I finished it!

I did it! I finished it – and boy was it tough!

I finished my first ever cycle race, a hefty 62km, and I finished it under three hours to boot!

Last Sunday, my husband and I took part in the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight cycle challenge. It took place in Boksburg and I was assured that it would be quite easy, all that was needed was some endurance.

Half-way in, I kept asking myself when the easy part was going to kick in. And then it happened.

I fell.

Luckily I was stationary when it happened and all that was heavily bruised was my ego. For about five seconds, while lying flat on the tar, I wanted to give up.

And in that five seconds I remembered all the training I had done, as well as all the encouragement I received from my husband, family and friends. I remembered my spinning instructor always telling me to push harder, to remember that my legs are stronger than my mind thinks they are. So I got up, dusted myself off, climbed back onto my bike and finished what I though was the longest race of my life.

Did I enjoy it? Ummm … maybe a little. The best part was by far the end, when we finished and they handed me my medal.

I’m lying – the best part was looking at my husband, who was so encouraging through it all. He looked at me with pride and so much love, we both shed a tear of joy. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who supported me, I could not have finished without it!

What’s next? Maybe a 50km challenge in April I guess.

Until then, take it easy Krugersdorp.