12 Days

Twelve days to go. Today is my last clinic day for two months. I have been saying goodbye to clients who will deliver while I am gone. Even though we have three midwives and I don't deliver everyone, I still get to see them at some point after they have the baby. I just want to thank my co-workers for filling in for me while I am gone. Melissa and Rebekah are working extra while I am away. Two strong and experienced midwives. I think everything I do is in sharper focus for me, some sort of hyper sense of awareness. I suppose this is a good thing. I am trying to stay in the moment. When I start to think about what it is I am about to do ,I get a little freaked out. Keith and I rode some laps yesterday evening. I was not at my best. Even if my sprints were not the best I do know I can stay on my bike for long periods of time. Note to self : Stay Focused, don't get distracted, enjoy the process!
Marianne

Work, Work, Work

This is my last week to work before leaving for San Diego. It will be difficult to get any long distance riding in this week. I will try to fill in the gaps with some sprints around Lake Hollingsworth. I was flattered today when a client asked me to ride the cycling portion of a charity triathlon in memory of a young friend of hers that died suddenly while competing last year. This will be something to look forward to when I get home. No excuses!

Kathy's Birthday Ride

What is it that could make a day riding my bike better? Of course riding with friends. My friend of 38 years Kathy Connelly and I turned 50 this month. The tradition with the bike club is for everyone to get together and ride birthday miles. I casually mentioned to the club members that Kathy and I would be doing this on Saturday. Low and behold we had an impressive group ride on our local rail trail from Auburndale to Polk City (not a city at all). After a rendition of happy birthday reverend Keith Stephenson started us off with a prayer of thanks. We have so much to be thankful for. Our beautiful Florida weather, our friends, our bikes and our good health. I would like to introduce some of the members because they are an impressive group. First is Barbara Kelly long time member and board member. Barbara is in her 70's, a retired RN. She has traveled across and around the US and Europe on her bike. She has done at least two cross continental rides. As a matter of fact Barbara has passed her circa 1980 Schwinn she rode to Kathy to begin it's new life. Next we were joined by Mary and Joe Belche. Joe, (in his 80's) is a retired anesthesiologist and his wife Mary a retired RN are from Minnesota. Joe started one of the very first out patient surgical centers in Minnesota. We also had our good friend and former news letter editor Allan Richards. Allan has filled his retirement by volunteering his time to various worthy causes.Cycling has helped him to keep his diabetes in check. At 70 Allan is one of the strongest riders in the club. We are always glad to see board member and resident computer expert Willie Quarles. Willie started cycling on the advise of his doctor as a way to improve his blood pressure and cholesterol readings. Willie has helped me with my training by challenging me to sprints and improving my peddling technique. Theresa Claeys and Greta Macpherson were there with their smiling faces and stimulating conversation. We were delighted to see two members return after overcoming some significant health problems. Donnie English had been riding for years when he noticed he did not have the stamina he once had. When he went to the doctor for a check up it was found he had severe cardiomyopathy. He was shocked to discover he would likely need a heart transplant. He subsequently sought a second opinion. Thankfully the doctors decided he could benefit from a pacemaker/ implantable defibrillator. It has been two weeks since his implant and Donnie is back on his bike and feeling strong. Also back on his bike and looking fit is Bob Markicello. Bob was diagnosed with throat cancer last year. He has just completed several weeks of radiation therapy with a great attitude and good humor. He has been willing to share his story with many of us. He is a true inspiration! We will be praying for a clean bill of health and many more miles on his bike.
When I think of the health issues with our little group and the care and technology that is at our fingertips it also brings to mind the tens of thousands of people in our own country who do not have access to health care. Add to that the numbers world wide who not only do not have access to health care but also struggle to meet their daily needs. As a culture we will be judged by how we treat the weakest members of our society. The Ride for World Health beneficiary Doctors Without Borders does the hard work bringing basic care to the most vulnerable people worldwide. I feel privileged to be a part of helping this organization. PEACE, Marianne

Ride for breakfast

Today was cool and overcast. The group ride from Southgate started at 7:30 as usual. Barbara K. offered me her vest because I did not prepare for the cool morning (she also had a jacket). I had to stop and answer the phone so I had to ride hard to catch up. Not a bad start. We rode to Plant City, Fred's Market for breakfast then home. It was probably 30 miles. My left knee has been acting up. I think it is just a ligament strain. Tomorrow is Kathy's birthday ride. We will do 50 miles on the Van Fleet trail. I think it will be a nice group ; Barbara, Willie, Greta, Bob M. The weather should be breezy and warm. I am very happy to be riding my bike. I spent the rest of the afternoon at HR Block doing the taxes, yuck!

17 Days to Go

My goal with this Blog is to post daily up until I leave. Hopefully while I am on the road we will have access to technology. Running water, flush toilets, electricity! 
It is now less than 3 weeks until I leave for San Diego. My training this week has consisted of the following;
Sun. 3/9 Solidarity ride, moderate pace 41 miles. +7 miles on the loop
Mon. 3/10 (Kathy's birthday) Slow group ride 30 miles with breakfast stop
Tues. 3/11 Crews Lake Road to Bartow 35 some hills moderate pace
Wed. 3/12 Group ride Plant City 35 miles moderate pace
Thurs. My plan is to run Lake Hollingsworth, then go to yoga at noon.
I feel very lucky living in Florida. The rest of the team is having to train in spite of the winter weather. I have no excuses.
I think packing is going well. I am trying to keep things to a minimum but we have to be ready for temperatures from 20* to 90*
There are 6 other vegetarians on the trip. This should make food planning and preparation easier. It is time to get out on the road. PEACE, MP