you are using your whole leg and not limiting yourself to the power of half your leg.
Happy peddling!
-Rhonda
As a child the idea of attaching my foot to a pedal seemed like a crazy idea. What if I fell off? Though the thought was raised when we got our mountain bikes years ago, we never did follow through because we just were not comfortable enough yet.
So the first pedal type is the standard, put your foot on and go kind of pedals. These are the most common on entry level and department store bicycles. Not a thing wrong with these pedals, unless you are trying to improve effeciency. It is most important that you are on the bike.
There is a toe cage that kind of traps your toe onto the pedal. It is adjustable and affords you the ability to have some push and pull with your peddle strokes though not the same as the clipless pedal. One issue I had with this style was I was riding in sneakers with a tread and that made pulling out in a hurry a little difficult. Otherwise an affordable step to gaining more effeciency on the bike.
The clipless pedal comes in all sorts of styles. The tension that is applied to clipping in and out is adjustable, so the more comfortable you get the more tension you can apply. It is important to get use to clipping in and clipping out before going out on the road. It is easy to forget your foot is attached to the pedal. The you become face to face with the pavement. Trust me, I grabbed a lot of stop signs in the early days of the clipless pedal, even with practice.
The clipless pedal is helpful because you can push on the down and pull on the up. This way you are using your whole leg and not limiting yourself to the power of half your leg.
Happy peddling!
-Rhonda
Thursday, July 30, 2009
cancer angels part 4
I know that cancer angels will continue to cross my path and I will continue to write about them. I will also attempt to recognize all of the cancer angels who have contributed to the Livestrong Challenge (http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin) one way or another in the near future. This one is going to go out to the people who have helped me through all of this, who became priceless in these past few months. I am grateful for each of you being a part of my life, I thank you abundantly from the bottom of my heart! The cancer thing may resurface later on, but I want those of you to know how much I have appreciated each of you!
I am going to start off with recognizing Tammy and her unwavering support. Though we cannot take vows, she has stuck through, for better and for worse. Even hopping on a bike as I rode toward my 45 mile Livestrong Challenge goal and she went to each fundraiser. She has been amazing, knowing when to hold my hand, go roller skating, kick me in the butt, hand me a tissue, take me out for retail therapy and on and on. And probably watched more movies in the first months than she has watched her whole life. I have felt so blessed to have her in my life through all of this, that my appreciation is unmeasurable!
For Jime, Suzie and Steve, through your years of courage and bravery. I knew that through all each of you have been through so many times, that I would be able to make it through this. You have each taken it with stride and moved onward, seemingly to not skip a beat. Each of you are all amazing!
Mom, Dad, Suzie and Sara, who have watched your parents fight cancer. To worry about how your children will respond when they cannot call their grandparents when reports cards come out, for the ballet recital, baseball games or track meets. To worry about their needs before your own in many cases.
Dad, Mom and Suzie who sat with parents as they talked about angels and loved ones coming to visit. Trying to gather up more memories before you cannot anymore and being strong in the face of fear.
For Jessee and the mind distracting games of chess, listening and know when to a hug was in need.
Val, I had no clue about the anger phase! Thank you for listening and for all of the advice and knowledge, even though it hit close to home for you. Not to mention all of the lunches at McAlister's because it was the only thing that was not upsetting my stomach. If you never ate there again I would not blame you.
Jamison and Alexander, two wonderful practitioners that helped my body not crash while I was on an icy slope.
Carolyn, the Amethyst bio-mat felt so good when my head was spinning out of control.
The Reiki Practice crew, Carolyn and Wanda, that really helped to sooth the ache and anxiety.
For the Craven Crew who went to many movies and sat in the back, because they know the front makes me nervous. For the hugs and prayers and always checking in.
Richard, who even in battling your own cancer, asked about my Dad's cancer and checked in on how I am doing.
Lisa, for "Dot" so I can do the Livestrong Challenge on a road bike and for "Tweetzie" when "Dot" (bicycle names) broke her wheel. Because riding kept me sane.
For everyone that we ride with. It has helped putting in the miles so much nicer.
I thank the many others of you for your hugs, support, donations, listening, prayers and so many other ways!!! I cannot begin to express how much this has meant to me. I am hopeful I will not need to call on you for the same reason again, but for now I thank you for all that you have done!!! If you feel left out, it might be that my tears of gratitude clouded my memory, know that you crossed my mind, but not my fingers as I typed.
With love,
-Rhonda
I am going to start off with recognizing Tammy and her unwavering support. Though we cannot take vows, she has stuck through, for better and for worse. Even hopping on a bike as I rode toward my 45 mile Livestrong Challenge goal and she went to each fundraiser. She has been amazing, knowing when to hold my hand, go roller skating, kick me in the butt, hand me a tissue, take me out for retail therapy and on and on. And probably watched more movies in the first months than she has watched her whole life. I have felt so blessed to have her in my life through all of this, that my appreciation is unmeasurable!
For Jime, Suzie and Steve, through your years of courage and bravery. I knew that through all each of you have been through so many times, that I would be able to make it through this. You have each taken it with stride and moved onward, seemingly to not skip a beat. Each of you are all amazing!
Mom, Dad, Suzie and Sara, who have watched your parents fight cancer. To worry about how your children will respond when they cannot call their grandparents when reports cards come out, for the ballet recital, baseball games or track meets. To worry about their needs before your own in many cases.
Dad, Mom and Suzie who sat with parents as they talked about angels and loved ones coming to visit. Trying to gather up more memories before you cannot anymore and being strong in the face of fear.
For Jessee and the mind distracting games of chess, listening and know when to a hug was in need.
Val, I had no clue about the anger phase! Thank you for listening and for all of the advice and knowledge, even though it hit close to home for you. Not to mention all of the lunches at McAlister's because it was the only thing that was not upsetting my stomach. If you never ate there again I would not blame you.
Jamison and Alexander, two wonderful practitioners that helped my body not crash while I was on an icy slope.
Carolyn, the Amethyst bio-mat felt so good when my head was spinning out of control.
The Reiki Practice crew, Carolyn and Wanda, that really helped to sooth the ache and anxiety.
For the Craven Crew who went to many movies and sat in the back, because they know the front makes me nervous. For the hugs and prayers and always checking in.
Richard, who even in battling your own cancer, asked about my Dad's cancer and checked in on how I am doing.
Lisa, for "Dot" so I can do the Livestrong Challenge on a road bike and for "Tweetzie" when "Dot" (bicycle names) broke her wheel. Because riding kept me sane.
For everyone that we ride with. It has helped putting in the miles so much nicer.
I thank the many others of you for your hugs, support, donations, listening, prayers and so many other ways!!! I cannot begin to express how much this has meant to me. I am hopeful I will not need to call on you for the same reason again, but for now I thank you for all that you have done!!! If you feel left out, it might be that my tears of gratitude clouded my memory, know that you crossed my mind, but not my fingers as I typed.
With love,
-Rhonda
resurfacing
I have to say that my life has been all out of sorts for the past several months. I am just now feeling like I am resurfacing, though I thought I was doing pretty good, I can tell now that I have not been myself. It also helps that Tammy and Jessee have both commented that it is nice to have me back.
I have to tell you, my hat goes off to all of the people who have fought and fighting cancer!!
I have to tell you, my hat goes off to all of the people who have had a loved one fight cancer!!
I have to tell you, my hat goes off to all of the people who are caretakers to people with cancer!!
It is ROUGH!!!
I have grown up always knowing cancer in one way or another, since many relatives and friends have lived and died with cancer. When it was my Dad, one of the two people who have been with me my whole life, it was hard to hear. Hard to grasp. Hard all around. Then all of the other stuff in between!
A few weeks ago I wrote a post titled "The Ride", that was pretty much how I have felt. Even after my Dad stated that there were no more tumors, it took a few weeks for it to register. You are kind of on edge, waiting to make sure the information was right, making sure they have the right person, just making sure, because things became so uncertain once you have heard them say, "I've got cancer!".
I am not sure life will ever be the same after all of that. I cannot imagine the struggle people living with cancer have. To know there is this foreign thing in their body, slowly killing them unless they go through treatments that make them feel like they are dieing or pretty darned bad. Cancer almost makes you paranoid and on alert at all times so that you are ready, but you are never ready.
Even with a friend talking me through the phases and warning me that when the anger phase hits it is without warning. I thought, well I am pretty intuitive, I'll be ready. With tears streaming down my face weeks later, no I was not ready. It comes out of no where and not even the warning it was going to happen helped, until afterward. Nothing prepares you for all of the stages of anger, denial, fear, and in some cases loss. It is good to know though, because you know you are not losing your mind and you are not the only one feeling lost in the middle of the woods without a compass.
My biggest advice I have for you, if you or a loved one or a friend is diagnosed with cancer, these are my most valuable tips!
1. Get a support network!!! Do not think you can do this alone!!!
2. Get more support network!!! You still cannot do this alone!!!
3. Believe in something higher than yourself!!! Even if it is that the grass is green and the sky is blue, have some kind of anchor to hold on to.
4. Do not get caught up in the story, because you can get lost.
5. Did I mention a support network?
6. Play! Always make sure you have fun things to do (if you have cancer as you are able). It helps to keep your spirit young and recognize joy in your life, because it does get tough to see.
7. Stay strong! Know you are not alone.
8. Eat well and drink water!
9. Love often!
10. Keep a journal, do not get caught with the same reel rolling through your head, let it go.
Taking a breath!
-Rhonda
I have to tell you, my hat goes off to all of the people who have fought and fighting cancer!!
I have to tell you, my hat goes off to all of the people who have had a loved one fight cancer!!
I have to tell you, my hat goes off to all of the people who are caretakers to people with cancer!!
It is ROUGH!!!
I have grown up always knowing cancer in one way or another, since many relatives and friends have lived and died with cancer. When it was my Dad, one of the two people who have been with me my whole life, it was hard to hear. Hard to grasp. Hard all around. Then all of the other stuff in between!
A few weeks ago I wrote a post titled "The Ride", that was pretty much how I have felt. Even after my Dad stated that there were no more tumors, it took a few weeks for it to register. You are kind of on edge, waiting to make sure the information was right, making sure they have the right person, just making sure, because things became so uncertain once you have heard them say, "I've got cancer!".
I am not sure life will ever be the same after all of that. I cannot imagine the struggle people living with cancer have. To know there is this foreign thing in their body, slowly killing them unless they go through treatments that make them feel like they are dieing or pretty darned bad. Cancer almost makes you paranoid and on alert at all times so that you are ready, but you are never ready.
Even with a friend talking me through the phases and warning me that when the anger phase hits it is without warning. I thought, well I am pretty intuitive, I'll be ready. With tears streaming down my face weeks later, no I was not ready. It comes out of no where and not even the warning it was going to happen helped, until afterward. Nothing prepares you for all of the stages of anger, denial, fear, and in some cases loss. It is good to know though, because you know you are not losing your mind and you are not the only one feeling lost in the middle of the woods without a compass.
My biggest advice I have for you, if you or a loved one or a friend is diagnosed with cancer, these are my most valuable tips!
1. Get a support network!!! Do not think you can do this alone!!!
2. Get more support network!!! You still cannot do this alone!!!
3. Believe in something higher than yourself!!! Even if it is that the grass is green and the sky is blue, have some kind of anchor to hold on to.
4. Do not get caught up in the story, because you can get lost.
5. Did I mention a support network?
6. Play! Always make sure you have fun things to do (if you have cancer as you are able). It helps to keep your spirit young and recognize joy in your life, because it does get tough to see.
7. Stay strong! Know you are not alone.
8. Eat well and drink water!
9. Love often!
10. Keep a journal, do not get caught with the same reel rolling through your head, let it go.
Taking a breath!
-Rhonda
Monday, July 27, 2009
perception
One of our on going semi-joking (cause there is some truth to it) comments is, "Self perception is everything.". Which is true on so many levels, but in this instance we're going to be talking about bicycling.
Yesterday, we joined another crew to go cycling with. It was nice to see other people and their techniques and riding styles. Then I also realized Tammy and I have not been riding not as fast as we can be and we can do more than we thought.
Here is a funny story:
So we were going to ride to Greenhill Park, for those of you not familiar it is just on the otherside of Salem in Roanoke County. If you'll recall, Tammy and rode our bikes there to the kit festival in April. That is the location of the obsession to sun screen occured. I apply often now! It took us one way 57 minutes and some change, the return trip was rough. We were dehydrated from the sun burn and lack of water consumption and that was a long ride for us then. :o)
Fast foreward three months, it took us 36 minutes and some change to get there and we were able to keep on riding. We did what our "New Riding Crew" called; "The Extendo"! It sounded serious, with such a name. Haha! We started out with what we thought was going to be an easy out and back 22ish miles, turned into a 32ish mile adventure. If we did not have other obligations we would have kept going.
So here is the perception part. Casey, Tammy & I shared with one another how certain rides use to be a big deal. Then we talked about, how now, we glide past that previous goals and keep going.
Years ago, Tammy and I got all kinds of excited, high-fives and all when we rode 12 miles one morning. We thought we had gone a long way and we celebrated too! It was a long way then. Now it is funny how our perception has changed, at 12 miles, we are practically warming up now. Tammy is great, she has those great long distance muscles and she is trimming up quite well, so even at 30 miles, she's just getting ready to go. I remember watching her zig-zag up what we now call a slight incline.
Last evening we were so proud of our accomplishment and chattered on about the ride with Jessee (from our regular crew), we took her out to show her the route. We talked about the new people, what we talked about and the experience of being shoved out of our comfort zone. For example, my legs stopped moving on one hill, they literally would not push or pull any further. I uncipped and had to walk, because I was afraid I would topple over without any forward movement. I hopped back on and we continued, that felt good.
So perception is everything and forever changing. Don't get caught in the story or get caught in your comfort zone. You might just see what you're made of and I am here to tell you, it feels darn good!
Look forward to seeng you out there!
What are you made of?
-Rhonda
* http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Yesterday, we joined another crew to go cycling with. It was nice to see other people and their techniques and riding styles. Then I also realized Tammy and I have not been riding not as fast as we can be and we can do more than we thought.
Here is a funny story:
So we were going to ride to Greenhill Park, for those of you not familiar it is just on the otherside of Salem in Roanoke County. If you'll recall, Tammy and rode our bikes there to the kit festival in April. That is the location of the obsession to sun screen occured. I apply often now! It took us one way 57 minutes and some change, the return trip was rough. We were dehydrated from the sun burn and lack of water consumption and that was a long ride for us then. :o)
Fast foreward three months, it took us 36 minutes and some change to get there and we were able to keep on riding. We did what our "New Riding Crew" called; "The Extendo"! It sounded serious, with such a name. Haha! We started out with what we thought was going to be an easy out and back 22ish miles, turned into a 32ish mile adventure. If we did not have other obligations we would have kept going.
So here is the perception part. Casey, Tammy & I shared with one another how certain rides use to be a big deal. Then we talked about, how now, we glide past that previous goals and keep going.
Years ago, Tammy and I got all kinds of excited, high-fives and all when we rode 12 miles one morning. We thought we had gone a long way and we celebrated too! It was a long way then. Now it is funny how our perception has changed, at 12 miles, we are practically warming up now. Tammy is great, she has those great long distance muscles and she is trimming up quite well, so even at 30 miles, she's just getting ready to go. I remember watching her zig-zag up what we now call a slight incline.
Last evening we were so proud of our accomplishment and chattered on about the ride with Jessee (from our regular crew), we took her out to show her the route. We talked about the new people, what we talked about and the experience of being shoved out of our comfort zone. For example, my legs stopped moving on one hill, they literally would not push or pull any further. I uncipped and had to walk, because I was afraid I would topple over without any forward movement. I hopped back on and we continued, that felt good.
So perception is everything and forever changing. Don't get caught in the story or get caught in your comfort zone. You might just see what you're made of and I am here to tell you, it feels darn good!
Look forward to seeng you out there!
What are you made of?
-Rhonda
* http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
ending cancer
The Livestrong Challenge ride is on August, Saturday will mark the 30 day point. I am excited. I would really like to have a Livestrong Challenge weekend here in Roanoke, VA. It is a big deal! Cancer is a big deal to me, it has greatly impacted my life on many levels.
I hope that you do not wait until you have a loved one in your life fighting cancer to make changes in your own life or to donate or begin the ending of cancer. To me ending cancer is important, make that VERY important. It is horrible and I hope that you are never to experience such a horrible disease directly in your life or even close to it. I am doing everything I can to end cancer in and surrounding my life. I do not want any more of my loved ones deciding what to do with their life, now that they have a cancer diagnosis.
If you do not want to support The Lance Armstrong Foundation(http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin) then look for other organizations who are working to end the affects and effects cancer has on our lives as a whole. Keep reading on another organization.
Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer and 1 in 8 of all women will get cancer in their life time. Those odds, are not ones I want to waiger my life on.
Learn More about your risks!
You can learn more about genetic testing and your hereditary risks to breast and ovarian cancer on Thursday, August 6, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Women's Health University, yes guys you can attend, but you seem to be out numbered so that you know ahead of time. Cause guys you are at risk too for breast cancer! It is brought to you by Carilion Clinic (www.carilionclinic.org), with speaker Kara Bui, M.S., CGC, the cost is only $15 and they feed you. Call Carilion Direct to register or for more information, 540-266-6000 or 1800-422-8482.
THEN YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A Susan G. Komen For The Cure race April 10, 2010. You have plenty of time to get in shape and be able to participate. Get a pink team together and train together! Here is a link for more informaion http://www.komenroanoke.org/main/index.php?m=1&p=18 Yes I have already contacted them, so I will be there and look forward to seeing you, however you choose to participate. Please take time to make a difference and end cancer in all our lives!
WE HAVE THE POWER!
-Rhonda
I hope that you do not wait until you have a loved one in your life fighting cancer to make changes in your own life or to donate or begin the ending of cancer. To me ending cancer is important, make that VERY important. It is horrible and I hope that you are never to experience such a horrible disease directly in your life or even close to it. I am doing everything I can to end cancer in and surrounding my life. I do not want any more of my loved ones deciding what to do with their life, now that they have a cancer diagnosis.
If you do not want to support The Lance Armstrong Foundation(http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin) then look for other organizations who are working to end the affects and effects cancer has on our lives as a whole. Keep reading on another organization.
Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer and 1 in 8 of all women will get cancer in their life time. Those odds, are not ones I want to waiger my life on.
Learn More about your risks!
You can learn more about genetic testing and your hereditary risks to breast and ovarian cancer on Thursday, August 6, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Women's Health University, yes guys you can attend, but you seem to be out numbered so that you know ahead of time. Cause guys you are at risk too for breast cancer! It is brought to you by Carilion Clinic (www.carilionclinic.org), with speaker Kara Bui, M.S., CGC, the cost is only $15 and they feed you. Call Carilion Direct to register or for more information, 540-266-6000 or 1800-422-8482.
THEN YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A Susan G. Komen For The Cure race April 10, 2010. You have plenty of time to get in shape and be able to participate. Get a pink team together and train together! Here is a link for more informaion http://www.komenroanoke.org/main/index.php?m=1&p=18 Yes I have already contacted them, so I will be there and look forward to seeing you, however you choose to participate. Please take time to make a difference and end cancer in all our lives!
WE HAVE THE POWER!
-Rhonda
Throwing in the Towel
"Energy and persistance conquer all things."
~Benjamin Franklin
Have you ever wanted something and did not seem to be reaching your goal fast enough? Or encounter a road block so tough you almost sabotaged your end result?
I have and did this past week. Many spiritual scholars state that only through suffering are we truely able to reach enlightenment, Nirvana, true forgiveness in God's eyes and so on. Whatever belief you follow you know what the term or phrase is, this isn't a spiritual discussion. It is though "More Than A Ride". I cannot say one way or the other for sure, but I know the past several weeks and the most recent days has brought me to a new place, within myself.
To say the least. This past Friday I decided I was not gettng back on a bicycle. Ever! Plagued by a reoccuring/constant injury (the exact reason is speculated, but unknown). The injury was affecting my personal and professional life and was a constant hurt. I reached a point of frustration that I for whatever reason was unable to shake. I think for most of us we do not have iron clad determination (and well darned goo VO2Max) like Lance Armstrong, but we have exactly what we need when we need it.
I even went through all the reasons to keep going and nothing would move the feeling of defeat along. I was preparing my bike to sell and wrapping up all loose ends for the Livestrong Challenge. I just did not feel I had what it took to keep going. I even thought about the people fighting cancer. I wondered if they ever reach the same point of frustration. Of not understanding why the equation is not changing.
Tammy kept saying she wasn't accepting my decision, because "you're not a quitter", she would say. I was quitting, cause I'm not a quitter. Like many of us when we reach our limit, we begin to go back through all the times we did not achieve what we had hoped. I felt like "the fat kid on the playground" (no offense to any fat kids on he playground-keep playing by the way), the kid so uncoordnated and unable to do what the other kids are doing and get hurt, because their body is not as flexible or fast. Kids hurt usually bad enough to need a bag of ice or a trip to the school nurse. I know this, cause I was that kid struggling to make it and "hang" with the rest of the crowd. So Friday I had finally (or so I thought) reached my limit and tearfully gave up.
The tears should have told me I still believed in myself. It was a series of events that pushed me out of the hole I dug. Here is what I did, if you should ever reach a point of giving up on yourself.
1. Tell a friend you trust and had confided in your goals.
2. If you already do not have one seek out a support group. Riding (or walking or running or whatever, fill in blank) with a group helps to hold you accountable.
3. Believe in yourself. You're worth it. Even if you do not believe it right at this moment or any point in the future, remember that I believe in you right now.
4. Stop looking at your goal. Don't lose sight of it, but don't focus on it. Life is nothing but a journey to help us to grow. It is not about where we are going, but where we are right now. Enjoy, what you have, not what you don't have.
5. Keep a journal of what you are doing. You will find that you are doing better than you originally thought, once you reflect back.
I am lucky. I had Tammy who refused to allow me to give in. Jesse who kept asking if was riding and kept checking in. Joyce who reminded me, that I was not hurting ayone else, but myself. And Me because through riding I have begun to love myself and appreciate what I have been able to achieve, in many ways. I am not the first one up the mountians or hills, I have trouble sustaining a fast speeds, my endurance is not with everyone else I ride with, but I realize where I am right now is where I need to be.
Just have to keep going and keep turning the pedals, because accepting defeat is more memorable than working through the struggle. Don't give up, you're worth it!
Keep on turning,
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
~Benjamin Franklin
Have you ever wanted something and did not seem to be reaching your goal fast enough? Or encounter a road block so tough you almost sabotaged your end result?
I have and did this past week. Many spiritual scholars state that only through suffering are we truely able to reach enlightenment, Nirvana, true forgiveness in God's eyes and so on. Whatever belief you follow you know what the term or phrase is, this isn't a spiritual discussion. It is though "More Than A Ride". I cannot say one way or the other for sure, but I know the past several weeks and the most recent days has brought me to a new place, within myself.
To say the least. This past Friday I decided I was not gettng back on a bicycle. Ever! Plagued by a reoccuring/constant injury (the exact reason is speculated, but unknown). The injury was affecting my personal and professional life and was a constant hurt. I reached a point of frustration that I for whatever reason was unable to shake. I think for most of us we do not have iron clad determination (and well darned goo VO2Max) like Lance Armstrong, but we have exactly what we need when we need it.
I even went through all the reasons to keep going and nothing would move the feeling of defeat along. I was preparing my bike to sell and wrapping up all loose ends for the Livestrong Challenge. I just did not feel I had what it took to keep going. I even thought about the people fighting cancer. I wondered if they ever reach the same point of frustration. Of not understanding why the equation is not changing.
Tammy kept saying she wasn't accepting my decision, because "you're not a quitter", she would say. I was quitting, cause I'm not a quitter. Like many of us when we reach our limit, we begin to go back through all the times we did not achieve what we had hoped. I felt like "the fat kid on the playground" (no offense to any fat kids on he playground-keep playing by the way), the kid so uncoordnated and unable to do what the other kids are doing and get hurt, because their body is not as flexible or fast. Kids hurt usually bad enough to need a bag of ice or a trip to the school nurse. I know this, cause I was that kid struggling to make it and "hang" with the rest of the crowd. So Friday I had finally (or so I thought) reached my limit and tearfully gave up.
The tears should have told me I still believed in myself. It was a series of events that pushed me out of the hole I dug. Here is what I did, if you should ever reach a point of giving up on yourself.
1. Tell a friend you trust and had confided in your goals.
2. If you already do not have one seek out a support group. Riding (or walking or running or whatever, fill in blank) with a group helps to hold you accountable.
3. Believe in yourself. You're worth it. Even if you do not believe it right at this moment or any point in the future, remember that I believe in you right now.
4. Stop looking at your goal. Don't lose sight of it, but don't focus on it. Life is nothing but a journey to help us to grow. It is not about where we are going, but where we are right now. Enjoy, what you have, not what you don't have.
5. Keep a journal of what you are doing. You will find that you are doing better than you originally thought, once you reflect back.
I am lucky. I had Tammy who refused to allow me to give in. Jesse who kept asking if was riding and kept checking in. Joyce who reminded me, that I was not hurting ayone else, but myself. And Me because through riding I have begun to love myself and appreciate what I have been able to achieve, in many ways. I am not the first one up the mountians or hills, I have trouble sustaining a fast speeds, my endurance is not with everyone else I ride with, but I realize where I am right now is where I need to be.
Just have to keep going and keep turning the pedals, because accepting defeat is more memorable than working through the struggle. Don't give up, you're worth it!
Keep on turning,
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saddle wisdom Part 3
"The sound of a car door opening in front of you is similar to the sound of a gun being cocked."
~Amy Webster
The quote is oh so true! Think about it, a lot of our riding is on streets with on street parking. We may now notice everything out there, but we try to keep our eyes on the road all the time.
This being said, it is hard to avoid broken glass, pot holes, lose gravel and whatevr else there might be on the road. So if you can, could you maybe peak before you fling open your door? We very much appreciate it.
The car door flying open is a common object of injury to a cyclist. Think about it, you have no extra protection around you and your being thrown at whatever speed of travel into an unmovable object.
Ouch!
-Rhonda
~Amy Webster
The quote is oh so true! Think about it, a lot of our riding is on streets with on street parking. We may now notice everything out there, but we try to keep our eyes on the road all the time.
This being said, it is hard to avoid broken glass, pot holes, lose gravel and whatevr else there might be on the road. So if you can, could you maybe peak before you fling open your door? We very much appreciate it.
The car door flying open is a common object of injury to a cyclist. Think about it, you have no extra protection around you and your being thrown at whatever speed of travel into an unmovable object.
Ouch!
-Rhonda
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
why I bike
I wrote this for the Roanoke Outside Blog http://ow.ly/h7up. I hope that you take a minute to write your own story!
Why I bike…
By Rhonda Chattin
Why I bike is part obvious and part spiritual. The obvious part is that I started training for a 45 mile Livetrong Callenge to be held in Philadelphia in August. Though I have been on a bike off and on for most of my life, the true love for the bicycle did not really fully return until half way through training for the Livestrong Challenge. I realized once the regular riding began that one of the best ways to improve my odds against a cancer diagnosis is by staying on the bike on a very regular basis. But it became more and the experiences grew.
Bicycling became an addiction one Saturday a weeks after successfully climbing Mill Mountain all the way to the star for the first time, when our crew ventured out on the Parkway for a cruise. It was a tough trek traveling to the Parkway from our Old South West home by bicycle. After 50 minutes mostly up hill, we were there. Let me put it this way, it was a well earned coast once we turned left onto the Parkway! While on that ride the freedom of a child on two rubber tires returned. Even with a helmet on my head, I felt the air rushing past my face, through my hair (what little that stuck out of my helmet), and blowing my jersey. I wanted to throw my hands out and shout look “no hands!”, but traveling at that speed I refrained.
Though in that moment, you cannot help but shout out a woo-hoooooooo, as you glide down the Parkway with all of nature surrounding you. Not trapped inside a steel petrol propelled vehicle, you are immersed as in a pool of scenery. You are using your own body as fuel and moving yourself forward feeling as free as a bird.
The sounds all around you, mixed in with your on breath, absorbing all the sounds of life. There is so much to experience while on a bicycle, that you do not in a car. The rustling of the leaves and trees, birds off in the distance or the hollow woodpecker making a new home. You get up close and personal sightings of owls, chipmunks, bunnies, snakes, deer, squirrels, turkeys and so much more if you are paying attention. You make friends and achieve things you never thought you would or could. The bicycle is not only a piece of machinery that moves you from one point to another it is a source of great experience.
Why I ride is simple, it is all captured in those silent moments when you really know you are alive and grateful for what you are able to get out and do. In those moments when no cars are zipping by and nobody is saying a word and you are there almost paused in time, with the rays of light peaking through the trees that God breezes a whisper in your ear…
Why I bike…
By Rhonda Chattin
Why I bike is part obvious and part spiritual. The obvious part is that I started training for a 45 mile Livetrong Callenge to be held in Philadelphia in August. Though I have been on a bike off and on for most of my life, the true love for the bicycle did not really fully return until half way through training for the Livestrong Challenge. I realized once the regular riding began that one of the best ways to improve my odds against a cancer diagnosis is by staying on the bike on a very regular basis. But it became more and the experiences grew.
Bicycling became an addiction one Saturday a weeks after successfully climbing Mill Mountain all the way to the star for the first time, when our crew ventured out on the Parkway for a cruise. It was a tough trek traveling to the Parkway from our Old South West home by bicycle. After 50 minutes mostly up hill, we were there. Let me put it this way, it was a well earned coast once we turned left onto the Parkway! While on that ride the freedom of a child on two rubber tires returned. Even with a helmet on my head, I felt the air rushing past my face, through my hair (what little that stuck out of my helmet), and blowing my jersey. I wanted to throw my hands out and shout look “no hands!”, but traveling at that speed I refrained.
Though in that moment, you cannot help but shout out a woo-hoooooooo, as you glide down the Parkway with all of nature surrounding you. Not trapped inside a steel petrol propelled vehicle, you are immersed as in a pool of scenery. You are using your own body as fuel and moving yourself forward feeling as free as a bird.
The sounds all around you, mixed in with your on breath, absorbing all the sounds of life. There is so much to experience while on a bicycle, that you do not in a car. The rustling of the leaves and trees, birds off in the distance or the hollow woodpecker making a new home. You get up close and personal sightings of owls, chipmunks, bunnies, snakes, deer, squirrels, turkeys and so much more if you are paying attention. You make friends and achieve things you never thought you would or could. The bicycle is not only a piece of machinery that moves you from one point to another it is a source of great experience.
Why I ride is simple, it is all captured in those silent moments when you really know you are alive and grateful for what you are able to get out and do. In those moments when no cars are zipping by and nobody is saying a word and you are there almost paused in time, with the rays of light peaking through the trees that God breezes a whisper in your ear…
just do it
After the concluding statement of the last blog post titled "4 hours, 27 minutes & 12 seconds", I wanted to share this new commercial. If you did not read it, then hop back and read it. It's a care and share personal story from our first ride in 2003! :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI5xSdhwdjY
New Nike commercial. Though it is so much more. Why not do it? You know if it is in reason. See how you can change your life, how you think, how you react, how you live toward others and how you can just do it!!!
Nike says it best...
Just do it!
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI5xSdhwdjY
New Nike commercial. Though it is so much more. Why not do it? You know if it is in reason. See how you can change your life, how you think, how you react, how you live toward others and how you can just do it!!!
Nike says it best...
Just do it!
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
2010
We had the last of our fundraisers for the 2009, Philly Livestrong Challenge. I would like to thank Haverty's Valley View, Tammy, Val, Darla, Jessee, Sidney and Lindsey for all of your fabulous help!!! Could not have done any part of it without you! Though we got rained out, we were able to raise $50. I am still raisng money by selling the yellow Livestrong wristbands and on the fundraising webpage and still accepting any other donations though not in a formal fundraiser.
All donations are not showing on the tally board yet, but our total is just over $1000. Way to go and thank you for your contribution(s)!!! I am not going to hold any more fundraisers, instead our focus is on us being able to pay for our trip up there and back. I would like to thank all contributions all ready made and those that are yet to come. All the donations are greatly appreciated!!! Please go check out the "Honor Roll" on the right hand side
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin, many people have honored their loved ones.
Interesting thing at the car wash, there were a lot of survivors that wanted their car washed and were excited to say how long they had been since their battle. I was able to pause and listen to a few. Many others walked past with statements like: "to busy", "not enough time", "in a hurry" or just a polite "no thanks"-without eye contact. I thanked them, knowing life gets crazy sometimes, and hoped they were never touched by cancer. Though, I do not know how, with 28 million people affected with it globally!
In 2010, cancer will globally be the leading cause of death!!! Although something like 40% of all cancers are treatable, not everyone responds to treatment as favorably as others. While many forms of cancer are preventable with diet and exercise.
Take a second to look at www.livestrong.org and learn more about cancer, the treatments and how you can prevent them. Or talk to your family physician (PCP), if you do not have one, find one. Getting regular check-ups helps to keep your PCP to know what is going on with you and recognize when things are not working as they were before. In Roanoke, you can call Carilion Direct at 540-266-6000 and find a physician.
Know your risks, know your body and know how to prevent cancer in your life!
Let's change the odds!
-Rhonda
All donations are not showing on the tally board yet, but our total is just over $1000. Way to go and thank you for your contribution(s)!!! I am not going to hold any more fundraisers, instead our focus is on us being able to pay for our trip up there and back. I would like to thank all contributions all ready made and those that are yet to come. All the donations are greatly appreciated!!! Please go check out the "Honor Roll" on the right hand side
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin, many people have honored their loved ones.
Interesting thing at the car wash, there were a lot of survivors that wanted their car washed and were excited to say how long they had been since their battle. I was able to pause and listen to a few. Many others walked past with statements like: "to busy", "not enough time", "in a hurry" or just a polite "no thanks"-without eye contact. I thanked them, knowing life gets crazy sometimes, and hoped they were never touched by cancer. Though, I do not know how, with 28 million people affected with it globally!
In 2010, cancer will globally be the leading cause of death!!! Although something like 40% of all cancers are treatable, not everyone responds to treatment as favorably as others. While many forms of cancer are preventable with diet and exercise.
Take a second to look at www.livestrong.org and learn more about cancer, the treatments and how you can prevent them. Or talk to your family physician (PCP), if you do not have one, find one. Getting regular check-ups helps to keep your PCP to know what is going on with you and recognize when things are not working as they were before. In Roanoke, you can call Carilion Direct at 540-266-6000 and find a physician.
Know your risks, know your body and know how to prevent cancer in your life!
Let's change the odds!
-Rhonda
Sunday, July 12, 2009
4 hours 27 minutes & 12 seconds
4:27:12 is how long it took us to ride 53.69 miles today. We picked up Casey & Jessee and headed out for an adventure. Paused for lunch, cause it was lunch time and we were hungry. Tammy, Jesse and I dropped Casey off at 42.75 miles and we rode onward. Jessee was dropped off at 50 miles. With the distance to and from home, Tammy and I were able to ride further than we've ever been able to safely ride on our bicycles. To say we are proud of ourselves is an understatement. Well right now we're a little more tired with our proud though.
Today we were able to ride our bikes a long distance, with a respectable average speed of 12 mph. However this has not always been the case and if you think you cannot go out and ride, read on, but see your physician first. :o)
On a sunny, June Sunday morning in 2003 Tammy & I woke up, with the hair-brained idea to purchase a bicycle. We went to the only place open to purchase our bikes, CMT Sporting Goods (which has since closed). We hopped on and tried out a few different bikes, opting for a mountain bike, because we were quite chunky (me = close to 300 pounds) and thought those sinny road tires would in no way be able to support our weight.
We bought spiffy red and white Specialized Hotrock's, one red helmet (Tammy) and one black helmet (me). We squeezed them into the back of our Toyota Celica, cause appareantly we had not thought far enough to think about bringing them home.
Once home we re-attached the tire and headed out for our first spin! :o) We live in Old South West so we were able to connect quickly to the beginnings of what is now a wonderful greenway system (the same one we went 53.69 miles on today).
Tammy started shouting to stop, less than half a mile into the ride at the first low water bridge, then there was a myserious problem with her bike before the second bridge, we walked up the hill at the end, just before turning left onto Wiley. Where we went to the bleachers to rest. This is 2 hours into it and no water cages (an oversight on our part and lost sales on their part.) so we found a water fountain.
After we rested a few, we headed back out. This is when Tammy turned really red and we discovered she does not like it when my inner cheerleader/coach comes out to help. We have another name for it, you'll have to ask next time you see me, it would take this blog out of the PG rating. We got off on (what is now) a slight incline, but seemed like a hill then, so we could walk up. Then a slight down hill and walking over the Walnut street bridge and a downhill, with some flat and another walking section. You get the point? We arrived home over four hours later, guzzled a lot of water and hopped in the car. We had to go drive the distance cause well an odometer did not exist then either.
Thinking we had gone at least ten miles, we were disappointed to find out it was four and some change. Though we did not stop! We invested in some gel seat covers, cause we were thinking bicycle shorts did not come in a size that would stretch across a VW Bug. We later found out they do. So we got a couple a pair, Tammy's a size smaller than me of course, these crazy hips of mine. We also strapped an old military canteen on, so we could take water and took frequent stop breaks.
We kept at it and every day we would go out on what became our "Regular Ride". By the end of the summer it was under an hour, now we can ride it in approximately 15 minutes. It is a fun memory to have.
I think about those days whenever we ride past someone, visibly struggling. I want to encourage them and offer any suggestions, but concerned they would not receive it as it would be intended. I do mention as we pass "have a nice ride", so that we do not just glide by. We had all sorts of people fly past us in those days, leaving us panting in their dust.
It is tough to keep going out there when it is that much of a struggle and I am glad we did. My tips for you if you want to give it a go are as follows. After talking to your physician, find a friend that will ride with you. Set out and see what you can comfortably do and it is ok to walk the hills. Or even zig-zag up hills, that takes away some steepness. Do what you can and ride that as often as you can to build up your strength, then try another ride, sightly longer (that's another funny story right there) and do that on a day you can take the next day off. Ask and read whenever possible, there are tons of books, magazines and people out there to get advice from.
Be like Nike and "Just Do It"!
-Rhonda
Today we were able to ride our bikes a long distance, with a respectable average speed of 12 mph. However this has not always been the case and if you think you cannot go out and ride, read on, but see your physician first. :o)
On a sunny, June Sunday morning in 2003 Tammy & I woke up, with the hair-brained idea to purchase a bicycle. We went to the only place open to purchase our bikes, CMT Sporting Goods (which has since closed). We hopped on and tried out a few different bikes, opting for a mountain bike, because we were quite chunky (me = close to 300 pounds) and thought those sinny road tires would in no way be able to support our weight.
We bought spiffy red and white Specialized Hotrock's, one red helmet (Tammy) and one black helmet (me). We squeezed them into the back of our Toyota Celica, cause appareantly we had not thought far enough to think about bringing them home.
Once home we re-attached the tire and headed out for our first spin! :o) We live in Old South West so we were able to connect quickly to the beginnings of what is now a wonderful greenway system (the same one we went 53.69 miles on today).
Tammy started shouting to stop, less than half a mile into the ride at the first low water bridge, then there was a myserious problem with her bike before the second bridge, we walked up the hill at the end, just before turning left onto Wiley. Where we went to the bleachers to rest. This is 2 hours into it and no water cages (an oversight on our part and lost sales on their part.) so we found a water fountain.
After we rested a few, we headed back out. This is when Tammy turned really red and we discovered she does not like it when my inner cheerleader/coach comes out to help. We have another name for it, you'll have to ask next time you see me, it would take this blog out of the PG rating. We got off on (what is now) a slight incline, but seemed like a hill then, so we could walk up. Then a slight down hill and walking over the Walnut street bridge and a downhill, with some flat and another walking section. You get the point? We arrived home over four hours later, guzzled a lot of water and hopped in the car. We had to go drive the distance cause well an odometer did not exist then either.
Thinking we had gone at least ten miles, we were disappointed to find out it was four and some change. Though we did not stop! We invested in some gel seat covers, cause we were thinking bicycle shorts did not come in a size that would stretch across a VW Bug. We later found out they do. So we got a couple a pair, Tammy's a size smaller than me of course, these crazy hips of mine. We also strapped an old military canteen on, so we could take water and took frequent stop breaks.
We kept at it and every day we would go out on what became our "Regular Ride". By the end of the summer it was under an hour, now we can ride it in approximately 15 minutes. It is a fun memory to have.
I think about those days whenever we ride past someone, visibly struggling. I want to encourage them and offer any suggestions, but concerned they would not receive it as it would be intended. I do mention as we pass "have a nice ride", so that we do not just glide by. We had all sorts of people fly past us in those days, leaving us panting in their dust.
It is tough to keep going out there when it is that much of a struggle and I am glad we did. My tips for you if you want to give it a go are as follows. After talking to your physician, find a friend that will ride with you. Set out and see what you can comfortably do and it is ok to walk the hills. Or even zig-zag up hills, that takes away some steepness. Do what you can and ride that as often as you can to build up your strength, then try another ride, sightly longer (that's another funny story right there) and do that on a day you can take the next day off. Ask and read whenever possible, there are tons of books, magazines and people out there to get advice from.
Be like Nike and "Just Do It"!
-Rhonda
Friday, July 10, 2009
Car Wash!
CAR WASH!!!
WASH AWAY CANCER
Saturday
July 11
11 - 3
Haverty's Valley View
$3 per car
$1 per bicycle
SEE YOU THERE!!!
WASH AWAY CANCER
Saturday
July 11
11 - 3
Haverty's Valley View
$3 per car
$1 per bicycle
SEE YOU THERE!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Ride
by Rhonda Chattin
I gotta tell you about this ride. Consider this a heads up, but I don't think it is one you can ever fully prepare for.
It starts off with an unforgettable descent, so fast that things blur by unfocused. You see nothing more than streams of color, no images register. You are denying that you even got on in the first place.
Then you realize more than ever before you have to keep flexible, cause now you're on these immediate turns. They are so fast, quick and blinding you have no clue what your going to be up against around each corner. You make one turn and you're almost certain you've some how turned around as it feels as though you are traversing the same terrain you just crossed. You start to want to shout for help, while looking ahead, hoping to find forgiveness in your path.
All of your senses are on alert, you start an ascent that is ruthless. This all just when your blood is coursing through your veins and you don't think you have any more to give. You know without a doubt, this climb will either make you or break you. Water is streaming down your face by now. This climb is steep, tough, hidden turns, and is vein popping and lung expanding. You're already on it and you feel there is no turning back.
You've made it this far. Right?
Followed up with some more unexpected twists and turns, just to see what you're made of. Keeping you on your toes, your reflexes already dulled, you're exhausted, breathe heavy and realizing you've got to be ready for anything now.
Then it all changes, you spin along this section of rolling ups and downs. At this point wondering if there is an end in sight, you hurt like you've never hurt before. You feel or know some how by now you really don't reach the end of this ride.
It is a ride that stays with you, you become a part of it. Or does it become a part of you? So that you know, if you should ever cross the path of this ride, it is called, "sweetie, I've got cancer...".
I gotta tell you about this ride. Consider this a heads up, but I don't think it is one you can ever fully prepare for.
It starts off with an unforgettable descent, so fast that things blur by unfocused. You see nothing more than streams of color, no images register. You are denying that you even got on in the first place.
Then you realize more than ever before you have to keep flexible, cause now you're on these immediate turns. They are so fast, quick and blinding you have no clue what your going to be up against around each corner. You make one turn and you're almost certain you've some how turned around as it feels as though you are traversing the same terrain you just crossed. You start to want to shout for help, while looking ahead, hoping to find forgiveness in your path.
All of your senses are on alert, you start an ascent that is ruthless. This all just when your blood is coursing through your veins and you don't think you have any more to give. You know without a doubt, this climb will either make you or break you. Water is streaming down your face by now. This climb is steep, tough, hidden turns, and is vein popping and lung expanding. You're already on it and you feel there is no turning back.
You've made it this far. Right?
Followed up with some more unexpected twists and turns, just to see what you're made of. Keeping you on your toes, your reflexes already dulled, you're exhausted, breathe heavy and realizing you've got to be ready for anything now.
Then it all changes, you spin along this section of rolling ups and downs. At this point wondering if there is an end in sight, you hurt like you've never hurt before. You feel or know some how by now you really don't reach the end of this ride.
It is a ride that stays with you, you become a part of it. Or does it become a part of you? So that you know, if you should ever cross the path of this ride, it is called, "sweetie, I've got cancer...".
Sunday, July 5, 2009
youth cancer
The Lance Armstrong Foundation even reaches out to the youth living with cancer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiEsaPratZY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnF6JkP4LY&feature=channel
This is more of why I picked the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Because everyone is affected by cancer. With 1 in 3 people being diagnosed with cancer, we are all affected by cancer. Right now look at the people around you; Can you figure out which one is going to be the one with a cancer diagnosis? Nope, because cancer knows no boundries, it can attack anyone at any time in their life. We have all the power to stop cancer, to help those with cancer and to eliminate the word cancer from our vocabulary.
Donate today: http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
or join us at the car wash! July 11, 11-3 at Haverty's Valley View.
Change the odds!
-Rhonda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiEsaPratZY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnF6JkP4LY&feature=channel
This is more of why I picked the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Because everyone is affected by cancer. With 1 in 3 people being diagnosed with cancer, we are all affected by cancer. Right now look at the people around you; Can you figure out which one is going to be the one with a cancer diagnosis? Nope, because cancer knows no boundries, it can attack anyone at any time in their life. We have all the power to stop cancer, to help those with cancer and to eliminate the word cancer from our vocabulary.
Donate today: http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
or join us at the car wash! July 11, 11-3 at Haverty's Valley View.
Change the odds!
-Rhonda
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