So I was feeling like Lance Armstrong. Pushing myself and challenging myself more and more. I am getting so much encouragement from family and friends it is invigorating! BUT and i mean a BIG but I was having lots of problems with my neck first, then it moved down to my shoulders and a few times it attacked my lower back. I am now able to go about my daily life with an ice pack attached to my body without even skipping a beat. Cold but necessary-and a twice daily dose of ibuprofen.
rocky using my ice pack
On Thursday I decided to go out and do a challenging ride. Laura kept telling me I should do it. Not long, but hilly with the last stretch going up Great Hill! I managed the small but difficult ride and did it in good time. The last stretch was a definite challenge…….wavering in and out of the road, huffing and puffing (imagine Jack wasn’t even behind me with a bull horn and whip) and barely making it up the last hill. BUT I did it and was proud, as a matter of fact Gary- from Pedal Power was quite surprised to hear that I had done that hill. He LOVES that hill (he must be part crazy)! So I am thinking it was a positive move.
Um…….that is except as usual the next day I was out flat! I could not move! So the reality quickly set in that I am NOT Lance nor am I even close to Lance. I have decided that I am Forest Gump! But now- think of that! Do these two men deserve and demand equal respect? YES THEY DO! As a matter of fact I think that Forest almost gets more respect because he was always so kind to everyone despite what his challenges were, it was just the way he approached everything. He did it with a positive attitude and with dignity! So I am happy to say that I have given in to reality and today Pedal Power took away my Lance Armstrong handle bars and put on flat (but very nice) handle bars. Forest Gump would have embraced the change, so… I will too! I have been quizzing experts, friends and my fellow rider, Paul from California. Paul is respected by all for his wisdom and knowledge. He gave me quite the lesson and a look at reality. So thanks to everyone……Thanks to you Paul 
for saying my problems were not age related!
So when I called Pedal Power and said………..I give up I have to buy a new bike! The quickly said with great Integrity we can fix your bike. You do not have to spend the money on yet another bike. Wasn’t that nice?
Not just nice, but people with integrity….they could have sold me a new bike and grabbed the money. There was desperation in my voice when I called but they took the high road! EVEN though I accidentally called Gary-Ron in my last post…..SORRY GARY! There are honest and decent people in this world! I am now able to comfortably ride that bike and even steer it without throwing myself into the middle of the road. So I have recognized my limitations (remember-very very clumsy) and made adjustments so that I can ride safely in less than two weeks! My bike leaves on Thursday…..I will miss that bike! Well, maybe not that much
CALLING ALL HEARTS!
So……..falling in line with the blog I am trying to get more people to open their hearts and reach out to each other about the importance of kindness, respect, acceptance, dignity……..all the good stuff in life!
All the important stuff in life! I am bringing paper hearts with words of inspiration with me to pass on to people I meet on the bike ride. Please send me your heart! It has to be paper as we have rigid instructions regarding packing and you know how the airlines are these days. I would hate to pay thousands of dollars because I can’t fit the hearts in one duffel bag ! Although it would probably be worth it. Please mail them to me! at 1 North Street, North Branford, ct 06471 Sign them, I will put the blog address on them and hopefully keep some momentum going activating for acceptance and kindness! Just think this could be the beginning of a nicer more accepting world! AND You will all be part of it! Wouldn’t that be great?
So I will leave you with my heart saying:
It appears on my T-shirt which I wear as often as I can
In Peace and Love
Always
Mary
12:30 pm on March 2nd, 2009
Maybe we can hire a stand in for you. (or should I say bike in) We can put out an ad. “Seeking a young dark haired inspirational biker to bike 50 miles a day for 4 days. Has to have a big smile and bake cookies at night for all the people riding for FA. Please respond asap”
No really I have faith you can do the ride. Now that you had the bike modified you are good to go! Maybe you can get Advil or Aleve to sponsor you! There is nothing wrong with pain relief, when you need it!
We love you and send our warm, healthy hearts.
Love, Peace and Healthy Biking,
me, Jack, Matthew and Blue
12:44 pm on March 2nd, 2009
Mom
You got this in the bag!! Just pretend your riding in the living room! You will do great!!! Make me proud MaMa!!! PS We should get you like a beer helmet and instead of beer put liqud tylenol in it!
ATTENTION: ALL READERS SHOULD BUY A T-SHIRT!! $14.00!!
DO IT YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!
12:48 pm on March 2nd, 2009
You’re never in my neck of the woods of Cali for your bike ride, right?!
xoxo
Rach
PS Im sending my heart to you as we speak!
4:11 pm on March 2nd, 2009
I’m so glad to hear you were able to keep your bike and that now you can ride comfortably. I was kind of attached to that bike and would have been sad if it couldn’t continue the adventure. Hey- Can you fit a bell on the new set of handlebars? Keep up the awesome work. I’m going to see if I can recruit my friend’s first grade class to make some hearts.
Felicia
6:31 am on March 3rd, 2009
Mary,
I have so much faith in you its ridiculous. I have never known you to “give up” on anything and this endeavor/challenge is no exception. Although I cant be with you physically during this amazing trek, I am with you (as always) in spirit! You always manage to “pedal” your way into peoples hearts and encourage the best to come out in everyone! I, for one, am totally inspired by you and know that you will not only accomplish this task but accomplish it with the same amount of integrity, dignity and championship that has gotten you thru to this point in your life! As far as your “pain”…whats life without a little pain and suffering…you of all people know this, BUT when you return…come and see me at the office…I know a really good chiropractor who can help “patch you up”! LOL
Much love and luck on your continuing journey…I will drop my “heart” at your door before you leave!
Love Suzy
12:12 pm on March 4th, 2009
IT looks like I have missed a great deal of wisdom, energy and enthusiasm by not tuning in sooner! IF there is ANYONE who can accomplish this, it is you!
I will pray for your aches and pains to dissipate and confidence and energy to see you through.
Juliann
9:05 am on March 8th, 2009
You are my inspiration. You are my hero. I will be riding right along with you.
8:58 am on March 9th, 2009
How many more days Mary. You are my hero and mentor, I tell you that all the time. I know you will be fine and will accomplish this. My prayers and love are with you
Good luck
Gina :O)
You go girl