Doing the RSVP and setting monthly goals!

Last month, I completed the RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party bike ride), which fulfilled a commitment that I made to a friend last year while training together. There were 7 of us on our team, but one bailed at the last minute after a torrential downpour on the morning of the race. I'm not gonna lie, it crossed my mind, too... But I had already committed and trained since April for this thing. I was not about to NOT do it! I was so glad when we finished day 1.

We started the ride at 6:30 am and it dumped- I'm talking like water slapping my face for about 75 miles- all the way until 2pm . I wanted to take pictures of the lake, the rockery in Bellingham, and the beautiful cloud cover over mountains,  but because of the water, my phone didn't recognize my finger, nor my face, and then I managed to lock myself completely out 3 times. So, I stopped trying and just focused on being in the moment. And of course I hoped that the others got some good shots. The sun finally managed to come out around 4:30 pm and we were so very glad to be done riding after racking up 115miles that day. We ended the day soaking our muscles in the hotel hot tub and feasting at an awesome Mexican restaurant, the perfect reward for our efforts.

After an early night in and a great sleep, we started back out at 6:45 am for day 2. Thank god is was only 85 miles and that the weather was perfect for riding,  slightly overcast but no rain. The sun came out around noon, and the rest of the ride was beautiful. I loved all the energy in our group, and enjoyed the delicious food that we packed for the stops along the way. There is nothing like a good hot meal after eating snack foods for 80% of the day. I ended up having real meals at least 3 times each day, which helped after burning 3,000 calories each day. 

We finished around 2:45 pm at David Lam park- right by the water in Vancouver, BC, on Sunday. I enjoyed tacos and kombucha right at the finish line. Then I showered and went out for a great sushi meal to celebrate! Thank you all for your support Josh, Amy's other half, for the support along the way, and Kirsten for taking the train up to Vancouver to celebrate with us. What a blast!   

The start of the race was tough, and there were some hard miles. But once the storm passed, it got easier. There were some moments I wouldn't have wanted to miss. The food and the hot tub felt even more amazing because of what it took to get there. I also cherished the camaraderie and shared highs and lows of the race. It wasn't fun at every moment, but I walked away feeling satisfied and proud of myself and my team. That's why I keep doing these races. Training gives me a goal and weekly milestones to meet. It gets and keeps me in shape to enjoy and do much more in life! The group and community inspires me to stay on it  - and I love catching up with friends!

My message to you is - don't be afraid to try new things, and keep trying until you find what works for you! And remember to bring a friend along. 
 
Next month, I am heading away on a trip; stayed tuned to see how it goes. Until then, comment below or reach out if you want to plan or get in on the next fitness fun adventure.