funds gettin' raised

One thing that's been pretty amazing about this wacky project is the number of people who have contributed to the American Diabetes Association via Team Training Wheels. I didn't set a goal for the team, but I did have one in mind for my own fund-raising, and I'm almost there. That's another thing that's hard for me to do—asking for money—but of course it's a bit easier when the cause is so important. So, thank you!

fun

I'll begin by getting right to the point: Just got back from a ride with Laura and it was wonderful.

Location: Closed portion of Beach Drive.

Details: Since it was threatening to rain, there were fewer people around, so I didn't get as freaked out that I was going to run into someone. Still, it had been three weeks since I was last on the bike, thanks to a combination of rain, parental duties, and other obstacles. I was seriously nervous. Luckily, Laura is a patient coach, and eventually I got to the point where I was (1) remembering to breathe, (2) looking forward, not staring down at the ground ahead of me, and (3) enjoying myself.

Numbers: BG beforehand was 208 (whoops!). BG after was 135 (yay!).

excuses, excuses

Now that husband has returned from abroad to spell me from the childcare and the weather is (mostly) better, I can get back on track. Whew! Just in time....

in praise of stairs

Haven't used an elevator in over 24 hours... I think I've passed through the withdrawal phase and arrived in the euphoria phase. Still need to catch my breath when I get to the 3rd floor landing, but for the first time in a long time I am looking forward to my post-lunch blood-sugar check.

ow. but ahhhhh.

Yep, I know I went to the gym all right! So how about today?

Day 2: Walk walk walk.

Since I know I won't be able to do a long exercise session because of a heavy schedule today, I plan to add extra walking everywhere I can along the way. I parked at the farthest part of the garage, didn't use the elevator to get to my office, and am visiting colleagues at their desks instead of emailing or calling them. Jeremy and I will take a walk at lunch, too. Yay Jeremy!

Update: Very nice walk (yay, Jeremy!), and I found a new place to practice on the bike, in the neighborhood across the street from our office building.

Update #2: I am told by the fabulous Rachel R. that it is not at all a problem to be short of breath after 3 flights of stairs on the way to graphic design class. Not at all!

first day, meet rest of life...

Okay, so here's the deal. I am not in good shape. I have been in good shape in the past, and this is not it. There are less than 6 weeks remaining before the Tour de Cure in Reston, and while I have completed phases one and two (purchasing the bike and learning to ride it), there's still phase three (having the stamina and confidence to ride for some distance).

So, until June 14, I need to do some kind of exercise every day. (I know, that's not necessary in the normal sense, but I think I have to be compulsive about it in order to make it stick.)

Day 1 (today): Going to the gym with Heather.

Update: Shaky arms, wobbly legs, intimations of later soreness: Oh yeah, this is what the gym feels like. Also, wonderful.

new shoes!

One of the reasons I'm so bummed about the rain is that I went ahead and got new shoes! As noted before, part of what keeps me going is the design/style aspect of biking—from the gorgeous curves and spokes of a classic bicycle to the sleek engineering of a superhero-style jersey. Admittedly, I chose function over form when I picked these Shimanos, but I like that I can walk around in them as well as ride in them. So, let's get out there!