Falling in love…

It’s true when people talk about exercise becoming a lifestyle change. That’s exactly what happened to me. I started riding to participate in a JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Death Valley, Calif. I had no idea what I doing. Knowing what I know now, I’m genuinely surprised I survived. When I returned home, I didn’t ride for a while but before I knew it, I was missing it. There’s a freedom that comes with pedaling. Wind in your hair. Scenery at a slower pace. Freedom from phones and computers. Little to no stress. It was a release, and I missed it.

Over the next two years, I completed three more JDRF rides. I fell in love with cycling. It became something I enjoyed and looked forward to most days. I was getting stronger and faster, which helped boost my confidence. Then I moved to Nashville. This hills around town were fierce, and that speed and strength I felt seemed to disappear along with my confidence. I doubted if riding was something I could continue doing beyond the greenway near my house. But still I rode.

The social aspect of cycling is one of my favorite things about the sport, and I didn’t want to give that up. I took an indoor training class, and worked through the winter to conquer some of those hills. Truthfully, I just rode all the time, anywhere I could. And then I joined a team. The Tennessee Womens Cycling Project encompasses all the things I love about cycling. The group promotes women on bikes, and we include racers, commuters, triathletes and recreational riders. Being part of this team, along with diabetes, made me want to work hard and train harder. 

When I hit a wall because of diabetes, I get angry. But that anger turns into drive and determination. I use it as fuel to keep moving forward and to keep working on managing this the best way I know how. Training. Recovery. Nutrition. Sleep. Hydration. It all factors into my ability to ride, and to train. 

In March, I completed my first sprint triathlon. My blood sugar spiked from adrenaline, and it made for a long, tough race. Despite the setback, I enjoyed competing. I want to work on that spike, make adjustments and try again. I enjoyed the race aspect of the event, even though I wasn’t competing for a podium.

At the end of April, I ran my first half-marathon. This was so far out of character for me, I had friends ask if I was going crazy. Ha. Nope. Just fueled to do more with diabetes to show the world it doesn’t limit me.

Perhaps the biggest shock to me (and those closest to me) is my endeavor slated for July 15. I’m competing in my first criterium race in Nashville. It’s a 20-minute, women-only, cat 4 race. I’m terrified, but excited, too. I have a feeling I’m going to love it, but I’ll let you know afterward.

About a week after my first crit race, I’ll be riding in my fifth JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes ride, this time in Burlington, Vermont! I have to train earlier and ramp up my routine to be ready by the end of the summer. I promise to do my part and put in the work, but I need your help. I can’t do this alone. I’d love to have your support as I train and as I ride.

Thanks for investing in me. Not just in the encouragement of my athletic attempts, but in supporting research to find a cure for type one diabetes. It’s the biggest reason I do all the things I do. (You can support this year’s ride here.)