Astrid got some admiration. The RAAM race official was also super impressed that I had only been riding for two years. He was a really nice man and the whole event was fantastic; well run and such friendly people.
Some highlights. The car full of men who drove by shouting hooray! And good job! And pumping their fists in the air. The llama farm. The Hindu temple. The farmer standing in his driveway who gave me a thumb’s up. All the cyclists out for a casual ride who waved. The older couple out for a walk down the hill I was panting up who smiled and said, you must be a glutton for punishment – they had no idea. The beautiful rivers I crossed and lakes I went by. Seeing Bookman at the second aid station that he volunteered to staff. Seeing Bookman at the third aid station because he was worried I had gotten caught in a downpour and he brought me dry clothes just in case. Five of us cycling together for almost the first
50 miles, laughing and sharing jokes. My Garmin battery going dead with 5 miles to go and my just-in-case cue sheets coming in handy to get me the last little way. The song playing on my iPod shuffle as I rolled across the finish line: I Will Survive. Could not have planned that one better! Crossing the finish line.Yesterday in the midst of it all I had decided I would never, ever do that again. Today, a little stiff and a lot tired, I’m thinking, well maybe.
The Dashwoods continue to get Japanese beetle snacks nearly everyday. You’d think there would eventually be less of them but they seem to like living dangerously and keep coming to my garden to take their chances on being eaten by a chicken.
The bush cherries are coming ripe. So far I have picked one small bowl and one medium sized bowl and there are still lots and lots of bowls on the bushes.
I picked two carrots today. I have never been able to grow a carrot and at last I have. I suppose it was just a matter of finding the right place and the right variety.
And, it is sunflower season! Every time I look out my deck window and see them, I can’t help but smile. Sunflowers do that.
Congratulations, that is some achievement. Your leg muscles must be amazing!
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Congratulations. This is an impressive accomplishment.
It is always a good thing when the weather cooperates.
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Congratulations 🎉 on an amazing accomplishment. Well done !!
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I love sunflowers. So does the local deer herd, though, so I can never grow any in our yard.
In Spain we saw fields and fields of them. they were glorious.
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Congratu-freakin’-lations!! That is AMAZING!! And what an incredible experience! My butt and legs are sore just thinking about it!
What is your recovery like?
And isn’t it funny how during things like that you are constantly questioning why you would ever do something like it, then afterwards you’re like, “I’d do it again.” It’s like childbirth. LOL!
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Thanks Bree! Recovery involved a day off the bike, a date with the foam roller and some easy yoga, the second day was an easy recovery spin on the trainer – low resistance high cadence, and now easing back into regular workouts. Foodwise, lots of high protein meals that also include anti-inflammatory foods like chia, flax, broccoli, beets, and nuts
And LOL, yeah one of those things like childbirth – never again and not long after you suddenly forget the never part 🙂
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Thanks! That’s great info ❤
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SO SO awesome, Stefanie! Congratulations! 13-hours in incredible indeed. You inspire me. 🙂
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Hooray! What an amazing thing to do in such a short learning time.
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Congratulations, Stefanie! That’s quite a feat. So proud to know you!
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Hooray! Job very well done and what a nice Bookman to look after you so well! All the rest of your rides this season will be a piece of cake in comparison!
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that took a lot of mental stamina not just physical. what an achievement
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Well Done!!!
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Amazing. Congratulations!
And congrats on your carrots!
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Congratulations! That’s really excellent 🙂
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Wow, Stefanie, that’s amazing (and Astrid does indeed look beautiful). I’ve super impressed. I can’t imagine ever committing to such an endurance activity. You people are a different breed and I bow down before you.
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