Riding Through the Storm

Cache Valley Century August 23, 2014

Rich is doing LOTOJA in two weeks and needs miles.  The Cache Valley Century is perfect.  I can do 60 miles in the time it takes him to do 100.  Our anniversary is on the 24^th – there is not a better place to be than Logan, Ut where we met over 43 years ago.  The night before was stormy and I was hesitating about riding.  But the morning turned out beautiful.  Cool enough for long sleeves and a jacket that could be put away if it warmed up. 

I love that ride.  I love the smell of the farmland.  It is fun to see the difference between the crops from Little Red in June to maturity in August.  I love the smell of the dairies. (odd, I know but it reminds me of my youth). 

Imagine an Arrow far away where there are no trees

My garmin had said 58 miles and since I thought I was only going 60 – I am excited thinking that I am only 2 miles from the end and then I see a sign that says 5 miles.  I was bummed to say the least.   But I really had no choice.   Then it started to hail.  At first I thought it was rain because I couldn’t see hail on the road.  How come this rain hurts so badly?  Those must be huge drops to hurt like that.  Then I realized it was hail.  I stopped and put on my jacket.  I knew it wouldn’t keep me dry, but at that point I was just hoping to ease the pain.  I have a very low pain tolerance and I know that.  So be it.   Anyhow as I am looking up the road – there is not a tree in sight.  That beautiful farmland that I love so much was now barren of any protection.   I looked for anything that would give me respite from the hail, but there was nothing.  I even saw a combine and the thought went through my head – could I get some shelter – but it was too far off the road.  The only choice was to keep riding.  I couldn’t go back – there was no turning around.  I thought I need to ride faster – but I was afraid of all the water on the road, afraid I might slip.  I slowed down.  I had had a time goal in mind and now I was missing that and my only thought was to get to the end where I knew there was shelter from the storm.   When I got to the end I got in the truck and warmed up a bit, then I waited for Rich – worried about his ride.  Worried about the thunder and lightning I saw, worried for his safety.  After my time of self-pity, I could then turn my attention to someone else and forget my misery for a brief time.  I went back out into the rain to watch and wait.  What started as a beautiful ride quickly turned into a torrential storm

It was such a good lesson for me.  Many of my friends have serious trials.  They are on that barren stretch of land.  There is no turning back.   What starts out pleasant turns into pain.  There doesn’t seem to be any shelter within reach.  The only way is to keep going.  Those people are who I think about when I am riding.  Those are the ones I think about when I want to give up.  Their journeys are so much harder than mine, that I think – I can’t give up – so and so wouldn’t.  Heavenly Father helps me to understand my mortal journey. He helps me to see the rainbows of life after the torrential storm. 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Continuous Living Water 

I went to Moab this past weekend to run a relay race with Daija.    I had bought some flowers during the week intending to plant them and ran out of time.  I left them sitting in the shade hoping that the rain that was forecast would keep them alive while I was gone.  I watered them heartily Friday before I left.  Rain was in the forecast for the weekend.  I didn’t have time to worry about them on Saturday because I was running (another post later).  But Saturday evening it started to rain HARD in Moab and I was reminded that my flowers needed water and I started to worry if there had been enough rain in Draper.  And then as if Heavenly Father was helping me learn a very important lesson the thought entered my mind that the vessel that these flowers were in was not big enough to store water.  They not only needed rain, but they needed it daily and on a regular basis.  I wondered.  I realized that prayer and scripture study were the living water for my soul and for a brief moment I felt the intense need of those on a daily basis.   No amount of extra rain would have helped them the next day.  One spiritual experience like Time out for Women is not helpful on a continuous basis unless I take those drops of knowledge and use them daily.  Fervent prayer and scripture study on one day a week in not sufficient.  It helps that day, but I could wilt the next day if I don’t get another dose of spiritual rain. 

The following scriptures remind me that I need Christ’s living water but these flowers remind me that I need them on a daily and regular basis. 

By living the gospel of Jesus Christ, we develop within ourselves a living spring that will quench eternally our thirst for happiness, peace, and everlasting life. The Lord explains clearly in the Doctrine and Covenants that only faithful obedience can tap the well of living water that refreshes and enlivens our souls: “But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.” ⁷D&C 63:23 (Joseph B. Wirthlin April 1995)

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” ⁴ John 4:13-14

There's Still Daylight

There’s still daylight

April 24-26, 2014
I had the privilege of taking my Dad to a 10^th Armored Division reunion in Phoenix, Arizona.  There are not that many WW2 veterans left.  I was planning on dividing the driving day into two equal days, meaning a stop in Henderson just outside of Las Vegas.  My dad traveled well.  We had to make more stops for me than for him.  I had gotten off one hour later than I anticipated.  When we got to Henderson we were looking for a motel.  I remember Dad looking back at the sunset and saying those memorable words:  “There’s still daylight”, let’s keep going.  I was tired, but he is my dad.  We made it to Kingman, Arizona and even though it was one of their busiest weekends of the year, we found a motel with a handicapped room with a room next to it.  We ate dinner and got to bed around 10:00 that night.  He said I will see you in the morning.  He’s 94 so he sleeps in – he was up and ready to go around 7:00.  You see there is daylight.  And it doesn’t matter which end of the day.  If there is daylight – you get going and you keep going.   I told my brother about this and we laughed.  It was our childhood mantra – if there was daylight – you should be working.  Not just working, but working hard.  I remember the summer that Josh went to work on the farm.  I went out to the field he was in and I saw him “resting” on his shovel and I was frantic.  I remember so vividly thinking that he had to get shoveling quickly or else he would be in trouble for “leaning” on his shovel.   I believe my brothers and I had worked out a warning system and would let each other know when Dad was coming so we could get back to work if we were “loafing”.   We were not overworked, but we learned to work and work hard.  We learned that if there was daylight – there was work to be done.  My dad at 94 still has more energy than I do.  We were at the meetings of which they said – he can take a break and come back if he needs to rest.  Rich and I kept saying – do you want to rest?  Nope he kept going and never took a break.  I wanted to go back to the room and rest – but he is like the energizer bunny.  As long as there is daylight………………

Festival of Trees - The rest of the story

I don't know why this affected me so profoundly, but as I walked in to the Festival of Trees to pick up my centerpiece that I had purchased, this is what I saw.  It was not beautiful.  The trees were in a array of being packaged to go to their purchasers.  There were large moving trucks pulling in and out of the back of the expo center picking up trees.  There were volunteers helping people get their centerpieces, and whatever was small enough that the trucks didn't deliver.  The big back doors were open and it was chilly inside the large hall.  And then there were the volunteers, smiling and eager to help.   I thought about the countless hours that happen behind the scenes.  I thought about how much work it takes to make something so beautiful and worthwhile and NO credit is given to those that help in that vast cold hall.  I was so grateful for them.  I felt bad because I really didn't even want it to be me.  Too cold, too thankless.  I suspect it was a good sabbath lesson.  I thought about this scripture:

3 Nephi 13:1 Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.

The folks that do the festival of trees truly are behind the scenes.  I am sure there will be a reward for all they do.  But for now, I am thankful for them.  

Huntsman Senior Games October 2013

When we first went to the center to pick up our packets a feeling of dread filled my soul.  I could tell these people were the "jocks" of my high school days that I didn't relate to.  I was a "nerd" in high school and not particularly athletic.  I didn't walk with that air of confidence that I attached to being a popular jock.  I felt so out of place.  Even old "jocks" still exude a confidence that I didn't feel.  I was nervous to say the least.

Tuesday October  8, 2013   THE HILL CLIMB 
We were signed up to do the 3 mile hill climb up Snow Canyon.  I am a terrible hill climber but had signed up for all the bicycle events.  We parked our car and the first thing I see is a guy from Oregon warming up.  Warming up?  Really?  Oh my these people are serious.  That feeling of dread that I  had began to grow.   I warmed up by getting on my bike and riding to the start line.  They start you with a push off.  I was so nervous, I couldn't clip in and they couldn't push me off.  I did go up the hill and I was passed by a bunch of people, but once on my bike all I could think of was that I could do this - maybe not in record speed, but I could do it.   I met Rich at the top and we rode down together.  He received a medal, I got a ribbon.  I felt like I was in little league soccer -- everyone wins.  Not that everyone gets a ribbon, but if there are only 5 in your division - you get a ribbon.  Feeling good! 

Warming up.  Really? 

 Wednesday October 9, 2013  THE TIME TRIAL
I feel like I can do a flat course and we had driven this course the day before.  It was short only 20K.  My goal was to not be passed up by a bunch of people that started behind me.  I at least clipped in and let them give me the assisted push off.  I am improving right?   It was nice when we started but the wind did start to kick up and by the time Rich started - he had a pretty nasty wind to contend with.  Yep - 5th place and there were more than 5 this time. 

Most Satisfying Event

 Thursday October 10, 2013 THE CRITERIUM
 I was going to skip this.  Then Sally - first place winner usually said - "there are only three in our division, you might as well ride".  I decided that it was only a 30 minute crit and I could at least get my legs a little exercise that day.  I don't know how to explain a crit.  It's a timed event.  We did laps around the old St. George Airport runway for 30 minutes and whoever is ahead at the end of 30 minutes wins.  We all started together.  I am terrible at turning corners so you can imagine how fast I can go having to turn corners every few minutes.  To make this race more exciting - it was raining.  Warning to the riders before we started - don't get on the painted x's.  They are on the corners, slippery and you could go down.  Another reason for me to slow down.  Rain and slippery road.  This is fun right?  Every time I go by where Rich is standing, I hear him cheer for me.  Keep going I tell myself.  I am now dead last.  But now I'm thinking - you are going to be beat by a 75 year old woman.  I tried for the entire time to keep up with her and finally on the last lap I got in front of her.   That was my claim to fame and the fact that I actually rode this in the miserable rain.  

Rainy Crit - trying to catch 75 year old

 It warmed up - at least the rain wasn't coming down steadily for Rich's crit

Rich ready for the crit start

What a crit looks like

 Friday October 11, 2013 THE ROAD RACE
This ride was only 37 K for my age and division.  Rich's was 62 K.  This was part of the ride that Rich and I had done in February when we went down for a weekend ride.  That was the day we climbed "the wall".  It is steep.  Because I had done it before, I kept saying - you can do this - you have done it before.   This was a great experience for me.  The picture below is the 75-79 age group winner.  She only did it 10 minutes slower than me on a borrowed bike.( Someone had actually stolen her bike the night before this race)   I am hoping to be like her when I grow up.  Another inspiration to me was a lady from Sandy.  She has had cancer and has had 5 vertebrae fused in her back.  Her husband is fast, but she is determined.  She has been coming for 10 years -- The first 8, she walked her bike up the wall.  She defines success as being on the bike and for the last two years being able to actually ride up "the wall".  Every time I got a bit discouraged, I thought about Cindy's determination.  I was in awe.   

Donna age 75-79 age group - inspiring!

Rich of course is awesome - Road Race

Rich Hill climb podium. 

 Saturday October 12, 2013   TRIATHLON - Vicki only - Rich doesn't swim

My birthday and the day of the triathlon.  I of course was nervous, but mostly I was just grateful to be doing the event.  I said to myself - I have just done 4 cycling events.  This event is just because I can do it and I really don't want those early morning swim sessions to go to waste.   No pictures - I just couldn't post the picture Rich took of me running.  I spent 5K trying to keep up with a 75 year old guy.  It wasn't pretty, but I did not come in last despite a very long transition from swimming to bike.  Rich wondered if I was taking a nap.  Next time my goal is to not be in transition for 4 minutes!  

The Lessons from the Huntsman games were more about individual triumphs.  I saw people who had beat cancer, broken body parts, fused body parts.  Some of the contestants even looked like they needed help walking.  Some of the cycling folks had to have help getting on their bikes, but once they were on - could they ever ride.  I was so impressed with how nice the competitors were.  They looked out for each other and were genuinely happy no matter what place they took.  At this age, you realize that you are in a special group.  A group of people that have been blessed enough to be able to do whatever sport they are doing.  They know they are blessed and they are grateful for it.  I am grateful that the Huntsman family has sponsored this.  I realize and am thankful that their money can be spent in helping thousands of us that are aging.   I will go back.  I am smart enough to know that my times  aren't going to be better than the year before, but I did learn that you are just competing against your own abilities.  You are doing your best, whether it is better than someone else - really doesn't matter.  What matters is that you give it your all.  It was a good lesson for me to learn. 

And I did my best to make them even.

September 11, 2103

I was tending the kids today while Brook and Ashkii are in D.C.  My hair skills are legendary.   When Daija was young and dancing one of the girls on her team asked me to do her hair.  Daija quickly said: "don't ask my mom, she can't do hair".  My skills have not improved.  I could blame this on not having much practice, but it wouldn't matter. 

A loving sister

Rachel waited until Savannah came out to greet her. 

 I walked Rachel to school and she wanted to go early to play on the playground.  That is what she said, but what she meant was she wanted to make sure she got to see Savannah before she went to class.  It was so cute to see her anxiously await for Savannah to come out and greet her. 

Helping Hands

Rachel saw the food bank truck that has the hands that form a heart on it and she was forming a heart with her hands.  We decided to form that heart and this is ours.  The rest of the story is that earlier in the day when we were running errands I counted it a "thankful moment" when we were holding hands.  Her soft tender hands reminded me of youthful innocence, love and trust.   Yes her hands helped me today count my blessings. 

LOTOJA 2013

History of the Linton Bicycle insanity.  A few years ago Josh was doing a triathlon at Pineview reservoir.  He asked me to take him and help him in transition.  That year it was cold and I believe snowy.  He didn't get to swim but he biked and ran.  Amazingly I thought it looked fun. He told Rich and I there was a triathlon at Yuba dam in September.  We signed up and we happened to be lucky enough to have an actual tri coach in our ward.  To make a very long journey short we did that first tri at yuba on mountain bikes.  I never shifted out of the gear I started in.  I swam by some guy that I actually thought was Rich and thought I beat him out of the water.  I didn't and Rich and I were probably the last people out of Yuba.  I don't know why but I still loved it.  Maybe it was the variety.  I listened ( although it took a while for me to be compliant) to my trainer and the next year we did the Yuba tri I actually beat Rich.  He then took that as a challenge and took some swim lessons a few weeks before the next Yuba tri.  He then beat me and won't do another tri.   We did decide that we needed better bikes and we bought some Trek Madones.  We have been hooked ever since. 

Ride from Reno   A few years ago while doing a radio spot for the Huntsman Cancer Fundraiser I met Jeff Warren who started the Huntsman 140.  Jeff rides from Reno to raise money for cancer research.  Because they ride through Fallon where my brothers country kitchen is, we became friends and fed the riders lunch at the farm their first day on the road.  Rich rode that first year from Reno to Fallon.  the second year he rode the entire first day 130 miles.  This past year he rode the entire 667 miles from Reno to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Every Saturday needed to be a long ride and he joined the Bountiful Mazda Cycling Club that Jeff Warren is part of so he could learn to do his part on the Ride from Reno.    He joined the Huntsman Hometown Heroes and was able to get a guaranteed spot in the LOTOJA race.  He trained all spring and summer for LOTOJA.  I supported Rich on the Ride from Reno and you can read about it at www.ikickedcancersbutt.org.   

LOTOJA 2013
Rich is a very determined person and has a tremendous amount of self discipline.  Our biggest problem was we really didn't know what we were doing.  HINT to LOTOJA:  you need a newbies section that tells you what you should even sign up for.    Because of not even knowing what to sign up for - Rich signed up for the rider category in his age division.  He signed up with 6 other Valcom riders who are a bit younger than he was.  Therefore when it was all said and done he only got to start with one other rider his age from the Valcom team and that start was almost 45 minutes after the other 5 riders.   


Rich seldom gets visibly nervous about challenges.  But this time was a bit different.   Some work challenges decreased the amount of time he could ride during the week.  Had he done enough?  Had we figured out his nutrition in order to sustain him through the race?  Had the training rides been hard enough and long enough?  Was his taper week too little or too much?  Did I understand what he needed when and would I be at the right place and the right time?  So many questions with so few answers.  I was nervous enough for both of us.  I found myself being very edgy.  ( Sorry about that Rich and Trevor)    At some point I will journal exactly what Rich did because should he do this again I want to learn from our mistakes.  

Most worrisome time.  We were at the Afton feed zone and someone came in and said a rider was down.  He was not getting up and he was in a blue kit.  Rich is in a blue and white kit and I began to worry.  He was a bit past when I thought he should be in and I am such a good worrier.  The ambulance came in and then the bikes.  When they unloaded the bikes and I realized they were not his, I could breathe again.  
 
The Mountains:  Rich did start behind the Valcom team, but they took a few more minutes at each feed zone, bathroom breaks for 5 can take up a bit more time and Rich can climb.   He caught up with them at the top of the last pass and was able to ride the rest of the way in with the team.  He loved that.  

The drive:  Trevor kept me company.  Thanks to Trevor for being patient with me.  I was so edgy that I could hardly stand myself and yet he was as cheerful as could be.  We listened to Peter and the Starcatchers.  Awesome audiobook.  Thanks to Amy Johnson for the recommendation!   I ate enough calories to replenish Rich's lost calories. 

My frustration:  There are 7 feedzones and I got to see him at 3.  After fully supporting him on the ride from reno, I was feeling a bit useless.  
Lesson learned:  The guys and gals that do this race are so driven and capable, that they could do this with just neutral support and be fine.  I would still be frustrated that I couldn't do more.  

The end:  Rich and team came in under 13 hours and before dark.  That was Rich's goal.  To finish and to finish before dark.  205 miles, 3 states, 1 day.  Rich is awesome.  He complained a bit ( once)
about some knee pain and his shoulders were sore.  Other than that - he is not a complainer.  ( I need to give him lessons, so he can get some sympathy) 

The Start 6:48 a.m.

Still Smiling

He looks better than I do at the end! 

 

Trevor giving him congratulations

 

This hug summed up the emotions of the day for me.

The food that sustained him

What I had to put on my car