I'm riding in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Ride to Cure" in October. I'm training my legs off right now. I'll be spinning my bicycle across 105 miles of Death Valley. I can't remember being more excited about something in my whole life.
I'm the last person in the world to fall for squishy motivational programs, affirmations, meditation, or anything related. I'm sure these things work wonderfully for others. If it works for you - cool! I've got a couple things driving me to participate in the JDRF ride.
One - I feel good giving to the diabetes community. I've only had Type 1 diabetes for a few years, so I'm very very lucky. I never went through puberty, or young adulthood with T1. So far, I haven't struggled to pay for my health care. So I'm in a prime position in my life to contribute to research and an eventual cure. So I'm raising funds for the JDRF Ride to Cure. If you're so inclined, click on this link to go to my fundraising page.
Two - When I complete the 105 mile ride I'm going to reward myself. I'm going to get a tattoo. By the date of the ride I will be 50 years old, and tattoo free. But you only live once. And this disease has changed me. I live each day a little fuller. I take different risks. I try to make my life meaningful. And I'm going to show the world I'm a T1 that can kick butt.
I think I want certain things in the tattoo - a bike rider, a cactus, maybe "105", and a cute lady with a stopwatch. The lady represents my wife and support team.
So post a comment here with your ideas. We can hook privately and I'll post picture ideas on flickr.com.
Oh yeah...I'll be returning home after the ride through Las Vegas. Can anyone recommend a great tattoo shop there?
Phil talks to Cycling news
14 years ago
Hey, Joe. It's very inspiring to read your blog and follow your progress. Best wishes on the ride- better you than me (at 250# I would melt in Death Valley like bacon on a skillet).
ReplyDeleteYou and I knew each other briefly 30 years ago. Since then I married a T1 lady who's 44 yrs in. With end-stage renal disease, a K-P transplant failure, heart disease, neuropothy, microvascular disease, two heart attacks, a double bypass, multiple amputations and enough operations to win any prison scar contest, she stands today as the inspiration to LIVE for more people than I can count.
I have several very personal tats, but won't presume to think that I know what you should choose to express your feelings. Perhaps the desert will show you The Way. Best wishes on the ride and your control of this aweful disease. Mike Powers