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After months of training - 6 a.m. spin classes at the YMCA, long rides on the Southern Walnut Creek Trail, and the recent LBJ 100 ride in the Texas Hill Country - I am going to do it again: 168 miles from Houston to Austin during the last weekend of April. This will be my second time participating in the MS150, and for much of the time leading up to it, I've been feeling fine: I got this! But….
Now, as the weekend approaches, I am getting scared. Am I really up for this? I was in better shape last year. Even though I didn't decide to ride until five weeks before the race last time, I was running long distances and working out daily. Also, we had ideal weather on the ride last year - it can't possibly be that good again. And - dare I say it? - I'm sick of training! I've been struggling to get out on the trail. It's grueling and time-consuming. I can rattle off a long list of preferable activities.
But I have reason to hope I can do this again. My MS has been cooperating. I had some increased dizziness earlier this year, but it has dissipated. My recent MRI showed "no changes," indicating no disease progression. My cousin Bates, who helped me through every mile of the ride last year, is coming back again with two friends from El Paso to accompany me. And my mom, my most consistent support person throughout the course of my illness, is riding with me. Nine and a half years ago, she walked me up the stairs of my house, after the spinal tap that confirmed my diagnosis and then made me so sick I couldn't get out of bed. She was with me for my first ocrelizumab infusions. Next week, she will depart Houston with me and 9,000 more cyclists, as we head home on our bikes to Austin. She has trained so well that I will be struggling to keep up.
Last year, I was proud to join the ranks of the Top 300 Club of fundraisers, raising more than $7,500. This year, I've more than doubled my fundraising. All that financial support, which goes to the National MS Society's amazing research programs, advocacy efforts, and patient navigator programs, will also be a great motivation for me to finish this race. I am so grateful and humbled by the support from so many people who share my vision of a world free of MS. My trepidation will be my secret weapon: I'll finish this race and make you proud.
Thanks to all of you who have supported my race and have lifted me up in so many other ways during my difficult moments these last nine and a half years. If you want to learn more about the ride or make a contribution, please see my fundraising page: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Lisa-and-Libby-Doggett