Back on the Bike

I took my bike in to get a tune up yesterday and the local Trek shop was very friendly and quick to do it. I also needed a new tire (which I wasn't aware of) but got that taken care of too. So when I came home, I got the bike off the rack and hopped on it and raced around the garage. Little did I know, they didn't tighten the brake cable on the rear right brake handle and I almost killed myself! I've fixed it but holy crap... I almost went face first into the wall! Not only that, but they didn't loosen the tension on my pedals so once I did get my cleats attached, I couldn't get my cleat into the pedal! I'm not sure I'll go back.

So now I have a new quest. I am going to learn to tune-up/fix/whatever else my bike, myself. Why not add another skill to my never ending repertoire of amazing and interesting abilities ;-)

I also got my new decals. Oooohhhh... I am so excited. The site is BikeNames.com. Starting from $7, you can order custom decals for your bike. Turnaround time is quick, I got mine in about 4 days, there may have been a weekend in there too, I'm not sure.

Anyway, I'm excited to take the bike out today. I found the cleat adaptors I was looking for yesterday and finally put the SPD cleats on my Carnacs. I asked at the local Trek store but they didn't have any so they told me to call around. I called 4 different stores around town and each one told me a different thing. One place needed to know what year my shoes where and what model my pedals were! All 4 of these shops didn't have what I needed.

I called REI and asked them if they had SPD adapters and they simply said "YES."

I went in and they had 3 different brands: Shimano, LOOK and SIDI. I asked one of the girls behind the counter if they had an opinion and she recommended the SIDI. So, there you go.

I fixed my brake cable and my pedals (all by myself) and am looking forward to a nice ride, after my call with Coach Mel!

I'm Back

After a week and a half away, I'm back. My grandmother, Josephine, passed away on July 29, 2010. I was gone for about 5 days and have been dealing with the aftermath of her passing. Just a reminder folks, even though Josie lived 94 years, doesn't mean you will AND you would think in 94 years, you would have time to get things organized IN CASE you pass away some day.

Anything could happen at any time so I urge each and everyone of you to make sure your affairs are in order so that those left to deal with your stuff (all while missing you) can handle things easily. I know it's not a great thing to think about but we all die, it's just part of the experience we have here on Earth, so better to spend a few days helping your family at what is possibly going to be one of the saddest parts of their lives.

I'm not complaining but I am just expressing an opinion about procrastination. As Nike says, "Just Do It."

WWCD?

This week, as I browsed several sites for the newest and coolest gear out there, I came to realize that there was something about cycling that I hadn't even dreamed of when I decided to adopt it as my new sport of choice... The clothing and accessories! I couldn't help think, What Would Carrie Do?

Sex in the City has always made me 'laugh out loud' but I just could never get into the fashion obsession, not to mention the outrageous outfits and money spent on them. But as I hit site after site of cool jerseys and shiny shoes and helmets, I couldn't help but imagine Carrie stopping in front of the Jimmy Choo shop with eyes wide open, cooing, "Ooooohhhhhhh!"

For a split second, (okay, maybe 3 hours) I was Carrie.

Here are a few examples of what has made me more than excited:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/

http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/cycling/apparel/tops/c0-atsport_01-c1-c2.html

http://www.vanderkitten.com/

http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php


Okay, enough shopping. Time for a ride on the new bike! Woo hoo!

Can anyone say SCATTANTE???

New bike in da house!!! Woo hoo!!! Scattante R330. After getting measured for a bike, I found out I needed a 51cm not a 54 like previously thought. I searched around and found this! It's two years old and I got a sweet deal on it! I'm so excited. I have to get new pedals though and a new seat. It's fine though! I'm so happy!!! Here are the specs:
Frame: 51 cm Scattante Three Thirty
Fork: Carbon Fiber
Rims: Alex R500
Hubs: Formula HS
Tires:
Pedals:
Crank: FSA Omega ME Compact Crankset
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace XTR CN-7701
Rear Cogs: SRam PG-970
Bottom Bracket: FSA Omega
Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Shifters: Shimano Sora
Handle Bar: Forte
Headset: Cane Creek, 1 1/8

Watch out Canada, here I come!!! Maybe I'll just ride there...

Liz who?

I just saw an article about Liz Hatch. Liz who? I asked myself. Here she is. If I ever wanted a reason to get on a bike, here it is. When I grow up, I wanna be just like Liz Hatch! Okay, I just want to have those legs!!!

What if I wait until it's too late?

http://matadorlife.com/what-if-i-wait-until-its-too-late/

I just wanted to share this posting. I couldn't agree more that it's never too late to do something you have always wanted to do!

I love this picture and can't wait until it's me! (This is from Rocket Girl blog)

Consult your physician before starting this or any other exercise program...

I went to see my favorite doctor EVER this week. Rene Young. She's a good friend who I met years ago while part of a networking group called BNI. Rene is smart, funny and really has an understanding of how the human body works. Unlike so many doctors I've been dealing with for my daughter recently(more on that later), Rene isn't afraid to explore all the options, not just concentrate on one thing.

I went to see Rene because 1) I'm riding a bike again after a long hiatus and wanted to make sure my body was up to the task, 2) I've gained weight during that said long hiatus and 3) I wanted to make sure that she was with me during this process so that I would be operating at my highest potential.

She greeted me with a, "Well hello stranger!" and we were back where we left off a few years ago. I know, a few years is a long time but I'm one of those that believes that if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and that goes for my health too.

With that said, I'm not broken, just need a tune-up! So in 90 minutes, we established a few things. We also decided on a nutrition program and a whole host of tests from thyroid to blood glucose, to muscle mass and beyond. She immediately started me on a detox program, gave me a B-12 combo shot and I have to say, after two days, I do feel better already.

One curious thing that I found out is that my muscles, bones and skin (no fat) all weigh in at a healthy 132 lbs. This is good news because my bone density is great and my muscle mass is super fantastic. I'm strong as an ox but I knew that already. I do need to lose a few pounds but that's not news. It will happen. I'm not even worried about it.

I figured that since I am pretty healthy, I shouldn't waste it. I'm very grateful for my healthy body and living pain free.

Sister Inspiration

I have to write about my sister Raquel. She is really why I started this thing in the first place. A few years ago, she started running with Team in Training. When she said she was going to run a half marathon, I was shocked. I don't ever remember my sister Raquel running. Ever. I remember once playing hide and seek and she ended up in the ER due to her very clever and very ingenious hiding place that wasn't really a good place to slide down! Raquel or "Kelly" as we call her, was a ballerina. While the rest of us were playing softball, soccer, football or even kick the can, Kelly was practicing her flute or arranging her dolls on her bed.

Kelly now gets up every morning, greets her husband and 4 kids with a smile as usual (she's always smiling and laughing) and goes to work. She is a renal dialysis technician. Everyday, she greets her patients with love and a smile. I know if I was in kidney failure, I'd look forward to seeing Kelly during my treatment. That smile brightens everyone's day.

Well since she announced her plans to run, she has not only finished a half marathon, but just 3 weeks ago, completed her first full marathon. I'm so proud of her and she is my inspiration.

Thanks Kelly, for giving me the push I needed to get off my butt. I love you.

Shock, Awe and a "Are you fricken crazy?

I've been getting the funniest responses from people when they see the Centurion web page and look at what the race entails. My dad said that he is going to fly in a helicopter above the race so he can do it too! LOL!

Most of my friends have said, "You go girl!" so I think I'm gonna have to put that on my shirt or helmet or something. I love my friends. Everyone has been so supportive.

I have the greatest boss in the world, Don, who has donated from his at home hospital bed. Don is a mountain bike racer. He has done amazing things on his bike. He even recently did a 24 hour bike race. Crazy, I know. So a few weeks ago, he's out riding with a buddy of his and he zooms down this hill, "full on", and about 30 ft from the end of the trail, loses control of his bike. That's the last thing he remembers. When he came to, he realized he was in pain from his leg and he looks down to see it still in the pedal but facing a few different directions. Once all was said and done, he had 4 compound fractures in his lower leg. Two in the tibia and two in the fibula. He is now recovering but is already bored and can't wait to get back on the bike. He's also finding out about a bike for me. Thanks, Don!

I didn't share this story to scare anyone, just wanted to point out that cycling is so much fun and so addictive that nothing can stop you from getting on your bike.

With that said, I must sign off, I've got to train. And put away more stuff from my recent move. And see why my new cell phone won't charge. Well, you get it, I'm busy!!!

Dad, here's a link I want you to check out: http://www.essentialhelicopters.com/

Trainer in the House

Yesterday I found the best deal on Craigslist. Not only did I find a trainer but a bike rack for my Xterra... both for $65! The guy's son used to race and he had bikes galore, bike racks and all kinds of accessories! He actually had two amazing road bikes. Both for about $1900. Eek! Not sure I'm ready to spend that kind of dolla, afterall, I'm not a professional. I was tempted though!!! They were beautiful! Anyway, just wanted to mention this so that others might be able to find a good deal.

So now my forearms are even a little sore. Butt and legs are feeling better but still sore when I wake up. It's funny and a little weird but I'm now looking forward to getting on the bike everyday.

I did look at the map yesterday though and it scared the crap out of me! Check it out: http://www.centurioncycling.com/canada-routes/ It's the 50 Mile route which at first glance, so what. Check out the profile. At first, I couldn't breath. About 30 seconds later, I was smiling because I realized my 44 year old ass is gonna look so great by September!

Melissa Spooner - 3X IM Champion

I'd like to introduce you to my coach, Melissa Spooner. In 1995 she set the record for 20-24 year olds and it still holds today. All I can say is wow!

Check out her website http://www.endurancehealthandfitness.com/templates/mel/5/index.html

We are on a 14 week training schedule. This week is all about finding the right bike and gear. I've ridden a stationary bike for the last two days, just to get the feel of my target RPM's but am venturing out on Fletcher's bike later. My bike was stolen a few years back and I need to get a new one. Anyone have any tips on buying a new bike for a beginner/intermediate rider? I also need to get a trainer so I can do drills with one leg at a time. Can you say SORE LEGS AND BUTT?

Our national team consists of 12 riders from all over the country and Melissa in Canada. We've got a GI physician, a navy officer, and so many brave folks, most of who actually live with Crohn's. Melissa's husband has Crohn's and this is why she is involved. We are all training independently with weekly calls and status updates. We won't actually meet until we travel to Ontario in September.

From the Centurion site: "Centurion Cycling is North America’s most exciting, new bike adventure. Each Centurion has the look and feel of a European gran fondo. Riders are treated like professional cyclists. Traffic is restricted, technical and medical support are in the caravan, precise computer-chip timing determines exact finish times, and the food is excellent. The experience feels like riding in the Tour de France for a day.

The 50 and 100-mile courses feature significant climbing, providing a tough test for even the most seasoned amateur racers. But the Centurion seeding process, three distance choices, and a broad range of age-based categories encourage families and less-competitive riders to embrace this new challenge."

Hmmm... Wow. I better stop typing and get on the bike!

And so it begins...

My name is Lisa Jimenez. I have two teenagers (Fletcher and Madison), my partner is Yann, four sisters (Anna, Christy, Raquel and Meoldy), my parents are still alive (RICHARD! and Carol), a cat named Cleopatra and my best friend is Katie. All of these people share my heart. This blog will mention all of them at one time or another.

This story started last fall when Yann and I were in Sonoma picking up wine from a few wine clubs we belong to. It was a wonderful trip, just up for the day and we wondered in to the Whole Foods to pick up a panini for the drive home. I was at the checkout and they happened to have a brochure on a walk/run in Sonoma in July for the Team Challenge Crohns and Colitis team. I thought to myself, "That would be fun" and put it in my purse.

Well we all know what happens to items we randomly place in our purses! The same black hole that sucks up socks out of the dryer resides in the depths of a mother's purse.

Fast forward to June, I’m moving and packing and unpacking and I ended up going through a box of junk and found the old brochure. Hmmm... It's June and the race is in July... there was NO WAY I was going to make it in time. This then reminded me of how I've been wanting to get back in shape and how I've been saying that for a few years!!! I know myself and I know I will never get back in shape if I don’t make a commitment to something. So, I visited the website and found that the next team run would be in December and there was the Centurion Canada cycling race in September. Training would start on Monday, June 14. The date I saw this was Tuesday, June 7^th! I signed up the next day. What have I got to lose except the love handles, and extra cush around the middle! It was the cause though, that made the decision so easy. Crohn’s Disease and finding a cure. That’s what’s really pushing me.

It is my hope that you will discover why you should give to this cause and why I’m doing this race. I know it seems everyone is raising money for something, but this, this is something close to my heart.

In 1999, my youngest sister Melody was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. When she was diagnosed, none of us knew anything about this disease. We soon found out that it was hereditary and not very pleasant to say the least. Melody has had a rough time of it with the treatments, the blood transfusions and the meds, all while trying to raise three kids.

A few years later, my sister Anna was diagnosed with Crohn’s. She also has suffered at the hands of this ugly disease. You see in Crohn’s, the body’s immune system reacts inappropriately and mistakes the good bacteria in your digestive tract for foreign invaders. This causes your body to send white blood cells to the area causing chronic inflammation, ulcerations and injury. Both brave women are never 100% and suffer with a multitude of chronic symptoms.

To see more about Crohn’s, check out this site: http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/crohns.

As you can see, this is a cause that means so much to me because even though I don’t have this disease, there is a 20% to 25% that my children could be diagnosed and an even higher chance that my sister’s children could be diagnosed in their lifetime. Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a cure or even an effective treatment for this disease?

I have been racing on and off since 2003 and as soon as I found an organization that is raising money for Crohn’s Disease, I was ready to pedal my buns off, literally! Please help me and my family with your donation to raise money for research so my sisters and many others stop suffering!

I’m going to use this blog as a diary of sorts to really chronicle my 14 week training program, what I go through, who I meet, and who I have to thank for helping me on this journey.

Thanks for visiting and for your support.