It's crazy to think that last Sunday, exactly one week ago today, I was 3/4 of the way through my 100 mile "Ride for Chris". 71 miles into my ride I was pulling into the lunch stop at America's Most Beautiful Ride.I remember feeling that I deserved a "decent" break. Despite what my Team-in-Training coaches told me earlier, this course was not "mostly flat". Yeah I know, coaches all say the same thing, they don't "lie", they just "intentionally misrepresent".
Although I didn't "lolly-gag" at all around lunch stop, I did take off my helmet, loosened my cleats, sat down, and ate a sandwich. Big mistake. The view was spectacular and at this point I was feeling quite confident and accomplished. And then I got back on my bike.
My seat felt like a granite bolder that I could not get off of. Exactly
29 miles to the finish line and I knew the next 18 miles were all uphill to the top, the last big climb... Spooner Junction @ 7044 feet. With just a few miles back into the ride, my now cooled off leg muscles started cramping up. I really felt like quitting. Negative thoughts started entering my mind. Then I changed my focus to my friends, my family... and Chris.
If you'd like to see a few more photos of my Ride for Chris you can click here:
http://flickr.com/photos/26096217@N08/sets/72157605509698207/
Looking back, I'm humbled I had the opportunity to make even a small difference in the lives of blood cancer patients and their families. Patients who are fighting daily and praying for better treatments. Real people who are relying on scientific research that will eventually lead them to the ultimate prize... a cure.
I don't know why Chris had to die. However... the stories I learned of how Chris lived his life and the numerous examples of his personal character have impacted my life in a very positive way and I will forever be changed because of him. It was a real honor to ride in memory of him.
Thank you to everyone who helped with "RideForChris.com" Especially my Top Donors. Thank you for your encouragement, support and your financial contribution to "Ride for Chris". Everyone of you made a difference and showed that someone like Chris is worth remembering...
Looking back, I'm humbled I had the opportunity to make even a small difference in the lives of blood cancer patients and their families. Patients who are fighting daily and praying for better treatments. Real people who are relying on scientific research that will eventually lead them to the ultimate prize... a cure.
I don't know why Chris had to die. However... the stories I learned of how Chris lived his life and the numerous examples of his personal character have impacted my life in a very positive way and I will forever be changed because of him. It was a real honor to ride in memory of him.Thank you to everyone who helped with "RideForChris.com" Especially my Top Donors. Thank you for your encouragement, support and your financial contribution to "Ride for Chris". Everyone of you made a difference and showed that someone like Chris is worth remembering...
I know I'll "NEVER FORGET"
1 comment:
Way to go Jonathan!! You did it for Chris! He was with you all the way!!
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