I start this blog with this particular photo...  it is just as I passed the finish line.  If you're familiar with racing you'll notice at every race... as a racer hits the finish line and does that last pass as their heart rate settles from their final sprint, their heads drops, every time.  Perhaps as a sigh of relief, a sigh of disappointment, or that of a sigh of accomplishment... Anyway, it is actually quite amazing of a moment at any level.... It's been about 3 days since the "big" race. I think I've found excuse after excuse why to not write.  This was of course my "big" race... 3 years running to date...  After a years time this one... I've tripled my mileage in one year... this was the year that I would be proud of what I did.  Every one else seems to be? But one race???? I've done these mountains time after time..... I don't know, perhaps it was the competition.  The  normal recreational biker or even beginner cyclist shy away from this race due to the length and the climbs.....There were 2 female bikers from my area, myself 43.. and Maggy 18??? She finally got to race without her junior gears? Yeash!!!!  I had support at multiple places throughout the duration of the race... it was great.. at every major corner the calls out, even as I climb the last mountain... The day of the race finished with a celebration of friends and family.  I actually snuck out for a 45 minute nap... actually felt much better after that... Although couldn't last to the end... and skipped the fireworks....Bottom line... is that I'm thrilled that I have such passion for this.. It is indeed a refuge for me,  as my art is, my photogrpahy... my writing, and my singing is... yet...with this.. it is measurable...   Measurable right?????  who is first, who is last????  But then I think to myself..... hummm... I stand in a group magnificent women... all of which I only personally know 1.... and I, I choose not to be a spectator... I choose to be a participant, regardless of whether I'm one of the "elite".  I reached for it and I made it... the second day after the races... I started planning... HOW!!! HOW!!!! will I get stronger... darn it.... I hope to still have Ralph there by side... as he always is...  that brings me back to moment that I will share...   As we climbed the mountain a few days before the race....  He says maybe we should try some weight training... As the sweat pores from my body... I say... god!!! ( I yell often with Ralph... but he smiles.... and let's it rolls over) Ralph, I say!!!!  have you seen my legs !!! they're strong... really strong... and he replies..... then make them push you up the climb!!!! Damn!!!!!  Yes.....  He's so right....   they're strong... they're really strong.. and therefore I Will Get Over The Hill.

And with that...   I reach, I reach for yet another goal....   and then I smile :)

I did make my personal goal  under 3 hours !!!! 2:49:35 ..... Oh yeay!!!!