Cough cough!

I think I've pretty much experienced everything the flu has been able to throw at me.  Let's see, there's been a 103+ degree fever, coughing, sneezing, hacking, congestion, aches, chills, runny nose, and today, well, let's just say I couldn't keep anything down.  I had actually gone back to work this week, because if you know anything about me by now, I can't stand sitting around on the sidelines.  Bad idea.  Monday went okay.  Not great, but I was especially tired when I went home.  Tuesday, the Chief got tired of my coughing, and kindly urged me to take the day off and don't come back until I was all cleared up.  He was right, as I stayed home today, and stayed in bed all day.  Definitely not back from this thing yet, and the truth is the flu is nothing to be messed with.  Overdo it and you can find yourself in the hospital.

Ok, this isn't a blog about the flu.  It is about this journey to show that someone suffering from a mental illness can accomplish something great, and to document every step of that journey.  It is meant to teach and inspire.  So, yes, there is a teaching moment here.

Things don't go according to plan.  Depression was not in my plan.  The flu was not in my plan.  Getting behind in my miles was not part of the plan.  A sign of strength is what do you do when the plan changes, or is tossed out altogether.  So, here is the plan:

1. Get well (obviously).  That means a lot of rest and sleep.  Hoping to be able to go to work tomorrow.  Main thing at this point is congested lungs.  They clear up some more and I am good to go - I think.

2. Look for opportunities to make up significant miles.  This means that 2013 will have to be pretty robust as far as 100+ mile rides.  Those are the most efficient way to make up and build mileage.  One 125 mile ride is almost a week's worth of 30 mile rides.  It just happens that I am a member of RUSA (Randonneurs USA) a long distance cycling organization, and there are a number of rides coming up in 2013 not too far from here.  You can bet I'll be doing some of them.

3. Stay consistent.  The 30 miles a day still applies, so between consistency and big rides, everything will be okay!

And, the moral of the story here is that you are not hearing a certain word.  Quit.  I can't quit depression, and I can't quit life.  If this ride is a celebration of life and success, then I welcome obstacles.  I welcome bumps in the road.  I was not somehow removed from day to day challenges in life just because I decided to make an additional challenge.  This is on top of what life has for me.  You know want you do in long distance ride when it gets tough.  Easy.  You pedal.

Pressing on!