I usually don't bog you all down with my cycling stories - mostly because I know they are about as interesting as my dad's golf stories - sorry, Dad! But, I'll try to make this good . . .
Yesterday I rode in the Crazy Kicker Bike Rally. 50 miles through the most gorgeous scenery west of Mineral Wells - the only problem is that there is not a flat stretch of road the entire route. You're either going up or going down. Going down wouldn't be that bad if your thighs weren't still burning from going up!
Because of the up's and down's I tried something new this time - pure 100% pickle juice! The high-salt content in pickle juice helps with cramps and gives you quite a kick! It worked great for me yesterday! No joke - even WebMD.com agrees!
Seriously, I felt like I was on steroids . . . uh . . . not that I would know what being on steroids was like . . . so . . . maybe you should just ignore that part.
Unfortunately it would take a lot more than just pickle juice to get up Cherry Pie Hill - a 15% grade incline with 4 switchbacks! This is the type of hill that makes you regret ever taking up cycling. There were signs on the side of the road saying, "There's no shame in walking!"
Anyway, about halfway up I began to really struggle so to focus I actually distracted myself by thinking of Kelly and Tate. I said a little prayer for them both. I prayed that God would grant Kelly peace of mind and comfort of body. I prayed that God would help Tate grow strong and healthy. And I prayed that He would give them both a good day - yesterday was also our first baby shower.
At the end of my prayer I suddenly realized something . . . I was now at the top of Cherry Pie Hill and pedaling at a faster rate then I was when I started at the bottom!
I don't want to get too cheesy, hokey or whatever you want to call it - but at that same moment a thought crossed my mind: Our own struggles don't seem near as bad when we are in constant prayer for other people.
As for the ride: 50 miles in 3 hours with a top speed coming down Cherry Pie Hill that Kelly would not be very happy about . . . but boy it was fun!
3 comments:
I thought the pickles were due to a craving...glad it helped.
Did you know that drinking pickle juice after outdoor workouts was actually the precursor to Gatorade? Several years ago, before gatorade a college coach went around to everyone in his small town and collected the leftover pickle juice from evryone in town for his players to drink during a game. It eventually gave them a great edge on hot days because that high salt content replaces electrolytes, that "I feel refreshed" feeling.
When I was a kid, I used to drink pickle juice all the time...and my great grandmother made pickles, so we had lots of juice.
You are right about the end of the story, when we think of others 1st, our problems disappear.
Thanks Wade.
Wow! I would have taken the hint with the sign... Keep up the great enjoyment of riding and praying!!
Keri
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