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Music Makes the Miles Move
I didn't think they'd say yes...or I would've started training sooner.
As of November 6th, I was thinking about applying. I hesitated because of present financial concerns. By November 16th, I had sorted through my hesitation, toiled over application essays, and scheduled an interview. Already it seemed very real but I worried somehow it would fall through. On December 1st, I got the call. I was invited to be part of the 2010 Southern Tour. Yes, I was thrilled. I spent a few days acclimating myself to this new reality and repeating the phrase, "I'm going to bike across America."
I called home to tell my parents. This was the first they'd heard of it. I expected to meet certain uncertainties. My mom asked, "Are you sure you can do this?" I thought she was referring to my nearsightedness and poor sense of direction. On the contrary, she was asking on account of my having been out of work for several months and the ill health of my mother-in-law. When I told her that I believed God would make a way, she agreed enthusiastically. Dad's witty retort, "Yes, if he [me] can find his way." That I had their support was the greatest surprise.
This Monday, I realized that a week had gone by since I had been accepted and I had only biked two miles on the stationary. I thought about having a guilt trip, but opted instead to commit myself to getting the new week right. I said I'd do at least 3 miles a day preferring to exceed the minimum than fall short of a higher standard and lose momentum. It worked. I wasn't satisfied with the minimum. I was eager to know my limit. Saturday, I decided to see what I could do in an hour. I got 15.2 miles.
I dropped in at Bicycle City this week and met with Alan, the store's owner, and David, a store clerk. They recommended the Fuji Newest 3.0. Upon Alan's insistence and after he aired the tires, I took it out into the parking lot for a test run. I had heard that I should expect to fall off but I didn't. Alan is a smart man because what a seductive ride it was. I stopped short of buying it just yet, wanting to read up more.
Lessons learned:
1. Music makes the miles move. This week I co-opted a Ryan Adam's mix CD for use during my workout. For starters, the sound of me wheezing is almost drowned out entirely. Secondly, it helps me to pace myself.
2. There is no multi-tasking. Every time when I went to get on the bike, I had the idea that I would do some thinking or sing. One day I brought sweet tea to drink. I couldn't drink while biking, so there was no point and then, and then, I knocked the glass over with my elbow.
3. I need to learn better breathing.
Here goes week 2...
As of November 6th, I was thinking about applying. I hesitated because of present financial concerns. By November 16th, I had sorted through my hesitation, toiled over application essays, and scheduled an interview. Already it seemed very real but I worried somehow it would fall through. On December 1st, I got the call. I was invited to be part of the 2010 Southern Tour. Yes, I was thrilled. I spent a few days acclimating myself to this new reality and repeating the phrase, "I'm going to bike across America."
I called home to tell my parents. This was the first they'd heard of it. I expected to meet certain uncertainties. My mom asked, "Are you sure you can do this?" I thought she was referring to my nearsightedness and poor sense of direction. On the contrary, she was asking on account of my having been out of work for several months and the ill health of my mother-in-law. When I told her that I believed God would make a way, she agreed enthusiastically. Dad's witty retort, "Yes, if he [me] can find his way." That I had their support was the greatest surprise.
This Monday, I realized that a week had gone by since I had been accepted and I had only biked two miles on the stationary. I thought about having a guilt trip, but opted instead to commit myself to getting the new week right. I said I'd do at least 3 miles a day preferring to exceed the minimum than fall short of a higher standard and lose momentum. It worked. I wasn't satisfied with the minimum. I was eager to know my limit. Saturday, I decided to see what I could do in an hour. I got 15.2 miles.
I dropped in at Bicycle City this week and met with Alan, the store's owner, and David, a store clerk. They recommended the Fuji Newest 3.0. Upon Alan's insistence and after he aired the tires, I took it out into the parking lot for a test run. I had heard that I should expect to fall off but I didn't. Alan is a smart man because what a seductive ride it was. I stopped short of buying it just yet, wanting to read up more.
Lessons learned:
1. Music makes the miles move. This week I co-opted a Ryan Adam's mix CD for use during my workout. For starters, the sound of me wheezing is almost drowned out entirely. Secondly, it helps me to pace myself.
2. There is no multi-tasking. Every time when I went to get on the bike, I had the idea that I would do some thinking or sing. One day I brought sweet tea to drink. I couldn't drink while biking, so there was no point and then, and then, I knocked the glass over with my elbow.
3. I need to learn better breathing.
Here goes week 2...
Comment
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Comment by Erin White on January 18, 2010 at 5:06pm - Oh 75 cents awesome!!!!
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Comment by Erin McDermott on January 1, 2010 at 5:55pm -
chase!! i just got so excited reading your blog that i yelled out, "yeaaahhh!!!!". haha. everyone wondered what i was doing. haha.
anyway, i just wanted to welcome you to the tour. i cant wait to meet you in san diego. im not on your team but we are starting at the same point, and my team is going up the coast. i did the 08 ride across america and let me tell you it is an experience that will never leave you. it becomes a part of who you are. a big part. and it changes the lives of others while it changes yours. pretty incredible. also, i wanted to tell you that i rode a fuji newest 3.0 on my tour!!! it is the best bike in my opinion, but im biased. haha. UPS ended up losing my bike and most of my gear in the mail when they sent it back to california after the tour. it was a loss that took me a while to greive. because, as you can imagine, your bike becomes a part of you.
so i just wanted to say, welcome. i cant wait to meet you. keep blogging. and be encouraged!! this is going to be a great ride!!!
and i think you should get to fuji. another girl rode the same bike on the 09 tour. you could carry on the tradition!! haha.
congrats, chase!!!
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Comment by Brian Elliott on December 28, 2009 at 3:12pm - Congrats Chase! Good...no Fantastically Amazing times await you!!! You will learn so much through this journey (preparation, training, fundraising, RIDING YOUR BICYCLE ACROSS AMERICA, and reflection). It's an incredible life-changing process. As far as training, if you can, start biking around town to run errands like going to the grocery store (bring a backpack) or wherever you need to go. Just get out and do a little spin everyday to enjoy the nice fresh air! And, being one of four Fuji riders last summer, all of which were named...mine was Cayenne, I highly recommend Fuji. If the wheels on the Newest are prone to becoming untrue then just get a better model or just better wheels. I have a Euro Pro and love it! It held together really well through the summer (except for the rear brakes getting stripped in my frame). I've had my bike for a while though and Fuji actually replaced the frame for free...and gave me a much much much better frame, full carbon! Therefore I love this company! My dad and best friend both have Fuji Newest 2.0 and they both love theirs and don't have problems. Oh, and keep a journal and update it daily because it's super hard to catch up once you get behind. Enjoy the journey and cherish the ride!
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Comment by Chase Livingston on December 21, 2009 at 12:55am -
Thanks, Lisa!
Erin, I'm pretty pumped myself. And the book...is on its way to me. From Half.com I only paid 75 cent.
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Comment by Erin White on December 19, 2009 at 12:01pm
- Chase I am so thrilled that you'll be riding with us this summer!! Tyler's book suggestion is a good one it had a lot of great tips. I would suggest riding a few bikes to compare before buying one. Happy training!
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Comment by Lisa on December 18, 2009 at 8:41pm - So excited for you!!! Congrats!! Don't worry about drinking while biking. It took me till TN to get it down.
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Comment by Chase Livingston on December 15, 2009 at 8:20pm
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@Venture thanks for your enthusiasm!
@Tyler thanks for the advice, that was a big help indeed.
@Jesse thanks for the offer of assistance. I'm sure to need it.
I look forward to talking with all of you more.
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Comment by Jesse Olson on December 14, 2009 at 10:23pm - Congrats on getting in. I hear the south tour is filling up fast. Let me know if I can assist you in anyway. I did ridewell 08. God Bless.
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Comment by Tyler H. Sevlie on December 14, 2009 at 10:23am -
Don't get a Newest...the wheels are crappy. I had to true them all the time last summer. Get a Trek 1.2.
If you like reading, you should check out Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 by Roy Wallack and Bill Katovsky. They have all the tips you'll need to ride, eat, and breathe better.
I'm super excited for you! Have fun training!
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Comment by Venture Expeditions on December 14, 2009 at 7:45am - Thanks for sharing. We'll be following your journey. Really excited for you.
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