Mike Across America

I remember reading years ago that 10-15% of the general population  exercise – no matter what.  Are you one of these 10-15% who exercise because you can’t not? I know I am. It always makes me wonder why so many others aren’t joining us. My riding buddy Jason and I can be out on the most beautiful days and we rarely see other riders. We are also out there on some of the not so nice days and wonder why we are there!  We ride on the best roads and we typically have it to ourselves. It’s like we have this treasure that we discovered and would be happy to share it.  If you are not sharing in the treasure – start now! You will not regret it.

I grew up on a farm and I started running in 1971.  I would run around the section (4 miles) regularly. I did this all through high school and college as I was always training for track or cross-country. Our closest neighbor was 1/2 mile from us and I would run by their farm. The son of the owner told me a story recently about the time I was running by their farm and the old farmer who owned the place was sitting on his front porch with his grand-daughter on his lap. When I ran by the grand-child asked her Grandpa why I was running. The old farmer said “I’m not sure – but I think he has a screw loose”. “Will that tighten it?” his grand-daughter asked. We’ll obviously it didn’t. Now my “’screws” appear looser then ever! Maybe thats the problem now days – peoples “screws” are too tight!! So find a ride/run/swim/walk/etc. and set yourself a goal and loosen up those screws!

This race – RAAM – is my Tour De France. We all dream of doing something big, but rarely can we achieve the level of world class athletes. As a runner I had dreams of participating in the Olympic marathon. I even qualified for the Olympic trials twice! But my ability wasn’t able to match my desire. As a cyclist the Tour is the dream. RAAM is my Olympics and Tour De France. The preparation will demand just as much effort;  finishing (I hope) will be just as  satisfying. Right now is the preparation phase. This has been going on for 38 years. I’ve never stopped training, except for injury or illness since 1971. The next 14 months will be the home stretch for the biggest race of my life. I can’t wait.