the globe rover

Denver, CO

This past Friday I participated in the second annual Wash Park Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. It was a great event and I am so glad that I was able to participate.

First, a note to my family and friends (and you know who you are) - thank you, thank you, thank you! Thanks to the generosity of my family and friends (and in a quick week and a half time period) I was the top individual fund raiser. I literally was brought to tears every time I opened my “progress” page and saw the number of you who donated. Thank you again for supporting both the American Cancer Society and me. I am moved by your generosity and giving spirit.

A little about the event…

The walk is an overnight walk where teams of participants keep someone walking around the park all night from the opening ceremonies at 7 pm on Friday until the closing ceremonies at 8 am on Saturday. The opening began with a researcher speaking personally and professionally regarding the benefits of basic research and the impact on cancer. Then the survivors took a lap around the park which was very moving. Amazing to see so many survivors representing the dreadful “C” disease.

Throughout the night there were great events planned such as luminaries that were placed around the entire track in honor of survivors and in memory of angels; bands; dancers; movies; volleyball; backward lap; fancy hat lap; Miss Relay (for guys) lap collecting money in their handbags; and numerous other events that made the event enjoyable and entertaining. Every team had tents set up in the infield (some simple and some pretty decked out) - there were all kinds of fun stuff like baby pools and corn hole (the game) set up. There was also a DJ that played during the entire event - kudos to him for his energy!

The relay concluded with a Dove release in honor and in memory of all the victims of cancer. It was very special to see the doves fly and circle around the track commemorating so many amazing people.

I can’t wait to get involved in next year’s event and only hope that it will continue to grow!

Denver, CO

A big first and goal long time coming was accomplished yesterday - I purchased my first house! The process was quite an adventure but made so much more manageable thanks to my wonderful agent, Emily (thank you Emily - you are the best!).

I have a ton of work ahead - the house is both units in a duplex that needs complete renovation. The house is in my favorite neighborhood, Wash Park, and on a great block. I am looking forward to going over there today and opening the door to my new house with my own set of keys!

Renovations here I come!

Denver, CO

Weekend before last brought a new BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) for me which was the MS 150 (Great-West Life Bike MS), a 150 mile bike ride over two days. I signed up on a whim through the company I am consulting with (North Highland) and had no idea what I was getting into especially since I am new to road biking. But I managed to convince a couple of friends to join me on the adventure - thanks Jim and Kathy!

Honestly, I didn’t do so well with the training. I managed about four Saturday rides (20, 30, 40, and 60 miles respectively) and one or two short rides in between. So I had no idea what I was getting myself into with 73 miles on Saturday and 77 miles on Sunday through the foothills of Colorado.

The ride started in Westminster, CO and ended in Ft. Collins, CO taking roads other than the expressway. We started in suburbia and winded through some neighborhoods and ended up in the foothills with beautiful views of the mountains. It was truly a beautiful route (despite my pain).

Day One was long but manageable. After a long climb up horsetooth canyon, we coasted down and ended in Ft. Collins. We had a tent waiting for us with a Caribbean theme - jerk chicken, rice and beans, fruit, chips, mojitos, etc. It was a great way to end the day. But we made a short night of it managing to shower and come back into old town for dinner before going to bed early.

Day Two started at 4:15 am again in time to get to the start and get our bikes, some breakfast, air in the tires, and get on our way. For me, day two was extremely tough. I had not done any back to back riding which meant I had one sore rear. We started with an uphill climb (up horsetooth canyon). At about mile 15 I began to feel nauseous which lasted for the next 15 miles. Needless to say, I was much slower and thinking about how good the SAG wagon looked (for those of you that aren’t familiar - it’s the van that picks up those that are “saggin’” behind and need a ride). But I persevered and somehow managed to find my second wind. The next 30 miles were pretty good and I managed to make up some time and paced pretty well. There were six rest stops on day two - each one a welcome break. They were great and set up with plenty of food and drinks, and some even had bands.

The event is amazingly well organized and North Highland did a great job with our small team. Overall, this is one of the best sporting events I have ever participated in. It was much harder than I anticipated and I do not recommend doing it without proper training. But I am so glad that I did it and am glad to be helping such a worthy cause (National Multiple Sclerosis).

Mission accomplished until the next BHAG!