From World Kickboxing Champion at age 17 to the first woman to win first place overall in the Race Across America (RAAM) at age 52, Leah Goldstein has lived an extraordinary life marked by grit, perseverance, endurance, and drive.

This is a woman who sets her mind and does whatever it takes to reach her goals. In high school, she dedicated herself to kickboxing. No social life, no drinking, no breaks. She later joined the Israeli Military, becoming an instructor for the Elite commando unit before joining the Special forces. Her next step was to become a professional cyclist. 

In 2005, she endured a high speed crash in the Cascade Classic in Oregon. It nearly ended her life. The doctors told her it would end her career, that she would never get back on her bike again, and that she may not ever be able to walk properly. She promised herself she would recover, and was race ready only 8 months later.

I listened to Leah's fascinating story in this podcast, and encourage you to do the same. In particular, if you have ever been in an endurance race or are thinking about it, she provides valuable insight into what it takes. I had no idea how gruelling RAAM is. This article gives a great synopsis, but I liked hearing Leah tell it herself. When Leah won in 2019, she cycled across the country through the "heat dome." What is normally a punishing race was amplified by extreme temperatures which reached over 120 degrees. Only 3 people were able to finish the race; Leah herself was nearly unable to complete the last few miles. She walked most of the way and got back on her bike to cruise across the finish line hours before her competitors. 

There is nothing I can say to do this justice, you have to hear it for yourself. I kept asking myself, "Could I keep going?" I don't know if I could. I don't know if anyone else could. Leah Goldstein is an absolute legend.

Photo credit: https://leahgoldstein.com/

I loved this perfect protein salad from PCC, and want to share the recipe with you. It is delicious, healthy, and easy to make ahead and take with you. It's also great for vegetarians because it is full of protein!

Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup spelt berries
• 3 cups water
• 2 (14-ounce) cans garbanzo beans
• 1 English cucumber - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/2 bunch green onions, diagonally sliced
• 1/3 bunch parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions
1. Boil spelt berries in water until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and cool.
2. In a salad, bowl mix together cooked spelt, garbanzo beans, diced cucumbers, green peppers, celery, carrots, red onions, green onions and chopped parsley.
3. Mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, salt, basil and garlic; pour over salad, mixing well.

https://www.pccmarkets.com/recipe/pcc-perfect-protein-salad/

Are you a biker looking for a way to track your distance for the #septemberchallenge?
The Love to Ride app will track your miles, help you set goals, and keep you motivated with challenges and prizes.

I love biking and anything that promotes more people getting out there to ride. Find out more and sign up today:
https://www.lovetoride.net/usa?locale=en-US

A marathon. It can sound so impossible, so daunting. If September's fitness challenge has got you feeling intimidated, or if you are hesitating to give it a shot, think about this: 1 mile a day. 1 mile a day will get you beyond the 26.2 mile mark in one month.

Like anything in life, commitment and consistency will get you further than you ever thought possible. Bike to work or to the grocery store instead of driving. Walk your dog. Hop on a rower. Take your phone with you and turn on an app that tracks your fitness. Do whatever strikes your fancy, just commit to doing something every day this month. It might feel hard or unnatural at first, but you will build momentum. You may even find yourself looking forward to tomorrow's mile, or opting for the stairs over the elevator more often.

Another tip: friends make it fun! We are social beings. Take the challenge on with one or more friends. Not only will you be moving toward your marathon goal, you will be thankful for the planned social time with your friends, which is sure to make the activities you share more enjoyable. Strengthen your relationships, strengthen your body!

Comment below or post your progress and your ideas for reaching your marathon goal! @septemberfitnesschallenge

Today I got on the rower and logged just over 1 mile. It didn't even take 10 minutes and it felt great! It never ceases to amaze me how even a short period of physical activity can elevate my mood. I might do it again tomorrow, or I might switch over to a bike ride or run. 

Post your progress and thoughts about the Marathon Challenge @septemberfitnesschallenge
Get out there and have fun!