I first met Wendy at a local running store where I was giving a presentation on nutrition for long distance running.  The group was preparing for a variety of distances, but mostly half and full marathons.  Wendy approached me afterward with some questions and ultimately followed up with me to help her with her training.

Unfortunately, due to some structural issues, she was at the end of her ‘run’ with running.  Not to be told “no” – she wanted very badly to keep fit for cross country skiing, so we changed gears a bit and made the shift to cycling.  I convinced her to set a goal to keep her focus.  The goal was to do a local Gran Fondo event.  She could have chosen the 60km event, but I suggested that she was already able to do that distance, so why not try the 100k?  I think I heard her gulp – before she said – ok.  She claimed that she was the ultimate Princess – but I suspected that if she was – she was likely a very tough one.  I think that was an astute observation.

She worked really hard that spring and summer.  Cycling as per instructed for distances that she’d never even considered before.  She was determined to finish this thing.

She was in all honesty, riding the wrong bike.  It was a 100lbs hybrid bike (I exaggerate of course) that was a little too big and a lot too heavy – but it’s what she had so we went with it.  I didn’t want to suggest a new bike if we weren’t sure she would even enjoy cycling.

On event-day – she was regularly passed by folks who would say – “wow – you’re doing really well” – followed by – “you’re doing the 100km??” and then,   “that bike looks really heavy!”  Nice.  Nothing like stating the obvious.  If she wasn’t so tenacious – she might have fired me.  Well, actually – she probably considered it several times that day.

Wendy finished the distance – really happy with her accomplishment but knowing that she could do better.  She promptly bought a new bike, got herself properly fitted and presto!  A very keen cyclist was born.

Wendy was already active in her life.  She and her husband were cross country and downhill skiers, hikers and until she couldn’t anymore – runners.  That aside, it could have been very easy for her to simply eliminate the running.  Instead, she reached out and kept her mind open to new possibilities.  Cycling has become a way for her to continue to do her other activities, but I dare say that it’s truly become her passion today.  Cycling brings freedom, fitness and new friends.  For Wendy – she’s found her inner athlete in a realm that she might not have explored before.

The trickle down effect is that her husband has joined her on his bike, she has joined various cycling groups and has done some amazing cycling tours.  The closing of one door – opens another.

What would Wendy say now – 4 years on?  I think it would be something like – there is no ‘quit’ in this Princess AND she wears cleats.

LiveSplendidly!