By Noon on April 8, 2018, I was standing at the third rest stop of the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego, pondering the suffering I had done at only 62-miles in. At 5,200 feet of the near 6,300 feet of climbing completed, it was 90F and I felt spent. Questioning what part of this was supposed to be "fun." I hail from the flatland where it is difficult to do 5200 feet of climbing in several hundred miles let along 100.
Then I thought about the Challenged Athletes Foundation - Operation Rebound that this event benefits. All the individuals who have given, and lost, so much. Many who only wish they could take on this challenge. What would they think? I pushed on and finished the ride knowing I beat the urge to quit when so many others can't quit their life situation. I checked it off the bucket list and headed back to the flatland.
Then on the flight home I had a chance to think about it and how I could do it better.
This year, I am taking on the challenge again and this time working to raise funds. I hope everyone who reads this pauses for a second, considers all the things they are thankful for and willingly donates to help this great organization. Even a little will mean a lot.
For my part, I promise to finish. This time: No doubts.