The last time I rode outside was the weekend after my last chemotherapy appointment. After three months of surgery recovery and cancer treatment I had no idea what to expect on that ride and got a real eye-opener....I was REALLY out of shape! Since then I've only exercised indoors on the bike trainer and have spent the last several weeks just getting used to exercising again.
Today I ventured outdoors instead of sitting on the bike trainer. It was warm (for this time of year) and sunny so I couldn't handle the thought of sitting on the trainer in Kevin's basement. I wanted sun and fresh air!
The ride was great and I felt good. I'm still really out of shape but felt better than on the last outdoor ride. I can tell I'm getting my strength back. What I liked most was the tired, spent feeling my body felt afterwards. I ached to feel this during cancer treatment and it was good to have it back.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
On the other side
Exactly 4 months ago today I found out I had cervical cancer. It's hard to believe it was only 4 months ago because the last months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation seemed to last forever.
Shortly after I found out about the cancer, my OBGYN talked to me a bit about what I was going through. I distinctly remember her saying that even though it's hard for me to see it, when it's all over I will breathe a huge sigh of relief and realize that I've made it to the other side. She was right -- it was hard for me to see that while going through everything but now that I'm here, I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for it to be all over. And, I have reached the other side and I believe that I am a stronger, better for it.
I tried to stay as active as I could the last 4 months but pretty much focused on getting through treatment. It got really difficult towards the end. Today I started training again and it felt great! I'm back working with my coach but we are taking it very slow in getting me back in to shape. However, I have my sights on a 12 hour race next June so I'm pretty focused on getting back into a routine. I can't wait!
Shortly after I found out about the cancer, my OBGYN talked to me a bit about what I was going through. I distinctly remember her saying that even though it's hard for me to see it, when it's all over I will breathe a huge sigh of relief and realize that I've made it to the other side. She was right -- it was hard for me to see that while going through everything but now that I'm here, I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for it to be all over. And, I have reached the other side and I believe that I am a stronger, better for it.
I tried to stay as active as I could the last 4 months but pretty much focused on getting through treatment. It got really difficult towards the end. Today I started training again and it felt great! I'm back working with my coach but we are taking it very slow in getting me back in to shape. However, I have my sights on a 12 hour race next June so I'm pretty focused on getting back into a routine. I can't wait!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Changes
Many people know that old familiar tune by Davie Bowie but when your faced with it, CHANGE SUCKS!
On Thursday, July, 30th I went in for minor surgery and during the procedure the doctors saw that I had a cancerous mass in my cervix. On August 4th, it was confirmed that I have a form of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma. This was very sudden and I showed no signs during a routine exam the end of May.
Since then I've had a radical hysterectomy and now may have to go through radiation because of the risk of it returning. I won't know until I see a radiation oncologist September 1st of what lies ahead of me but I can tell you this....cancer sucks and it has changed my life in oh so many ways.
I can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling. I feel fear because I don't know what's ahead of me. I feel frustration because my life has changed dramatically. I feel frustration because I think people believe now that I've had the hysterectomy, they think that the cancer is gone and my life is fine. I feel guilt because the cancer I face is nothing like other cancer patients face yet I'm still very afraid. I feel anxious because because I want to live a long and joyful life, ride my bike, work hard, thrive, but that all seems so very far away.
Despite all my fears, sadness and trepidation, I spend my days thinking about the next endurance race. First on my horizon is the Lumberjack 100 in June 2o10 and my hope remains that my life will be back to normal.
I've also spent a lot of time looking for resources and by far the best one has been the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I know that a lot of people are cynical about Lance but his organization has been the best resource for me. I especially like the Manifesto. It, among all the caring thoughts from family and friends, gives me strength.
Cancer may leave your body but it never leaves your life.
Valerie
On Thursday, July, 30th I went in for minor surgery and during the procedure the doctors saw that I had a cancerous mass in my cervix. On August 4th, it was confirmed that I have a form of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma. This was very sudden and I showed no signs during a routine exam the end of May.
Since then I've had a radical hysterectomy and now may have to go through radiation because of the risk of it returning. I won't know until I see a radiation oncologist September 1st of what lies ahead of me but I can tell you this....cancer sucks and it has changed my life in oh so many ways.
I can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling. I feel fear because I don't know what's ahead of me. I feel frustration because my life has changed dramatically. I feel frustration because I think people believe now that I've had the hysterectomy, they think that the cancer is gone and my life is fine. I feel guilt because the cancer I face is nothing like other cancer patients face yet I'm still very afraid. I feel anxious because because I want to live a long and joyful life, ride my bike, work hard, thrive, but that all seems so very far away.
Despite all my fears, sadness and trepidation, I spend my days thinking about the next endurance race. First on my horizon is the Lumberjack 100 in June 2o10 and my hope remains that my life will be back to normal.
I've also spent a lot of time looking for resources and by far the best one has been the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I know that a lot of people are cynical about Lance but his organization has been the best resource for me. I especially like the Manifesto. It, among all the caring thoughts from family and friends, gives me strength.
Cancer may leave your body but it never leaves your life.
Valerie
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Northern Gravel Classic
It's confirmed. I'm changing my race schedule and doing this race late September. It is 104 miles on mostly gravel roads in Northern MN. It seems like a really cool vibe/culture and an awesome adventure. No race fees, self-supported and I get to see part of MN I've never really seen before. And, the best part is that Kevin has decided to join me!
There are several other races like this in Southern MN - the Alamanzo 100 and the Raganarok 105 and I've been curious about them. I have wanted to try at least one but I've just never been able to because both are in the spring and I'm working.
I'm really excited about this new adventure!
There are several other races like this in Southern MN - the Alamanzo 100 and the Raganarok 105 and I've been curious about them. I have wanted to try at least one but I've just never been able to because both are in the spring and I'm working.
I'm really excited about this new adventure!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mixing It Up a Bit
I leave this Thursday for a 2 week vacation in Wyoming. Kevin and I are going to hike in the Wind River Range for 7-8 days and attempt to climb Gannett Peak, the highest peak in WY. This will be the first vacation in years that hasn't involved 2 wheels and the first time since 2000 that I've taken 2 full weeks at once. It's strange to think that I won't be biking for two solid weeks but this trip will be amazing. The Wind River Range is the prettiest place I have been and I'm looking forward to seeing another part of this area. Physically I feel ready but I have to admit that I'm a bit scared about the summit attempt as there will be glaciers, crevasses, and exposure. However, I figure being scared is a good thing as it will make me be more careful and thoughtful every step of the way. And, Kevin and I have been planning this for 9 months and he's an Eagle Scout so he's prepared for anything.
We don't really have plans for the remainder of the vacation other than that we are going to visit Kevin's Aunt and Uncle in Sundance, WY and check out the Tetons.
I've also been thinking of changing my race schedule a bit but I first need to get some things figured out. This race sounds pretty amazing and I'm hoping to do it. After all, what would I do after the WY adventure but be sitting on the couch and eating a bag of Doritos!
See you all in a few weeks!
We don't really have plans for the remainder of the vacation other than that we are going to visit Kevin's Aunt and Uncle in Sundance, WY and check out the Tetons.
I've also been thinking of changing my race schedule a bit but I first need to get some things figured out. This race sounds pretty amazing and I'm hoping to do it. After all, what would I do after the WY adventure but be sitting on the couch and eating a bag of Doritos!
See you all in a few weeks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday Penn Women's Mountan Bike Rides
I've been part of the Wednesday Penn Cycle Women's Rides for the last 11+ years - either as a ride leader or a rider. The rides started after I moved to MN because I wanted to try and meet some other women who were into the sport of mountain biking and Penn Cycle graciously agreed to be the host. Thanks Penn Cycle!
As I imagined, it was a great way for me to meet other riders and develop friendships. While many have come and gone, I still ride with lots of these women and every year I meet more women with the same love of biking. We have had a lot of fun times!
Fun. Fun. Fun. These rides are not training rides, no one gets dropped and we want everyone to have fun, enjoy the trail, learn something new and meet some friends. We want to help new riders feel more comfortable on their bike as well as allow more experienced riders the opportunity to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Tomorrow the ride is at Terrace Oaks . We meet at the Eagan Penn Cycle at 6:00 and ride from there. Terrace is a great place for beginner riders because it lets your practice some basics --going around tight corners, how to maintain speed in some fun, windy, singletrack and learn some downhill skills. It's also good because it's short so you can go back again and practice the skills. Hope to see you all out there!
Valerie
"We all get 24 hours each day. We should spend that time living the life that makes sense to us."
As I imagined, it was a great way for me to meet other riders and develop friendships. While many have come and gone, I still ride with lots of these women and every year I meet more women with the same love of biking. We have had a lot of fun times!
Fun. Fun. Fun. These rides are not training rides, no one gets dropped and we want everyone to have fun, enjoy the trail, learn something new and meet some friends. We want to help new riders feel more comfortable on their bike as well as allow more experienced riders the opportunity to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Tomorrow the ride is at Terrace Oaks . We meet at the Eagan Penn Cycle at 6:00 and ride from there. Terrace is a great place for beginner riders because it lets your practice some basics --going around tight corners, how to maintain speed in some fun, windy, singletrack and learn some downhill skills. It's also good because it's short so you can go back again and practice the skills. Hope to see you all out there!
Valerie
"We all get 24 hours each day. We should spend that time living the life that makes sense to us."
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sisterhood of Dirt
Sisterhood of Dirt is now up and running! Thanks to Janet for her creative ideas and to others who contributed to the content.
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