Nikewomen NFR Blog

Cruisers

KatieAlbright — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:45:49 GMT

The feeling I get when I'm cruising along Lake Michigan has got to be similar to the feeling a dog has when he sticks his head out the car window. The fresh air blowing in my face, taking in the beautiful scenery, the people watching, there is truly nothing better or more relaxing.

My baby blue beach cruiser has quickly changed my Chicago lifestyle. Having a bike in the city and especially in my neighborhood of Lincoln Park just makes sense; be it riding to work, going to my friends house to just pop in, or running to the farmer's market to pick up some fresh flowers and groceries. I can cover so much more turf compared to walking. Cruiser's comfort, style, and practicality have made them more popular in the past years especially in areas where public transportation in the main mode of travel.

I first fell in love with Cruisers when I spent a summer in Aspen, Colorado. It seemed that everyone in the small mountain town had the brightest, shiniest cruisers with all the bells and whistles...Ranging from a beautiful 1940s vintage cruiser to brand new $600 Cruisers, a good cruiser would stop me dead in my tracks while I admired the bicycle like a piece of Picasso's art work.

So after that summer I decided I had to have a cruiser. Although,I wanted either a rehabbed vintage cruiser or a brand new Electra cruiser, I decided for my first bike to get something more middle of the road. I decided as long as the bike worked and I could put a basket on it, it would be awesome.

So go to your local bike shop today and marvel at the cruisers and take one for a spin!

-Katie Albright

London To Paris Premiere!

MelissaEnaje — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:45:49 GMT

On Thursday evening, October 29, WNW hosted a film preview to those interested in the journey of ten strangers on ten fixed gear bikes, uniting to conquer 200 miles from London to Paris, to the finale of Tour de France, with one goal in mind: do not stop until the final destination.

Yet, my short summary of their unique story does not suffice for the group’s complete package. The chosen ten, dubbed CTRS, come from all walks of life from all over the planet with the common thread of their passion for city cycling.

The audience crammed into the garage sized venue to witness “London to Paris,” a film directed by Grace Ladoja, a dynamic lady who documented each sweat-gripping moment. From the countryside hills of Normandy, where the boys endured 125 miles in one day, to the numerous throwing up sessions, to the flat tires and the finish line, Ladoja captured it all.

Overcoming obstacles such as the ones CTRS faced required a strong “mind over matter” mindset. Of course, a little shoe boost wouldn’t hurt. That’s where Nike teamed up with the cyclists to redesign Nike Zoom Tiempo specifically for their venture. Originally a soccer shoe developed for the LIVESTRONG Collection, the Zoom Tiempo was enhanced with key elements to work for today’s inner city bike rider. Each cyclist had a chance to rep’ their block by designing Zoom Tiempos that were sold for their hometown and only there. We’re talking about from Los Angeles to London and Tokyo.

The film was captivating and fun as we caught a glimpse of what a typical day would have been like with the crew. Their ability to bond over their love of two wheels plus their positive energy was inspiring to say the least. That’s because they looked like freedom riders soaring the unfamiliar terrain and battling it out together, while having tons of fun.

Did they conquer the world? You’ll just have to see for yourself. But don’t take my word for it, Lance Armstrong might be able to put in a good word for CTRS after meeting them at each other’s true finish line. Victory.

-Melissa Enaje

I Came. I TRI’d. I Conquered.

AshleyKoehn — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:35:27 GMT

Have you ever finished a race and felt as though sparks were going to fly?!

Last year, I was a spectator at the largest triathlon in the United States, the Chicago Triathlon. I vowed to myself that I would compete in my first international distance triathlon the following year.

365 days later, it was time. Time to fly!

Sunday morning begin with a 3:30 alarm and drive downtown Chicago. After setting up my bike, helmet, biking shoes, running shoes, bib number belt and water bottles at the transition (how’d I remember all that?!), I joined my team – the Chicago Athletic Triathlon Team – for pre-race tips, encouragement and of course, banana chocolate chip muffins.

Also joining my team was the sun! It was a gorgeous day for the race! three hours later, my wave was ready to begin.

SWIM: During the .93 mile course, Monroe Harbor traded their sailboats for swim caps and broad shoulders. No need for Batman in the Windy City, we all looked like fierce superheroes in our wetsuits. My nerves created fireflies in my stomach and my wetsuit hugged my body like wonder woman. In an instant, the gun went off, and my wave of female athletes morphed into an angry school of fish! I got kicked and was taking arm strokes over swimmer’s backs. Yet, after 50 meters of sprinting, I gained some calm water. Keeping my arm strokes long, I kept a steady pace, exited the water and ran a half-mile to my first transition.

BIKE: For the next 25 miles, Lake Shore Drive shared its cabs with the Chicago Tri! When I jumped on my bike, I felt SO charged! Statistics show that exercising gives you endorphins, but this feeling was electric! I rode two big loops. Going north, the windy city stood up to its name and challenged my pedaling. Yet riding south, I felt like Lance Armstrong himself, whistling by the moving cars with complete ease. I gave myself words of affirmation, “You got it! Come on Ash!” Call me delirious, but these words were bolts of esteem, as the bike course was sparse of spectators.

RUN: The last 6.2 miles was along Chicago’s museums, football stadiums and beaches, ending in Grant Park (think inauguration.) Again, I felt lightening speed and happiness at the beginning of the run! My first mile was greeted with family and friends yelling and cheering! After that, I couldn’t stop smiling. My mood was elevated, and then it was time to pass! Even my Facebook profile explains how one of my favorite things is to pass runners on the lakefront when I train, so my last leg of the tri became a game! Picking up momentum to less than an 8-minute mile pace, I started to pass!

The home stretch was, like I said, electric! Sparks of energy were flying and the finish line was in sight! I picked up the pace, saw my friends and family once again and charged to the end! I placed 16th in my age group and 88th out of 1,300 women. I came. I TRI’d. I conquered (with the help of a little goal and sparks of energy!)

-Ashley Koehn

Get Your Dirt On!

AshleyCeaser — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:40:03 GMT

I had never been dirtier in my life. Every inch of me was covered by mud. I could not see my shoes or even my legs and arms. In fact, I could not touch anything without leaving a trail of mud. I had mud on my face, even in my hair and ears. And the funny thing is I paid money for the experience.

The other month, I participated in a 10K race known as Muddy Buddy. As stated in its name, you and a buddy switch off, as a team, between biking and running (one person starts off running while the other is biking). At designated transition spots, the biker drops the bike and begins running, and the runner picks up the bike and begins riding. But, in order to keep it interesting, both team members must go through obstacles such as a rope crawl, a fence (to climb over) and even a giant inflatable slide before continuing onto the next leg. Finally, before crossing the finish line, the team must crawl on their hands and knees through a huge mud pit. My buddy (or as Muddy Buddy likes to call them--partner in grime) was my youngest sister, Caitlin. We had so much fun and really bonded over the experience. The spectators and fellow participants were enthusiastic, with many racers wearing costumes with decorated helmets and bikes.

The race is open to everyone, ages 16 and up, and racers are grouped according to their combined ages and team type (male/male, female/female or co-ed). If you do not think you are much of racer, do not worry. My sister who had never run more than 2.5 miles had no problem completing the race.

The cost is $150 per team. Moreover, when registering for the race, teams have to opportunity to receive their own customizable website to help raise money to enable Challenged Athletes Foundation to help athletes with physical disabilities. By raising at least $25, the team will receive a gift bag, a meet and greet with a CAF athlete, and other rewards.

Races are taking place in 8 more cities around the country until the end of the year. Check out www.muddybuddy.comfor more details. If you do the race, remember to wear something you’re willing to get some dirt on.

-Ashley Ceaser

It's Not Just A Race

KatieOsborne — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:13:04 GMT

To win a race is most definitely an accomplishment, but to win a race that takes an entire years worth of events, races and points. That is an amazing victory. The Little 500 is a bike race in Bloomington, Indiana that shows determination, dedication and character. However, the great accomplishment is not just a win of a singular bike race, but a culmination of a series events that lead up to the final bike race.

Throughout the length of the school year, over 35 men’s and women’s teams form to compete in the Little 500 series. These series events include, fall cycling, missing outs, team pursuit, individual time trials and qualifications. All of these events collect points for the teams and the winning team overall gets the white jersey for the bike race. But what are these events like and why do you want the white jersey for the race?

To begin, fall cycling is a series event that combines endurance, teamwork and skills into one. The fall cycling event is probably the least watched and known around town because it is so far away from the main race time which is in the spring. Even though this aspect of the series is not seemingly as important, the riders believe this is the beginning to their season and having this event shows how well the team is working together and where improvements need to be made.

Once spring hits, the series events for the Little 500 take off! There are at least spring 4 series events that lead up to race day. Since the teams have been training all winter, the spring series events are to help the teams figure out who the top 4 riders are and who should compete in the race. Because many teams consist of 4-8 riders originally, there has to be a way to help sort. One of the most helpful of the spring series events are individual time trials. This event is exactly how it sounds. The bike race takes place on a 400 meter running track, so each corner is lined with a participant. At the sound of a gun, the riders take off and individual times are taken. This is also a team event because the participants with the top times receive points for their team in the pursuit of the white jersey for race day.

Another unique event that helps teams figure out who their riders should be, while building points leading to the final race is an event called Team Pursuit. The teams have to ride in order, eventually pass their team members, end up at the front and begin the process over again. The fastest team who completes the circuit without losing team members is awarded points towards the final total.

Overall, the Little 500 Bike Race and Series events is a challenging, but rewarding experience. The extensive training and commitment from the riders is motivational and amazing to an outsider. The level of excitement that is created by both the participants and onlookers is something that is hard to explain. And what about the infamous white jersey? That is a way to outwardly display accomplishment, preparation, motivation and teamwork, something that every team strives to achieve.

-Katie Osborne

The LIVESTRONG Challenge: San Jose

AshleyCeaser — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:17:47 GMT

It’s not too often I look forward to waking up at 5:30 a.m. (or even before 10 a.m. for that matter), but participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge was different matter and totally worth it.

Recently, the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s signature event, the LIVESTRONG Challenge, visited San Jose. Unlike most athletic fundraisers, this is not a race; rather it is a ride, walk, or run. No time chip to wear or clock to watch. No competition to gauge yourself against. You do not have to be a serious athlete because there is something for everyone. You can choose between a 10, 20, 45, 70, or 100-mile bike ride and even a 5k walk/run. Since I don’t have a bike, and I love to run, I signed up for the 5k. It was so uplifting at the finish as there was a special line for survivors to cross. Each of them was given a yellow rose by the children volunteers. Particularly moving was the wall of yellow cards filled with dedications and words of inspiration. On this day alone we had more than 3,600 participants and more than $1.3 million was raised.

There were so many amazing, dedicated people involved with our local event. One group of cyclists rode all the way down from Canada to take part in the event. I was so lucky to have met Jere Carpentier, a 3-time cancer survivor who described how she is in the process of getting a bill passed in California that would allow cancer patients to receive the pill form of chemo at the same dollar rate as infused drugs. Recently, it was unanimously passed in the Senate, and will now go to the California Assembly, and then to the floor before finally going to Governor Schwarzenegger.

The Challenge will be coming to Philly on August 23rd, and Austin on October 24th and 25th. If you live in either city (or are willing to travel to them), I recommend joining the cause for a day. Even if you can’t make it, you can still help out by making a donation on Livestrong.org. Ellen Cirigliano, a mentor for the LIVESTRONG San Jose Challenge marketing recruitment (she provides support training for all the volunteers and is also a cancer survivor) also suggested that you can help by clicking on the "Get Involved" button on the website to learn more about grassroots fundraising campaigns and local LIVESTRONG armies. Even if you can afford only to give a few hours a month (in lieu of a dollar donation), it counts because, in the fight against cancer, no amount of help is too small. Game on, cancer!

-Ashley Ceaser

Make Sure To Take ID

DanaFine — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:35:49 GMT

The weather is getting nice and all runners and cyclists are excited to start running outside. Spring is in full bloom and every path is more beautiful than ever before. It is important that before you start your run or bike ride to take identification with you. There are many different options. You can bring your license with you or wear bracelets or anklets with your information.

A company called RoadID makes cute bracelets, anklets and shoe pouches for you to run with. On each item there is a metal plate where you can put your name, phone number and emergency contact information. You can also get some RoadID’s with an emergency button in case you injure yourself or need help. The RoadID’s come in a variety of different colors and sizes to make sure you still look cute on your run.

It is important to enjoy the outdoors while the weather is nice. However, it is more important to stay safe. Don’t think that you will be safe because you are in your neighborhood; always take steps to make it easier in emergencies. Also, you never know the policeman that saves you might be super cute and your RoadID can be a convenient way to give him your number.

-Dana Fine

Kranking It Up

AshleyCeaser — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:35:44 GMT

Imagine an exercise that gives you the great benefits of biking, but is low impact and focuses on upper body rotational exercise (an often neglected part of a fitness routine). Can you imagine what a great cardiovascular and strength-conditioning workout that would be? Well, such a thing exists. Called “kranking," this exercise was designed by the inventor of Spinning, Jonny G. It consists of a stationary hand cycle that utilizes an adjustable, variable-resistance mechanism connected to a floating flywheel. Basically, it is similar to a spin bike except your arms do all the peddling.

After a bit of research to find a class in my area I found that the instructors mix the kranking in with spinning classes. The instructor explained how to use the machine, and proceeded to tell me that if I could do krank for 5 minutes straight, it would be pretty impressive. Only 5 minutes? That's all? I immediately thought no problem. But boy, was I wrong. Kranking is definitely not for the faint of heart. I started off on the spinning bike for 15 minutes and then decided to switch to the krankcycle. Less than a minute later, I knew what my instructor was talking about. Immediately my heart rate jumped and I was nearly out of breath. I felt every muscle in my upper body. After couple more minutes I got back on the bike. 20 minutes later, I decided to try the krankcycle once more. Although it wasn't any easier this time around, I went for 5 minutes alternating from sitting to standing. Finally, for the last 10 minutes, I jumped back on the bike to finish out the class.

Kranking is highly cardiovascular and will definitely keep you in shape. I recommend it if you're looking to change up your cardio fitness routine or build strength and endurance. Kranking classes can be found in various gyms on the east and west coast. Check out www.krankcycle.com for more info.

-Ashley Ceaser

Mountainous Challenge

LanaDonahue — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:49:58 GMT

Recently, I was introduced to the world of mountain biking. Coming from a background of taking spin classes at least once a week with some of the fiercest instructors on the East Coast, I didn't think I was getting myself into much a challenge—boy was I wrong. The trail that I tackled was 8.2 miles in length, that's not counting the hills I had to pedal up and the off course mini-routes I had to take due to fallen trees and oversize puddles. My first ride on the trail was rigorous, long, exhausting and...awesome.

Awesome? Yes. No really, I might be a biking addict. To understand this, allow me to take you back a couple steps. If you ask any of my friends, I am gym fiend. I have been regularly working out at a fitness center for eight years at least five times a week. Over the years, I have tried everything at the gym: treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines, free weights, aerobics, bosu balls...if the equipment is there I have experimented with it. My trails and tribulations have allowed me to develop a go-to routine. While I do mix things up—trying a new fitness class, tackling a different abdominal exercise a co-worker may have tipped me off on or even regressing back to some of the polymeric exercises I was taught during my high school sports years—there is a pattern to my gym experiences. In mountain biking, there is no pattern.

Nature is a natural variable. Not even the trail itself remains a constant factor in the workout. The slightest storm could cause a new route to be formed. While pounding away at the treadmill, I usually get lost in my thoughts. In biking this is just not an option-you have to stay sharp, and focused on the trail because any oversights could result in injury. This really causes you to focus on your workout and the task at hand: maneuvering the bike, shifting the gears to adjust to the different terrains and taking in the beauty of the nature around you. I definitely recommend finding a trail near you—it is quite the experience!

-Lana Donahue

TRI-UMPHANT!!!

meghanbrennan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:21:27 GMT

The shrill sound of the telephone woke me up. It was 4:30am.

"Good morning Miss Brennan, this is your courtesy wake up call. The expected temperature today is 78 degrees and sunny. Have a wonderful day," said the woman on the other end of the phone.

"You've got to be kidding me," I thought, “I just fell asleep." My stomach churned with a mix of hunger and nerves.

After a big bowl of oatmeal, coffee and a bagel with peanut butter, I headed to Key Biscayne. Even the sun was still sleeping.

Although I arrived at the race site in total darkness, the atmosphere was electric. 1500 triathletes buzzed inside the transition area, organizing their multitude of gear. The murmurs and chatters amongst us sounded like the wings of thousands of bees.

1436. That was my bib number. I walked along the rack until I spotted my bike. Now it's time to get all my gear in order.

Wetsuit? Check. Cap and goggles? Check. Towel? Check. Cycling shoes? Check. Helmet? Check. Running shoes, race belt, bib number, water bottle, timing chip, energy goos? Check, check, check, check, check, check and check.

Fast forward.

I'm standing on the beach with 110 female triathletes, ages 39 and under. We're all sporting purple caps. I'm front and center. The horn blares and we are off.

What a rush. The next 2 hours and 58 mins are a whirlwind.

With a good amount of the Virginia Key Bay in my stomach, I emerge from the water dizzy and with only 19 purple caps ahead of me.

My body wanted to walk but I kept a steady jog into the transition area. In my head I walked my self through the transition I had practice plenty of times.

"Unzip wet suit. Arms out. Cap and goggles off. Left leg, right leg. Cycling shoes on. Helmet on. Grab the bike and go."

The bike leg seemed like an eternity. Pro triathletes flew by on my left hand side. I felt like I was on a 2 speed with streamers coming from my handlebars and a basket in front. Everyone else was riding mopeds. The only thing that saved me was a cheer from my parents every time I passed by.

I found my spirit once the bike leg was over. Only 6.2 miles to go! Running shoes on and I was ready to bring it home. With a mile left I picked up and ran hard until I crossed the finish line.

2 hours and 58 minutes later I was still smiling, I was tri-umphant, I was a triathlete!

-Meghan

Barcelona on Wheels

MelissaParrelli — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:08:33 GMT

The adventures of Melissa continue…this time in Spain. I went on a cruise to the Mediterranean and the port we departed from was in Barcelona. But before we set forth on our voyage, seeing the beautiful city was a must. We only had a few hours to spare, so what better and faster way to see Barcelona than on a bicycle? For this shore excursion we signed up for a guided tour that took us to some of the most popular attractions the city had to offer.

After a brief orientation, we headed off on our bicycle ride through the capital of Catalonia. Along the way we passed the Columbus Monument and continued on through Paseo Colon to the waterfront and Olympic Village. We rode around the Parc de Ciutadell and Arc de Triomf, site of an old fort and home today to the Parliament of Catalonia and the Modern Art Museum. The architecture was just amazing, and the landscape was decked out with bright, colorful flowers and vegetation. We ventured down the narrow medieval streets of the historic Barri Gotic, and it was there that I’m surprised I didn’t get lost from the group; the dare devil in me rode with no hands for some time, attempting to snap pictures of the surroundings instead of paying attention turning the sharp corners onto the crowded streets.

But it was all good- I made it in one piece and felt great after getting a workout despite the long flight from Boston, and of course my achy knee. This was definitely an active tour, so if you don’t have your sneakers and comfortable clothes, I would not recommend doing it. I’m sure many touristy places around the world offer similar excursions, so the next time you’re on vacation do something different other than walking around; by biking you’ll not only see more, but you’ll burn more calories too!

Adios Amigos,

Melissa

Fighting The Fever

meghanbrennan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:18:29 GMT

I have a severe case of spring fever and the only remedy is some good,old-fashioned sunshine.

Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm assuming you are familiar with the relentless symptoms of spring fever. But if you aren't a Midwesterner, or from any cold winter climate, you have most likely never suffered from this pesky ailment we call spring fever.

Let me explain.

Come mid February the fever hits. At this point your body is merely trying to warm itself. It's been three months of sub zero temperatures and arctic winds. That's three months too many in my opinion.

The fever precedes the rash. It's an all over body itch, as uncomfortable as the chicken pox. Mom always said, "don't scratch, it will just make it worse." But without calamine lotion to easy the temptation, there is simply no choice.

There is no one-way to best cure or "scratch" this itch. For some it's the smell of barbeque on a Saturday afternoon provides relief. And others, it’s the taste of a bratwurst and crack of the bat on opening day.

The cure is a hefty dose of spring.

While the city of Chicago has one of the best spring seasons around, in my opinion, I simply can't wait until April. My condition is worsening by the day and I’m fearful of what 2 and ½ additional months of winter may do.

So off to Florida I go.

Ahhh Floridahhhh, there I can smell the ocean and feel the warm, salt-water breeze on my skin. As I sit on the plane typing this, I can feel my fever breaking and my body regaining strength.

While Florida will provide a much-needed dose of vitamin D, it will also, and more importantly, provide the ideal climate for training. With 15 days to go until my Miami triathlon it's time I get acclimated to the Florida heat. It’s time I swim in the ocean and bike outdoors. It's time I can smell, feel and taste my triathlon.

Fifteen days of training in Florida, just what the doctor ordered.

See ya next year spring fever.

-Meghan Brennan

Gyms, Expresso and Diabetes

SharonMcmillan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:05:46 GMT

One thing at the top of my list as I adjust to my new Mile High neighborhood in Denver is to find a gym. Choosing a gym can be really exciting but it also seems like a workout in itself. With so many choices, different features, and not to mention prices, selecting the right exercise arena can be a mental marathon!

I started off with my first candidate, Qi (Chee) Kinesis (www.qidenver.com), not only because it is the nearest gym to my house but because it has web-enabled Expresso bikes, which have an online ride-athon, Pedal for Prevention, going on through Saturday. The virtual ride raises money for American Diabetes Association and I strive to participate/be forced to workout, for anything benefiting medical and health research.

After receiving the grand tour of the very modern and trendy remodeled apartment building-turned-gym, I hopped onto one of their high-tech Expresso bikes. Each bike has a video screen and because it is connected to the Internet, you can sign in at any bike and have your account up to date with miles, times, and other personal riding data.

On my personal pledge Web site for Pedal for Prevention, I was realistic and gave myself a goal of riding 15 miles by Saturday. For my first introduction to the virtual riding world, I eased into the "Evening Bliss" tour of 2.5 miles. Steering my handle bars as I virtually turned corners, passing other riders and shifting through my 20-plus gears was almost as cool as their other tour of virtually chasing and capturing dragons in what looked like a Japanese warrior rickshaw. Beyond various levels, exotic locations, being able to track your heart rate, miles per hour, intensity and reading a streaming banner that coaches, "Never give up, never surrender!," the Expresso bike offers the wicked dragon chasing game, manual mode and an option to race others either next to you or in the next state, or to just pedal and watch T.V. like old times.

With sweat dripping down my face and my heart rate near 170, I decided to cool down. With nearly 4 miles under my saddle, I am only more enthused to clip back in and put further miles toward the outstanding program of riding for diabetes research.

Even though I was facing a window that reminded me of how glorious it was outside and how I really rather be actually riding on an actual road with actual wind blowing on my cheeks and knuckles, I thought about how next time I visit Qi and I log in to my account, I want to race either my own ghost (past times and performance) or someone someplace it is too cold to want to ride outside.

To participate in or make a pledge toward Pedal for Prevention, or just find a gym that has Expresso bikes nearest you, go to www.expresso.net

Let me know if you want to race sometime!

-Sharon McMillan

Two Wheels!

TanyaLopez — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:45:36 GMT

Most people remember being young and wanting the same thing for Christmas/ birthday gift. The only purpose of having this exquisite item was to have fun and play with your friends. It took you from the park to the ice cream shop without having to ask your parents for a ride. It gave you the responsibility of an adult and it was the closest thing you could get to a car. You guessed it, a BIKE!

When I was young I was lucky enough to get a brand new bike that changed colors in the sun. I was so excited to ride it I came to the conclusion that I would assemble it myself. After assembling the brakes incorrectly and not being able to correct my mistake, I was no longer able to ride my new bike. I then grew to love the times when I would go to my cousins to ride their bikes. Riding a bike was so easy and fun, it wasn't seen as exercise.

Recently, I was given a second chance to see my childhood dream complete. Instead of getting my very own bike and ruining it in the same week, (resulting in a lawn ornament for the backyard) I was given a brand new bike for my 23rd birthday. Thank God it was already fully assembled. I now had my bike that I so desperately wanted growing up. This time around would be different. I no longer wanted it for the same reasons I did before. After spending six years off a bike, it was not the easy ride I remember. There was one major reason for wanting a bike that I kept hidden until now. I have always been a good athlete in swimming and running, but the lack of a bike kept me from improving that skill. Now that I have one I have decided to train for my first triathlon. I believe that triathlons keep that athletic spirit alive and give you something to look forward to. Being healthy and staying fit are reason enough to workout but if you have that competitive niche that just wont go away, I highly recommend a triathlon. Even though I have yet to compete in one, I believe that the event may also result in new friendships and encouragement for others. You feel good, others feel good!

I have already begun my training by putting my car aside for awhile and biking to and from work. So come on ladies, encourage people to get out there and do an activity that will revive that feeling they had when they played childhood sports and hopefully it will be an awesome domino effect of health and happiness.

-Tanya Lopez