What A Week

This past week has been an emotional one. Jeff's step dad had been placed in a nursing home, Dr advised his brother not to take him back home, he needed around the clock care. After a couple of days there, fluid had collected in his lungs, Scott (brother) had been told they didn't Nelson (step dad) out of bed because he was so weak, which allowed the fluid to collect. I guess I will reserved judgement on the correct care given to Nelson. Anyway, Nelson made another trip back to the hospital. Dr suggested a consult with Hospice to see if they were a better option for Nelson. Scott had a really tough time dealing with that option, he knew that meant he was giving up on Nelson. Well, Nelson being Nelson, made the decision himself. He died in the hospital on Good Friday. With Holy Days, his funeral was set for Wed. Scott not having been confirmed into the Catholic Church had asked Jeff and I plan the Mass (no pressure there!) A wonderful woman from the church (Corpus Christi) helped us plan the Mass (because we really didn't know what we were doing either)

I don't think any of us really knew what to expect the day of the burial. The viewing had gone really well for everyone, it was long and tiring, but not so emotional. I think once the coffin lid is closed, the emotions change. You know you will not see that person again (at least on earth). A sadness takes over, you know you don't that person to suffer, and suffer Nelson did. He was an extremely smart person, the last few years his body and mind were giving out. He eventually had to rely on a wheelchair and thoughts and words just couldn't get processed. Would we want him back - no, the last years weren't Nelson.

Jeff was the step son, Scott is Jeff's half brother and Michael is a step brother to Jeff. But we never used the words step or half. They were brothers - Scott is 39, Michael is 56 and mentally handicapped. Michael understood what was going on and I think processed everything as much as he could. Scott, who moved back in to take care of his dad, took it extremely hard. Jeff seemed to do well through the service but so emotionally drained afterwards.

It was Ramble Day and Jeff decided not to ride with the Cows. After reading Craig's blog, I think he made the right decision. He just wanted to get out on the open roads and clear his mind. He said he road about 19 miles, not the numbers he would have ridden with the cows, but 19 miles of his own thoughts. As Coach Troy says, sometimes you have to slow down to ride faster. Jeff would have blown up mentally on the Ramble - for once (just kidding) he made the right decision.

Well weather permitting, it will be back to business this weekend - lots of open roads and a guy with a bike needing to ride.

Teachers Brought Their Lesson Plans

Well it looks like the teachers brought their lesson plans for the over the 40 crowd. Goose said there was a lot of coaching on hill climbing today. The day started out a little chilly for Goose. When he was getting ready for the ride, I was amazed at what he had on. I was afraid that he would get really warm, but he didn't. Goose was very pleased with his lessons today, and felt good when he was done. 48 miles of rolling hell and he came home smiling.

Since I didn't have anybody to play with today, I choose to ride Hillacious (yes I know AGAIN - I love that DVD) and then another 90 minutes of aero builder.

Then the best part - Classic Pizza - it was soooooo good!

Thanks to Egg and Crilli today for your continued coaching!

Redemption and Birthday

Egg has finally reached his day -- YEAH. It has been a long year, but a very successful year. He is back with his family, students coming out the ying-yang and playing with different bands. His cycling is outstanding and he has kept the Ramble and Rides going.


Today is also Crilli's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Got a sneak peek at his new bike:

Friday

Jeff and I were going to ride trainers tonight and he decided that a water workout would be better for his knees. So he hit the Y and I rode an hour alone. After getting use to riding together, it is lonesome to ride alone.

Wednesday Ramble

Hmm - where to start. I called Jeff late afternoon to make sure he would get out of work on time. Yep that was the plan. He called me back about 5:30 and said he was almost at the park. He actually beat Egg! You could tell he was a tad nervous about the ride. He knew it would be really hard, I reminded him he could cut off and get back on, Egg provided directions.

I got busy with what I wanted to get done that night - 30 min warm up to watch the news, 60 min Hillacious, watch the notes and tips and finish off with 30 min easy spin. Looked at the clock and Jeff wasn't home yet - that is a good thing.

He called about 8 saying he was on his way home. My first question was "How long have you been in your truck?" The joke was if you quit the ride, you still had to sit in your truck until everyone was done. Nope, he did finish with one short cut. Guess Crilli gets the award for telling him what sometimes I would love to say - Goose, get your head out of your ass!!!!

Jeff struggled through the ride, but if it were easy, there would be 50 people riding. After a shower and dinner, I asked if he was glad he did it and thank God he said yes.

Just a side note for a future poll question - If Egg asks who barfed on a Ramble Ride, put your money on Goose. He did say at one point he felt like he was going to barf.

Random Thoughts

Somebody sent me an email with this included:

The most crippling failure disease..... ....Excuses

I guess Nike has the right idea - JUST DO IT.

Once again life is a choice - rule your life or let other lives rule you. My choice is to rule my own life, accept praise, help and criticisms as they are offered, but keep everything in prospective.

Tuesday Fun

Wow what a day - lots of drama with riding (panties vs. boxers). Oh well, I guess we all have different tolerances to pain. I know with age, stuff hurts when you push it, but in the end, we can answer HELL YES it was fun and glad we did it!

Goose ran in the water tonight. Said his knees are feeling much better, his flexibility is much better. Noose walked/jogged 3 miles and then rode 50 minutes of Up Hill Grind. Suffering at the end, but it was sooooooo worth it. We both need to stay on task this year.

Wednesday is the Ramble and yes Goose is ready to RAMBLE! He has the directions with turn offs to get back on if necessary and NO HE WILL NOT QUIT AND TURN HOME (that is for you Egg).

It seems like things are clicking along for us. I know we would not have trained as hard on Sunday if Egg and Crilli would not have come up. It helps to be motivated by others.

Are you having fun yet? I am!!!!!!! No Noose will ever be a good rider (a little late to learn at this age) but she will have fun and feel satisfied with her accomplishments.

I have always been very proud of Goose and everything he has done in the past, to have him praise me for just sitting on the saddle for 2 hours, makes my day! I train for me and that is what is important. I love to watch all the guys ride, I can learn from them,

Train Hard and Smart!

Monday Workout

Boy, what a difference a week makes. Last week it was everything I could do to get through the workout at the Y. Goose tried to crack some jokes to help me get through, but we later discovered I was catching the "stuff" going around.

Monday night was actually fun. We both had a really good work out. I was worried because of riding with Egg and Crilli on Sunday. Even though they tell you to pick your hard set, it is tough not to go all out 100% of the time with them there.

Now my complaint about gyms: It is a shame some people just don't get the "gym ethics". They sit on machines, talk around the weights and it is hard to get around and work in.

But then there is always the chuckle time: It is fun to watch people struggle with weight that is entirely too heavy for them, but won't lighten up in order to get a good set in. It is all about the weight, even though they get nothing from it.

Sunday Fun

Looks like everyone is digging out from the beautiful snow. Now really, come on, when you look at the undisturbed snow - it is beautiful!

Egg and Crilli came up to ride trainers today. Two hours in the saddle - lots of talking - great motivation both physically and mentally. They helped Goose set great goals for the year (mental and physical). Your help is much appreciated. I really enjoy the time with all 3 of the guys. Ask me anything about ballet, jazz or modern dancing - I could fill your ears. I watch, listen and try to use the information to help me cycle better.

Had fun talking afterwards, lots of looking back at what was, and moving forward to what will be. Egg gets redemption in a few days, Crilli needs to honor his mom next weekend for enduring childbirth!

Brasstown can not come soon enough - looking forward to getting out of Ohio.

Enjoy your week and train hard!

What a Beautiful Day

Sunday was a beautiful day. Little windy, but the sun was a welcome sight. Goose rode 50 miles today with the Cows and had a blast. He tried out his new shifters (thanks to the Dr.) - Egg swears his aero bar days are numbered. A face from the past was there, Bob Flory, he rode with the Cows and plans on going to Helen. I think Goose was thrilled to be outside instead of inside on his trainer. For a blow by blow - mile by mile- you gotta read Egg's blog.

I elected not to sit on the bike seat today, got in a beautiful 5 mile walk - sang the entire time to the 60's and 70's oldies - that was fun! It was great to be outside in the sun and get some fresh air.