Update from Chillicothe, Ohio ~

6/25/2009 7:22:24 PM

Today was probably one of the best days I’ve ever experienced in RAAM. And I think it’s typical of RAAM. But prior to today…

The first couple of days are filled with excitement and uncertainty. The middle consists of total chaos, communication breakdowns, and about 10 different ideas regarding strategy and planning (from both crew and riders). Sleep deprivation is the paramount challenge, followed closely by communicating the need for EVERYONE to be a team player. It doesn’t mean that there can’t be a lot of ideas or suggestions. Nor does it mean that what the team and crew are currently doing is the best alternative. It just means that only one person can be the crew chief. Those that accept this understanding… survive and often become the best team members. Those that can’t make this adjustment are miserable. Fortunately, most issues can be talked out and put in perspective. This has happened on our team. I am so proud of the contribution from every single one of our crew members. Of course, I give a huge amount of credit to Kristen, our crew chief. Everyone knows my Type A personality, but I have just been a rider this time around… and I’m really having the time of my life!

So back to today… we basically rode the back roads and rolling hills of Ohio. Jared, Elliot, Tad, and myself. We had Kristen, Janet, and Tiffany crewing for us. It felt much like the thousands of miles that the four of us have trained together, except that we rode as hard as we could. While we were on the bike, we switched riders every 5-7 miles. We stayed focused as our crew coached and encouraged us up the hills and last mile to every transition. But when we weren’t riding, we talked and laughed and took pictures of Kermit the Frog and said silly things that only sleep-deprived people could possibly think of. But it’s what makes RAAM so great… having relationships that help you meet great challenges. These aren’t just RAAM team members. These are my dear friends who are creating memories that will last a lifetime. Isn’t that what we all want to experience in life?

And while we were riding the back hills of Ohio in our own world, we still had another 8 team members trying to figure out how to sleep, eat, and drive ahead of us to be ready for their next shift. And so is a day in the life of RAAM…

By the way… after the chaos of the middle, it’s just awesome to see everyone come together for the finish… a true TEAM event. That is exactly what has happened here with TDL Give Hope!

I can’t wait to see how tomorrow unfolds as we race for the finish. See you at the finish line!