6 weeks ’till MS Ride to the River. Gulp!

I have 6 weeks to prepare for the MS Ride to the River, a two-day, 175-mile bicycle ride from San Antonio to New Braunfels and back benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This morning I rode and had a wake-up call to really get in gear so as to not be miserable for the ride in October. I sputtered to average 14.8 mph for the 35 miles. Typically I average about 16 mph. But that’s when I am in the habit of riding. It has been all summer since I’ve been on a bike, so I’m a little out of practice.

This spring, when the first day of the MS 150 from Houston to Austin was cancelled, my husband and I immediately signed up for this ride. We were disappointed to miss the full two-day riding experience. I think we might have jumped the gun a bit, though… the summer doesn’t hold many training opportunities for either of us and it is just plain H-O-T here in Houston.

But we’re in. And I plan to make the most of it.

I love to ride and I’m not going to let my lack of training get the best of me. I just need a really good (and realistic) training plan for the days ahead and lots of prayer… LOTS of prayer. I think the prayer is critical. That’s what took me through my first MS 150, and that’s going to have to be what carries me though this time, as well.

So—I’m calling on you here.

Although I haven’t been the best at blogging or training lately, I promise to get back in the swing of both.

And will you support me in prayer? I would love prayers for excellent, confidence-building rides that yield insightful prayer-time (Hey, if I’m asking, I’m gonna really ask for what I want!) and I’d also like prayers for strength, endurance, peace and safety for my husband, me and all the other riders participating. And if I could ask for a bit more, could you also pray for all those impacted by MS? Just lift them all up and ask for the Lord’s comfort for all those suffering from its devastating effects, if you would.

Thanks. I hope you don’t mind me asking.

I promise to keep you posted.

And if I can pray for you for anything, please do share and I will pray for you as I cycle away (faster and faster, I hope!!)