Lyle Pearson was amazing. That is the ride I've been training for the last couple of weeks. I've been waiting to add a picture of the 8,000 ft summit, but I don't have it yet. So, I will just tell you, it was amazing. It is so much fun to get together with that many people all accomplishing the same goal. The stories and laughter are inspiring. We started at 6:20 am and finished about 7:15 pm. The weather was beautiful, the climbs were hard, and I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday.

This week I started swimming, I mean really swimming. Usually, I just swim the river a couple times before the Spudman and call it good. This year I have the opportunity to learn to swim from some really great swimmers. I went the first time on Thursday, two hours of drills and more drills and more drills. Seriously, today I rode, and had to stop at the bottom of the hill. I was so sore I just couldn't keep up. I had to send the others on their way because I was so tired and sore. It was crazy. I hope that after a couple weeks, I will be over the soreness, and actually be able to swim at least a little faster. Swimming is ......(I am speechless.)

Today I would like to celebrate a very good friend. I am so glad we have reconnected through our love of running. She just finished her first half marathon, and she is nothing short of incredible. Molly, I want to tell you, you are astounding. Thank you for inspiring me to do better. Remember when we were seniors and you gave me  that Bette Midler song, Wind Beneath my Wings, I want you to know that you are my hero. Through your struggles and victories, you help me become a better person. Thank you! You can do hard things!