MS 150 - together we're unstoppable!

Sandy and I participated in the MS 150 this weekend.  It was an amzing experience and a reminder of the powerfulness of working together.  Almost 3,000 people lined up to ride our bikes from Frisco to the Texas Motor Speedway and then on to Sundance Square along a 2 day 153 mile route.  We raised $1,249,848.45 for the National MS Society (you can still donate at MS 150).

As the MS 150 website claimed:

Individually we can move; Together we are a movement

Individually we can make a difference; Together we're unstoppable 

We decided to drive out Friday night and stay at a hotel so we would be there for the early start at 7:00 am.  We left my car at Sundance Square so it would be there at the end of the ride.  But we needed someone to drop us and our bikes off in Frisco.  Fortunately for us, Erin Trahan was willing to help.  So, from the very beginning we knew our ride would not be possible without the help of others - thanks Erin!

Lining up to start the ride.
We were near the Dr Pepper and Cisco teams.

One of the unique things about the MS 150 is the team dynamic.  Different companies form teams to ride and raise money together.  The teams design and wear matching jerseys.  At the end of the first day, each team has a tent where they can gather, eat, and get massages.  Its good to ride with a team.

The weather was perfect as we started the ride.  It was cool but not cold and we had a tail wind.  All was well - we were feeling so good that Sandy and I decided to skip the first rest stop that was at 14 miles and decided to wait for the second rest stop at the 18 mile mark.  We were both pleasantly surprised by how good we felt and how quick of a pace we were keeping.  We were definitely ready for a break at mile 18.  At the rest stop we ate some orange slices, a banana, Grandma's Peanut Butter cookies and filled my bottle with Gatorade to give me the energy I needed to continue.  I am so thankful for the volunteers who made this stop and others along the way possible.

We continued to pedal and put more and more miles behind us and continued to be surprised with how good we felt.  We also enjoyed the scenery and open fields along the country roads.  Who knew there were so many ranches, fields, and open spaces just north of the metroplex.  As we rode past Lake Ray Roberts, the view was so nice, I couldn't resist the photo opportunity.  While stopped to take a picture, many of the support crew stopped to check if we needed help and make sure we were okay.  It was good to know that if we did have a problem, help would come quickly.

We continued turning our legs in the repetitive motion, enjoying the sights along the way, and stopping to refuel at the rest stops.  It is fascinating to meet people along the way and hear their story.  There were several people wearing jersey's stating "I have MS and that is why I ride" - so inspirational.   Each person on the ride has a story.  And it is natural to start a conversation and here their story along the road or at the rest stops, unlike when standing in a elevator.  Maybe it is because we are all bonded by the fact we are wearing spandex shorts.

There were a few teams who passed us as they rode together in a pace line.  It was a beautiful thing to watch a group  of 5 men riding the same speed in a line wearing matching jerseys.  They were so in sync.  And as they rode together in this fashion they were able to draft off of each other and save at least 15% of their energy.  Its the beauty of a shared effort - working together to meet a common goal.

At 3:30 in the afternoon, 8 hours after our early start in Frisco, we arrived at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Day One was complete.  We were worn out, but very satisfied with the day!  We ate some dinner, got a massage, and found the shuttle to take us to our hotel.  After a walk to a nearby convenience store for tylenol and snacks we made a quick trip to the hotel hot tub and were in bed by 9.

Severe weather caused Day 2 to be cancelled

We were hopeful the weather would hold out and we would be able to ride for day 2.  We took the shuttle back to the Texas Motor Speedway at 5 am just to find out they had cancelled the ride because of the severe wether.  Then we realized the logistical nightmare that was beginning.  In the midst of all the bad weather, MS 150 volunteers had to find a way to get everything packed up and get bikes and people back to Frisco.

But we didn't want to go to Frisco.  Our car was parked less than 30 miles away at Sundance Square, where we were supposed to be riding to that day.  So, we relied on a friend once again.  We called Xergio Chacin because we thought he would be up that early and he had an SUV to fit our bikes.  While we were waiting for Xergio to pick us up strong winds and storms forced us to take shelter in the bathroom.  

Sandy reading the comics while
seeking shelter in the bathroom
 

Posing with our rescue crew
after loading the bikes

I had a great ride and was honored to be one of the many riders and volunteers who gathered to play their part to work together to find a cure for MS.  There is something special about being a part of something so much larger than myself.  Thanks to everyone who encouraged me along the way, donated money, and helped make this possible.

All this talk of working together reminds me of a video I saw several years ago.  Its a great video about a father and son team.  It is beautiful and well worth watching again and again.  Enjoy!
 

Tri Cowtown

I volunteered for the Tri Cowtown Sprint Triathlon at Benbrook Lake.  Since I have benefitted from the help of many volunteers over the years in various events that I have participated in, I figured it was time to give back.  So, I, and 3 SMU students who were required to volunteer as part of their beginning triathlon class and a couple who had just trained for a marathon and wanted to volunteer to see what a triathlon is all about were the volunteers for the bike course.  As with many volunteering opportunities, it was a matter of standing around until the woman in charge who had all the info but was also responsible for a billion other things could get us started.  We waited patiently until we were asked to follow her and load a truck up with direction signs and orange traffic cones.  I was surprised by the frantic activity of so many folks running around trying to ensure that everything was in place for the race.  And then it hit me.  I've never noticed this before because I've never been around when they were setting the course up.  As a participant, I just had to arrive and get my stuff set up in the transition area and wait for the start of the race.  Little did I know there were many other people running around to ensure that I would have a good race.  Now, I was one of those other people.

My peaceful pretty lake view 

We placed the signs and cones in critical spots to direct participants how to remain on the course.  And then the next round of waiting began.  There was a gate that usually remained locked to keep people from the day use area of the lake separated from the overnight camping use area of the lake.  The gate was opened so that bikes could go through for the race.  So, I was asked to remain there before and through the race to ensure that no one drove through from one part of the lake to the other.  I began manning the gate around 7:30 - the race started at 8 with the first biker projected to come through the gate at 8:30.  So I had some quiet time with a pretty lake view.  Its too bad I was freezing cold.  But fortunately I had my iphone and was able to pull up some music and even read Philippians while I waited.

As I sat and watched the bikers pass I had two interesting thoughts.  First of all I was amazed by the connection that could be established within the few seconds that it took a rider to pass me.  As each person passed I shouted words of encouragement such as "way to go" or "your looking good".  And I got several smiles, thumbs up, and thank you's.  One guy even joked when he came back past me, "Do I still look good?"  The second thing that was interesting was the diversity of equipment and type of triathletes that were out there.  I saw everything from guys on bikes that looked like the Tour de France with fancy jerseys and clip in pedals to a guy on a mountain bike wearing a t-shirt and board shorts and tennis shoes.  Each athlete had their own goals for the race - some just to finish and some to improve their time.  For some this will be the only triathlon they do and for others this is training for a longer race.

I was also surprised by how many people I saw that I know.  A girl from my church was participating in the race.  And a friend from my book club was part of a relay team.  Then there was a friend from work who was not in the race, but was riding his bike on the same road to cheer a friend on.  All in all it was a great day. I really like the camaraderie and excitement of an event like this and think I will be calling myself a triathlete (which means participating and volunteering) for quite some time.    

Run the Race

On February 12th I participated in the Texas Motor Speedway Duathlon along with my friend Sandy.  The duathlon was a 2 mile run (2 laps on the practice track at the speedway) followed by a 16 mile bike ride (3 laps on the roads surrounding the speedway) and concluding with another 2 mile run on the practice track.  It was a great venue for a race and just being there made me want to go faster. 

My first run went well.  I was not as prepared as I would have liked to have been.  The ice storm and having family in town gave me excuses to skip a few workouts.  But I went out and gave it my all and finished the run in 22 minutes and in 4th place out of the 6 people in my age category.  I was happy with that.  Then I entered the transition stage and got on my bike.  I wanted to keep pushing it and was looking forward to picking up the pace even more on the bike portion. 

I started fast and was inspired as I got to ride through the tunnel exiting the speedway.  But then I ran into a strong head wind.  And my energy drained.  I struggled through the bike portion.  As I was plugging along one rider passed me and encouraged me to dig deep.  A phrase I continued to motivate myself with through the remainder of the race.  Fortunately for me we were riding in a circle around the speedway so, for half of the loop that fierce head wind was at my back.  But then I came around and it was in my face again.  On my second lap I began to wonder why I was doing this and if I really wanted to finish.  Which lead me to thinking about the goals I have set.  This race is the first in a line of physically strenuous activities I have set for myself to get into the best shape of my life when I turn 40.  I began to think about the need to focus.  I set the goal to do this duathlon, but then I was distracted by other things in life and lost focus on the finish.  I realized that if I want to achieve the goals I have set, it will take daily focus.  I need to fix my eyes on the goal and not let other things come in the way.  It reminded me of Hebrews 12: 1-3 and the fact that Jesus focussed on the end and was therefore able to endure the suffering because of the joy that He knew was to come.  In the same way, I need to have that undivided attention to Him and to the goals I have set.  I survived the bike portion of the duathlon, but had dropped to 6th place in my age group and division.  I was exhausted and still had to run 2 miles.  I put my bike up and headed back to the track. 

While we were running there were race cars driving around the race track (the actual race track; not the practice track we were on).  That was fun and distracted me from the pain and exhaustion for a couple minutes.  A fellow duathlete passed me saying "they should offer us a ride".  I smiled.  The run was difficult and I was slower than my previous 2 miles, but I did it!  I finished the race!

After the race, two different women came up to me and mentioned that I was their inspiration to keep going and to go faster.  The first woman told me that she was running behind me on the final run and just kept looking at my pink shirt and tried to keep up.  The other woman, also named Jen, was someone that I was near for most of the race.  Her family was there cheering for her and when we passed her family at the same time I benefitted from the "Go Jen"s her family shouted.  I couldn't believe it.  I was struggling through the race myself and had no idea that in that state I could be an encouragement to anyone.  But apparently I was.  This was all a good reminder to me that we do not have to be absoutely perfect to be inspiring to others.  In fact, we just need to be obedient and honest and do our best. 

I think one of my favorite things about triathlons and other athletic events is the camaraderie of the participants.  This race was no different.  I benefitted from the comments of other participants and was able to encourage a few others along as well.  Having completed this duathlon I am even more motivated to press on for the other goals I have set!

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

                                                      -Hebrews 12:1-3 from The Message