Strong Like a Kitty!

After today's mission moment, Glen told us a very funny story.  He began by sharing a little about his relationship with his dad whom he idealized as a child....his dad was a marathoner, and died recently of Lymphoma.  He talked about how his dad spent so much time coaching Glen that he sometimes forgot to be a father too.  Glen has been trying to make sure that he emulates all the wonderful qualities of his father while parenting his children, at the same time leaving behind those aspects that weren't ideal (we all strive for this balance when we parent).  So, the other day Elizabeth came home from school with an early Father's Day card for Glen.  He opened it, and it read "I love you daddy because you're strong like a kitty!"   OK, how adorable and reassuring is that!!

So, today we went out on our bike ride with a group mission...to be Strong like a Kitty! Our group bike ride was west of Beaverton near Helvetica.  Glen warned us it would be a tough ride....18 miles of rolling (and not so rolling!) hills, followed by a 10 minute run.  I rode with Craig, Deb, and Pam (a mentor from last year) and we really worked hard.  But, we kept each other going and the hills didn't feel as hard as I was expecting.  The ride was gorgeous, very pastoral  ....almost like I imagine it looks while riding in France.  I am not sure I would have used the word 'rolling' for those hills, but perhaps when I am done with all this training, they will seem like mere speed bumps.  The ten minute run was a bit rough...my calves and hamstrings were oh so tight!  Glen tells us to shuffle our feet for the first few minutes after dismounting the bike because it takes some time for your leg muscles to relax.  I couldn't really do anything else to be honest...it wasn't until minute nine or ten that my legs starting feeling anything close to normal.