Katie Davidson and I had a wacky idea to go to Lake Geneva on our bikes (yes, this has been done by others before and will probably be done again-I am not claiming originality in the idea, but it was my first time with this kind of distance). Anyways, we trained a little bit, but I don't think it thoroughly prepared us for what was ahead.
Mind, body, soul. These three things were not working together for me on the first day. We got lost in Lake Geneva (which resulted in a long detour), I was exhausted, my butt hurt from the seat, my spirit was down, and I was increasingly getting dehydrated. The sun felt hotter and hotter on my back and pedaling felt worse and worse on my legs. But, in time we made it! I was so happy to see "Comfort Suites" (the hotel we stayed at). I started to doubt whether or not I would be able to make it the next day. I made plans in my head about how I was going to get home without riding... there weren't many options. I knew I would be so mad at myself if I decided not to go, but I was so weak. Soon, Katie O'Dowd drove up with all of our stuff, and the three of us toured around Lake Geneva together. KO took care of me, as I certainly was dehydrated and hungry (THANKS KATIE!!). We enjoyed a pizza dinner and walked around Lake Geneva's downtown area at sunset. These friends are good ones, ones I will keep forever. I bought ice cream (DUH), and we all enjoyed a late night hot tub at the hotel. It was a girly night, filled with a lot of laughter. Around 10:30pm KD and I were exhausted and fell asleep.
In the morning I was energized by the night's rest and by the food I ate at dinner. I was ready. I wanted to finish what I started. I had a big breakfast (something I forgot was important day one), I was pumped, excited, and positive. The positivity remained (which surprised me). I prayed a lot today that God would give me strength, energy, and help me enjoy the next hours on my bike. The time went by so quickly. We rode super fast and cut off almost an hour and a half of our previous time (mostly because we didn't get lost). We made it from the hotel to Elgin in 4 hrs and 45 mins (including breaks). Bam! I was so proud and happy to be done.
I encourage you to do something you don't think you can. Pray. And, watch God come through for you.
(For those of you that were wondering... Katie Davidson kicked my butt. She could have made it in 3 1/2- 4 hrs, but like everything it's good to enjoy things in community. She's a trooper.)
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