April 17, 2011

I DID IT!

April 15, 2011

Took my bike and all my gear to school today so show all my students.  They had so many questions and comments.  The funniest was when they saw my padded shorts!  The were rolling with laughter.  They also wanted to know where I went potty?  Then the entire conversation went to how porta potties smell really bad.  I wish I had taken a picture of me with my students!  So, here it is...the night before the "big ride of my life"!  Everyone is so excited and full of energy and all I want to do is go to bed!  4:30 am is going to come really early for this night owl!  We will drive to Waller Texas and start our ride there at 8:00 am - hoping to make the approximate 70 miles to La Grange by 2:30 - 3:00 pm.  Then we start at 7:00 am from La Grange on Sunday and again approx 70 miles to the capital in Austin!  Of course the entire 13,000 cyclists will be leaving from La Grange Sunday.  Did I ever mention I DO NOT like crowds!?  I will post some pictures here Monday - I'm taking the day off and just relaxing! (or collasping) hahaha

April 13, 2011

2 days to go!  I have had so much encouragement this week!  Thanks to everyone - it sure does help.  I'm also getting "little stories" about what to expect Saturday and Sunday.  Guess Sunday from LaGrange to Austin is going to be a huge challenge or "killer" day!  (sigh) This afternoon when I returned to my classroom (after my summative evaluation) I found a wonderful sign posted on my board. But I do have to say Lance Armstrong looks a little mean in the picture!  YES I CAN!  I will be posting to Facebook this weekend every time we stop at one of our rest stops.  So if you're on FB keep watching me ride.....

April 9, 2011

And to think one week from today I'll be riding in my 1st MS150!  I have had to so much support from friends that I'm excited to get this thing rolling!  Still NOT excited about all the people that will be riding around me.  I'm considering making a sign and attaching it to my back that reads..."BEGINNER...keep back!"  David and I went out for a short ride of 11 miles...felt good.  NOW, off to the backyard to put in my raised flower bed today!

April 7, 2011

9 days to go!  David says we are doing a short ride Saturday and Sunday...guess that means my raised garden beds project will be delayed AGAIN!  One of my riding buddies is injured...started anti-inflammatory meds today so we will see.  I hope she can still ride with us.  It just wouldn't be the same without her.  (so hang in there Denise).  Now to top everything off I am taking a test on the 25th...so need to start spending my evenings with a book!

April 4, 2011 - Last request for fundraising

April 4, 2011

Since last October I have put over 700 miles on my bicycle training to ride in the MS150 from Houston to Austin.  It’s hard to believe that the ride is in 12 days!
  
When I first thought about riding I was doing this for me “before I turn 50”.  Since I started sending out letters and talking to lots of people I have discovered so many people and friends who have MS.  I’ve also have shared this adventure with my 2nd graders who have been so excited about the ride.  They have asked a lot of questions too. “What color is your bike?”, "Do you wear a helmet?", “Can you ride more than 2 miles?” Then one day a little girl asked “why are you riding so far?” After carefully thinking of how to explain this to a group of 7 year olds…I replied, “I’m riding that far for YOU.”  I’m riding now to help find a cure for this disease. So, in the future our children will only know about MS by reading it in a book.

I have to admit I’m a little nervous and scared about the upcoming ride…can I make it up the hills? Will the weather be nice?  Or…please just don’t fall! But my fears are minor compared to those with MS.  I’ve been told they are close to discovering a cure for MS.  Please consider donating even a small amount to continue the research.

With Love,
Juanita

http://momsmart150.blogspot.com/

April 4, 2011

I am pumped and am excited - rode 75 miles this past weekend and I feel great today!  Oh but wait....that's only half of what I will be riding in just 12 days!  YIKES!  I CAN DO IT! I send out the last of the reminders tonight to a huge list of people to give them another chance to support me and continue the research for MS!  If you're reading this blog or see it on my FB page send it to a friend! 

February 27, 2011

Wonderful day to be outside and enjoying SE Texas weather.  It's one of those days that's "just right" which doesn't come often here!  David and I just took a leisure ride stopping by one of little students house (hi Ellie!), former student from Kindergarten (hi Jack!) and a wonderful scouting friend who always has a cup of ice for us (thanks Kathleen!).  Plus we made a 30 minute stop at my favorite coffee store for a "shaken green tea lemondaid sweet tea" (thanks starbucks!)  We were gone right at 4 hours and it was just a fun ride.  I have a farmers tan on the arms and my white legs are sunburned mid thigh to my ankles!  Cheeks and nose are bright red.....my boys did ask "MOM, why didn't you wear sunscreen?"  hmmmmmm

February 22, 2011

This past weekend I rode Saturday and Sunday...then managed to get a small ride in after school on Monday.  Thanks Denise!!!  I did pretty good with my clips on Saturday and thought to myself I need to let David know they "weren't that bad" and maybe I could try it a few more times before he goes to the trouble of taking them off.  So, Saturday afternoon I leave and run a few errands...come home to find David has removed the clips and replaced them with the original pedals!  Sunday and Monday I ride with the original pedals and now I want the clips back on.  He is going to HATE me! 

February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!  So many little cookies and chocolates made it to my desk at school today.  Now if they would NOT make it to my mouth!  hahaha  Rode Saturday 20  miles and it was SO easy I couldn't believe it!  I've looked at the calendar and just realized I'm gone 3 weekends in March...this is NOT good.  I'll just have to ride more during the week on my trainer. 

February 6, 2011 - I did it!

Today we rode more miles than ever before - 50 miles!  The miles weren't the problem...there were HILLS and HEADWINDS!  I have to admit I wanted to quit or said "I can't make it up this hill".  David didn't let me stop.  He kept encouraging me to keep going, keep going!  I also rode with my new clip-less shoes...which I dislike completely.  We took off and I had a hard time clipping into my left shoe plus there were so many riders around me.  It made me so nervous.  Then at our first stop (12 miles) I clicked out of the right side and didn't the left and of course I tried to stop and yes I took a tumble.  Scratched up my left knee and blood was running down my leg.  Everyone around was so supportive saying "we have all done it" and one guy was so nice and gave me something to clean it all off with as he said "those who fall always get entertainment points"!  Well, I scored one for the team!  Can't wait to show my kids tomorrow in class.  OK...so now you see why I don't like the new shoes.  I also don't feel like I can stop anytime and rest...I feel like I really have to plan and forget about stopping on a hill!  The wind was terrible blowing either into our face or better yet from the side.  Didn't help with all the big trucks pulling their horse trailers going 100+ as they passed us.  New shoes, unfamiliar roads, lots of people and hills.  What a day!  I came home took a long hot bath and 2 Aleve.  I am exhausted.  Wonder how I am going to do in April when I have to get up the next day and repeat a long ride!  For now....I'm going to bed!

My first pre-ride on Sunday

We are doing our first pre-ride tomorrow morning.  We haven't decided if we're doing the 45 or the 65 mile ride yet.  Guess we will see in the morning.  Keep tuned to FB and this blog to find out how we did!

February 5, 2011 - MADE MY FUNDRAISING GOAL !!!

WOO HOO!  I just made it to 100% of my fundraising goal!  Thanks to all my friends who have made this possible!  Next year I'm going to start even earlier raising money!  If you  haven't donated please do....just because I've made my goal doesn't mean MS can't use more money for research!  I'm doing this for Gwen, Franka and Vickie!  I bet you all know somebody that has been affected by this disease too! 

February 2, 2011

Happy 100th day of school!  We had a super day today...special snack and fun 100 day activities!  Now...just waiting for it to snow.  Yes, that's right...here in The Woodlands, TX!  Of course, I shouldn't hold my breath!  I can't believe I'm actually missing not being able to cycle!  I know it's cold outside but I could be cycling on my trainer and watching Criminal Minds...but still at Bike Lane for the tune-up.  Hoping the weather changes by Sunday morning so we can do our 65 mile ride! 

February 1, 2011

I've sent out over 130+ emails asking for support.  Today, Kenzie, (a former Kindergartener of mine) stopped by my room and handed me a zip-lock bag with some change in it!  After hearing her mom talk about it this morning at breakfast and that they would donate to my ride - she headed upstairs and got some of her own money!  She brought it downstairs and asked mom for a bag to put it in!  If you could have seen Kenzie's face when she handed me her little bag!  It melted my heart.  I am so lucky to have Kenzie in my life! 

January 31, 2011

Took all of our bikes to Bike Lane Saturday afternoon to get a tune-up!  Who knew a bike needed a tune-up?  Anyway, while it's there it will be "certified safe" to ride in the MS150.  Wonder if they can "certify rider is safe" to ride!  hahaha  While I was there I bought some clip-on shoes.  I am terrified to wear them!  What if I forget and don't snap out before I stop...especially in the middle of a busy intersection?  Should be fun riding the next few times.  I'll get my bike back this Friday just in time to do a 65 mile pre-ride on Super Bowl Sunday!

January 23, 2011

32.8 miles!  I feel great too!  All 4 of us went today too.  We made our goal a short Starbucks stop which sure does help!   David is impressed at the pace all of us did today.  We're planning on doing one of the sponsored pre-rides in February but are debating if we want to do the 45 or 65 mile route!!!
I sent out my initial fundraising letter Friday night - 60 on the first go round.  Not to worry...if you haven't gotten your letter from me it will be coming soon.  hahaha  I really don't like asking people for money but it's for a great cause.
I'm thinking BBQ tonight for dinner.....I think I've earned it.

January 17, 2011

Well....got outside and was able to ride.  Denise called me bring and early (10:30 am and yes that is early for me) and asked if I wanted to go ride with her.  We did a short 9 mile ride in 40 minutes.  Took it easy since the roads were still very wet!  But it sure was good to be outside (and bundled up) and riding.  So nice to have the day off from school too.  Saw a show today called "The Talk" and one of their guests was Shamer Moore from Criminal Minds.  Most of you know how I love the show and how the DVD's are getting me through my training inside on the trainer.  Come to find out his mother has MS and he is an avid cyclist. He and his fellow cast members from Criminal Minds compete in a hundred-mile MS Bike Tour each year to help raise money for research. 

Money, Money, Money....it's a rich man's world!

I just thought the other day I need to start doing my fundraising for the ride too!  So, if you're a friend of mine....heads up "I'll be contacting you r-e-a-l soon!"  I only have to raise $400 which will be extremely easy! 

January 16, 2011

Sunday ride indoors....I love the rain but when you are cycling it gets a little boring sitting on a trainer night after night.  I want to feel the wind in my face (yes, I have a fan going when I'm riding) and smell the diesel fuel of the passing trucks!  Not really but I'm ready to get back outside and go for a long ride again.  But on the positive side I'm catching up on my Criminal Minds.  I'm on disc 3 and have seen several episodes.  In the past David and I always start an show and miss the opening segments.  So, now I'm catching a lot of the humor that I've missed!  Anyone else out there Criminal Mind fans?  If so, let me know and we can discuss our favorite episodes!

January 5, 2011

I took Tuesday night off to grade Gingerbread stories that my little friends at school wrote.  I should have done it over the break but I left them on my desk at school!  But tonight I was back at it on the trainer and did my 45 minutes and rode 10 miles!  The motivation:  my package with seasons 1-5 of Criminal Minds!  It was great!  I was able to watch Episode 1 from 2005 during  my workout!  Ahhhh this is going to bring new meaning to my rides!  Can't wait!

January 3, 2011

A new year...which means the MS 150 is getting closer.  What have I gotten myself into...I'm beginning to worry that I can't do it but I am determined to keep trying until then. 

Over the break I rode little over 70 miles and 30 of that was in one day with Denise.  When we finished the 30 miles we both felt like we could have done some more but David tells me that you always stop "wanting more".  We took a mini break during the long ride for a cup of java at Starbucks!  We sat down and enjoyed it in a ceramic mug!  Ahhhh it was so worth it!  Now that school has started back and it gets dark before I get home I've started riding on the trainer.  First, let me say the trainer really isn't all that fun because if you quit pedaling it stops!  So much for coasting! hahaha  But I feel like the time spent might actually be more productive for me.  Second, when you are riding outside I really enjoy all the sights, smells and the joy of just being outside!  The other day on a ride I rode past a house that had the most delicious smell lingering over the fence!  Wonder what they would have thought if I had turned around and rang their doorbell!  You smell fresh laundry drying, rain, mowed lawns, fertilizer that has been added to a yard and worse of all those "good 'ol Texas diesel trucks" as they roar past you!

I've also have a better respect for other cyclist and runners when I'm driving on the road.  It is amazing how close a car will come even when you are riding on the shoulder!  Or...trying to beat you down that narrow part of the road when you don't have a shoulder!

So, on the trainer here is what I have accomplished:  Sunday (1/2) 40 minutes approx 8 miles; Monday (1/3) 45 minutes and  9 miles.  Next time I'll plan my ride when there is something better on the TV!  But Lady Gaga got me through the last 10 minutes!

I've also have to start sending out emails and get some donations!  Only $400 is needed....pocket change!  I have tons of friends....hahaha