I've been spending a lot of time on my kitchen floor lately.
I have a nice view of the ceiling and an enlightening angle on the cleanliness of my kitchen.
About a month ago, since I could barely walk after even a short ride, I decided to take on the pain I've been experiencing in my left knee and upper leg.
I want to cycle for the rest of my life, not just the 950 miles I was signed on for with Sea to Sea so I figured I should know what I've been doing myself by putting in all these miles on my bike.
The initial news was discouraging..possible arthritis, overtraining and tendonitis. I'm older than I thought, obviously! My 2nd opinion paid off. The the sports medicine drs at Loyola gave me good news. They could help me manage the pain by lots of stretching, ice and therapy.
So I began therapy and backed off a few miles on the bike. Now I spend 2 or 3 times a day stretching my legs in convoluted positioning with my left leg extended up the doorway of my kitchen wall. It's paying off. Now I can ride long distance without the shearing pain up my left leg. I'm blessed with some great opinions, good advice and lots of people praying.
I'm reminded that Tiger Woods just won the U.S. open on a broken leg and a bad knee. If I can manage 10% of that kind of fortitude, I will win the battle.
And, I'm reminded, it's not all about me...it's about me getting out the word of others who endure the pain and suffering of the poor. The poor of this world are the endurance atheletes who don't win medals or golf trophies and don't have crowds cheering them on. I could definitely learn a thing or two from them.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Riding for chocolate...
I used to say, "I ride to eat." And to a certain extent that's still true.
When I began riding my bike I rode to collect the Weight Watcher's activity points, so I could eat the extra calories generated from the exercise...I wanted to ride so I could eat chocolate and still lose weight.
I lost the weight. I still ride...but now I ride for other reasons.
Sure, it keeps me healthy, it elevates my mood...and, it allows me to have chocolate croissants for Sunday morning breakfast.
But now, I'm riding to love it and, now I ride to "spend myself" for others.
Last year, I decided I might be able to do something a little extreme in the name of love for the ride and others..I wasn't going to take it on half-time so took it on big time. It was big for me...afterall, I'm 42 and I feel the pain of most things that tax my muscles. I took on the challenge to ride one stage of a cross-continent tour across North America.
The tour, with over 200 riders, will raise over $2 million to help the poorest of the poor. It will raise awareness for those who need help more than I could ever imagine. It will get my butt off the couch for something bigger than me and I will spend myself on behalf of the poor.
What I didn't know was that it would cost me. I knew it would cost more than money tied up in bike equipment, in time caught up in training rides and in pain from injury. It will cost me more mental, psychological and spirtitual effort than I am sure I might've originally imagined.
Ride with me...My journey begins August 4 near Omaha, Nebraska and ends 950 miles and 12 days later in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Come check out the journey...www.seatosea.org
Jill Feikema
When I began riding my bike I rode to collect the Weight Watcher's activity points, so I could eat the extra calories generated from the exercise...I wanted to ride so I could eat chocolate and still lose weight.
I lost the weight. I still ride...but now I ride for other reasons.
Sure, it keeps me healthy, it elevates my mood...and, it allows me to have chocolate croissants for Sunday morning breakfast.
But now, I'm riding to love it and, now I ride to "spend myself" for others.
Last year, I decided I might be able to do something a little extreme in the name of love for the ride and others..I wasn't going to take it on half-time so took it on big time. It was big for me...afterall, I'm 42 and I feel the pain of most things that tax my muscles. I took on the challenge to ride one stage of a cross-continent tour across North America.
The tour, with over 200 riders, will raise over $2 million to help the poorest of the poor. It will raise awareness for those who need help more than I could ever imagine. It will get my butt off the couch for something bigger than me and I will spend myself on behalf of the poor.
What I didn't know was that it would cost me. I knew it would cost more than money tied up in bike equipment, in time caught up in training rides and in pain from injury. It will cost me more mental, psychological and spirtitual effort than I am sure I might've originally imagined.
Ride with me...My journey begins August 4 near Omaha, Nebraska and ends 950 miles and 12 days later in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Come check out the journey...www.seatosea.org
Jill Feikema
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