If you had asked me if I had a competitive nature, I would smile shyly and reply, "No, not really." But I think I am, but not in the societal sense. Society says "Gotta be 1st; Gotta be #1; Gotta be the best." I am not like this, but I am competitive.
I work harder when I have a goal; a goal that is seemingly unattainable with out weeks or months of hardwork. I love having that one goal that most think I'm crazy for setting: a half marathon or a 40mile bike ride. There were a couple of people who, when I told them that I'd just registered for a 40 mile bike ride for late September...their eyes got wide, and they shook their heads. "Courtney, don't you think that's too long. Not sure you'll be able to finish."
I entertained their criticism for a moment, and then thought back to September of 2010. The weekend of my 30th birthday, I flew up to Virginia Beach, VA...alone. And on September 5, just a half hour or so after my official birth time (which is 11:58a), I jogged across the finish line of my first (and probably last) half marathon (13.1 miles.) What was my wacked out reason for wanting to do it? I was going to turn 30 anyway - might as well do something I've never done before, and that I would remember for a lifetime.
This Tour de Pink Bike Ride is not about me! There are things that I must do in order to be successful, and I do get some benefits - but I am not reason. My best friend, Jean, is the main inspiration. Breast Cancer awareness has always been near to my heart, but having it touch so close to home - it's a much different feeling.
Jean would talk to me a little about the Young Survivor's Coalition (YSC); what they did, how they were helping her - providing a forum for survivors to bond, and share experiences, fears, and victories. When someone is kind and caring to someone I love - that touches my heart and I want to repay the kindness. That is the other main reason for this specific ride!
In September, I don't expect to break any sound barriers or records. I just want to finish. I am competitive...with myself, and doing what others think I'm a little crazy for trying. 40 miles o.O
I'm competitive with others expectations, and with the finish line - which I will see in 131 days.
Jean - This Ride's for YOU!
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