The "Day" is Done!

I did it.

I started. I rode. I finished!

I just put my head down and cycled.....

and surprisingly, I crossed the finish line with a better time than last year! 5 hours 20, with a good few stops to ease some very tired muscles and a cramping sore foot.

But you know what struck me most about this Argus? The three men I sore who were riding with one leg - their other leg did not exist, instead they had a prosthetic. Incredible. These men who have risen above their circumstances to continue normal lives. They humbled me. They inspired me.

And to be honest? I am so glad this year's Argus is behind me. Now onto fully recovered feet!

Countdown

Oh yes people. It's less than 5 days away. 30 000 mad cyclists riding around the Cape peninsula in the largest timed event in the world. 109km.

Oh yes.

And my feet are still sore...It has been a challenge getting back on my bike after being banned from it for a few weeks. The good news is the agonising pain is gone. The bad news? My inserts are uncomfortable (but worth it if the pain is kept at bay) and my feet are still badly bruised and will take a long time to heal fully. My stamina is pretty non existent, and I am trying my hardest to get my head around the fact that I need to have very different expectations of this year's Argus.

It cannot be a race for me. It can only be a Tour. A sightseeing ride along with a  lot of people. I may not even finish if the feet don't hold out. Sigh. Having a real hard time adjusting to those expectations!

But I cannot not start. I have worked too hard for this. Suffered (!) too much....

Sunday, here I come....

On the road again....

Today was the first time in about two weeks I managed to get on the road again - and it felt good. Amazing isn't it, that when something we so take for granted is taken away from us we start to really appreciate it. Having this foot problem made me realize how crippling it must be to lose the ability to be mobile (pun intended).

The seemingly innocent inserts worked wonders - no pain in the ball of my feet, but it has compressed my feet at the top, so I'll need to cut my shoes. Small price to pay to reach my goal...34 days till race day.....

Sole Solution

 I love my new podiatrists. Seriously. He is my new best friend - okay, well not quite. But the man I saw (Chris Delpierre at the sports Science Institute) is a legend.

Turns out, in laymans terms, that the fibrous fatty pad that sits over the bones on the balls of one's feet, has in my case moved. Yup. No padding left, just bare bones.

So he's designing these special false pads to go into my shoes, and we're hoping that my feet will be fooled...

Loving the knowledge of what is actually wrong...and looking forward to a pain free ride this weekend!

A Magnificent Morning

I went for a 80km ride this morning, alongside PPA's Cape Cobra race, and it was so good to be on the road again, but tough! It was a beautiful morning, no breeze to begin with, crystal clear air, stunning scenery, some baboons and a dead porcupine (who would have thought you could see such 'wildlife' on a Cape Town ride!).

I've just finished reading a guide to the Tour de France and one of the authors commented that before you can see or hear the peloton, you can often smell them. I tested that theory today - and it's true. They smell, these men who race past me averaging 35 - 40km/hr!! It was refreshing every now and again to catch a whiff of deodorant!

I know some of you have entered the Argus for the first time this year, and some of you further afield are riding races mid year, so want a female cycling tip? Put a few drops of Arnica massage oil in the seat of your riding shorts and you will not suffer. Trust me - today I forgot, and 80km is a loooong way!

As I was cycling today, I rode past Ocean View and Masiphumele (a colored and black township respectively). And as I strained up a hill, there were four colored kids sitting on a rock, watching the action. And my heart sank. There were no adults in sight, and these kids were young - probably all about Aragorn and Belle's age (4 and 2). God used this brief  moment to challenge me for the rest of my ride....

 We are so very privileged in ways we aren't even aware of. I know a couple of ladies from Ocean View and the one repetitive comment they make to me is how differently white and colored people parent. It's all about life skills isn't it? The majority of these families are trapped in cycles of violence and abuse. Parenting is about what is modeled to us, what we see from our parents and what we pick up along the way.  No one I know would let their young kids sit on the side of a major road at 0700 in the morning, unsupervised. But for these kids? It's a way of life. And it struck me that all of this also tracks back to the destruction of community - we should be able to learn each other's strengths - but because of Africa''s history, and more specifically South Africa's, it's all been lost.

And God spoke to me about what I write about working mothers - what choice do many of these township women have? I mean really? Some mothers have to work because their money is squandered before it even reaches the grocery cupboards. Others may work to escape oppressive home situations.

I do believe parenting is on God's heart. I do believe the world is intent on brow beating women into believing motherhood has no worth. I believe it is a forgotten calling in today's world, tossed to the side in exchange for luxuries...but there is also a sad reality in poor communities. I'm not sure my stance has necessarily changed for us privileged folk, but I also felt God nudging my heart - who am I to judge? There is an accountability to God - not me.

But, I will continue to encourage and exhort mothers - because it really is beyond this world, it is the most important, this job we are doing.

Food for thought huh?

My Comfortable Cocoon

I've just got out of a relaxing bath into which I collapsed after a seemingly endless day. I woke up at 0430 this morning, (might I add by choice? go figure!), to attend a 0515 spinning class with an instructor I really enjoy. However, the cost today is making me seriously question my sanity in choosing to do something like that! And he didn't even play good music - so picture me with head thumping music as the sun was coming up - not my cup of tea! I have struggled to stay awake throughout the day, wanting to choose self over motherhood often. The boys were very understanding when I attempted to grab some rest midday, but Belle is still a little young to understand that mom's closed door means "leave me alone", not "yell even louder"! So, methinks I shall relook at my training schedule and make something else work!

But whilst in the bath, I was reflecting on what God appears to be drawing my attention to, yet again. I feel like he is peeling off layers and layers of misconceptions about deeply entrenched ideas that aren't full of Light. And I realize that this is something he loves to do - to set us free. I realize because of His nature there is always a hope, a redemption available for me in the end that promises to be far more beautiful than where I am presently at, but by george (whoever he may be!) it is uncomfortable. So even though I am not enjoying this, I look forward to the end....

Yearnings for the Year

So...the new year has begun, and is well on its way. And today is the first time in weeks that I am stopping. Just grinding to a halt. We've been so busy the last few weeks, out every day, doing little things - whether it be people, outings or errands. And with Braveheart going back to work, it's an opportunity just to STOP. And BE. And so we are.

As I write this the kids are eating sweets - yes, it's true. At this point I am keen to get the Christmas sweets over and done with! I love the peace and the calm that is emanating from my home today (somewhat intermittently I might add, there are still the odd squabbles, but I mean overall!). I love having my kids around me, and having time to be and speak into their lives without having to 'do' anything. I have to make a conscious effort not to create things for them to do today - it does not come naturally to me...

2011. Another year. Another start.

Me? These are some of my yearnings for the year: (Some semantics - I dislike "resolutions"...that implies something I have to work at to change..."yearnings", well that implies a desire, a longing, something God and I can do together - in his time, with his prompting....)

I long to sort out my food dilemma. I'll digress to bring you up to speed. I have come to loathe food - not when it is served to me, or made by someone else, but when I have to prepare it - cook it, make it..anything with food that requires my involvement leaves me sighing deeply. If I'm really honest, I think it comes down to pure laziness (oh the effort) and selfishness (I love being served, but not necessarily serving). And here's the rub - an a mother, and a wife, those really are two qualities that are not synonymous with those callings. If I want to have a home that is warm and  happy something has to give!

So to this end I have made a few adjustments again. I have created a breakfast, lunch and diner plan. This has streamlined  my shopping, and helps me mentally get a handle on what is required.  And as I do the shopping and the meal planning I am the only one really responsible for what my family eats - and I long to incorporate more of what I believe constitutes healthy eating, and to eat the way I want to - which largely falls by the wayside as to cook two meals etc just isn't cutting it for me. I also loathe budgeting and making money stretch....something I need to master. Any tips anyone? :)

But here's the thing. We've talked about it as a family, and I'm impressed with my kids - they're on board. I've cut out sugar cereals (thanks for the idea Nikki)  except for one day a week, and they have to eat some things they don't like. And when I sit down with a bowl of fruit, or some salad, they inevitably want what I am eating. Kids will follow our example, pure and simple - so the question is, what kinds of example are we setting them?      

I yearn for family time. Now we spend a lot of time as a family, but I still yearn for more. It's a priority for me.  More memories. A deeper sense of family, and what it means to be parents and be speaking into our lives. And to this end, again, it falls on me - it's my bent. I have blocked out the year, looked at all the public holidays and have an idea of when we'd like to try and get away again as a family. Now I need to find affordable options. I even feel that my time cycling is drawing to a close - as the Argus draws closer, it's going to require 3-4 solid rides of training a week, each 3-5 hours, and that's just such a huge chunk of time over the next two months. Time I'm not really that willing to hand over any more. I'm curious as to what will replace it though...interesting huh?

I long to see my children thrive in their new seasons this year. King Arthur will be at home with me, Aragorn for the first time will start a school on his own, not under King Arthur's shadow, and I really sense he will become his own person. And Belle also starts a little school. Now whilst I want them all home with me, I also know that this is right for each of them. Aragorn caves in to King Arthur too often. I sense God will use this to build him into his own confident self. And Belle will be able to be whoever she really is! And King Arthur will soak up this one on one time. This is also a new season for me - homeschooling. The teacher in me has unpacked all the stuff, put it on the shelves, filed it...and I have the same butterflies in my stomach I had when I taught for the first time! I'm determined to embrace this in a relaxed way - watch this space!

And being a wife. This kind of dove tails into the others. I want to focus more than anything on being the wife I've always wanted to be. A wife that sometimes makes her husband's favorite meal for dinner instead of always making the kids favorite ones, or feeding him the quickest easiest meal (like scrambled eggs!). I want to pack his lunch with as much effort as I do the kids - thinking about the nature of his day and whether it involves touch rugby, or gym etc. I want to think of creative ways to spend time with him, with and without the kids, not always putting the kids first.....all these things, that seemed so natural pre-kids, so natural when we were dating...are so foreign to me now.

I have some steep learning curves ahead of me!

 

Die Burger Done!

It's true - I did it!

And I did it WELL! My best race ever - 98km in 4hours 28 - at least according to my time, I'm interested to see what the official time is for my race.

Me limping to get some coke (the legs were cramping by now!
And I got a medal - woo hoo!

Braveheart thought this was the finish - I'm in the back...
little did he know it was two km back! We just had to
collect medals now.

This whole weekend has seemed...what's the word I'm looking for? Idyllic. Perfect. In stark contrast to the season we've been in.

It started with Braveheart finding us somewhere to stay for the night so that I wouldn't have to ride half awake. (I love it when my husband thinks of me and loves me practically like this - I'm challenged though - do I too take the effort to love him practically?) He phoned Stellenbosch Toursism office, told them what we were after - something self catering, within a certain budget, close to the race, and then they did all the work! They phoned around and came back to us with two options which we chose from. Where we stayed was within walking distance to the start and finish - just awesome!

Stellenbosch - sigh, I am in love! We've always been told Franschoek is the place to go for romantic weekends and good food, and having been there a few times, I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, and the food is just way out of my league. I don't like paying an exorbitant amount for something that doesn't fill me up, no matter how many awards the chef has won! For me, Stellenbosch ranks as number one. The town itself is so beautiful - we walked the old part on Saturday afternoon - and my heart sang. Old buildings, oak lined avenues, the odd jacaranda tree, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. It was magical. And the best part? Having Braveheart all to myself...just me and him. It felt like we were newlyweds all over again!

I drove the route whilst Braveheart watched rugby on Saturday afternoon - I just had to visualize it in my head! And again, just blown away by the beauty of the vineyards and farmlands. The hills scared me a bit if I'm honest, but at least knowing what I would face helped me somewhat. Also, I didn't really pay attention to the scenery in the race - head on the bike ahead!

This mountain and I bonded!

The race itself. Bliss. Truly. By 0918 I had cycled 63km, my fastest speed ever. (Did you know Stellenbosch is actually only 63km away from my door? And I rode 98km - I am proud!). I rode alongside some great people and chatted with a number of cyclists I had never met - got to love this sport. The traffic police were on the ball, the marshalls superb. My chain played up splendidly, causing me to lose my pack and momentum fairly often, but hey! I did it! (and yes, I'm now going to send it in for a service!). Braveheart was waiting for me at the finish line, which promptly made me sob - think it was the sheer exhaustion!

And now dear folk, I'm off to bed!

Mellow Tuesday

Today King Arthur is at home - we arrived at school, and he burst into tears telling me he hadn't slept that well (for the record he slept VERY well!). My heart went out to him - it's not only us adults that find the pace of the end of a year exhausting, but they feel it too. So I gave him the option to come home with me, and we are having a wonderful day - relaxed, chilling and at peace. He's asked to do craft....

This was his idea can you believe it?
Knew exactly what he wanted to do and make...
I'm impressed - and they even fly quite well!

And of course Belle had to make one too!

King Arthur now wants me to bake a cake with him for Aragorn, who went to school....sweet man!

I am fully aware I need to prioritize some blogging time - we had a fantastic Thanksgiving with all our American friends - the house just absorbed 30 people - I am SO THANKFUL for this home!

And I am approaching this weekend with something akin to pure dread - I have entered a 98km race on Sunday...

1. I have never done this race before and do not like riding an unknown route
2. It is in Stellenbosch, and my start time is 0648, which means I am likely to have to wake up at 0430 to get there on time ( I am a morning person, but that my friends is pushing it)
3. In training the most I have raced is 80km...(those extra 18km make all the difference)
4. Which took me 5 hours with breaks - and now my cutoff time is 6 hours (i.e. no breaks...golly)
5. My bike appears to be having problems with gear changes on ascents - which means on steep hills I have to stop, turn my bike over, re thread the change and continue racing....unknown hills people, unknown hills.
6. And I am supposed to be doing this to better my seeding for the Argus, and my concern is that this race might DROP me a few groups :( boo hoo!

So ... wish me courage, and strong legs that won't cramp...and that we can find overnight babysitters and a place to stay that side of the world so my wake up time ( this is of course if I sleep) is somewhat more normal!

What was I thinking????!

A Bump and a Bruise

So yesterday I went for a ride around the peninsula - psyched because I had been spinning in the wet, cold weather, and was strongly convinced that I would surely be strong and fit and would just whip round the 52km route....aha!

Let the truth be known I did surely whip through Fish Hoek and along the coast at a very surprising speed. My I thought, this spinning training rocks! However, do not be fooled, for when I got to the 45 minute mark (the duration of a spinning class) I began to lose some steam, and I am afraid to say it went downhill from there - and I still had to get round the whole peninsula!

The highlight of the ride (apart from the beauty, which never fails to set me at peace - I forget too often how beautiful it is) was when I lost my balance in the process of unclipping my cleats. Picture this to amuse yourself - I had slowed down, I had unclipped my left foot, and then somehow (and this still eludes me) I fell onto my right knee and right wrist, and the bike fell right on top of me. All I could hear were oncoming cyclists murmuring about whether or not I was alright, and some alarm that there was also traffic approaching. Needless to say I was somewhat embarrassed, hurriedly yanked my foot out of the cleat, and stumbled to the side of the road!

I made it home... eventually, vowing never to leave it quite that long again before I cycle on the road, and then hobbled around for the rest of the day, nursing a VERY sore knee, which annoyingly enough doesn't look nearly black or blue enough to warrant my pain! And the TDF guys can ride with broken wrists and bruised collar bones - out of my league entirely!

Tour de France

I am passionate about cycling, and since I only discovered this a few years ago I find it refreshing that through it I can get a little of how men can watch endless golf/cricket/tennis/rugby matches! To date I have completed two Argus cycling tours – the first one whilst I was pregnant which took 7 ½ hours, and this years one which I did in 53/4 hours – so I'm getting there! I'd love to finish in the top 1000 women -so I've got something to work towards!

I am glued to the TV every night for the highlights, and am just fascinated by how these men can ride a good 5-6 hours each day, no matter what the weather and along roads crammed with people. I was shocked how many accidents occurred on the Stage One race – and how the spectators infringe on the cyclists path! And their average speed was 45km/h – gasp! I recently read Lance Armstrong's book, which I strongly recommend – an incredible journey in a fight against cancer.

Every time I cycle (or spin since I have recently taken that up) I have the same ongoing thought process in my head. Every time I cycle I realize how weak and pathetic my fitness levels are, and that if left to my own devices I would never actually get anywhere. But thanks to my riding partner (or spinning instructor) I am heartily encouraged to give it my best and to push myself...and because of their encouragement I get further in my riding/training.

Then it gets me thinking...isn't that what Christianity is like? Isn't it about how we just never can make it on our own? It's that scripture – physical training is of some value but godly training is of eternal benefit. What fascinates me is that I can chose not to respond to my partner, or to the instructor, and never push myself and never get fitter...but if I do, then I become stronger and am able to achieve so much more. See the parallel? Surely it's like that with the Spirit? And I'm not talking about hard work – I'm talking about just responding to the Spirit's prompting – call a friend, give some one a gift, play with your kids – if we respond to that surely we get fitter in Him?

Today when I was spinning I was fascinated by how much easier it was for me to spin, knowing that those cyclists (on the Tour de France) were doing a much harder day of cycling. I was actually quite comfortable in my spinning class – pleasant environement, pleasant company, all in all just dandy, because I was comparing myself to these legendary cyclists who will be riding 3,600km come rain or snow! And that made me think – we are also surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, and we can be encouraged so much especially in the western world because believing is allowed.

Food for thought huh?

A Narrow Scrape

My father had a cycling accident over the weekend, and after scans and MRI's, the neurosurgeon now thinks the accident was caused by a burst blood vessel in my dad's brain. Just God that he was riding with someone that day, and that my brother was back in Harare. Still waiting for more tests so we shall see.

What fascinated me by this process, was that when I go the call, I realized some things:


1.Is anyone really ever prepared to accept death? Do people really come to a point where they are ready to die, and loved ones ready to let go?

2.It is so easy to look at other people facing death, or those who have lost loved ones and judge them for the way in which they are handling their grief – unitl we ourselves are faced with a similar thing.

Just thoughts I am mulling over....