Dr. Smith's Birthday Challenge part 2...The Completion

While riding with Reva last Saturday I saw a flyer about the Reston Century Ride that was to take place on August 23, 2009. I knew that if Reva was capable of making a huge lifestyle change I was ready to complete my Birthday Challenge. Each day seemed to be a blurr with growing anticipation and nervousness to Sunday's ride. I consulted my brother who is an avid Tri-Athlete, and Marathon runner on top of his already grueling job in the Marine Corps. His words were simple and easy to follow, "What's the difference between Sunday and any other day you have ridden? Nothing treat it exactly like any other ride and pedal one foot at a time. The goal is to finish, not finish first."

Sunday morning came with his words ringing in my ears. I drove to Reston Town Center, registered, received my map and headed out for a new adventure. The first 20 miles literally flew by as I found myself with faster riders and ended up completing the first 20 miles in 59 minutes. The 24 mile mark came and so did the hills, for the next 63 miles consisted of grueling hills, and joy in finding other riders on the path. With each mile under my tires, I found myself more and more alone, and when I was ready to stop I would look up to see a rider in front of me.

The last 23 miles were the hardest 23 miles of my life. I continued to repeat my brother's words, and as each mile past I found myself closer and closer to my goal. I found comfort in knowing that every mile past 80 was a new goal and distance that I had not previously seen. I pulled into the last rest stop 10 miles outside of Reston and as I went to dismount my bike I toppled over. The crew working the stop asked if I was alright, then offered me a ride to the finish line. If there was an opportune time to quit, it was now. I could easily fake an injury, accept defeat or I could finish what I started. The option was really never there to quit. I know each time a patient steps into my office I push them to take the challenge of living a healthier life, and if I ever wanted another person to follow through, then I had to follow through and finish.

9 hours and 15 minutes from the start I pulled back into Reston Town Center, exhausted, sun-burned and full of accomplishment. Total ride time was 7 hours and 45 minutes, one stop to repair my chain, three mandatory rest stops and one am I going to make it rest-stop.

The birthday present I set out to give myself consist of so much more than good health, it consist of accomplishment and the knowledge that I can finish even when I want to quit. This should be more and more evident to you the reader as you have read about how Reva has improved her life and self-worth with accomplishment of her goals. The gift of believing in you is priceless, and I as always BELIEVE IN YOU, and know you can do it. To quote one of my all time favorite books "I think I can, I think I can."...well I know you can. I look forward to hearing how you are improving, accepting the challenge and more importantly to seeing you out on the trail, in the streets accomplishing your goal of good health.

Your Friend in Health and Fitness,

Dr. Jonathan Smith