Why?

I'm often asked "why". Why do I run? Why do I pay for races or events? Why do I wake up so early on weekends instead of sleeping in? Most recently, 'why would you want to ride 100k? And why that to celebrate the anniversary of brain surgery and no more seizures. Are you sure the doctor didn't screw something up?'

My answer is simple. Because I enjoy it and because I can.

Having seizures was life-changing. Suddenly, I couldn't have Terron home with me on my own, couldn't have a bath by myself, and walking across the street was became life-threatening! Yet, I was 22 years old and already a mother, employed full-time.

8 years ago (Sept 12, 2001), scar tissue from my right temporal lobe was removed, changing my life. Running and cycling make me feel free, alive, independent, strong and able. Why not mark the anniversary with a milestone ride?! (my longest ride had been just over 40k... yes, this was a challenge.)

I can and I did.

A friend let me know about this tour, but is doing his on Sept 26, the same day as Terron's triathlon. Still, I was interested in the event, especially the date marking my anniversary. I registered even though I'd be going alone.

Arrived early, trying hard to ignore the last minute self-doubt. Being a tour instead of a race, and never having even been close to the distance, I knew I had to pace myself. It was a day to celebrate, reflect and enjoy.

Climb to start the ride, followed by some rolling hills. First rest stop was somewhere around 30k I think, where I topped up my water, removed my long sleeve shirt as it had warmed up, applied sunscreen (thankfully... see picture below!), and downed a gel. The next 50k before the next rest stop was pretty flat, wide open farmland, with swirling winds. Didn't seem to matter which direction we were going, seemed we always had a headwind. I caught up to a husband and wife, chatted with her for a while until I dropped them.

I had to stop briefly at about 65k to adjust the sock on my right foot. Maybe the double-layer Wright Sock that I've grown to love for running wasn't the wisest choice for cycling, especially for this long of a ride. It felt like it was bunching under my foot. The husband and wife passed me a few minutes later, but asked if I was ok, thumbs up, all was good. Caught back up to them, chatted some more, rough stretch of road, I continued ahead on my own again, finally reaching a rest stop at 81k. Had to text Jay cuz even for me it was a little unbelievable that I had made it that far! I made that rest brief... not wanting to cramp up or stiffen up too much for the last 20k. Enjoyed a locally grown pear, refilled my water bottle once again, munched on a few pretzels I had brought... homestretch!

I thought a lot about how far I've come. Terron's dad was also on my mind a lot as it was a week to the day that he passed away; still have lots of questions, and thought of things I'll never have an answer to.

I had forgotten about the hills at the beginning of the ride, and I guess what comes down must go back up? But after 90k, my legs were struggling to cooperate with the hills. I even had to unclip both shoes while climbing the steepest incline of the day for fear that I would simply topple over sideways. I certainly wasn't moving forward very much, so balancing to stay upright was at a premium. Ugh, I hopped off the bike and walked the last 100 meters of that hill... I did, however, power up the remaining hills to redeem myself.

I rode 100k today! It's a freakin' long way! And some run that far!?! I'm contemplating another tour on the 27th, the last one of the series.

I bought one of the jerseys too

This ride has put me over 1000km of cycling this year, and over 1800km between running, cycling and swimming year to date!

Wonder what I'll do to celebrate 9 years! :D

Any guesses about where my cycling shorts ended!? gotta love the tan lines...