We are in the home stretch of our training. It has been a roller coaster experience. I'll admit it. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. Kuddos to all Team In Training Coaches out there who have been through what Jon and I have been through. It's one thing to train for something as a participant; it's a whole different experience training other people.

Our TEAM has been AMAZING. We started with 13 completely unique individuals with different reasons for joining, and different goals to acheive. Unfortunately, that is also what made it so hard! We are finishing up the season with 11 of us recommited for our events. For the past FIVE MONTHS, I have spent all of my Saturdays dedicated to the TEAM, part of my Sundays researching route options for the following weekend, and probably a quarter of my Mondays writing my email to the TEAM with all the upcoming training details (location, time, mileage, tips, and fundraising reminders). That is a lot of time I've spent on this "side project."

Today I sent my LAST Training email for the Tahoe Team (the 9 of us training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride). Next week's email will be a quick recap of what to expect while we're in Tahoe, and a reminder for our two Harpeth riders about their mileage goals while we're away. When we return from Tahoe, we'll still ride together, and keep the Harpeth Riders on track for their Harpeth River Ride, but it'll be easier... less complicated. It'll be a big releif, but also weird that this experience is coming to an end.

Yes. It might be coming to an end, but it's FAR FROM OVER. Each of our teammates have until late June to complete our fundraising, uncluding myself.

I still have $1,145 to go.

Since the beginning, I've said that I don't want ANYTHING for my 30th Birthday (which is coming up THIS FRIDAY) except for a donation to my page. I'm not having a 30th Birthday Party, and I'm not expecting any presents. I decided to join Team In Training slightly after my 28th Birthday, and am wrapping up my third season. This will be my last season for a long time. Consider mading a donation to my page, in honor of my Birthday, and help get me to America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

$1 would be better than nothing
$5 would be great!
$10 would be fanstastic!
$30 would be symbolic.
$50 would be more than I could expect.
$100 would be unbelievable!

Thanks for being a supporter!

I'm in this video! I remember making a long time ago (maybe 2009). Back then I didn't even ride a bike. I was scared to death of cycling, and the one time I actually attempted commuting to work from my Grandma's house in Nashville, I did it on a kids walmart mountain bike. I was so exchaused by the time I got to 12 South that I called my boss and asked her to come pick me up!! I learned about hang signals and proper helmet fit IN THE PROCESS of filming this video. Talk about a blast from the past!

It is a really good video, with accurate and detailed information. Check it out!

I have finally named my bike! It took over 1,200 miles for it to happen, but it finally happened! I was filling out my recommitment paperwork for Team In Training, and in one section I had to write down the make, model and value of my bike for insurance purposes. I went to write down "2013 Novara Carema," and almost accidentally wrote "carma." Then I thought, "Hey! Karma!" It's the perfect name for my bike! So long as I treat her right, am curteous to the vehciles I share the road with, take care of my bike's mechanical needs, and continue to pedal for a cause, I'll have a "Good, Karma."

If ever I fall or get into an accident, I can always blame it on a "Bad, Karma!" She can take all the glory, and all the blame; I'll just keep on riding with her, anyway.

On the training front, things are moving really fast now! Today is the recommitment deadline for teammates going to Lake Tahoe. It looks like we'll have 9 of us traveling! I'm so excited! Once all the paperwork is in, it'll be crunch time for coordinating flights, booking rental cars, confirming hotel arrangements, ordering Team Jerseys, getting in the 60-90 mile long training rides, and MOST IMPORTANT wrapping up our fundraising. The next next 6 weeks are going to seem like a blur!

My page does not yet reflect it, but I'm pretty sure that with the money coming it from HCA and family, I have already reached my fundraising minimum! That means it's time to start helping out my Teammates. If it's on your to-do list to make a donation towards this cause (and get yourself some good karma, too!), please head over to our TEAM PAGE to see an update on which Teammates still need a little extra help!

Also, if you live in the Greater Nashville Area, please print off the flier below, and bring it to Ruby Tuesday- Brentwood, on April 18th, 19th, or 20th. They are donating 20% of all orders placed when this flier is presented to the server/bar tender.

This is my first real blog post since February. I am so impressed with our Cycle Team. Nearly all of us have been cycling for less than one year, and this weekend we are about to conquer a 50 Mile ride, followed by a HUGE fundraising event that we've been working on for months (http://TeamWheelCrazy.isinTraining.org for full updated details!). Things are really piecing together, but it hasn't been without struggle. We have several teammates who come out every Saturday, and roll out their long miles, even though they are SCARED TO DEATH of sharing the road with vehicles. Not to mention, Spring is here, but nearly every morning we've had to start our rides in sub 40 degree temperatures. Last Saturday I had the team scheduled for "Hill Training" on the Natchez Trace, and we were welcomed by the morning with rain all day long. The temperature seemed tolerable (about 57 degrees), but it continued to drop as the day went on. By Noon we were drenched to the bone, and the temperature had fallen to 45 degrees. This was the first bike ride that I couldn't finish my workout. I had to get picked up by a fellow teammate only 2 miles from the end, because my feet and hands were so cold; I was becoming delusional.

This photo was before the ride. There were fewer smiles at the end!

On Sunday, I woke up with aches all over my body, and dreaded posting a 25 Mile Road Bike Ride on the Team Green Adventures website (as a way to prevent me from skipping my Sunday training). Then, I looked out the window and couldn't be more excited. It was finally spring! The sky was clear, the bushes had small green leaves and white flowers blooming from them, and my bike chain was sparkling clean after my post-rain-ride maintanence the day before. I was rejuvinated! I met up with 3 great Team Greeners who were just as excited to see the scenic blooming countryside as I was, and had THE MOST BEAUTIFUL bike ride I have ever been on. Pastures were full of galloping horses, sunlight glissened off the creek waters, and there was hardly a single car on the road. I rode hard and fast (averaging 13.7 mph) and got in a better workout than I ever would have achieved alone. On my way home (via bike, of course), I glanced down at my bike computer and saw this...

This looks like 111.1 miles, but it actually reads 1,111 miles!

Today I realized that I am exactly 2 months away from America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. I also realized that I have put in hours upon hours upon hours of time, planning, and saddle time with the TEAM to get them prepared for Ride Weekend, but I have not been raising the funds that I need to get myself there. I do have about $500 coming my way that needs to be deposited. Jon and I also earn a small wage as Coaches for Team In Training, but 100% of that money is going back to this fundraising page. I also hope to raise another $1,500 at the Flavors of Living event this weekend. However, even after all of that, I will still be $1,000 short of my fundraising goal. If you have ever considered making a donation to my page, please do so right now, while you're here on my page! Any amount will do!

Below are a few reasons to considering donating right now. If you do make a donation, in the "comment" section of your donation, let me know which of the reasons you chose!

1. You have a friend or family member who has passed away of this horrible horrible disease and you want LLS to continue researching so that others don't have to suffer as much in the future
2. You, a friend, or family member has survived this horrible horrible disease, thanks in part to the treatments funded by LLS over the past 25 years.
3. You don't know a single person affected by blood cancers (or any cancer at all), but you look to your own future, and the future of your friends and family, and you want to make sure better treatments are available if (god forbid) it's ever needed.
4. You have found inspiration in my blogs/training over the past year and a half, and want to show that you support my efforts thusfar
5. You are sick of all my updates, and training, and wish that this season would hurry up and finish, so I might actually take a break! (Which, by the way, I will... even though cancer patients don't get to take a break).

EVENT DETAILS

Come taste the Flavors of Living: Swim, Bike, Run, Paddle, Hike, Climb! Entry to this event gets you complimentary food and beverage samples, access to free demonstrations and amazing discounts at vendor booths, plus a chance to participate in the most "Active" Silent Auction to benefit LLS, featuring outfitters, clothing, and gear stores all closely connected to the theme of active living! 100% of proceeds from this event benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society via our Team In Training Century Cycle Team, in our effort to raise money for LLS while training to ride 100 miles at America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe.

When: Sunday, April 6th from 1-4pm
Where: Hilton Garden Inn- Cool Springs
9150 Carothers Parkway
Franklin, TN 37067
Cost: $10 per adult (ages 16 and up)
$1 for kids under the age of 16 

REGISTRATION

To purchase tickets:

1. On the right side of this page, click on the box for "Other" amount.
2. Enter a donation of $10 per adult (ages 16 and up), $1 per child under 16
3. In your donation comments section, mention "FLAVORS OF LIVING."
4. You'll receive a donation email from LLS with 2014 tax deduction receipt
5. Your tickets will be available at the Pre-Registration table at the event!

ABOUT FLAVORS OF LIVING

Team In Training's Cycle Team is jointly raising funds and awareness in the fight against blood cancer, as we train weekly for their 100 Mile (Century) Rides in June. We must be crazy! We thought so too, and call ourselves Team Wheel Crazy! Admissions processed on this page will be credited towards my fundraising goal of $3,900 and silent aucton revenues will be credited to the teammate who secured the items. Together, Team Wheel Crazy is raising almost $40,000 this season!

This event is a significant sourse of that goal. Without reaching our individual goals, we aren't able to attend the Rides we're training for, and it's all in the name of Blood Cancer.

Your admission to this event includes:

1. Entry into the event
2. Name in the door prize drawings (purchase additional entries for each extra $5 donation at the door)
3. Free Demonstrations by our vendors (like back massages!)
4. Complimentary food & drink samples
5. Kids activities if you have kiddos
6. Great music by Lightning 100 emceed by DJ Lt. Dan Buckley
7. Access to the "garden patio" with stone fireplace, so you can socialize in between your bids!

SILENT AUCTION

Stroll through our tables of active living silent auction items and find the inpiration to get active, while benefiting a great cause. Among many other great items, our silent auction will feature:

• Cabin Rental at Damron's Dream in Gatlinburg
• Hot Air Balloon Rides from Soaring Adventures of America (200 locations nationwide)
• Intro to Climbing passes at Climb Nashville (pair)
• 1500 ft Tandem Hang Gliding flight with Lookout Mountain Hang Glide
• Private Archery Lessons for two with H Lazy H Archery
• 60 minute massage with On The Spot Massage
• Stand Up Paddleboarding with Nashville Paddle Co
• SUP Yoga with Nashville Power Yoga
• 5 Yoga Class Pass with Kundalini Rising Yoga
• Yoga passes with Kali Yuga Yoga
• Canopy Zip Tour for 2 with Adventureworks
• Country Music Marathon or Half Marathon Entry
• Personal Training Sessions with Personal Best Fitness
• Nashville Zoo Family pass with free parking
• Gran Fondo Trail & Fitness bike tune up
• 4th Generation iPod Touch (for all those fitness apps you need!)
• TREK Women's Hybrid Step-Through Bike
• Arrington Vineyards Autographed Bottle of Wine
• Colonoscopy Services (including all fees, except Path Services)
• and so much more!

DOOR PRIZE DRAWING

Every admission ticket holder will receive one entry into the door prize drawing (some prizes are only available to ages 18 or 21 and up). Additional entries can be purchased for $5 each, to increase your chances of winning. Door prize items include:

• Team Green Adventures Membership Package: 2 memberships, shirts, & coffee mugs. (Ages 18 and up)
• Pair of Tickets to Lightning 100's Nashville Sunday Night (Ages 16 and up)
• Lightning 100 CD Goodie Bags (Ages 16 and up)
• 30 minute massage from On The Spot Massage (Ages 18 and up)
• Chick-Fil-A goodie packages (Ages 16 and up)
• Gift Certificate from RB's Cyclery (Ages 16 and up)
• more to be announced!

VENDORS

After strolling through the tables of spectacular silent auction items, swing by our vendor section to speak with local businesses about programs and products that will satisfy your appetite for active living! Many of them will have free demonstrations, samples, or products for sale. Check out the list of vendors below:

• Lightning 100's Team Green Adventures
• Endeavor Performance (Indoor Cycling)
• Damron's Jewelry (Local jewelry for sale)
• Blue Coast Burrito (Veggie Bowl samples)
• On The Spot Massage (Complimentary massages & posture assessments)
• Fleet Feet Nashville
• Delete Blood Cancer (Bone Marrow Donor Match Registration)
• more to be announced!

KID ZONE

Bring your kidos for only $1 admission per kid under 16 years old, and let them hang out in the KID ZONE! There will be crafts, active living demonstrations geared towards kids (bike safety, how to help your parents pack for camping, how to inflate a bike tire), and story time.

Our KID ZONE will be staffed with both adults (for the really young ones) and older kids guiding "active" themed activities to keep them entertained while you enjoy mingling with fellow active outdoorsy adults!

POLICIES

Difficulty: This is a fun social event and Silent Auction to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Find inspiration among the silent auction items to start living a healthier, more active lifestyle!
Registration Deadline: Purchase tickets in the RIGHT COLUMN of this page, until Saturday, April 5th at 8pm. Though donations can still be made online after this time, there will not be enough time to add your name to the Pre-Registration list. Please be sure to purchase tickets online before this time. One Site tickets will also be available at the door.
Group Size Limit: No limit

Parking: Plenty of parking is available at the Hilton Garden Inn- Cool Springs.

Children Policy: This is a family friendly event, with a KIDS ZONE! Attendees ages 16 and up may participate in the silent auction items and door prize drawings. Some items are limited to ages "18 and up" or "21 and up" and will be marked with age restrictions.
Dog Policy: Dogs not permitted at this venue
Cancellation Policy: This event is to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. No refunds available for admittion to this event. Cost of admission is tax deductible.
Weather Policy: This is an indoor event.

ABOUT TEAM IN TRAINING

Since Team In Training's inception 25 YEARS AGO, over 600,000 participants have raised more than $1.4 billion to support the ongoing work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, funding research to find cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease & Myeloma, and to provide education and invaluable services for patients and their families. Team In Training provides endurance training for beginner and intermediate athletes with the desire to complete a half/full marathon, century bike ride or triathlon. 

Taste the Flavors of Living is a fundraising initiative hosted by the Nashville Century Ride Team, Team Wheel Crazy, as a means to helps boost the fundraising efforts for individual riders training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, in the fight against blood cancers.