Ego is my copilot

Next weekend I'll travel with my bike and gear to tackle the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park.

It has been almost two years since I've seriously ridden a mountain bike. In fact, last weekend I took my new Specialized MTB for its christening run and succeeded in also providing the bike with it's christening crash (my new body mechanics are seriously messing with my center of balance --- clumsiness ensues).

I know my legs are not at peak performance, but I'm going on this trip anyway. I've had a couple of friends ask me how I'm going to ride 100 miles of trail when I am admittedly not quite ready.

The answer is this. I'm counting on my ego to keep my pedals going in circles while we ride along the desert floor.

I live to succeed and am powered by the drive to win. However, if I am not able to ride the entire length of the trail, I will take comfort in the fact that I have challenged myself to ride farther than I've ever ridden before.

Built to last

This is it.

Left leg upgrade is now complete. It was January last year when this adventure began. I think of the whirlwind of emotions, complications and victories that have filled me since my decision to have the hip replaced and I'm finally able to look back and say, "Yup, I'm glad I did that."

However, with great upgrades, come great responsibility.

The other day while driving to the grocery store I noticed a man struggling to limp across the crosswalk in front of my car. I silently reminded myself I have been given a remarkable opportunity that freed me from my battle with pain - I need to not take it for granted. But I have, because I know I can do more.

So I'm writing this note to myself...

Dear Self,


Push more! Stop talking about all of the activities you want to do and DO THEM. Finish building the foundation you need to overcome your fear and get back into the activities you love. You have the green light to do whatever you feel you can physically tolerate, so get out there and hit it. You are stronger than you think and are not going to get hurt again. If you don't - you're letting it all go to waste.

Thank you,
Ms. Back-to-Badass-Dani