To Race or Not to Race?

That is the question I must face. The annual Richardson Corporate Challenge is underway. It’s an Olympic style competition involving 22 athletic and non-athletic events beginning in August and running through early October. Each year, employees from a wide variety of companies–both great and small–compete in events ranging from softball to volleyball and billiards to golf. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics, and they raised $120,000 last year through this event.

An appeal went out on Friday for female cyclists to participate on the Cisco 15K Bike Race team. Each team is required to have at least 2 female riders, and the ladies on the Cisco team backed out last week. The team is now frantically trying to replace those riders so they can continue to compete. The requirement is for each female to average 12-14 miles per hour for the duration of the ride.

When I was riding regularly that wasn’t too much of a problem for me. However, it’s been a few months since I’ve been able to ride. So, Gary and I hopped on our bikes today to see if I still “had it.” Surprisingly, I managed to maintain a reputable average — enough to make the team, but I really had to push myself. My speed also slows down significantly on inclines and small hills.

I think it would be fun to participate, but I’m not entirely confident in my cycling skills. I’ve never participated in a race, and I’ve only done one organized ride before. And here’s the real kicker….the ride is at 8 am on Sunday morning! I could ride and still make it to the late church service, but getting up that early to ride in a race is not an appealing thought. I’m not a morning person — not even close.

So, I’m weighing my options — a potentially fun, new experience vs sleeping in and relaxing on a Sunday morning. Hmm…what’s a girl to do?