A New Year is on the Way

So I didn't make my Century ride this year - but I have since been told by a professional trainer that with the wind as bad as it was that day I can count it as 100 miles.  Anyway 2012 is on it's way and I plan on making it the year of Randi so watch out!  Memorial weekend I will ride in the Tour de Frankenmuth again at either the 90 or 130 mile distance - I will decide later.  I am also already signed up to ride the MS Rona Grand Bend - London ride again in July, and this year I signed my hubby up as well.  We have turned a corner of our basement into a home gym and had our first workout today.  I am gonna try to work on a 'schedule' - so far I know Sundays I will be riding at 'Finish In Time' cycling studio in downtown PH - Sunday's are a 'movie ride' where we all just ride on trainers while watching a movie.  During the week I will be using the RealRides DVDs I have (101, Strength, Climbing and Race Day) as well as working upper body on Jim's new Marcy Platinum Home Gym.  I also have Just Dance 3, Biggest Loser and Wii Fit to incorporate.  I'll post the schedule I come up with  but any input is appreciated.

Wow - what a beautiful day

When I woke up this morning at 7:30 to the sounds of rain I convinced myself today would be a basement riding day.  But the rain stopped and by 10:00 I was heading out to the Macomb Orchard Trail.  My first time on this 23+ mile trail and it was great!  Of course finding parking in Richmond at the trail head was impossible due to the Richmond Good Ole Days parade so I wound up parking a few miles up trail and backtracked on the bike to make sure I got to see the whole thing.   I think I will rate it tops on my rails-trails list so far.  The nature around the trail is beautiful, the length of the trail allows for a non-repetitive ride and it has a hill!  I still like Wadhams for the convenience of it as well as the beautiful scenery, and Fort Gratiot is great for the three of us to ride together since it is such a short trail.

I went for 52 miles in 4 hours today so I think my 8-8.5 hour goal for my 100 is reasonable as long as I don't stop too long for lunch.

It's almost here part 2

Wow I just realized I have 3 more Sunday's until my Century!  I know that I will be able to handle it if I ride smart and use the rest stops for gatorade/fruit refills.  I still am in awe that I am actually going to be doing this.  I feel as though finishing this will prove to me that anything is possible.  Who would have thought that 2 years ago and 70 pounds heavier I would even be thinking of attempting this.  Time wise I am hoping to be 8-8.5 hours, but will be happy just to finish.

 I have also set my 'ride calendar' for next year and it includes the Tour de Frankenmuth (100 miles this time), the PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan a week long 300+miles ride), the MS Rona Ride in London Ontario and the Blue Water Ramble again (this time hoping to take 1 hr off my finish time from this year).  Also I have to race Jeremy as he says he can beat me when we take off the training wheels.

On a genealogy note I am very happy to report that the 2012 version of Family Tree Maker will be able to sync with Ancestry.com online tree which I had been really annoyed by in the past.

Now I am a true cyclist...pictures attached...not for the squeamish

So I went for a ride when Jim got home...I rode up to the Fort Gratiot trail and while circuiting came across the Chain Gang.  So I joined up with them for the ride back downtown.  It was nice to be able to ride with them and hold my own!!! I was so proud...too proud...I rode up to the front to talk to the guy in the lead and as I was dropping back my front wheel tapped his rear.  2 seconds later I was on the ground.  Jim thinks I am psycho to be proud, but my pride comes from the fact that I was able to handle it with grace and to know that I was able to ride with the gang with ease!  And for my Thursday night crew - we will still ride!

riding can be so healing

I woke up in the worst mood this morning.  I really didn't want to ride but I knew my friends from Sarnia were coming state-side for a ride...I had to go.  2 seconds into the ride I felt much better.  Jim and I both know that riding works for me that way so he knew that I would "leave it on the road".

I signed up for the Blue Water Ramble today.  It's official - I'm nuts!

Short entry today...but I want to give a shout-out to my friend Jenn who also signed up for the Ramble.  I'm proud of you and I know you can do it!

Thank you.

I made it through these last few days.  It started on Saturday morning, we woke up at 5:30 to drive to Grand Bend, Ontario for the start of the MS Society Charity ride.  We got there in time for the 7:30 start.  The team rode great and we took breaks at the rest stops in order to refuel with Gatorade, fruit and water.  We rode a total of 55 miles on Saturday and were cheered along the way by grateful Canadians.  Little girls stood on the side of the road with squirt guns asking if we wanted a squirt - YES!!!  I got to the finish line slightly ahead of my team, but as I crossed the line the people were cheering and I could feel Pops and Donna cheering me on and found myself in tears as I crossed the finish line.  There were 1852 riders and we all made it across the finish line healthy on Saturday.  After we finished we got to enjoy University of Western Ontario dinner (really good) and free massages.  There were evening ceremonies where different awards were given for biggest team, most creative team name, biggest fundraisers etc.  Then we all got to sleep in the University dorm....wow has it been a while.  Sunday morning I woke at 6 to eat breakfast and be ready for a 7:30 start again.  we didn't actually start until 8ish.  Going back to Grand Bend was a slightly different route and only 48 miles.  I made good time and got in about 11:45.  Jim and Jeremy were there at the finish cheering me on and a guy they call "High Five Mike" was there too.  He is in a wheelchair and sits just beyond the finish line to high five every rider as we cross.  It was an awesome experience.  There were hills that I thought I'd never make it up, and just as I was ready to get off and walk up the rest of the hill I felt that extra burst and knew that Pops and Donna were pushing me up that hill.

As soon as I got across the finish line we went straight to the car and had to miss more free massage and BBQ.  We were able to get across the border by 2 which allowed me enough time to get a shower and some lunch before we had to leave for the airport.  All our flights were right on-time and Jeremy was a great traveler.  We got into Jacksonville about 10:45 and then went to mom's cousin Tommy's house for the two nights we were there.  Monday we woke up and had breakfast with Tommy and Becky and Tommy's brother Steve and his wife Karen.  It was nice to see some Lee's.  We then headed over to Aunt Susan's to get ready for the service.  It was a beautiful service and I finally let myself mourn.  I'm still mourning so beware I may break down on you.  It is always great to see the family and I got to see many cousins I haven't seen in a while.  It was so nice to touch base in the physical world not just the facebook world.  Jeremy loved being able to play with all the cousins and did not want to come home.

We are home now and life is getting back to normal - at least for a few weeks.  The MS Society is always accepting donations and If you want to help support me in this ride the website for donations is

 MS Society of Canada.

1 week to go!

This time next week I will be on my way to the airport to catch a flight to FL...after completing my 150km in 2 days to raise funds for MS.  I am hoping we will have enough time so I can shower before getting to the flight...and I think everyone else on board would like it too.  I'm just worried about crossing back, since Jim let his Nexus expire we will have to wait in line.  We should be o.k.

Feeling great after today's team ride.  We went 42 miles and took our time - we made it in 3:25.

Short entry today as I need to get moving...lots of laundry to do and grocery shopping too.

It's almost here.

I only have one more Sunday ride until my MS ride.  Today I went out to the Wadhams trail with my new camelbak. Mine isn't pink but I picked it up at a garage sale for $1.  Can't beat that.  Made it about 18 miles with that, then did another 12 more with my water bottle.  I'm really trying to make sure I stay hydrated.  So if you can add you see that I rode 30 miles total.  Good for you.  I wound up turning around earlier than I wanted but I was getting really low on water.  I wasn't smart in waiting until the hottest part of the day either.  It was 90 when I got there and 90 when I left.  Next Sunday I'll be riding with the team again and I will get out Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

My ride is to benefit the MS Society of Canada whose stated objective is:  to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.  There are 22 different rides throughout Canada and they are expecting over 10,000 riders in all.  The ride I am doing is a 2-day 150km (93 miles) from Grand Bend Ontario to London Ontario on day one and back to Grand Bend on day 2.  They are expecting 2000 riders. 

On a personal level, I started cycling in June 2010 and could barely make 5 miles.  By October I completed my first 30 mile ride.  A friend of mine from Sarnia, Ontario, started a facebook group called 'My Goals for 2011'.  I joined his group and found a posting on the board about this fundraising ride.  I knew it would be difficult, but when I saw that it was for MS research I had to participate.  In 2008 I lost my Aunt Donna who had been suffering with MS since 1995.  I knew that this was something I could do for her.  I signed up and sent out my first fundraising requests.  My grandpa, Edward Rountree, was one of the first to donate - expressing his sincere appreciation that I could remember his youngest daughter this way.  I am now riding also to honor the memory of the world's best grandfather.  He always made me feel like I could accomplish anything...and knowing he and Donna are watching me, I know I'll be able to overcome this challenge and help many others worldwide who are suffering with this disease.

I have been honored by my family in their support of my ride for MS.  The family has asked that in lieu of flowers for my Pops that people send donations:

If you want to help support me in this ride the website for donations is

 MS Society of Canada.

I miss my grandpa.

This week had highs and lows. I had a great ride with the MS team on the 3rd. We rode 27 miles; 13.5 to Sombra Ontario for dinner and then 13.5 back. It was nice to ride with everyone. It got me really excited for the big ride. Then on the 4th, it couldn't have been a better 4th of July. A lazy morning watching the Tour de France with the stage won by an American; ate red, white & blue pancakes; went swimming at Sanborn pool; cooked out burgers and corn; rode to the beach and then had flag cake and to end the day...sparklers.  July 5th saw a return to normalcy, Jeremy to swim class and an evening ride for me.  

Wednesday morning I woke up to my phone ringing...it's never good news when your phone rings that early.  It was the phone call telling me that my wonderful Grandfather passed away.  Edward Archibald Rountree 1926-2011.  A great life.  Throughout my training and fundraising for my MS Society ride I have been raising funds in memory of my Aunt Donna and now I am also riding in order to honor my grandfather.  I will be leaving directly from finishing the ride on the 24th to catch a flight to Florida for his services.  It will be a tough weekend but it is the least I can do to honor them both.

If you want to help support me in this ride the website for donations is

 MS Society of Canada.

I'm a ChainGanger!

I went for my first ride with the ChainGang today.  38 miles in just under 3 hours.  We rode down to St Clair and stopped for coffee/smoothies at Sue's Coffee House and then pedaled our way back to the mall.  I was afraid I would drag them down and I did.  I had 3 of them stay back with me - they are all very nice people.  They do these rides many times a week and it really didn't seem to challenge any of them the way it did me.  But I am still so proud that I am able to accomplish this.

There is still time to make a pledge in support of my ride to raise money for the MS Society.

If you want to help support me in this ride the website for donations is

 MS Society of Canada.

We love and miss you Aunt Donna.

MS Team Ride

Had my first ride with a group today.  I went over to Sarnia and rode with people from my MS RONA Charity ride.  We rode a nice laid back 24 miles.  My official 'ActiveTrainer.com' training sessions start on Tuesday so I will really be spinning hard.  It was real fun last Tuesday to go see my teammates whom I hadn't seen in a year and a half, and to ride with them again today was great.


For those of you who may have missed my FB post, in July I will be riding in a 2day, 150km (that 93 miles) charity ride to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.  (Yeah yeah I know I'm an American...but MS knows no borders).  I was so excited when I learned about this ride because it is something I can do in memory and honor of my Aunt Donna.  Donna was one of the sweetest people I know and was stricken with MS.  She passed away in 2008.  I thank everyone for your support as I strive towards this goal.  I have been blessed with many caring friends and family that support me however they can...most of all my husband who lets me go and ride for hours at a time and then is there with my glass of chocolate milk when I come back.


If you want to help support me in this ride the website for donations is

 MS Society of Canada.

We love and miss you Aunt Donna.

Can't beat today's weather.

I decided against riding with the Chain Gang this morning as I am still scared that I will slow them down too much, so I'm gonna work hard this week and maybe next Sunday meet up with the gang.  I went out to the Wadhams to Avoca Trail which is a normal spot for me, but usually I only ride on the paved part.  Today I decided to push on through the gravel.  20 miles total with 14 being in gravel.  Since I had never ridden out past the pavement I wasn't sure what to expect....low and behold there is a beautiful Trestle Bridge.  There are pics on FB.  When I got home we just did regular stuff but told the boys about the bridge.  So we all went out as a family.  I spoke with a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor on Saturday...turns out he lives 2 miles from my library.  He tells me I am ready...If I can do 40 then I can handle my 2 day and my century.  It's just a matter of being able to sit on the bike for that long.  I asked him how long should I expect for the century and he said 8 hours would be a good time.   I am feeling very encouraged.  I can't wait to meet the rest of my MS 2-day team on Tuesday.

I Did It!

What a perfect weekend capped off by a great feeling of accomplishment!  When I originally signed up to ride the Tour de Frankenmuth Grand Fondo, I was just hoping to survive.  I was encouraged by the fact that it was an out and back ride so therefore if I needed to turn around before my mark I could.  I signed up for the minimum of 40 miles and my longest ride to date had been 30 back in October.  My nerves were running high.  I also saw that on Saturday they were having a kids race and Jeremy wanted to participate so we got up in the morning and got moving to make it there by 10.  As soon as we got to town we noticed a ton of stuff happening.  Of course they were holding the bike races so we joined up with the race crowd, got Jeremy signed in and waited for his race.  He competed in the 4-6 year old category.  There were 3 older girls (6ish) riding with out training wheels and 3 littler ones riding with training wheels.  Jeremy was fastest amongst the children with training wheels.  Of course every kids got a prize and he is soooo proud of his stuffed chicken (it's a Frankenmuth thing).  After his race we went for lunch and then drove over to the Bavarian Inn to check in.  After we checked in we went to the pools for a while...it was fun to just have a day of playing in the pool for the 3 of us.  When we were done there we walked over to RiverPlace to get fudge...low and behold they were having the Dog Bowl.  There were more dogs there than I had ever seen in one place.  They had competitions for Dock  Jumping, Frisbee Routines, Agility, Sheep Herding and other smaller races.  We got to pet one of the biggest dogs I have ever seen as well as one of the smallest.  After that we made our way back to the hotel to play arcade games and mini golf.  When we finished golf we ate dinner and then made our way outside to watch a Hot Air Balloon Glow.  Turns out that there was a Hot Air Balloon race in town too.  For the glow there were two balloons inflated and the rest of the baskets were blowing their flames, definitely one of the neatest things to see.  Finally it was time to turn in for the night.  We got back to the room and crashed hard!  I was a nervous wreck so I didn't sleep well, but I did sleep enough.  I woke at 6:30 so I could eat breakfast by 7, left the room at 7:30 for an 8:00 start time.  Like I said earlier I wasn't really expecting to make all 40 miles and if I did I just wanted to keep it under 3.5 hours.  I was extra freaked out that a) this was my first time back on the roads after Brad's accident and b) there was a categorized climb which means - steep for at least a km.  The good thing was the cat 5 climb was at the beginning (6 miles in) and that would mean going down it on the way back.  After the climb it was very flat, i decided to push it to the 20 miles and then turn around for my full 40.  The final 6 miles were the hardest because Frankenmuth is much more hilly than Port Huron.  But I did it  - all 40 miles and in 3 hours 10 minutes...well under my goal of 3:30.  After I finished I met up with the boys to load up the bike and head on home.  We got here and I finally got a shower!  Then Jim's family came up from OH and we went down to the Feast de St Clair festival.  All-in-all probably the busiest weekend I can remember but also the most enjoyable.  I am so happy I did it and hope to be able to make it an annual event.

Thanks for reading all this...just had to share.  For photos check out my FB page after Monday.

A Good Weekend

As I mentioned before I planned on riding on Friday, which I did...and the weather held out!   But I think I found my break point...I had done the Biggest Loser workout on the wii on Thursday night and then spent all day Friday walking the zoo with Jeremy and then I rode for 2 hrs. and got in 25 miles and boy that was enough...I needed Saturday to recuperate.  Saturday was perfect weather - of course since I had to work but Saturday Night was great fun.  The 3 of us with some friends went to watch the Blue Water Derby Girls.  A friend of mine from work is on the team and we've been to all their home bouts.  It is so much fun!  Not at all what I remember growing up - this is real sport and these women are tough!  Sunday morning we took it easy and then our friends from Sarnia came for a visit...it's has been too long since we got together last.  After they left I loaded up the bike and headed back to the trail.  I put in another 2 hours and 25 miles.  It's amazing how good I feel when I'm done.  Jim was telling me a story last night about the drummer for the band Rush and how he had some tragedies in his life and he just got on his motorcycle and left...I don't remember how long he was gone but it wasn't just days - it was months or years even.  When he came back he explained that we humans are soothed by motion - take for example babies and how they fall asleep in cars.  He was soothing himself by riding all across the continent.  I too find all my worries fade away when I'm on the bike.  Just something to ponder...get moving people!

Sorry it's been a while

10 days since my last post and in that time I aged yet another year.  I didn't get good ride time with the family here - yeah yeah I'm blaming you...I was supposed to do the Ride of Silence today in memory of all the cyclists hit and killed on the roadways.  So since I planned on riding of course it rains!  I'm really getting tired of this and am really starting to believe I am a hex on the weather.  Well I am now planning on going out on Friday evening which all weather reports are saying should be nice so we can test the theory.

Since the official rain date for the RoS is on Saturday and I have to work, I did my time tonight on the trainer.  I moved it from the basement to the garage so that I can easily put the bike on on rainy days and off when it's nice.  I've got less than 2 weeks until the Tour de Frankenmuth and I am so excited!  I'll make my 40 miles and then come home to company feeling more than accomplished (assuming I can keep the house cleaned).  I'll write again Friday and let you know how far I made it.  I am hoping to ride until dark so depending on when I get out there I should be able to get in some good mileage.

On another note, I made a playlist of motivational songs - songs that get me moving etc.  Doing the Time Warp on the bicycle is rather entertaining and Chop Suey is great when you've got a little pent up anger.

Great Mother's Day

Sun is shining, hubby is doing yard work, kid is playing next door and I am taking some time to relax.  We have a tradition in our house of pancakes on Sunday mornings which I always make (sometimes with help from little hands).  So I was surprised this morning to be served pancakes in bed!  After enjoying a leisurely breakfast we had a nice calm, slow morning.  I waited for the temp to hit 60 and then headed out to the Fort Gratiot Trail where I put in 22 miles.  There were lots of families out on rides/rollerblades/walks and since the trail is only 5 miles I passed a number of them a number  of times.  I heard one mom encouraging her daughter telling her that "look she's passed us 3 times, keep working and you will be able to too."  Wow - what encouragement!  I also saw my friend Jen out with her daughter which was great, she was pulling the trailer which is very hard work - so good on you Jen!  Now maybe some time for genealogy research.

Yeah Spring

Finally it's getting nice outside.  I have yet to be able to get in a long ride but I have taken Jeremy out to the Fort Gratiot Trail 3 times.  He has impressed me by doing 5 miles!  I am hoping to be able to get in a long ride on Sunday.  I did pull him to the library today for a total of 7 miles and it was a lot easier than I expected.

I have given myself an even earlier goal - 40 miles on Memorial Day Weekend.  I can't wait.  Jeremy told me today that he wanted to do the kids race on the day before...still thinking about that.

Anyway, have a great one!

Mother Nature, You are killing me!

So Saturday was perfect weather and I was at work all day.  Sunday was pretty but cold, also being Easter I didn't take ride time so I hope this afternoon to ride for a while.  With rain all week I will be staying inside still.  Saturday is supposed to be dry and decently warm so I will take my boys out to the Wadhams/Avoca trail.

In genealogy news - I will be at the Family History Center (Mormon Church) on Thursday looking through some microfilms.  One of which is very promising - the membership logs and minutes from the church where I believe my brick wall Rountrees attended.

Well I'm back in the basement

I have been so bummed out.  It's been way too cold up here.  The group I plan on joining this year has cancelled all their rides so far.  I'm beginning to take this personally mother nature!  I did ride on the trainer Tuesday and today, and plan on a long ride on Sunday.  Of course Saturday looks to be the warmest of the weekend and I will be at work.  Here's hoping to get outside again soon!

YEAH

70 Degrees Today!!!  It was still cold this morning so I did 35 min on the trainer of interval workout, then detached the bike and brought it upstairs and outside to ride around with my boys.  I'm not going for a huge ride today because Thursday is the Port Huron City Cycle which should be about 20 miles or so followed by the Tax Freedom Ride on the 18th another 20 miles or so.  I'm also extremely scared and don't want to go on a long lone ride.  I will feel much better riding with the club.  I did get my Planet Bike LED reflector (from Aunt Robin) installed, bought the world's brightest jacket, spare tube and handheld pump so I'm ready.  Just gotta get there mentally.

Jim took his bike out for the first time and loved it...he is issuing challenges, saying he can out ride me.  Them is fighting words.  Can't wait to take him on!  I am prepared to lose though - he has had 37 years of being fit and I haven't even had one full one yet.  I'll give it my best.

Spring is coming...right???

Still inside on the trainer.  Getting very grumpy.  It is warmer but still only 43 degrees!  The ChainGang first ride is on the 14th, it better be warm by then.  I've been feeling less energetic for weeks now.  I hope warm weather will help I also had some blood work done to see if I might have a thyroid issue.

Jim told me this week that next year we will take a vacation at the end of February.  I think he's getting tired of my tiredness.

Through all the fatigue I did get on the bike today for 2.5 hours - gotta through quite a bit of Live Wire by Harlan Coben.

Another Sunday Down

Back when I first made up my 'training schedule' at the start of the year I had that today would be my first day back on the road...it's 28 degrees today - I'm staying in.  My magic number is 50.  I can't take much more winter so hopefully spring will come soon.  I am really looking forward to getting out with the club and with my buddy Gus as we prepare for the MS Charity ride in July.

I started today with the interval training workout again and then rode even for the last 1.75 hours.  The interval part is always difficult, but well worth it - I can tell it really makes a difference in my endurance as well.

Well here's hoping that next weekend will be warm enough to get outside!

Sunday was easy!

I got on the bike with my book "Chasing Alliecat" and 2.5 hours later I was done...Easy as pie!  It feels good to feel fit finally.  For so long I wouldn't go down slides with Jeremy or do a myriad other things - but now I can.  Mom took me shopping yesterday to celebrate and my new pants are a size 12.  I haven't worn a size 12 since I got married.

I am so looking forward to warmer weather and getting outside.  I plan to ride with a group called the ChainGang.  I didn't hook up with them last year because I didn't think I could handle it yet, but now I do!  The first ride on the schedule is April 14th.

On another note:  Jeremy has his dance recital tonight.  I am so excited for him but hope he hasn't inherited his parents stage fright.

One last note:  I really think I'm on to something good genealogy wise.  My brick wall all along has been William Rountree father of William Fain Rountree.  Well I think I've found the family church and have ordered microfilm of the membership lists and meeting notes through the LDS.  I think I may have also found a brother of William's named George William Rountree.  There is a GW Rountree living with the family in 1860.  There is a George William Rountree who married in 1861.  The really cool thing is that there is a photo of George William with his wife.  I don't have any concrete evidence but I'm looking hard.  George William was said to have been an engineer on the boat Dubois.  While we know that William and William Fain were both railroad engineers.

Good times all around.

Great ride today

I just got off the bike from my 2.5 hour ride - and I feel great!  Normally when I do my long ride I don't incorporate intervals or hard training because I figure just being able to go the 2.5 hours is good enough.  Well today I started off with my Real Rides 101 training video that I normally use on Tuesday and Thursdays.  It's a challenging program and it takes around 45 minutes to complete, they follow the training with different segments on bike safety, nutrition and everything a beginner needs to know.  I then went to a more steady pace watching a movie Chasing Legends for the last 1.5 hours.

My back and neck are still doing well...hopefully all is well again.

BTW:  Chasing Legends is a great movie for anyone interested in learning more about the sport of cycling - it follows a team through their Tour de France in 2009.  If you want to borrow it just let me know (if you're local, that is).

updating...

Well I did miss my big ride on Sunday but I am back on schedule now.  I did 45 minutes today...and a very needed 45 minutes they were.  I had a back/neck ache that seems to have run 3 weeks, with a little reprieve after a chiropractor visit.  I went back yesterday when it got to the point I couldn't turn my neck and my head was hurting so bad that I was driving with one eye closed.  I am feeling much better today.

I am trying to start spring cleaning.  Yes I think it's spring!  Mainly due to the fact that I inherited more Hummels and needed space to display them - that was my morning project.  For some reason I kept getting grumpier and grumpier all day, finally figured I needed to ride - it always makes me feel better.  There is just something about pedaling that makes everything better.

Almost March...hopefully almost spring!

I can not wait for spring to come so I can ride outside again.  I did another 2.5 hours on the trainer today even after another week of feeling crappy.  I am getting really tired of this!  I had a few ok days, so I will be heading back to the chiropractor this week and see if that helps.

I will be missing my ride next weekend because my boys and I will be in Dayton to celebrate my brother's 40th and dad's 65th birthdays!

I have also signed up for my first charity ride to benefit the MS Society of Canada.  In July I will be riding 150k over 2 days from Grand Bend Ontario to London Ontario and back.  For my US followers that's around 96 miles.  It will be a good test of my fitness level for my 100 miles in 1 day in October.  I am riding with a great team of friends from Sarnia and really looking forward to it.  If you would be interested in pledging to support me or my team visit http://msofs.mssociety.ca/2011Bike/Sponsor.aspx?&PID=1259545&L=2.

Thanks for reading this...It really helps knowing ya'll are out there!

Rough ride today.

Woke up feeling worse than last week, and was toyed with the idea all day of putting off my ride until tomorrow.  But I know myself - if I put it off then I will find an excuse tomorrow - and who knows I may feel even worse tomorrow.  So I did it - originally saying I'll just do a short ride and finish tomorrow - 2.5 hours later and I do feel much better.  I probably pushed a little more than I should have - there were times I felt a little dizzy - but now sitting on a solid chair I feel much better.

I got an email from the local cycling club with the first spring rides announced - April 14th will be the Port Huron City Cycle and my first ride with a club!

Another day to be proud.

For the last week I have had a recurrent migraine (y'all should buy stock in Excedrin).  Made worse on Tuesday by the fact that I had to fast so I could get blood work done for insurance. I did miss my Tuesday ride but did manage to ride on Thursday for a bit.  This morning we really needed to goto the store and Jim had a conference call at 12 so I decided to put off my ride until later today.  When we were at the store I started feeling so bad I thought for sure the rest of my day would consist of laying on the couch.  But I knew I had to write this blog and I will not lie, so I got up and made myself get on the bike.  I thought that maybe I would just do 30 minutes in order to say I did something...well it's 2 hours later and I made it the whole time!  Thanks again everyone for helping hold me accountable!

Could this be William Fain Rountree's parents???

I think I found a mother for my William Fain Rountree.  I am attaching the censuses 1850-1880 which I believe are my William Rountree.  The 1880 I am positive about.  The 1870 fits as well.  We know he was born 1865ish and had brothers Cornelius Green (went by Green) and Bonaparte.  I have also found a marriage record for a Louisiana Rountree that would be in the age range of the brothers. - Fitting with the L.

The 1860 seems to be the same family, but the years are off a bit.  The key here is the N Bevil living with them.  I found a marriage record for a William Rountree and Belison Bevil in 1848, one county over.  The 1850 census shows a William Rountree with family living in the county of said marriage.  The wife's name is different - Catherine.  It seems that maybe Catherine would have been her middle name as I can find nothing for a Belison Bevil elsewhere and the 1860 census seems to have the initial C.  Another researcher for a land transfer to a Catherine Rountree in 1861 in Effingham.

There is also a Bevil family that settled in Effingham County, which would have most of the property in the county in the early 1800's.  I am tracing this line now to see what I can find.

Ahhhh.

Another good ride this morning.  2 hours.  I am noticing that my cadence is picking up! Also I am able to get out of the saddle better.  In one of the training videos coach Robbie has me doing intervals with two 30 second segments of out of the saddle work.  The first couple of times I tried it I wasn't able to make the whole 30 seconds and now I can!!! I have one more week at 2 hours and then I up it to 2.5.  It is great to have the support of my wonderful family throughout this whole period in my life.  Thank you for allowing me the alone time, I know it's a lot to ask.  I also want to thank the extended family for encouraging me and all my friends for their encouragement as well.

Jeremy got small weights for Christmas...I am thinking about adding them in as I ride.

TGIF

Yeah - It's Friday!  Hopefully Jim's jury duty will finish up today.  It seems to have really taken a toll on him emotionally.  He still can't talk about the case but he did tell me that in his initial questioning they asked him a lot about being an engineer - I guess they were counting on him being the logical un-emotional one.  If he's the most un-emotional  one - I'd hate to be in that courtroom.

On to my training, I did ride my 45 minutes yesterday.  It was a great day yesterday, Jeremy and I had physicals for our new insurance.  Of course we had to weigh in.  Both the doctor and nurse were in shock when I weighed in.  They both asked what in the world had I been doing.  I officially lost 20 pounds since October!  Those kind of results are really encouraging.  I'm looking forward to yoga today with Jman...maybe we will wait til tonight and have Jim do it with us.

Yesterday at Jeremy's dance class, the parents of one of his classmates were there waiting with me.  His dad is a cyclist and is training for a 1/2 iron-man.  After some talk came up he mentioned something to his wife about her starting a 'body-sculpting' class.  He said she would feel like an idiot for the first couple classes.  While not a nice comment I know where he is coming from.  I always hated doing fitness classes because I always felt like I was the worst one in the class.  So I never stuck with it.  I think that's why I like cycling so much.  It's something I can do on my own, and yet when I feel ready I can join a group and have others to ride with.

Sick day

Well I skipped yoga on Monday and used the day to recover.  I did ride today for 45 minutes and am feeling better.  I'm sure it was just a quick 'too much stress lately' bug.  Jim got selected for jury duty, so he will be home at an early hour these next few days so I should be able to yoga tomorrow.  I got into genealogy researching again last night...been a week or so!  This year I am working on cleaning up my database, and of course chasing the ever elusive parents of William Fain Rountree.  With Jim actually having vacation time, I am thinking about a trip to FLA, maybe incorporating a day to go research in GA.

Ultra proud today.

I had every excuse in the book to not ride today - I didn't sleep well, I'm fighting a cold, I was up late and we have company.  But I was a good girl and got on the trainer for 2 hours.

Our company is here because it was Jeremy's birthday yesterday.  I can't believe he is 4 years old already.  We had such a great time partying with his friends at Chuck-E-Cheese and then we came home and he and Nana (whose birthday was on Thursday) got to open more presents.  We also had our official family portraits made on Saturday.  We never had them before because I wouldn't let myself be photographed.

A great weekend and more Star Wars to come!

great week so far...and Saturday is gonna be awesome!

I've been good at following my training schedule with 45 minute rides Tuesday and today, with yoga on Monday and tomorrow.  Monday's yoga was fun as it became a competitive sport between myself and Jim.  I kicked his bum!  It is so weird being that person, I've never been better than Jim at anything physical before.

It was nice last night to be able to attend a genealogy lecture by Karen Krugman @ http://genealogyframeofmind.blogspot.com/.  She does a great job and it's nice knowing a fellow misplaced genealogist (especially from Georgia and Florida).  Now I am really looking forward to getting some research time in...gotta figure out when though.  I am out of time this week as parents, brother and in-laws are coming up for the weekend to celebrate Jeremy's 4th birthday!  So I guess I should quit writing this and get cleaning.

2 hours done!

Well I made my 2 hours today.  I started off with the Real Rides 101 for half an hour and then watched Independence Day (up to July 4th).  I don't know when I will quit being surprised at how much better I feel after riding.  I guess I have 37 years of denial to make up for.  This week is gonna be busy as we are getting ready for Jman's 4th birthday and all the company that it entails - lots of cleaning coming my way, but I will not skimp on my training...it takes priority.

Yoga and Cycling and Snow Shoveling...Oh My

Wednesday morning we woke up to close to a foot of snow on the ground.  I had a half an hour to get as much shoveling done as I could.  That was a workout.  On Thursday Jeremy and I were home pretty much all day so I did get 40 minutes on the bike.  Today we will be doing yoga together on the wiifit, after nap that is.  I'm forcing a nap today because the little man is insistent on watching Star Wars tonight.  I'm a little worried about the next one (episode 3).  I think it is the darkest of all of them but he's done surprising well with the others.

First ITouch Blog

I am writing from the basement where I just got off the trainer. I've had a fun day with little man and love how I can count on him to get me to the basement. I just can't resist "mommy you can ride your bike while I play trains".

Wii Yoga

Had my first Wii Yoga session today.  I was very pleased with the rankings I got - Yoga Trainer and Yoga Master!  I would have never thought of myself that way.  I am starting to doubt that I will make 100 miles...just seems like waaaaay too much, but I will not give up.  I want to be that amazing story of the woman who in a year and a half went from not being able to ride 5 miles to riding 100.  I'm just a little scared.

Week 1 done

Just got off the bike after 1.5 hours.  Next Sunday I am upping it to 2 hours.  This time I watched the movie 'Chasing Legends'.  What a great film.  I don't see how anyone who watches it can't fall in love with cycling.  It explains the Tour de France following team HTC Columbia, for newbies they explain the strategy and team aspect that most don't know about all while keeping the excitement level up.  BTW I am in love with Mark Cavendish almost as much as Lancelot!

I will be starting yoga on the Wii on my off days - starting tomorrow.

On another note, Jeremy's buddy Reece is coming over to play today and he is sooo excited.  Both boys are out shoveling the driveway right now.  I am Alpha-testing a new FB game called Family Village, it is supposed to be along the line of Farmville and such but with a family history aspect.  I'll let ya'll know what I think.

Almost Sunday

It's Saturday night and I just finished 39 minutes on the bike, getting ready for tomorrow's 1.5 hour ride.  I just feel sooooo much better after a ride - no matter how long it.  I also like how when I ride I just love water!  It is something I have always wanted was to drink more water instead of coke and it is happening.  I wish all my friends could know what a good feeling it is.  Why oh why did I take so long to find my bliss.

Thursday Jan 6th

Today I was scheduled to ride for 30 minutes.  I did 40.  I really like the video!  Robbie took me through some hill intervals...ouch!  After that the video went into stuff a beginner should know like changing tires, bike safety, and what to wear.  I already knew most of it although I haven't had to change a tire yet.  The point I found most interesting was, of course to wear bike shorts, but also to wear nothing under them.  An order to go commando!

Our day in the Mathieu house is also going to consist of starting a 1000 piece train puzzle.  Gotta go get started!

Fun Ride

Just finished 35 minutes on the trainer.  I had been using Robbie Ventura's Race Day training video which I love but decided to also download his Ride 101 video from http://realrides.tv/ and used that one today.  I really like the first 35 minutes and am looking forward to watching the rest.  Thanks to Robbie for putting these videos out!

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays

My MWF's will be my down days.  Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays will be short rides to keep my legs moving.  Today I will ride for 30 min.  The rest of the day will be spent cleaning, researching, and party planning for my little man's 4th bday.  I still can't believe I'm gonna do this.  Last year at this time I couldn't ride a bike for more than 5 minutes...and now I'm getting ready for 100 miles!!!  It was so funny last night to be the one encouraging Jim to keep working out and to press on - "it's always hard to get started".  What a role reversal for us!

The start of the New Year

Well last year in June I bought my Giant Cypress for riding around town.  I didn't realize how addicted I would become and by October I was riding my first organized ride - 30 Mile Blue Water Ramble.  My resolution for this year is to ride the 100 mile BWR.  I am gonna use this blog to keep me accountable.  Yesterday, Sunday Jan 2, I rode on the trainer for an hour and a half.  During the week I will ride short rides but Sundays will be my challenge days.

This blog may contain other items of interest to me including: Genealogy, Astronomy or Tequila...with me you never know what you'll get.