Changes Along the Journey

Life makes for changes.  MS definitely makes for changes.

Running at this point generally makes me a bit nauseous.  I am hopeful that starting gabapentine will help reduce this effect that the brainstem lesion from December of last year recede and possibly enable running to resume.  However at this point, running no longer holds enjoyment for me.  It just makes me feel sick.

Thinking upon this, and trying to consider that a change of direction looms (though I have no idea where that direction will take me), I have decided that a change in blog names must coincide.  I am hopeful that this change will actually bring more people "into the game" by taking on a more inclusive attitude.

With that in mind, the blog formerly known as MultiSport vs Multiple Sclerosis, shall now be known as "MY Sport vs Multiple Sclerosis".  Because it really doesn't matter what your sport is - just get out there and do something.  Something is FAR better than nothing.

Thank you to all my supporters through the years and especially most recently.  In just a short time, we've already raised more than $2000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in our fight against MS.  There's still time to donate.  The 2-day, 150 mile ride is this coming weekend, though!

Feel free to pass this link along! 
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS-vs-MS

In the meantime:  get out there and be active!

Working Link!

It came to my attention that the link on the blog didn't function as intended (part of the address got omitted from the hyperlink).

Here is a working link!  Thank you all so much for your kindness and support.  Already donations today are at $600 (started yesterday at $250).  Let's keep it up!  We can break $1000.  And still the 50% matched contribution stands.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS-vs-MS

Thank you all so much!

-c

Short Notice, Next Adventure

Quick post (because time is short!):  

Saturday, August 2nd, I will ride 100 miles along with many folks raising funds (some who also have MS) for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.  They use the funds for research as well as patient support.  Helping those with limited income get the treatment they need but cannot afford.

Sunday, August 3rd, I'll get back on my bike and ride another 50 miles.  That's 150 miles in 2 days.  Please help support the cause.  I hope to raise $1000, and have kick-started things by contributing the first 25% of that.  I will also do a 50% match to all donations up to $1000 out of my own pocket.

I cannot thank you all enough for your support along this road.  More posts are coming, but it has been a very difficult summer with the heat affecting my newest issues far far more than any others.  Possibly facing the end of running in the summer has not encouraged me.  But directing my energy and efforts into what is possible (cycling, in this case) has gotten me back off the couch, and hopefully inspire you to do the same!

Donations can be made here:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS-vs-MS

You all are my inspiration.  Thank you for helping to keep me out there fighting.

The Pictures are In!!

So the pictures are finally in.  Sorry they took so long to post.

 

A look back over T1

 

Thank you Mom and Dad!!!!

 

Looking a bit windy, just 15minutes into the ride

 

A look towards the Fire Mountains en route to El Golfo

 

The salt flats near El Golfo - on a beautiful winding road with 50 cyclists in view ahead

 

The same winding road - second only to the climb to Mirador Del Rio as my favorite of the race.

 

A really cool outcropping just out of El Golfo - still on that cool road.

 

 Greeting at the start of the climb to the Fire Mountains - Timanfaya Man

 

Lava Lava, Everywhere! 

 

  A look back from the top of the climb to the Fire Mountains - a long straight climb

 

By a fan at the same spot

 

Typical view over the center of the island.  Volcanoes everywhere, clouds always in the distance but rarely overhead.   Not a tree in sight (still).

 

Coming into Tequise.  Coffee ahead! 

 

My Barista.  Thank you so much!

 

 

Not a tree to be found on route to Famara

 

 

The Famara Cliffs becoming visible! 

 

 The calm before the climb to Mirador del Haria

 

Looking back to where I took the photo above (center in the distance)

 

Entering Los Valles - we will climb up the valley. 

 

The clouds definitively end as the climbing definitively begins

 

 

THE descent of the day, coming down off Mirador de Haria.  Note the building in the center

 

Standing at that building, looking up at 2 switchbacks, and down the next.  One more to go after that.

 

Climbing out of Haria - all the buildings on the island were white

 

My personal photographers en route to Mirador Del Rio

 

From the van on one side of the climb to Mirador del Rio (on the rock-wall lined, 1.5-lane road)

  

Out the van the other way to Mirador Del Rio on the road of IM Lanzarote

  

Yes, it really is an amazing road from atop 1000+ft cliffs

 

Looking the other way off the cliffs...

  

Last picture of the camera:  A big flag, pretty much straight out.  Yup - it was windy.

 

 

But finally, after some fighting, the end is in sight. 

 

Thank you for following!