Chewing
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 8:08AM A few years ago when my brother Scott decided to ride in the ADA Tour de Cure I was inspired but just enough to say, "well dude maybe one day." But then it all went away.
The next year Scott told me he was doubling his distance and doing it again. Now the feeling I felt was laziness for not signing up after that first year. I wrestled with it for a few moments before something shiny passed by and I let it go. Again.
Then I met Mari.
We hugged.
We cried.
I signed up.
And now I am 3 days away from my first ever Tour de Cure and I am frightened. Like seriously wondering if I bit off more than I could chew.
Like remember when you were little and you would put so much food in your mouth that you couldn't chew and undoubtedly your gag reflex would kick in and you would want to vomit?
I want to vomit.
Time is not on my side when it comes to training. Unless I do not sleep there are just not much time for me to get on my bike. And I am 3 days away.
I want to hide.
At the retreat this weekend I felt so powerful and able to do anything but can I really do this? I am WAY overweight, and seriously weak. I just keep praying that I will somehow have the energy but if I keep praying about it, do I really think I will have enough?
I need a time machine.
Here's the thing. I am going to do it. I am going to squeeze into that Red Rider jersey and peddle my lard ass all over Long Beach. I may look like an idiot and I may be moving at a snail's pace but I have to do it.
One thing I am not is a quitter, except for smoking of course. I was just hoping I could do this with a little finesse and I do not see that happening.
So for all I bit off, I guess I will just keep on chewing.
I may still vomit.
Reader Comments (13)
Dude, you can do this! It's no race. Take your time and enjoy the event. Go Red Rider!!! (= I love you!, per Mari & I concur)
You can do it, George! I know you can. So inspirational! Good luck!
Do your best...and leave the rest to God.
You can do it! You can! I was so super scared when I got myself into the TeamWILD 5k thing; I totally didn't think I could pull it off. (And I didn't, but that's just because I went and got myself pregnant and was advised against too much strenuous exercise.)
I'm really looking forward to hearing how this turns out for you. Keep chewin'!
You can totally do it!!!! You'll be surrounded by people all fighting the good fight. Their energy will carry you through.
You can do it, just keep pedaling keep moving forward.. just like diabetes you have to keep at it day in and day out, no matter what, even when you feel weak.
Adrenaline will be your helper. I'm so proud of you for doing this. This year I feel like the slug for not doing something like this. You are inspirational! Kick ass!
You will do this with something far better than finesse, my friend. You will do it with courage, bravery, determination, love, & style. Not only CAN you do this, but you WILL do this! So put on your mouse ears & cape and sing at the top of your lungs as you pedal all over Long Beach. Wish I could be at the finish like to tell you how much I admire & adore you. You're my hero!
And I have NO idea where the mouse ears & cape idea came from, but I say roll with it. (Did you see what I did there?)
Love ya. Mean it. ♥♥♥
The hardest part is starting, and that's going to be over very quickly. Be happy and ride like the wind!
George, I have no doubt you are going to rock this.
But can I say this post is inspiring some interesting Facebook likes. "Kim Vlasnik likes Chewing" LOL!
Your journey is inspiring because it is so hard for you. Everyone is cheering for you and we'll throw used test strip confetti as you cross the finish line.
Vomit proudly. At least you're trying.
Dude! Look at you brother! YOU DID IT!!! YOU! DID! IT!!! WAHOOO!!!!!