Climb to the Cramps

The most important training ride that I do every year is an organized ride called Climb to the Clouds. It ranges from 48 to 100 miles, depending on the route you choose. Some of the routes include riding up Mount Wachusett (hence the name of the ride). I did the 60-mile route, which includes the big climb.

At mile 20 or so (beginning of the big climb) I didn't feel strong, but I motored up the hill anyway. But at mile 50, at the last big hill of the ride, my left quad started to cramp. I thought to myself, just push through this - the end is near! Well, I kept pushing, then my right quad started to cramp. Then my left hamstring. Then my right hamstring. Soon both of my legs were on fire! I had to stop, just a few hundred feet from the top of the hill. As I reached my feet for the ground, both legs fully extended and seized up. I couldn't move, and was in excruciating pain! It took a few minutes to just be able to get my feet back on the pedals. Worst. Cramps. Ever!

Ice cream at the end of the ride was amazing!

I've always said that if you finish the Climb to the Clouds, you're ready for the PMC. While I did finish the ride, it put a dent in my confidence. It wasn't a lack of strength that did me in, it was a lack of good nutrition. Luckily, during the PMC, the volunteers pretty much through food and beverages at you, so I'm at a low risk of cramping badly during the PMC. Fingers crossed!

Don't forget to make your cancer-fighting donation! Do it today! Thank you.

The $2,000 in 7 Days Challenge is Back!

It's mid-July - peak PMC training season! Last weekend, Team Kinetic Karma did a 51-mile training ride to visit Maya, our Pedal Partner, at her house. Because she loves unicorns, we all sported colorful unicorn horns on our helmets - she thought we were silly, but she loved it! It was so nice to visit with her and her family, and we can't wait to see her on Day 1 of the PMC at the Pedal Partner rest stop!

Team Kinetic Karma with Maya and her mom and brother!

It's also peak fundraising season! I'm thrilled to announce that my $2,000 in 7 Days Challenge is back! Over the next seven days, I have set a goal to raise $2,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in support of my 14th Pan-Mass Challenge ride. If I meet that goal, I will have raised over $80,000 in my 14 PMCs, thanks to hundreds of donors!

Thanks to a good friend and his generous company, I have an incentive to offer to all of the people who donate over the next seven days. For every $25 that you donate, you'll be put in the running to win a one-night stay at the W Boston Hotel. A great place to stay for a vacation in Boston or for a staycation if you live here! Thanks to John and the W Hotel Boston!

Remember, 100 percent of your donation goes directly to the Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber's fundraising arm, to support  innovative cancer research that is saving lives like Maya's and my team captain, Dave's. The money raised through the PMC is making a huge impact in the fight against cancer. Please make your donation today! Thank you.