Lately this blog has been a bit gushy and rather happy. This is a good thing. The thing is, it has taken me a long time but I’m really finally getting it. Appreciate what is in front of you. Don’t wish for something you can’t have. Take what you have with gratitude and make the most of it.

This really struck home to me last Sunday in Cornwall. More than one person said this to me, “It is great to see you out on the bike again” and “It must feel so good just to be racing again”. Yes, yes it is. I’m loving the racing this year. I really appreciate every pedal stroke. Every race is like a gift (yes it sounds cheesy – but if you’ve had something you love taken away from you – then you’ll understand).

After the race I was talking to a friend of mine who has also gone through illness and not been able to race and train. She hit it on the head when she said “It must just feel so good just to be out there”. It does. It feels really good.

I thought I’d be on the sidelines watching this season. Instead I’m doing it. Cool. I don’t worry about my race result. I only want to have a good hard ride – go as hard as I can and ride as smartly as I can.

I’m looking forward to the last few races of the Eastern Ontario Cyclocross Series. Once the snow starts flying I’ll be out at the Atlas Mad Trapper Snowshoe Series and I’ll be huffing and puffing up the hills of the Gatineau Park on my skinny skate skis. This will be my first winter in Ottawa in five years – I’m looking forward to it.