There really is no excuse for having a poor season. I am blessed with a body that responds quickly to a little gravitational abuse followed by protein consumption. With a little work, I am a fairly respectable mountain biker.

Over the last week, I have noticed quite a difference in my climbing ability. Compared to last year, I have a few things going against me:
• I haven’t been riding much.
• I am 20 pounds heavier.
• I’ve been severely lacking in motivation.
• I’ve had a lot of personal issues to work through.

Recent changes in my life have given me new hope. I am now a full-time freelance writer with another job prospect on the horizon. While I am still building the foundation of my career, I am envisioning the life I have always wanted: the opportunity to travel and simply be free. I have no problem lugging my laptop around and doing a little work here and there. It is something I enjoy.

I like the idea of regularly blogging, again. I enjoy the benefits of documenting my cycling life and being able to look at it down the road. It is really interesting to go back and see what I’ve done over the past years. It’s actually quite amazing. Everyone should do it. It is an odd form of self-validation. It is quite surprising to feel like you’ve done absolutely nothing only to be reminded that you’ve done quite a bit.

I love that I can travel downstate and can be more involved with the Michigan Mountain Biking Association activities. As a state board member, I want to be involved. I want to put myself out there and experience what Michigan has to offer, which is quite a bit. There are some wonderful people who are involved with this organization, and I really enjoy meeting them. This is what I will be doing over the next month, and I am looking forward to using it as a personal growth experience.

The tide has turned. I feel like I can ride more. I am looking forward to becoming a lighter, faster Di. My life has significantly changed over the last month, but I feel this is for the better. Like my muscles, which are torn down during a workout and built back up and stronger than ever, I feel like I have been torn down, and now I am gaining greater strength. I will be strong.