Trying new things.........Am I crazy?

Between work, P90X, training for a half marathon, planning a wedding and at some point taking a shower and sleeping I've decided to try something new, bike racing! As Jem Fromant says(one of Todd's 1000 FB friends) a "proper sport." After having the Cutters stay for 2 weeks, seeing Little 500(and the fact that those women have "proper" butts) and witnessing Libby and Dirk get after it at Ironman Orlando, I just had-ta!

"This is the cool way to relax on your bike"-Todd


I must admit, with the white wedding dress, the idea of a giant scab or sling for a broken collar bone does make me think twice, but I went yesterday for the first time and yes Libby I'm hooked.


For those who don't ride, here is a run down of the correct first day thanks to Todd! I will say I have been spinning for years, some Saturdays for 2 hours. And while that does prepare you in certain aspects, the fixed bike versus the road bike is a whole new world.

Before you get on the bike, you need a few essentials. First a shami! This is basically a nice soft diaper sewn into a pair of hopefully breathable shorts. They should be snug but not cutting off your circulation. Second a helmet, if you think its cool to not wear one you're an idiot and should not ride a bike. Water and a little nutrition before hand is important. I have been running for the better part of 10 years and have never been hungry even after a marathon, but I was starving after my ride. And of course a bike! I'm fortunate enough to have good friends who enjoy sports so Sasha and Libby both offered up. I ended up on Sasha's Synapse Cannondale with pedals that you slide your foot into(vs locking in.) Plan to budget some dinero for this sport and if you cant get the right gear wait until you can. You will be safer, more comfy, and ultimately enjoying yourself.

OK now you are ready somewhat. As I woke yesterday I also put on Bodyglide(thanks for the advise Felicia Regan) and sunscreen, I don't want to work on my "Pro-tan" -Jason Fowler.

We arrived at the boat ramp on Shore Drive. Took the bike's out and began learning. First we pumped up tires. Between 100 and 120 lbs is good(we went 110). This in itself is a new challenge; there are no kick stands on road bikes so its a delicate act of balancing, loosening the seal, pumping and doing it all over again.

Now for some White Lightening! This stuff is awesome. Its a cleaning lubricant. Putting it on is a feat in itself. Hold the bike, turn the pedal backwards and spray at the chain then pat your head, rub your belly and chew gum at the same time........get it?

Mount the bike, couple things. First you never ever put your foot over the top tube, so not cool, you have to swing around the back(first few times I managed to hit the tire, oh yeah looks who's awesome.) Ok now put your foot in, and push off, oh wait this bike weights about 3lbs, and I push down and the whole thing goes down! Needless to say this took some time.

So the next 30 minutes is filled with FAST heartbeats and SLOW mph, I'm talking about 6mph! I was so scared. Coming from the beach cruiser world where your feet do all of the work this was scary. Im 28 years old and have never been on a bike with hand brakes, it was like throwing someone from Arkansas who cant swim in the ocean. To quote Todd "that has to be the worst I have ever seen anyone at the start of a biking adventure and I'm pretty optimistic, but that was bad Heather. Surprisingly by the end you did great, lets pull the trigger on your bike." So after many expletives and some advice from Todd I finished the day having gone 24 miles, average speed about 17mph on the second loop, and hit 22.6 mph.



Check out my "rookie mark."


You finish feeling worked out but not beat up, your lungs are open, the wind is cool, and the views are beautiful! I cant wait to ride again. I went and bought shoes and clip in pedals and another shami already.




So am I crazy, maybe. I was talking with Juan Mas after our 5 mile loop this morning and he pointed out that all bikers get hurt, its expensive and if the novelty wears off well.... While the percentage of hits, falls, and other sillyness is higher(some guy up in Jax was so angry at a biker last week he stabbed the guy), there is less stress fractures, ITB issues, over heating and well, you just dont feel like the pavement beat you up when you finish. As for novelty, with Todd, the Cutters, The Bockels, Libby and Neil and the Regans, I dont think theres a lack of inspiration or people to ride with.


All I know is I went and bought clip in pedals, Diadora shoes, another shami, and gloves of my own and will be riding again Wednesday in the South if not sooner!!!!



GET GET GET

Making a List and Checking it Twice

I'm not sure if Santa is real, but some of the school children riddles certainly provide for a good foundation on proper planning. Being that today is exactly 8 months until the "BIG" day, Ive decided that the next series of posts will concern the devilish details that make this event us.

As some have read on Facebook, the dress has been deposited(60% down, fwew) and we are well on our way. I had a great experience at LOVE Boutique in Jacksonville Beach with Liza as my guide. They have an extensive collection of dresses and a very cute staging area. Some things to know when buying the dress that I found helpful and stumbled upon along the way.

First, go in with some idea of what you like. Go through magazines, look online etc and have an idea. But when you get there be open to what the owners and others have in mind as well. They see a lot of women and are familiar with the dresses. And heck, you're only doing this once right? Try on some crazy stuff too!!! Plan on being there for 2 hours, so if you line up more than one place in a day, give yourself time. Also I dont recommend more than 2 venues in one day.

Next, keep in mind that the dress is based on measurements that are taken now and not after you "lose those few pounds." So the lesson here is be realistic. Don't order a size smaller because you "will fit in", and don't kill yourself to lose a ton of weight. I must make a side note that I actually measured at a size 4 but purchased a size 6. I can always take a dress in, I cant always remove pounds. Plus remember he proposed to you the way you are now, not what he wants you to look like for 4 - 7 hours 9 months from now.

Lastly, think about accessories from the whole perspective from the get-go. What will it look like in photos? How much will my feet hurt? Veil, shoes, jewelry, etc. Keep in mind unless you are doing something hip like red or pink shoes, you don't want mismatched whites!!!! BUT for me I think most of the dyeables were hideous!

With that said, Im extremely excited about my dress. And to add to the excitement, as I flipped through the pages of Martha's 15th Anniversary Wedding Magazine I turned the page and there was MY dress!!!! Being the HUGE Martha Fan I am I feel so honored that I and her staff have like taste.

SO I look forward to sharing the details and hearing every ones thoughts. I did decide to have one attendant and I asked her yesterday at the fitting and she said "yes." Katie Murphy Scales will be assisting me throughout the process, the day of, and without a doubt for years to come. Thank you Katie for being a best friend, confidant, and well, a whole lot of fun!

As I cruised home from Jax Beach back to the Aug yesterday I heard a sentence from a Bob Marley Greatest Hits CD that Id never noticed before. "As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end, One Love" IM sure its from the Bible or such, but he definitely vocalizes it best.
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Latest specs:
To photo booth or not to photo booth, that is the budget question.

I finally decided to do the Honeymoon Wedding Registry. Link to come

Lastly, as I had my car getting an oil change I walked over to Defores, I couldnt take it and put the deposit on the spot! NEVER go to a cake place right before lunch!