Bike MS 2013

I'm now officially registered for the MS 2013 ride. There was a $20 registration fee up to yesterday, October 4. I figured $20 is not a huge budget buster if I don't make it. Yet it's enough to make me feel committed. Plus now I'll get emails and stuff which will keep the ride on my radar.

It's (appropriately) Helen's fault. She sent me a FB email yesterday telling me about the low registration and the deadline. Maggi sent me an email too but I saw Helen's message first. Here is why I think this is appropriately her fault...

On April 1st 2008, I registered for the Philadelphia Marathon. At the time of registration I had a vague idea that I could do it but no real plan for it. I figured signing up - and telling people I was going to do it - would keep me motivated and I'd have to find a way to make it happen.

Shortly after registering for the marathon, I began searching the Internet looking for training programs and I stumbled upon Helen's blog. She talked about her running group and included a link. I checked out the webpage and signed up. And I finished the Philadelphia Marathon for the first time in November 2008. Around mile 18 or so of the marathon, Helen passed me going the other way - on her back to Philly from Manuyunk. I was struggling. She stopped and ran with me for a few yards - in the opposite direction from where she was headed - giving me encouraging words. I don't remember what she said. It was her action that spoke volumes.

So here I am 5 years later jumping a little blindly into the unknown with a little push from a friend. A good luck omen, perhaps.

I'm still on the fence about registering for Bob Potts Marathon for May 2013. Yet I've gone ahead and committed to a 100 mile bike ride for September 2013?????????

Really? What could I be thinking?

I've finished 4 marathons. One would think that decision should be easier to make.

I've not done more than 20 miles on a bike and I'm leery of riding in packs. So yeah, go ahead sign up! Makes sense, right?

Maybe it's the unknown that gives me courage to sign up anyway? Ignorance is bliss?

Whatever it is, I'm in. http://bikepae.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=20331&pg=entry