New Year's Resolutions

Sunday January 13, 2008 by Terri Gooch

Most of you know that George and I had our baby, Amelia, last year. Well, actually I had the baby – but the changes to both of our lives have been profound. No more long rides. No more taking off at the spur of the moment to ride out in Central Oregon; Spontaneity and I haven’t spoken for awhile.

I didn’t get to follow the entire Race Across Oregon race last year. That was strange. Since arriving in Oregon in 2001 I’ve participated in every race and training camp that RAO, LLC has been involved in. It was weird to stay home while George ran our three day camp too. I had to drive out on Sunday and follow the guys for a few miles just to feel sort of normal.

Last summer I did get in a bit of riding. I tried to stick to a twice a week thing with a friend of mine – it was very casual – but it was great to get out and spin the pedals. Then autumn came, and Interbike, and suddenly it was practically Christmas and I hadn’t really done much exercise. So I decided to do something – I would do some type of cardio for at least 20 minutes every day. Yep, EVERY. DAY.

Now I know for most of you 20 minutes is nothing. You might not even consider throwing your leg over the top tube if you were only going to ride for 20 minutes – and that’s for 20 minutes of trainer time since we have about 2 feet of snow on the ground. And I totally understand that – I used to be that person. 20 minutes? Please, I’m not even warmed up! But now, those 20 minutes, which can be so incredibly hard to carve out of each day, make such an enormous difference to me. And I’ve already done 13 days straight! Yippee.

I thought I might blog about my resolution, mainly to keep me honest. But since I am spending my 20 minutes of ‘me’ time riding the bike, it’s been hard to find the time to write! But resolutions are like robins in spring – they are harbingers of change – and yes, it seems like change might be in the air – I’ve just updated the RAO roster. I sent out my Holiday letter letting everyone know what great events we’ve got planned for ’08, I’ve been fielding questions and unlike last year, I think I am actually replying to people within 36 hours.

So when you’re out there training hard for the upcoming racing year, think of me when you whip past that slow person slogging along at 10 mph. And if you need let someone in on your goals for 2008, send me an email. We can keep each other on track!

Stay well
Terri



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