Thank you so much for all your support these past 4 months. We did it!!! Together we raised $7.5 million to find a cure for cancer.

Checkout more pictures on my online album and visit my clycling log for all the details of my training.

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Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

I’m training for a 100-mile century ride to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society . I can barely believe it myself - the longest ride I’ve done so far was 35 miles and I thought I was going to pass out, but I made it! I’ll be participating with Team in Training in the “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride” in Lake Tahoe on June 1st. With expected temperatures in the 20s when we start at 6am, I’ll need a lot of training and a lot of coffee!

What will keep me pedaling until I cross the finish line is knowing that I’m doing this for a larger cause - a cure for cancer. I’ll be riding in honor of my mom who lost her battle against cancer in 2006. My dear friends Kelly & Miro also lost their battles against blood cancers at age 24 & 19, and Dawn who's currently battling this disease.

My team’s honoree is Dave Weinman who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 1985. Thanks to advancement in treatment his cancer is now in remission. To help Dave and others who are struggling with cancer, I’ve committed to raise $4,000 and to complete the 100-mile bike race.

Here is where I need your help. In return for my dedication to this event, and to the sufferers, survivors and families who battle blood cancers, I’m asking for your support.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission. Remember, your donation is tax deductible. Don't forget to ask your company if they'll match your donation....double is better :)

I hope you'll visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress.

Thanks for your support!

Rina

TRAINING UPDATES:

5/3/08: Best ride so far!!! We set out to do 70 miles, but ended up with 80 :) It was just a good day all around. The weather was on our side, 50-60s with no rain. I had a lot of energy and good attitude. I worked really hard to stay with the team...my heart was pounding at 160+ It totally paid off because I was drafting for most of the way back. We went over McKenzie hills to Brownsville where we had lunch. Lots of critters on the road, unfortunately many didn't finish crossing the road. Some unusual things happened too...a huge raccoon crossed right in front of me (barely missed it) and a pit bull chased us - thankfully we out ran him :) I hope the day of the ride is as good as this one!

4/12/08: Finally a Spring ride - we had zero clouds, blue sky and temperatures in the 60-80s. But the best thing was surpassing the 50 miles and reaching 60 :) LOTS of hills 2-3 short but scary (~ 8%) and lots of rolling hills. My Bianchi shifted nicely which was a huge relief - I used every single gear.

So I wish I could say everything was perfect, but I got another flat before getting on the bike. The pump ruptured the tube - this is the 3rd tube I've had to change (well Jim's had to change :) And you know how a few weeks back I rode 8 miles with the back brake touching the wheel...how about riding 45 miles like that. It was quite the workout, more than my legs signed up for :(

As I go thru my training, I think about why I'm doing this and those who are struggling with cancer. Last week I found out that Dawn (a friend of a friend) is at the hospital battling Lymphoma. I will be riding in Dawn’s honor and ask that you keep her in your thoughts.

THANK YOU so much for your support and encouragement!

3/29/08: I crossed the 50 mile mark this w/end…feels great! And it wasn’t in a nice sunny California day. It was 37F and snowing when we started. I seriously had 2nd thoughts, but the big day is fast approaching so I have to get on the bike rain or shine!

The wind was on our back at the beginning and we were going 18mph, so I thought I was getting in great shape :) I quickly realized that wasn't true when we turned against the wind and it was coming sideways at 20+ mph. It was quite an experience trying to keep my balance on two thin wheels. The snow became rain mid-ride, but it wasn't that bad...hmmm am I finally getting used to riding in the cold, wind and rain....yeah wishful thinking ;)

It felt great when the meter read 50 and even better at the end 58 miles!! This is my longest ride now and it won’t be for long :)

3/9/08: Yesterday I reached a new goal “43 miles” my longest ride ever! I felt a bit rusty when we started and I thought it was due to my 2wks in Nicaragua, but it was the back brakes touching the wheel. Once Jim fixed that, my Bianchi felt really nice. I like my new saddle even though it barely has any padding. I need to get my b…. stronger for longer rides ;-)

Thanks to all who have contributed! I’m really touched by all your encouraging emails and knowing that you’re supporting me on this amazing cause!

2/16/08: Jim rode with us to McKenzie View. It started off foggy and cold 30s, but then got nice. We started off around the river and then went over the mountain out to the valley. There were a few moderate hills and nice down hills. I got 2 flats on the way back :( I need to change my tires to Jim's. Thanks for coming along baby!!

2/3/08: I rode 25 miles yesterday - my 2nd longest ride ever - yeah! It was cold (38F) and raining w/ 20mph winds; not the ideal day for a ride, but I'm glad I did it. I was very tempted to stay in bed :)

I've logged 113 miles in the last 3 wks, riding about 3-4 times per week. I’m pretty happy with my progress, but I need to build up to 225 next month. That means I need to get better at a few things: staying warm, climbing hills and eating breakfast. At 6:30am, I’m not really awake to cook so I’m usually pretty happy with coffee & a cookie :)

That's all for now but I'll keep you posted on my survival skills :) If you really want to track my progress, you can check out my cycling log.

1/19/08: First TNT training with the team; we’re five! We went for a short 8-mile ride around the river – good enough to warm up our legs. Especially since it was pretty cold (low 40s) and my winter wardrobe needs some work. I’m definitely getting booties and wool socks so my toes don’t freeze :(