Night Rider

I was half way through and I wanted to quit. My legs were tired, my heart was racing and my mind was telling me you just cant do it. I was 3/4ths of the way up a hill that I thought was going to be the death of me and I was worn out. I was ready to fake a flat tire, have an imaginary asthma attack, whatever, I just wanted to be done. But my heart told my head, 'We are stronger than this. Get your ass in gear and finish this!' So I put my feet back on the pedals and I pushed off. I figured I am going up hill now so somewhere I am going to be going down hill.

This was the first of many night rides I am hoping to complete. I'm not looking to be first, I don't care if I'm last. I just want to complete it. I know for a fact I can. I just need to get out there and ride my bike more. I was not ready for this one. I thought I was but I wasn't. Over confidence won over and I didn't do what I needed to do to be ready. Next time it wont be that way at all. Starting today I am riding my bike.

 La Porte Parks and Rec 2012 Night Ride

I missed out on a great ride Saturday because I didn't have the money or the confidence. I said it would be to hot, I couldn't do it because of money... But the truth is if I wanted it bad enough I would have found a way to get the money. I would have dealt with the heat. I would have built up a stronger sense of pride. But in the end I let the excuses win. I wish I hadn't because I know it was a good time.

Kevin on the left. Becky in orange and Julie in black Freddy is in the white shirt and Jenn is the blond in grey. I am bottom right. 

Julie is fabulous. She is one of the members at Anytime. She is such an inspiration. I am glad that she is on Team Miranda with me. I am glad to have her in my life. Freddy has ridden his bike from California to Maine! He too is a member of Anytime, as is Jenn. I don't really know her but I am glad I met her.

I know I mention Michigan City Anytime Fitness a lot, but I have to give credit where credit is due. If it wasn't for the people there I don't know if I would be where I am today. I know I wouldn't have been on that bike ride Friday night and I wouldn't be getting ready to do the one on the 25th in Valpo. I would probably still be sitting on my butt in a state of depression. The day Becky joined was one of the happiest. I could work out and be with my best friend. She is a great motivator for me. When I think I can't she reminds me that I can. She will push for one more set, one more lap, one more mile. I do it because I know I can, she just reminded me of that. The trainer there, Miranda, Sebesta, is so awesome. If I have questions about exercises or stretches shes on it and if she doesn't know she will do the research and help you out. Kevin, the manager, is another great motivator. He is ready to put in the extra time or energy. He has been to all the events building up confidence and being a good friend. I can not tell you how much this has changed my life. I know it sounds like a pitch but it isn't. If you haven't been there you should, its worth every penny!

I have found a song that I am taking on as my song. When I feel like giving up I sing it in my head and it reminds me that I am in fact a fighter. I can do it. I just have to take one more step. I have to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Aches and pains are prizes, it means I am fighting the good fight. I have promised myself that I wont do this again. I wont be here at 245 pounds wishing I was healthier. I am a fighter. Once I reach my goal I will fight for the rest of my life to be there and stay there. I am a fighter, I wont let anyone bring me down. I might get knocked down but I will get up and dust myself off and make the next move even stronger. I am a fighter!

The Fighter! this link will take you to YouTube and you can see the video too. Do it, its amazing. The kid in the video, John Orozco is fantastic. He placed 8th in the men's all around.

OK well time for a prayer and then off to enjoy the day.

Dear God, Thank You for today. Thank You for the friends who love me and push me to be a better person. Thank You for loving me and strengthening me in heart, mind and spirit. Thank You for opening my eyes and showing me what a wonderful world You have created. I was blinded to all the possibilities. Thank You for achy legs and tired eyes, Thank You for a strong heart, Thank You for loving me.  God please be with my Grandma Kelly. Her battle continues and I don't know what to do or how to help. Please be with my Uncle Marlin as he deals with his health issues. And please God be with my Aunt Di. Sometimes people don't understand the strength it takes to be a caregiver. I know she looks to You when she is struggling. Please be with those who are fighting their own demons. Please be with me when I feel like I just can't do it anymore. I know with You anything is possible. In Your name we pray. Amen