We did it!!

I can't believe LOTOJA has come and gone. Thank you all for making this such a fun and inspirational summer. I couldn't have done it without all of your support. To update you on how the race went, it couldn't have gone better (other than having to pee on the side of the road a few times). I was surprised that my knees didn't give me too much trouble, I was able to eat and drink the whole time, and I was able to cross the finish line with a smile on my face (thanks for you inspirational email, Ernie!). My favorite food on the ride was boiled red potatoes (who'd have guessed?), and I didn't mind the Zingers, Clif Blocks, Payday bars, and Powergel. My mom and aunt Darlene were excellent support crew and kept me hydrated, fed, (and medicated).

I started the race just after 7 AM and crossed the finish line not long after 6 PM. My time was 11 hours 8 minutes, which isn't bad at all. My average speed while riding my bike was 18.8 mph. Not bad for 206 miles! Lance started after me and finished before me in just over 10 hours. He won 4th place in his group...I'm a proud wife. He was able to raise almost $1400 in honor of his stepmom, Sue (who was also part of his support crew for the race). I was glad he was able to see me cross the finish line and that I wasn't even crying. Well, I almost cried, but only due to sheer joy that I DID IT!!

The best part was at the awards ceremony. I guess every year they recognize one rider that has the most inspiring reason to ride LOTOJA. I was flabbergasted when they called my name and was already a bawling wreck because they had already shown a little promotional video for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. I am so incredibly grateful for the love and support you all gave me. The entire high school gymnasium gave us a standing ovation, so you should all be proud of what you've done this summer. You have all touched my life and inspired me to be more giving.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Oh yes, I did receive one last minute donation that I had to complete after the race. I didn't want any dollar to go unthanked!

Harvey and Jackie Carmichael: Harvey knows the pain of LOTOJA, so I was very grateful for his thoughts. I think he rode the race last year. I was glad to have another donation to ride for, because it got me right back on my bike after LOTOJA. On the Monday after the race I rode up Emigration with Lance (25 miles), then on Tuesday I took a quick spin out to 3300 S. and back (15 miles), then on Thursday I rode out to Lagoon and back (40 miles), Friday I rode to Sugarhouse Park and did a few laps (14 miles), and today I rode to work (7 miles). I appreciate so much for your generosity you guys!

Brad & Becky Gardner: I realized that I somehow missed thanking you for your miles. I still owe you a few miles. I rode over Emigration to the top of Big Mountain to watch Lance race in a time trial (He won 1st place for the Cat 5 men and won a terribly tacky trophy), then we got to ride back down to the start line by I-80 together (29 miles).

Lance Lindberg: I know it's not much, but I realize I shorted you a bit. You can also have my "long way" home from work today that I did to kill time until you got home (14 miles). I love you!

TOTAL TRAINING MILES THIS SEASON: 4007
TOTAL HOURS IN THE SADDLE: 227 (yes, 9 & 1/2 days)

Thank you all again!!