A year and a half ago, a friend of mine undertook the incredible feat of riding her bike in the Jack and Back, (a two day bike ride for MS).  The same day she began biking, I thought I was doing well handing out water at the half marathon that passes my house.  My aunt had just died with MS, having tought me valuable lessons in living life to the fullest. So I was running my mouth, and made a promise that I would ride with my friend in 2010.  About this time last year I had a reality check, SHE REMEMBERED, and she wasn’t going to let me wiggle out of it either.  So it began…

For my anniversary in May, my husband bought me a bike and I started peddling.  I kinda thought I was training, but I had no idea what I was in for.  For my friend, Jenny, there was never a doubt that she would finish, but I wasn’t sure I knew how to finish anything.  Two days before the bike ride last October, I started getting sick.  I ended up trying to bike with bronchitis, and pretty much walked up any hills I came across.  I did OK, for my condiditon, and made it about half of the way there before waving my white flag.  However, there was still a Back to contend with, and that did not even get off the ground.  I spent the second day cheering on all of the bikers as they crossed the finish line, and knowing that I would probably always be happier cheering on the inspirational people rather than being one.  I did decide that I could not let this one beat me, before I earn the right to cheer from the sidelines, I have to cross the finish line.  I may not know how to finish, but I do understand that I cannot finish if I don’t keep trying.

I had not touched my bike since that day four months ago when I parked it, but today I got back on.  It was a familiar feeling, and not in a good way.  I almost immediately felt my lungs caving in, but I rode through it.  I didn’t ride long or hard, but I rode.  Sadly, I know that I lost every ounce of conditioning that I may have had, but I have plenty of time if I decide to use it.  The question for this year is, will I still prefer the sidelines after I know how good it feels to cross the finish line?