Recap & Winners: #RideOutCancer

Every October for the past several years, I've hosted the Cupcake Classic virtual run to fight breast cancer. The "cupcake run" idea has now been duplicated more times than I can count, so this year, I decided to change it up. Tapping into my other passion (cycling), I organized a #RideOutCancer that incorporated several elements.

First was the Spin for the Cure on Oct. 5, a local event at the gym where I instruct Spinning. It was an amazing night with a packed Spin room. If you missed my recap, check it out here.

Secondly, I sold tank tops and t-shirts with the #RideOutCancer emblem on the front. The proceeds from shirt sales were donated to my neighbor Amanda, who is currently fighting breast cancer. When I walked down the street to deliver the donation, she was actually in Houston receiving another round of treatments. The $300 raised will help in a small way to offset their travel costs for these important medical trips. Thank you to everyone who purchased a shirt!

Thirdly, I partnered with BondiBand, my favorite athletic headbands (and winter running hat!). I sold headbands left and right, with proceeds donated towards my fundraising in the Komen Promise Run.

Lastly was the VIRTUAL 50K RIDE... This was free participation, raising awareness for breast cancer... on the bike, putting in the miles to honor those we've lost, those who survived and those still fighting. There was a finisher's medal available and those sold out quickly. Again, all proceeds benefitted our local Komen for the Cure Peoria Memorial via my race fundraising.

Total Raised: $1473

SPECIAL THANK YOU to these generous sponsors who donated above and beyond to make these breast cancer fundraising possible. The holidays are approaching... please consider doing some shopping with these companies. They have great stuff!

Tough Chik

Milestones Sports Jewelry

Runner Decals

CLICK Protein Drink 

• THE RIDE •

I finished my personal 50K ride on October 9. It was a challenging ride for me, as I've been putting in less miles on the road bike versus the Spin room. Hills are much harder in 'real life'. But it was a gorgeous day and whenever it got difficult, I remembered who I was riding for...

From the moment the finisher's medals arrived at my door, my 7 year old daughter wanted one. I explained to her what they were for (and they're not free). She was adamant that she wanted to earn one. In fact, she even pulled out her piggy bank to pay for it herself. So I told her, "If you ride the miles - without me having to force you - then I will buy the medal for you." By golly, that girl has definitely got my persistence. From day one, she was constantly asking if we could go for a bike ride. We had a spattering of bad weather and busy schedules in the early part of the month, so her miles came down to the wire. On Halloween night, between the rain, she got it done... with the whole family at the end of the driveway cheering her on.  I was one proud momma.

 Over 300 people across the country participated in the #RideOutCancer virtual ride. I have enjoyed reading your stories and seeing your finish line photos. Thank you for your participation and dedication to the fight against breast cancer. You are ALL Winners!

And finally the PRIZE winners...
Michelle Valentine - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Jana McCutchan - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Angie Rodgers - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Amber Drake - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Nicola Rutherford - jewelry from Milestones Sports Jewelry

Lindsay Barnes - prize package from Tough Chik

Samuel Stepp - prize package from CLICK Espresso Protein Drink

Amanda Carey - cyclist tumbler from Runner Decals

Lily McMullin - bicyclist bracelet from Shape Up Shenanigans

Deanna Metzloff - bicycle necklace
Melissa Butler - bicycle necklace
Brady Tadisch - helmet mirror

Congratulations to everyone! Big THANKS for your participation!

Three Things Thursday

ONE
This week has seen a huge uproar over Maria Kang. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, catch up here.)  I first saw her fitspiration photo when it came out nearly a year ago. I read her blog and actually enjoy her honest writing. However, I will admit the caption on that particular photo-in-debate was a touch bold. I knew from writing a blog/page myself, that she would certainly get backlash. In general, folks are extremely sensitive these days. Proceed with caution. When you put yourself out there - in an attempt to inspire - there will always be those who try to tear you down. I've been there and it stinks. On one hand, I feel bad for Maria that her intent was misconstrued.

On the other hand, I think Maria could have made the same point with a different caption. I posted a similar image not so long ago - although I have no bodacious abs to showoff. I got zero negativity over the photo below, but I guess I'm not as intimidating as Maria either.  I believe my point is the same as Maria's though... don't let children be a crutch, your excuse. If you want it (whatever that may be - rockin' abs, a finish line, or good health), you must be adamant and put in the work. In the end, it is our choices; our actions that define us. Be happy and proud of the ones you make. If you're not satisfied, do something to make a change... but don't knock someone else's success.

Same message; less offensive - right?

TWO
I completed my Virtual #RideOutCancer 50k last week.  Finisher's medals and shirts are sold out - but you can still join in the fun cause! Virtual Ride details here. I've got a pile of prizes waiting to be mailed out at the end of the month...

THREE
This Sunday, I'm running in the inaugural Susan G. Komen Promise Run & Relay. Yup, that'll be half marathon #4 in a month's time. I'm ready for a break, but this one is important to me.

My town - Peoria, Illinois - is the hometown of the Komen family. It was here that a young women named Susan aka "Suzy" reigned as homecoming queen and then years later died from breast cancer in 1980. Her surviving sister, Nancy Brinker, started the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in her honor to bring more awareness and help women become educated about the disease.

Just three years before Suzy Komen passed, my grandmother Lillian lost her battle to breast cancer.  Decades later, her daughter (my aunt) also fought the ugly cancer - but won. While there is much debate on how much breast cancer is genetic, it still scares the hell out of me - for both myself and my daughters. Our best defense is to stay current on checkups and be active! Studies have found that women who exercised vigorously and often were only half as likely to get breast cancer. Exercise can also help women with breast cancer better tolerate the side effects of treatment and recover faster after surgery. It also has a better impact on survival. All perfect reasons to keep kickin' it on the road and in the gym!

If you feel a desire to support me in my run against breast cancer, tax-deductible donations may be made here. Mucho gracias!


• Weigh-in... how do you feel about Maria Kang's fitspiration photo? Did it offend or inspire you?

• Have you finished your miles in the saddle to #RideOutCancer? 

• Anyone in your family affected by breast cancer? Who do you ride/run for?