Last weekend I asked for you to pray for me as I faced a 68-mile hilly training ride called the Bluebonnet Express.
In the past, the Bluebonnet Express has been one of my favorite training rides for the MS 150 and last week, although much more challenging than I expected, it remained a favorite.
I almost always pray at the beginning of a ride and ask the Lord to give me a confidence-building ride. And every single time I ask for that He delivers… often with some challenges along the way. Sunday was no exception.
I started out strong, riding with my husband and our friend Steven. Steven is the one who got us into this whole cycling thing in the first place and I love riding with him… except for the fact that he is a much stronger rider than I am. And a few miles in, that showed and I couldn’t keep up with his pace.
I decided not to be discouraged, though, and continued pedaling along at my own pace, enjoying the ride and being thankful that I could be there at all.
And then we turned right. And then I could really feel the headwind. And it was so very, very strong.
When I rode in the MS 150 in 2008, I faced very strong headwinds on the very same road. And last Sunday I had many flashbacks of the struggles I faced pedaling into strong wings, feeling as though I was cycling at a snail’s pace despite all my efforts.
The ride was tough. The wind was strong. And the hills were plentiful.
I just plugged along as best I could and once I really realized that the route was not going to change and the winds were not going to die down, I had a change of heart. I stopped allowing the wind to keep me down and instead I just laughed my way (as best I could) through it all. And I thanked God for allowing me to take part in such a ride and thanked him for giving me a confidence-building ride. And that’s just what he gave me.
It was a struggle, but I kept to it.
Then, for the last 7 miles or so of the ride, the wind was with us and I was determined to make the most of it. I used all the energy I could muster to cycle as fast as I possibly could. And I flew (for me, anyway.) And when I saw the finish ahead I had a jolt of excitement and pride. I knew I would finish strong and I was very excited about that.
Back in the car, my husband asked me this question:
“What has made you more proud: Seeing that stadium and knowing you had accomplished that ride or knowing that you’ve helped so many read the Bible in 90 days?” (This was on Day 87 of the Bible in 90 Days.)
No question there. Yes, I am raising money and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and changing lives in the process. But I am also impacting lives for eternity through the Bible in 90 Days. And I couldn’t be more honored to be used in that way.
Last Sunday was an amazingly tough ride… but it definitely grew my confidence. I feel ready for the hills and distance of the 180-mile ride to Austin in two weeks.
I wonder what the preparation of reading the Bible in 90 days is doing for those who read with me. I’m glad He’s getting us ready.
Yesterday my husband and I conquered our last big training experience before the MS 150 and I was amazed at what a positive experience I had again. I’ll try to share about the hills of Bastrop in the next few days…
PS I’ll be updating my MomsToolbox Facebook FanPage throughout the MS 150 ride April 17 & 18 at each stop I take. If you’d like to follow my progress, please fan me. Encouraging comments and prayers are always welcome (And needed)!!
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