Day 2, 3, and 4 were the true days of the 4K. It is what the organization is all about. It was tough and when I say tough I mean “mountain” tough. We went through the Apps. There were times that I literally could’ve walked faster than I did going up those mountains. However, the top was sooo amazingly rewarding. There is something about the achievement that you get when you make it to the top of a mountain. It is different than performing in front of a group of people. It’s a feeling that you used your own body to pedal up something so steep. The end of the day was a little scary for me. We were about 4 miles from our host and I slipped on gravel on the side of the road and went right into the guardrail. My ribs went down first. Thank God that the guardrail was there to catch me, but it scared me so bad. My ribs were a little bruised, but scared me more than anything. My teammates were wonderful and jumped off the bike and had two people looking for cars and others helping me get up and making sure I’m okay.
I have amazing teammates. Day 2 was meant to be the toughest day out of the 70 days of our trip. My mini group that I was riding with that day couldn’t of been more supportive. A teammate named Patrick literally helped me get up every mountain. Mostly about telling me about silly things such as his favorite food, childhood stories, and so much more. At times I didn’t even think about my legs not wanting to move another muscle. He really helped me and motivated me on Day 2. I truly thank him and the rest of my team for that.
Day 3 was kind of a rough day for me. We had some more mountains to climb and all morning was in pouring rain. Not only was it raining, but also it was cold rain. It made it terrible to bike in. Lunch came and everyone was sooo cold. We ended up having Wendy’s chili and sandwiches. Hit the spot on point. The funny part was we ate in a laundry mat. We were drying our clothes while we were eating our lunch. Girls were in their sports bra and tights and literally downing coffee and food to get warm. However, the day slowly went down hill for me. I was struggling with my left knee hurting. It was in the back of my knee. I have been really grateful all my life because I have never experience knee pain. We were going through some pretty steep hills too. I would almost make it to the top of the hill and then fall over because my knee would give out on me. The thing I have quickly realized about cycling is when going through hills or mountains, if you stop pedaling for a split second you could possible fall over if you don’t clip out of your pedals in time. I was getting really frustrated after my 3 time of falling because of my knee pain. I ended up getting in the van and resting for the rest of the 25 miles. I didn’t want to do that, however I’m glad I did. I went to the host that night early and iced my knee and took a little nap and it felt sooo much better. I’m happy to say my knee pain is getting much better now.
I think everyone is suffering with some serious butt soreness now. That is what really got me yesterday. Day 4 was fun, but very long. We went on a trail for about 60 miles. It was all hidden in trees. It was really cool. We had a river to the right of us the whole time. My group was really fun. We played games the whole time and laughed. It was a great bonding time. I loved it! J I was glad to get to Clairton, PA though. We are staying in a Presbyterian church for two nights. Day 5 is a rest day!!!!!!!! We are going to go to a hospital in Pittsburgh and deliver chemo care bags to patients. I’m excited about doing this. The bags have little great things that patients battling cancer might find useful. Hand lotion, chap stick, blanket, word puzzle, candy, and much more. After that, we have the day to do whatever we want. It will be nice to give our legs a day of rest from cycling. We enter in Ohio tomorrow. I’m excited!!!
Before I end my post I want to talk about those who I have bike for. Day 2 was to my Coach Amy Watson. She battled and fought breast cancer. She is an amazing woman. She was one of my coaches for basketball. She showed us all how to never give up. She is a true warrior.
Day 3 went to Ashley Moore Leising. She is currently battling cancer. She is an inspiration in the Arapahoe community. She is able to fight cancer, be a wife, and be a mom all at the same time. It is amazing. Keep fighting Ashley!
Day 4 went to a 9-year-old boy named Isaiah Casillas. He unfortunately lost his battle against brain cancer. I got the opportunity to sing for his benefit concert a few years back. Isaiah was a boy that had a smile that lit up the whole room. He was a true Husker fan and loved football. Day 4 was for you Isaiah.
Got to go get ready for a day in Pittsburgh. That is all for now.
Peace!!
~Halle Stephens
I have amazing teammates. Day 2 was meant to be the toughest day out of the 70 days of our trip. My mini group that I was riding with that day couldn’t of been more supportive. A teammate named Patrick literally helped me get up every mountain. Mostly about telling me about silly things such as his favorite food, childhood stories, and so much more. At times I didn’t even think about my legs not wanting to move another muscle. He really helped me and motivated me on Day 2. I truly thank him and the rest of my team for that.
Day 3 was kind of a rough day for me. We had some more mountains to climb and all morning was in pouring rain. Not only was it raining, but also it was cold rain. It made it terrible to bike in. Lunch came and everyone was sooo cold. We ended up having Wendy’s chili and sandwiches. Hit the spot on point. The funny part was we ate in a laundry mat. We were drying our clothes while we were eating our lunch. Girls were in their sports bra and tights and literally downing coffee and food to get warm. However, the day slowly went down hill for me. I was struggling with my left knee hurting. It was in the back of my knee. I have been really grateful all my life because I have never experience knee pain. We were going through some pretty steep hills too. I would almost make it to the top of the hill and then fall over because my knee would give out on me. The thing I have quickly realized about cycling is when going through hills or mountains, if you stop pedaling for a split second you could possible fall over if you don’t clip out of your pedals in time. I was getting really frustrated after my 3 time of falling because of my knee pain. I ended up getting in the van and resting for the rest of the 25 miles. I didn’t want to do that, however I’m glad I did. I went to the host that night early and iced my knee and took a little nap and it felt sooo much better. I’m happy to say my knee pain is getting much better now.
I think everyone is suffering with some serious butt soreness now. That is what really got me yesterday. Day 4 was fun, but very long. We went on a trail for about 60 miles. It was all hidden in trees. It was really cool. We had a river to the right of us the whole time. My group was really fun. We played games the whole time and laughed. It was a great bonding time. I loved it! J I was glad to get to Clairton, PA though. We are staying in a Presbyterian church for two nights. Day 5 is a rest day!!!!!!!! We are going to go to a hospital in Pittsburgh and deliver chemo care bags to patients. I’m excited about doing this. The bags have little great things that patients battling cancer might find useful. Hand lotion, chap stick, blanket, word puzzle, candy, and much more. After that, we have the day to do whatever we want. It will be nice to give our legs a day of rest from cycling. We enter in Ohio tomorrow. I’m excited!!!
Before I end my post I want to talk about those who I have bike for. Day 2 was to my Coach Amy Watson. She battled and fought breast cancer. She is an amazing woman. She was one of my coaches for basketball. She showed us all how to never give up. She is a true warrior.
Day 3 went to Ashley Moore Leising. She is currently battling cancer. She is an inspiration in the Arapahoe community. She is able to fight cancer, be a wife, and be a mom all at the same time. It is amazing. Keep fighting Ashley!
Day 4 went to a 9-year-old boy named Isaiah Casillas. He unfortunately lost his battle against brain cancer. I got the opportunity to sing for his benefit concert a few years back. Isaiah was a boy that had a smile that lit up the whole room. He was a true Husker fan and loved football. Day 4 was for you Isaiah.
Got to go get ready for a day in Pittsburgh. That is all for now.
Peace!!
~Halle Stephens