Saturday, February 20, 2010

Close to Heart (3rd and last indoor sim ride) - 2/19/2010


It was a tough ride last night, not really physically, but for sure mentally. After the 12-hr sim ride about 5 weeks ago, I thought riding 8 hours should be a piece of cake -- not really. Many if not all emotions surfaced, ups and downs, even when all the lights at the Trailhead shop were being turned on, videos were being played -- I realized that I was out in the world by myself, for a "long" period of time. That's what sim rides helped me reveal. I asked why, I looked for distractions, I searched for things to lean on, I questioned everything I believed in -- I came to a conclusion that I had absolutely no idea how soul-searching meant to a few who took the journey before me -- even though last night's ride was not that long of a ride relatively.

Then, I heard the door bells, saw the familiar faces and voices, even a friend who just came back from a long absence to serve the country, even an old friend whom I traveled to Kenya for her missonary family in 1999, and a Boston-bound marathon runner, and downhill/uphill skiers. My heart was lightened up. I felt I was smiling. I was excited once again. Those nasty tiredness, sleepiness, off-balance feelings all disappeared...

The following message not only is written to thank those who lifted me up, but also to share what "close to heart" meant.
Paul S., you'll gain your strength on your bike over the time like I went through last night.
Carol R., your family and venture stories have always lightened my spirit.
Melinda S., the road ahead is very challenging. I'll pray for you, and nothing can put you down.
Pam/Larry S., thanks for lightening my journey and helping me carry the Team Strong Heart torch in 2010 RAAM and years to come.
Steve C., for all those whose hearts have been touched by you, I want to thank you for everything you have done for many many people. I'm very lucky to have a friend like you.
Kate D., even though 11 years have pased since our trip to Kenya, the spirits from the Masai world have been engraved in me. Thanks for letting me be in that innocent yet uplifing part of the world.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Cross Training -- Mora Vasaloppet xc skiing (2/14/2010)


Living in Minnesota to train for a spring marathon or Ironman triathlon endurance sport has been considered a disadvantage to many and those who do not live in the snow/ice north country, so as for training the RAAM held in June. I found it not exactly a disadvantage, as long as you find alternative endurance sports, such as xc skiing, to train and stay in shape. With that mentality and training plan, one can not only come through some of the toughest winters, but also enjoy winter cross training/xc skiing.

So, on Sunday (2/14/2010), I joined hundreds of local xc skiers and skied my favorate Mora Vasaloppet to also memorize the late King Vasa of USA (the symbol of Mora Vasaloppet) who passed away the very same day last year. Little did I know, GOD had a plan for me to get through this race -- within 500 feet from the start of the 58Km race, someone stepped on my left pole and broke the pole. All that was going through my mind was: I still got two legs/skis and my right arm/pole; and this could be great for building legs for RAAM. After soloing about an hour, I started to see skiers ahead of me, and they gave me the loudest cheers after I passed them. And, just before the finish line, I saw a kid of probably 5 or 6 years old who was skiing ahead of me in his 13km race. I wanted to give him a huge hug -- He made my day -- I was not soloing at all.

Also, congratulations to a few local club cyclists who also raced Mora Vasaloppet: Diane Hemstad, Andrea Potyondy-Smith, RJ Ochman. Great race!!!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Recap on RAAM seminar (1/23/2010); TSH/Velo Viet groups training 6-hr ride (1/30/2010)











































1) Thank you note:
A week after I got back from the RAAM rider/crew seminar in Sacramento, CA, I realized that RAAM is never a solo effort. At the seminar, a soloist's crew member asked me during the lunch break, "You look so calm, aren't you nervous after hearing all that?" I said no, "I have many friends and supporters back home to help Team Strong Heart for something very special. I'm not scared at all." Within last week, Silent Sports Foundation received over $1,000 individual donations. Thank you.

2) Training note:
I thought spinning 6 hrs after the 12-hr sim ride on 1/16/2010 would be easier and 1/2 effort. Yes, and no. The length of time is obviously much shorter, which still allows me to test out a few more products, but the intensity feels like someone once told me about how he felt after crossing the Mississippi River, i.e. about 1,000 miles left to go (about 2/3 through), and the adrenaline just kicks in again. Thanks to the Velo Viet HPTeam members (Quang, Craig, Mark, Karen, Greg, Jorge, Jody, John, (I know I missed at least one more name), and those who drove all the way but got stopped by a local fitness club's bad policy/judgment/unfriendliness..., otherwise, TSH/Neil and VV/Brian)...I'm very thankful to be able to meet friends, ride fun and with the intensity standard they set out.

My next sim ride will be just prior to the V-day, Feb. 13-14, @ 9pm-5am, i.e. a night sim ride (indoor spin 8 hrs, location TBD). If you are interested in riding it or riding a part of it, please drop me an email at xu.amy@dorsey.com. Hope to see you then.