Another Lotoja Training Season Underway

Early this season, I questioned my ability to train for another 206 mile Lotoja race, until I was introduced to Strava by my new cycling buddy, Justin.  I continue to be amazed by the abundance of information available through this exercise tracking website. 

My goal this year is to fill up my Strava profile with common cycling routes and use the data to push myself to achieve new milestones.  I can only imagine what information about my training would be available had it been available during my Ironman training years.

My other motivation this season is coming from being able to introduce Justin to the many challenging rides in this cycling mecca.  I find joy in helping others achieve milestones previously considered out of their reach.  The many canyons in the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Back provide an infinite number of challenging rides to help us discover and redefine our cycling potential. 

Thank you Strava and Justin for providing me a new approach to my Lotoja training 2016!

Utah's Mountains and My Bike

Another season of cycling is upon me and I am loving every minute of it. Riding my bike through Utah's mountains continues to provide moments of pure joy.  I eagerly anticipate the rare gifts of feeling whole, when I physically and mentally challenge my limits, while surrounded by Utah's natural beauty, hearing nothing but my lungs exhale in a rhythmic search for more oxygen.

These moments renew my thankfulness for my active, healthy life and remind me that at any moment that sense of peace, on my bike, surrounded by nature, could be my last.  These instants are one of the blessings and challenges of being an intensive care nurse and seeing how life can change at any given moment.  Ride safe and choose to focus on your happy thoughts.