PMC 2023 Day 2 Finish

I don’t think I’ll be able to find the words to adequately express my feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the overwhelming support I’ve received from all you.

You’re such an incredible group of people. I feel super fortunate to have found you all and have you in my life.

I know I’ll make a full and speedy recovery, there’s zero doubt in my mind about that.

A special shoutout to Craig Underwood for your support and care. I love you man (no homo – legally has to be added). Thank you for everything you’ve done, including but not limited to letting everyone know about my condition and the regular updates. And for the videos. Also to Alan Clearance for notifying team Year Up.

I can’t wait to ride with you all again and be able to shake your hands!

Please excuse any typos, writing is not my strong suit.

Thank you. A million thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Don’t Forget

On January 29, 2018 By WpenaIn updatesLeave a comment

Take risks

Be passionate about what you do

Take care of yourself

Won’t rely on anyone else

Don’t be so sensitive

Don’t just survive, THRIVE

Ask questions

Knowledge is power

Don’t be the best

First Solo Century

On September 21, 2017September 21, 2017 By WpenaIn Cycling, Event, Progress, updates2 Comments

Last month I completed the Pan-Mass Challenge; my first long distance event, 190 miles in two days.

I enjoyed the experience experience very much, so I decided to sign for another 100 mile event this month.

The event was on Sunday, September 10th. I was really looking forward to it. However, my ride ended after only 23 miles. I made a mistake and crashed into the a guardrail.

I ended up with a few scrapes and bruises and a sprained finger. My bike ended with a broken shifter-break control.

I was very upset about the stupid mistake that lead to the crash; all I wanted to do was get the bike fixed and back on the road as soon as possible.

On Monday, the day after the crash, I took the bike to the shop to replace the broken component. On Wednesday I picked it up and rode it home, a nice 25 mile ride.

The next Saturday I decided to go out on the same route and complete the course alone.

It was my second century and the first one I complete alone. Below is the Relive video of it.

Pan-Mass Challenge

On August 8, 2017August 8, 2017 By WpenaIn Cycling, updates2 Comments

This weekend I participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) for the first time. The goal of the event is to raise money for cancer research and treatment. So, if you can, please give in any amount that you can.

I decided to ride because I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t been touched in some way by this terrible disease; a family member, a loved one, a close friend, a colleague at work.

As a rider you choose to ride either one day or two days. Each day offers different distance options.

Saturday offers two options – 84 miles or 111 miles. Sunday offers more options – 27 miles, 47 miles, or 80 miles. Riders get to choose which days and distances they want to ride.

I chose to ride both days; 111 miles on Saturday and 80 miles on Sunday.

I’ve been riding for about a year now and had never ridden more than 80 miles in a single day.

The thought of having to ride 111 miles in a single day didn’t scare me much. I knew I could do it; even if I was the last rider to finish. What scared the hell out of me was the thought of having to get up the next morning and ride another 80 miles!

I’m happy to to report that I completed both days without a single thought of regret. The entire experience was amazing.

The event was very well organized logistically. Volunteers were very friendly and encouraging and helpful. The rest/water stops were spaced out well. There were tons of people cheering along the way. What really made it special were the people riding. Some were cancer survivors. Others were riding for parents and children and brothers and sisters. I bet there is an incredible story behind every rider.

I was fortunate to have joined a team of extraordinary individuals, Team Year Up. Thank you for making my first PMC such a memorable experience.

Here are some of the pictures from the event.

About the PMC
Each year the Pan-Mass Challenge brings together thousands of impassioned cyclists, committed volunteers, generous donors and dedicated corporate sponsors. Together, they strive to provide Dana-Farber’s doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for all types of cancer.

Sunday – PMC 2017

On August 8, 2017 By WpenaIn updates1 Comment

It’s been a while

On June 25, 2017 By WpenaIn Cycling, Exercise, health, Jogging, Life, Progress, Running, updates3 Comments

I stopped posting about my progress at the end of last year. It’s kind of difficult to pick up again after stopping for a while. At first it was “I’ll do it tomorrow”. Tomorrow became next week. Next week became next month and before I knew it SIX months had gone by.

Here’s a QUICK update about nothing specific just to get going again.

The great news is that simply because I stopped writing about my progress I didn’t actually stop my activities.

I’m glad I listened to suggestions about bundling up during the cold weather and go outside. I was running during snow storms and it was great 🙂

I’ve kept up with my jogging regimen until I twisted my ankle during a jog at night; not very smart.

I’ve gone out on the bike every chance I get. I’ve been increasing my distance and speed. This year I’ve been out 33 times and have done over 800 miles. The most miles I’ve ridden in a single day alone was 80 miles. I’ve also gone out a few times in group rides which are a ton of fun.

I’ve picked up a few other activities too. This year has been a year of many firsts. Things like yoga. Things like Zumba. Things like spinning class.
All in all this year has been pretty awesome.

Until next time 🙂

My end of year review

On December 31, 2016December 31, 2016 By WpenaIn updates10 Comments

Good bye 2016. I can’t believe you’re about to end. You have been a rollercoaster, so many ups and downs. For me personally there was much good, bad, ugly, and pain. Definitely a year to remember.

I’ll keep this short and sweet, I hope.

For many years I had been stagnant/complacent/dormant. This year things changed. One day I woke up and decided to change my life, for the positive. April 19, 2016 is a key date as it was the day when I DECIDED to take action. My primary goals: get healthy and lose some weight.

I set myself some loosely defined goals, to which I added as I went along. My changes have been small but consistent. I wanted changes I could maintain going forward.

During the summer I was jogging, walking, a bit of hiking and biking. I explored my surrounding cities. I also changed my diet, I was eating just a bit more healthier.

As summer came to an end and it got dark early in the day, I stopped biking. As the weather got cold I stopped jogging on the streets. For the past two months I’ve been going to the gym. I use the elliptical machine, the treadmill, and the biking machine.

I must confess that I’ve hated a lot of it while I’m doing it, but I’m loving the results. I feel better. I’ve lost 40 lbs. I’ve been able to jog continuously a lot longer. The last couple of jogs I was actually running for a while.

What’s in store for me next year? New year, new me? NO. New year, OLD ME.

I’m going to be doing what I’ve been doing and adding activities to my routines. I’m looking forward to trying new things.

2017 – Come at me bro!

Delayed

On October 1, 2016October 8, 2016 By WpenaIn Life, updatesLeave a comment

I started to write this post last week. It was going to be all about how the weather was terrible the entire week, cloudy and wet was the title, but I still managed to go out 5 times which is just shy of my new goal but it’s better than my previous weekly goal. I think being active 5 times a week might be a happy medium for me.

This week was much better weather wise. So I changed the title to Sun! I sat on the draft the entire week! The good news is that this week will also be a 5 activity week.

Cloudy & Wet – Last week the weather pretty freaking crummy. It was dark and cloudy, rainy, cold and windy! This week it got better.

I’m walking on the sand right now and I’m determined to finish this entry before something else comes up and delays me even more. Life happens.