On February 27 I did my first 100K (67 miles) bike ride in Linden. Of all the races, triathlons, and runs I've ever done, I think this was my very favorite. I absolutely LOVED it! I know I look just a little too happy in this photo.I was a little nervous before the ride started. I had done 45 miles on my own and was pretty sure I could do 67, but I was also a little unsure of what to expect. I went by myself. It would be nice to have a riding partner, but I really don't mind going on my own. I like being able to go at my own pace - not too fast or too slow. It was a cool and windy day. Many people thought it would rain, but it was clear during the entire ride.
I refuse to wear the unattractive biking jerseys, but I would like to get some more cycling stuff when I can afford it. I would love to get some padded biking shorts, sport sunglasses, bike shoes and clipless pedals. I am really trying to work on my cycling to prepare for the half ironman I am doing in September. That race will be 56 miles on the bike followed by a 13.1 mile run. I thought this ride was a great way to prepare myself for the half ironman.
I started on the ride at 9:00 am. The wind was really strong at the beginning. I rode for about 15 miles and then I arrived at the first rest stop. I had never seen so much food at a fitness event. They has muffins, bagels, PB&J sandwiches, cookies, brownies, fruit, etc. I really stocked up. I ate half a chocolate muffin and some brownies. I had been on a diet leading up to the ride so the food tasted amazing and gave me so much energy. I rode another 20 miles and then we had lunch. Again, tons of food. The second half of the ride we had a tail wind which made it seem like I was flying on my bike. My pedometer said I got up to 36 mph going down a hill. It felt fast! Around mile 50 there was yet another rest stop with even more food. I seriously think I ate at least six brownies during the ride. I had so much energy because of all the food they served. I finally arrived back at the ride starting point, my GPS only said 66 miles so I rode one more mile to make it 67. We were served a catered pasta lunch at the end of the ride. I met so many people and had such a great time. I was a tiny bit sore, but felt such an amazing high. I think I loved it so much for two reason, 1- it wasn't a race and 2-I loved eating all that food. They don't feed you like that when you do marathons and triathlons. I think I'm going to love these bike rides. It took my 4 hours and 18 minutes to complete the 67 miles (not counting the rest stops). I have a lot more confidence in myself and think I will be able to make it through the half ironman in September. It will be a totally different experience though because it will be a race and it won't be serving tons of food.
I just have to mention the scenery of the ride was amazing! I got to ride through almond, apple, cherry, peach, pear, plum and walnut orchards. The February blossoms were so beautiful. I also saw vineyards and serene streams of water. I really was in heaven. I feel so grateful to be able to exercise. I get such a happy and peaceful feeling when I do. Nothing in life compares to how I feel when I doing what I love most. My next ride is on April 10; I'm going to go for 88 miles. I can't wait!
Every year I make a Valentine to send out to our families. I love using pictures from our snow trips.
This year Valentine's Day was on a Sunday. We had a beautiful sacrament meeting at church. After church we had one of our favorites for dinner - 
The kids also decorated cookies.
Each of the kids got a little present. Grandma also gave them shirts and presents.
I am so lucky to have such a loving, patient, hard working, and righteous husband. I love my Prince Charming!
For Family Home Evening, the Monday after Valentine's Day we drew names for each other and made 
Cameron is suppose to sleep on the top bunk and Conner on the bottom. However, almost every night Conner is up top with Cameron. These two brothers really love and watch out for each other.