running – Just a Girl and a Bike

My secret identity is … yes … I am actually an IT geek. I know that my writing is all about my bike, my adventures, and my journey. But, before I started cycling and spending time in the mountains, I was a computer scientist. This is how I met Stacey. Stacey is the brilliant leader of the security team at one of the companies that I contracted for. She was one of my key stakeholders on multiple projects, and thus, I quickly got to know her as an IT professional. Always strategic, mindful, and very professional, she was one stakeholder that I definitely enjoyed working with.

During our time as work colleagues, I got a glimpse into the many sides of Stacey. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I quickly came to realize that Stacey is quite the endurance athlete. I barely had time to train for one sport. I didn’t know how she balanced a full time professional career, training for three sports, and a family!!! Yes, it did appear to me that Stacey was some sort of superwoman who did it all. Yet, when I asked her if she would have time for a coffee as I was wanting to learn more about how she kept her immune system strong, she didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Continue reading “Powerful, Intelligent and Strong: Stacey” →

{Welcome back my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. Today’s post is about one the fastest, most dedicated athletes I know. And, everyone loves her because she exudes positivity, encouragement and support. If you missed Strength and Spirit, My Warrior Friend be sure to check it out!!!}

The other day, as I finished one of my regular, moderate runs, I glanced at my running watch to see that I had accomplished about 5 km in about 34 minutes. Not bad, fairly consistent – I was happy with that. As I uploaded my data, I browsed around on Facebook, and came across Melissa’s results for the 10 km race she had just finished that morning. She had reached her goal, a personal best, and a time of 39:10 for 10 km!!! Wow, I thought. How does she do that?

finish-line — Melissa full of winning attitude

I am constantly thinking how does she do that when it comes to Melissa. It just seems that she is always accomplishing another amazing win! She has been most known for her running. She has been competing at many distances for a long time. Since I have met her, she has continuously expanded her horizons. She took on the road racing world with a bang. With only two seasons under her belt, she has already moved up a category and has multiple podium finishes. She has taken on cross country skiing with zest, and recently entered the world of cross biking. The whole time, she is chasing down and challenging her equally speedy husband, Reinier, who is clearly the passion of her life. During a recent foot injury when she could not bike or run, she focused on swimming – something that she knew nothing about. She simply looks at something, and does it. Continue reading “Fast and Gracious: Mel the Running Rabbit” →

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. Today’s post is about a very strong, supportive and encouraging person who loves to climb mountains. She has been there riding with me and supporting me for years. If you missed My More Aggressive Twin, or Crazy Wild Infection Positivity, be sure to check them out!}

‘Oh, you are the one that my wife has been following on Strava’. This is the first thing that Karel said to me upon being introduced at one of the local bike races. ‘She would like to go riding with you’, he continued. The rest is history.

The first time I rode with Ania, I was nervous. I had seen some of her riding data, and in every picture she looked so strong, so athletic. Was I really in the same realm?

Continue reading “Racing and Climbing, Fierce and Strong: Ania” →

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. If you missed last week’s post Racing with the Dark Horse, be sure to check it out.}

When I first met the Dark Horse, he led me through a ride that had me digging deep to reach speeds that I didn’t know I could ride at. He was one of the most courteous, professional and talented riders I had ever met. He supported me and pushed me to reach further and ride harder.

There is so much more to the Dark Horse. Continue reading “Who is the Dark Horse” →