Dogmama,

I'm so sorry to hear that your husband's ill, I hope his surgery, teatment and full recovery go well.

When my Dad was in the final stages of cancer my Mom's efforts to care for him were nothing short of heroic but she learned and we all did that it's essential to carve out some time for oneself.

I hope you'll take some time to ride, reflect, relaxe. Caretaking a loved one is so hard.

Funny, I thought couples have an easier time biking; help with filling the water bottles, topping off the tires and my personal favorite now, getting the bike on the roof rack. On the other hand I don't have to check with anyone, if I wanna ride, i ride. Do you think your life got complicated because you got married or is it the cancer?

> Frankly, I am exploring additional interests. Yoga, weight lifting and I'd love to start pilates. We have an especially good spinning instructor at my gym now too.

Those are fine, they all take time too. I'm 48 and rest and crosstraining are important, can't just go out and beat myself up anymore or skip rest days and warm ups. I do a tiny bit of yoga, spinning's ok but nothing beats riding or makes me feel better.

> Yet, I look at my custom bike (that I've had 10 years & have put 30-40,000 miles on) and think - I really *should* be out training for El Tour (109 mile ride in November.) Training means Sunday is essentially gone. Riding 70-90 miles in the morning tends to wipe me out for the rest of the day.

> Even writing this, it seems silly.

Not silly at all, c'mon Dogmama, let's get out and ride today