I’ve been wearing a huge smile since the weekend and my heart has been bubbling over with excitement.
After months of discussion, we finally took the plunge and booked a trip to Thailand in October. The flights are in place, and our registration has been confirmed for the 10 day bicycle trip that will take us 1,015 km from Bangkok to Phuket.
My BHAG for 2016 – a big, hairy, audacious goal – is now officially in play! Having a big scary goal in place gives the coming months structure and purpose.
Discussions about this trip started last June when we received an email from good friends who threw out this challenge. These are the same friends we have travelled with extensively throughout the past 10 years – from training camps, marathons, Ironman, to Kilimanjaro – through Europe, Canada, and the US.
I had not been on a bicycle for 4 years since I had an accident that ended with a ride in an ambulance and a battered face. I had been remarkably lucky that I wasn’t more seriously hurt … but more than a little spooked about riding again.
… but in enthusiasm for this opportunity, I got back on my bike last July and slowly started the process of rebuilding my cycling base. Now my real training has begun in earnest. I’ve never attempted a challenge like this before and I’m quietly filing away all the complaints starting to bubble up from my aging body.
I’m confident that as the mileage starts to pile up over the months ahead, I’m going to seriously question my sanity and why on earth I thought this would be a great idea.
For now though, I’m smiling.
This post was in response to the Weekly Smile hosted by Trent’sWorld. Every Wednesday, Trent has invited us to share what’s made us smile in the past week.
The world doesn’t need to always be a grey and negative place. Please check it out and consider sharing your smiles.
WOW! This is awesome, Joanne! I’m so excited for you. And we lucky people will get to enjoy it without the physical exertion, I hope. YOU GO GIRL. ❤
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Thanks Christine. Right now it feels like a very long time away, but it’ll be here before I know it 🙂
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That’s 100 miles a day! Yikes – my bum’s sore just thinking about it. 😄
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Mine is sore too 😉
… but it’s *only* a 100km a day on average. If it was miles, I wouldn’t have a chance!
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No wonder you’re excited – that is quite the challenge you’ve set yourself! I’m sure you’re going to do this but I have a couple of words of advice just in case – electric bicycles!
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I love the idea of an e-bike and started lobbying for one a while ago, but no, this trip will be me-powered.
You can be sure I will let everyone know if this turns out to be the dumbest idea I’ve ever had!
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It will be a wonderful experience anyway and all of me, except my knees, is envious!
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hahahaha – it’s not my knees I’m worried about. It’s my butt!! 😉
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Shows just how much bike riding I do!
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I am so excited for you!! What an amazing goal. I look forward to hearing more during the months ahead. Go girl!!
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You are one person who can really understand and appreciate a goal like this. Most people think I’ve lost my mind.
As you know, experiencing the world from a bike is pretty awesome.
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It is a wonderful was to experience the world!
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OMG! I have to ask…was alcohol involved in this decision? LOL
Fantastic News! Love the shadow image and your tenacity in facing your fears…BIG time!
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HAHAHAHA!!! That’s funny! This time the decision was made in the clear bright light of day with clarity of mind.
…. I’m not sure yet about the soundness of mind though 😉
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Awesome! All the best with the planning and the training.
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Thanks! Having a scary audacious goal will certainly keep things interesting this year. I’m not one to blow off the training because I don’t feel like it, or I don’t have time. I may not be a fast or strong cyclist, but I intend to be ready for the challenge 🙂
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Ooh, jealous. Not just about the trip but that you have a BHAG. I don’t have a G at all, BHA or otherwise.
100km a day? Okay, maybe a teeny bit less jealous. Can’t wait to hear all about it, though. Bound to be awesome!
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I haven’t had a scary audacious goal like this one in a very long time. I’m highly enthusiastic right now … check in again in July 😉
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Will there be a spreadsheet?
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There is always a spreadsheet! 😀
I’m as addicted to stats as you are!
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What a beautiful smile and fantastic adventure! Thanks for sharing both today 🙂
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Thank you! I hope I’m still smiling as the mileage starts to pack on 😉
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WOW what a challenge you’ve taken on. Congratulations!
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We are never really sure what we are capable of doing until we try 🙂
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Wow! Sounds like an incredible adventure both in terms of getting through the kilometres and in experiencing Thailand. I’m not terribly mobile but I enjoyed sailing this week. I was mainly ballast but I had a go steering. It was so liberating! xx Rowena
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I spent a huge chunk of my life as a desk jockey. I didn’t care much for the sweaty, mess outdoors.
Now I’ve come to appreciate that any day spent outdoors is a great day 🙂
Sailing would be great fun – ballast or not!
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As you read in my About, my health hasn’t been great and while I’m a lot better, I still have residual issues.
About 4 years ago, I went away on an Adventure Camp with Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. I had just been thinking about having a break and my husband said he’d take the time off to look after the kids. I ended up going parasailing,quad bike riding,surfing. It was just incredible! I didn’t realise quite how much it changed me until we went on a family ski holiday. I’d decided not to ski but once we were there changed my mind but it was all a bit too late. I went skiing the following year though and the next with a specially trained instructor. My biggest problem seem s to be walking on uneven grown where some of these seemingly risky sports aren’t such a problem. I broke my foot simply walking on grass where there was a bit of a dip.
By the way, thought you’d appreciate this: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/kayaking-with-two-dogs/
I must have been mad!
xx Rowena
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I am so excited for you Joanne. I have no doubt that when you put your mind to it anything is possible. I am so very much looking forward to hearing all about it.:)
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Like you Sue, once I decide I want to do something, it will get done. The only question now is … how much will it hurt? 😉
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Well that is part of the accomplishment and think of how many wonderful sights you will see!
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… and you next month in Australia. I’m very excited for you 🙂
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Yes it is coming up quickly! Joanne I seem to have misplaced your email. Can you drop me a note at traveltalesoflife@gmail.com. We booked a weekend in Toronto and I’m hoping we might connect. 🙂
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Wow, that is such an amazing personal challenge. I signed up for a 200 mile bike ride this morning and I thought that was a big step.
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A 200-mile ride is a huge challenge. The longest single day ride I’ve ever done is a 100 miles … and it hurt.
Good luck with your training and the ride. When and where will it be?
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☆☆☆☆ Joanne, you are an awesome inspiration for all of us who have put perils and adventures to the “back burner” of our memories! Thailand will be wonderful and with your plan of action, building up to longer rides, I just know you can do it! 🙂
I like biking but one with a regular speed and bigger seat. I think there is a name like a “Cruising” bicycle. I like going to islands and renting these! 🙂
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I started very late in life and I feel like I’m playing catch-up with all the things I dreamed of doing someday.
This is one of those opportunities I felt I had to seize while I had a chance and if it meant I had to get back on my bike and ride for a god-awful distance, I was going to make it happen 🙂
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What an exhilarating combination of fear and excitement you must feel! Good luck with your training for this adventure 🙂
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Janna, you’ve got it exactly right. I do feel both excitement and fear.
I often question whether I’ve got the ‘right stuff’. My husband and our friends are very good athletes. I’m a wannabe. This will not be a walk in the park … but nothing ventured, nothing gained 🙂
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Your smile is incredibly infectious. I am excited and smiling and happy for your upcoming excellent adventure. I know you can do this and I am here shaking my pom-poms as you ride toward your goal. Go, Joanne, Go! Rah!
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I knew you were going to ‘get’ this challenge!!
Experiencing a different part of the world from the vantage point of a bike seat is pretty amazing. It’s up close and very personal … bugs-adhered-to-your-skin personal 🙂
As I’m grinding my way through the long training rides ahead, I’ll be picturing you with your pom-poms cheering me from the sidelines 🙂
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That’s awesome news Joanne, I am so happy for you 🙂
You’ll have plenty of time to train and get yourself ready and I’m sure that despite the pain and a bit of cussing along the way, this trip will leave you with a lifetime of precious memories.
Good for you!!!
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What an incredible trip to look forward to! I’ve never taken a biking trip like this… do you feel that you have adequate time to explore the sights not on the bike trail? You are starting your training nice and early so I’m sure you’ll be in great shape for the trip. I love the idea of having a BAHG… I’m going to have to put some thought into that!
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We will be touring Bangkok before the bike trip starts and Phuket at the end. Inbetween we will be stopping in small villages along the coast both for breaks at for the night.
I expect we will be seeing quite a bit 🙂
I haven’t had a “go big” goal like this in a very long time. I’m both excited and nervous about it.
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You are 100% crazy…total compliment because we need MORE crazy people 😉
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Compliment accepted with a smile! 🙂
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Kudos to you for challenging yourself! It sound like an amazing adventure. I love having a trip planned far in advance so you can anticipate and look forward to it. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
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I agree that anticipation is a huge part of the excitement of taking a trip … and until the flights / reservations / etc are in place, I don’t think it’s real.
Now it’s real 🙂
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Your friends must love having someone they can call who’s game for any adventure. My daughter spent a year in Thailand and loved it. Friendly people and beautiful sights. You’re going to love it. Leave plenty of time for enjoying the culture and food 🙂
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I really enjoy this couple because they have such a ‘let’s do it’ attitude. I’m confident there will be plenty of laughs along the way.
I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about Thailand. I’ve never been to that part of the world before, and I’m very excited about it.
… and trust me on this one, when you’re riding 100 km a day on a bike, a LOT of food is being eaten 🙂
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What a wonderful reason to smile! Not only a fantastic trip and goal to look forward to but you’ve made your way through the maze of booking and planning the trip! Good going!
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You hit it on the head … booking the flights on this trip was a maze!! I’m grateful I wasn’t doing all the legwork on this one!
It’s a big goal with lots of sweat to look forward to – literally – but I’m sure there will be a lot of great memories built in the process 🙂
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Ah hah! I knew you’d do this trip. I’m excited for you. Also have a great idea….you should get yourself in fine form and then test your mettle by driving yourself right down here for a visit! It would be just over half as far up and back! Yep, am thinking you definitely need to do this. Should I begin preparing the guest room?
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Oh Torrie, my friend. Be careful what you suggest. I’m definitely the type of person to take you up on your suggestion 🙂
I would love to plan a road trip your way and I guarantee it won’t be on my bike!!
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I look forward to it whenever you can work your way to us, Joanne!
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I’ll keep you posted 🙂
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Moss doesn’t grow under YOUR feet. Congratulations. You CAN do it. Holy Moly. You are amazing. 😀
Psst. Don’t know if anyone’s told you… *whispers* you have something on your teeth.
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LOL!! Oh Tess, you make me laugh 😀
The question isn’t whether I can do it … it will be done, of that I’m sure. The question is really how much is it going to hurt? 😉
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No matter what, Joanne. I will still respect you when you come back. 😀
😀
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🙂
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You inspire me Joanne. What more can I say except woo hoo … it will be awesome
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It’s been a long while since I’ve done something so completely outside of my comfort zone. The next 10 months will be very interesting indeed … I’m hoping for lots of awesome 🙂
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WHAT is it about you Canadians and cycling? Mad as a box of frogs… but I do look forward to the journey and I wish you (and your butt) all the luck in the world! And I shall join you with a big smile today (if you don’t mind) as we have just exchanged contracts on our new house purchase so we shall be moving to the coast in a couple of months time 😀 😀
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hahaha! I guess you could say Sue Slaght and I are on the far end of the adventure-seeking curve 🙂
I am bursting with excitement right now … my butt, might be somewhat less enthusiastic. I’m sure tears will be shed at various points – mostly falling in the category of ‘I want my mommy’ 😉
Congratulations on the house!!! Moving is just SOOOOOO exciting 🙂
Smile away, my friend. You have a huge reason to be thrilled! I’ll be looking forward to the status reports on the move.
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Cheers Jo! Oh, wait a minute, it is probably a bit early for champagne over there.
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Never too early for bubbly! 🙂
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I like your thinking… hic!
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🙂
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This is such exciting news! I’m thrilled for you! High five for getting yourself back on your bike. YAY!
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thank you! Getting back on the saddle wasn’t something I thought I’d ever do again. It’s both exciting and ‘holy crap – what am I doing?’ 😉
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My traveler’s heart says, “Fantastic! Sounds great!” but my tailbone is whimpering, “Ouch!” in sympathy…Looking forward to the continuing story~
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hahaha – I know what you’re saying. My butt has been feeling bruised for a few weeks already
… but what an opportunity!!
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How cool is that? Congratulations. I am officially looking forward to reading about this experience. I hope everything goes well with the remaining planning and the actual trip!
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Thank you so much. I’m really pumped right now. This is a goal significantly outside of my comfort level, but I do like to embrace the saying Go Big, Or Go Home 😉
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I’m already looking forward to your adventures abroad! Good for y’all for going for it! 😀
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Thanks 🙂 Sometimes we just have to acknowledge our fears and doubts and just jump in.
My love affair with the bike can be described as rocky at best, but if nothing else, I will have stories to tell 😉
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Hi Joanne – amazing … what a wonderful trip and it will be so worth all the effort – talk about scenery etc .. and all the culture … can quite see your enthusiasm and pleasure ahead – cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary 🙂 Right now my enthusiasm knows no bounds!
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I did the math. That’s 101.5 km a day! Seriously impressive. I ride a stationary bike most days (so that I can read while I’m riding) and at the rate I ride, it would take me 125 days to complete the trip…
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HAHAHAHA! thanks for the laugh 😀
Yes, I’m aware that on average we will be riding about 100km a day … some days more, some less. I’ve definitely committed to this trip with some trepidation. I’ve never done back-to-back riding quite like this before although I am no stranger to endurance riding.
Stay tuned. It could get interesting 😉
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You go girl! So excited for you🚵
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Maybe by the spring, I will actually be able to keep up with you 😉
Hope you are doing well today … not too much pain?
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I am Joanne. Pain is manageable with the meds😬
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Have to love the meds 🙂
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You did it! Signing up/booking it is 90% of the thing, right? Well, of course TRAINING is 100% of the thing, but you know what I mean! Very excited for you!
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Exactly Nancy! Once the signing up has been completed, the gauntlet is down and the challenge begins. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
It’s real now and I’m stoked.
Check with me in July. By then the tears will likely have started and I’ll be having anxiety attacks 😉
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Oh Joanne I am so excited for you. I know how much you wanted this, so I am sitting here smiling with you. However…get ready, I will ask for a postcard 🙂
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I will happily send you a postcard. I can’t guarantee there won’t be tear stains on it though 😉
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I am happy for you, can’t wait to see the pictures after your vacation.
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That’s so exciting! I’m so thrilled for you and can’t wait to hear all about it. This post totally made me smile! 🙂 I have a BHAG for 2016 too and I’m planning for it each and every day. You’ve inspired me to take the plunge. Thank you, Joanne!
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Now you have peaked my curiosity!! Will you be sharing your BHAG?! … I hope!
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Definitely. Maybe tomorrow’s inspirational thought. 😉
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Congratulations! I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who plans obsessively since I made all my reservations for a trip to NY in June. (Did I tell you this…sorry to repeat if so). Anyway, how exciting! I hope you have a great time and I’m sure you’ll let us know all about it.
What’s that saying about a bicycle? If you fall off the best thing to do is get back on and keep riding…or something like that!
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I’ve fallen off a bicycle so many times and got back on, I’ve lost count. As I get older though, it’s tougher to bounce back
I’ve always been slow, but now I’ll be riding with even more caution than I have in the past.
You have mentioned your upcoming trip to NY and sharing your memories with your kids. I think anticipation is one of the best parts of a trip, and until the reservations are made, the trip is still only an idea. With the plans solidly in place, now is the time to be ridiculously happy 🙂
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Exactly, and the week before is the time to be ridiculously stressed!
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You too?!! The week before I’m always a mess!
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Or for sure. We have to get up at some ungodly hour to get on the plane. I’m already sure I won’t sleep at all.
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That’s great! I used to bike a lot, but after a few small falls I haven’t been in a while. I’ve been running (and kayaking) more for my exercise and outdoor time. And Thailand – everything I know about it is positive, a very beautiful country. I’m sure you’ll wear that smile through the year as you train, through the trip and for years to come when you think back on it. Thanks for sharing the plan and smile with us!
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Thanks Trent for hosting this weekly smile. It is a great idea 🙂
I’m not exactly a great cyclist, but I try and that’s 3/4 of the battle 🙂
… but I do love having a big goal and this one is really audacious! My smile is in place!
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Yes, trying is 3/4 of the battle. I haven’t done any multi-day excursions, but I find it interesting that most of the people I know who have done them aren’t the big powerhouse cyclists but the average riders.
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I’m not even sure I’m a strong enough rider to consider myself ‘average’ 🙂
This multi-day riding will be new to me too … I’m hoping my butt comes to term with the bike seat early in the process 😉
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You have all spring and summer to become average 😉 I’m sure it will be fine. And it should be a gorgeous ride.
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hahahaha! Best motivational speech I’ve received in a long time 😀
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That’s why I’m not a coach 😉
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Oh man… I’d been suspecting it for a while, but now I know for sure: You are just as crazy as that one: http://expatlingo.com/2016/01/19/we-few-we-happy-few-we-band-of-soggy-runners/
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ahhh – racing in the pouring rain! There’s nothing quite like it 🙂
Yes, this is a crazy goal and since I practically BEGGED my husband to take this trip, I won’t dare complain even once (out loud) about the training, sore butt, tired legs, heat, et al ….
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It’ll be a fabulous experience 🙂 You go girl!!!
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AWESOME – H
On Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 9:40 AM, My Life Lived Full wrote:
> joannesisco posted: “I’ve been wearing a huge smile since the weekend and > my heart has been bubbling over with excitement. After months of > discussion, we finally took the plunge and booked a trip to Thailand in > October. The flights are in place, and our registration has b” >
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Thanks Helen. You better get that bike tuned up. I’ll be looking for a riding buddy 🙂
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