After Spring Break, $#^t got crazy.
Between school, Chicago Dance Month, putting on a show, and training for RFAC, I was so busy living my life that I didn’t have any time left to blog about it. Now that the dust has settled a bit I’m back in action.
Phew
#wipesbrow
Thanks for your patience.
In an effort to get readers caught up with all my goings-on, here are some highlights from the past two months in Instagram form:
As you know, I’m embarking on an epic journey by bicycle this summer.
But since Chicago looks like a wet, cold, slippery noodle this time of year I’m relying on a couple of weekly spin classes to get some training in. I have my favorite instructors, my favorite bike, and in homage to my 10 pounds of healthy weight loss I’m once again rocking the padded shorts sans sweat pants over top.
Today a new addition came into my life, and I’m never letting it go….
It’s a pair of ultra-cute, Velcro strappy, Giro brand cycling shoes. With the fancy cleats on them.
I’ve traversed a couple thousand miles by bicycle (cumulatively), and all of it has happened on a heavy hybrid with flat peddles and tennis shoes. I don’t have anything against “clipping in” – I just never really wanted to go through the embarrassment of trying to learn how to use cycling shoes out on the road and falling several times in the process.
So I thought spin class would be a great way to rip the bandaid off…
Until the instructor didn’t show.
Fortunately, the staff to the gym was willing to open the spin studio and plug my playlist into the stereo, so I was able to wing a 50 minute class on my own.
You know, just three hills, 3 sprints, some bouts of 90-100 RPM, Missy Elliot, and lots and lots of sweat. No big deal.
And the shoes? Well, after a little wiggle, my foot came in and out of the peddle with no problem, and the stride is so super way better and more natural than riding in tennies.
Cute Giro cycling shoes… I think I love you.
So remember last week when I said I’d make a big announcement?
And then, remember how I said I was working on meeting deadlines?
Oops.
Anyway, here’s what the big hubbub is all about:
This July, I’m riding my bicycle 200 miles in 2 days in the Ride for AIDS Chicago! I’ll be slipping back into those beloved padded shorts and houghing it up to Lake Geneva and back in 2 days, and serving a great cause in the mean time.
I admit that bike commuting and I haven’t been the best of friends lately. And this I intend to change. That plus a couple hard core spin classes a week.
Here’s the thing… I can take care of the peddling part, but I need your help, too. As part of my committment I’ve pledged to raise $1000 for TPAN, the organization sponsoring The Ride. This is where you come in. Perhaps you or someone you know has been affected by HIV/AIDS, or perhaps you recognize the great need for increased advocacy efforts. Or maybe you are encouraged by a group of individuals killing themselves on bicycles for a great cause. Whatever your rationale, your contribution of any dollar amount will not go unnoticed.
If 180 people donate $5, I will surpass my goal.
Plus, I’ll throw in a postcard from Lake Geneva.
So if I’ve convinced you to give the cost of your daily latte to a great cause, just visit this here little link:
http://rideforaids.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?ievent=1033952&supId=375704118
I look forward to keeping the lovely readers updated throughout the journey of training and riding in this experience of a lifetime!
Lauren Warnecke 
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