So, some of you may be wondering why I didn’t ride in 2009, the short version is that I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and because of complications I was unable to participate in the 2009 ride. But if you want the medium length story keep reading…

In case you are not familiar with Graves’ disease, it basically causes your immune system to attack your thyroid, and as a response your thyroid becomes over active and creates a disorder known as Hyperthyroidism. When your thyroid is overactive a lot of things in your body go awry, for example: your heart rate goes up, you have mood swings, inconsistent body temperature, migraines, sleeping problems, itchy skin, high metabolism, and the list goes on. Because my thyroid was 75% more over active than the average hyperthyroid, my symptoms were very extreme. For example, at resting my heart rate was at 150b/m. And even with the maximum dosage of heart rate suppressants the lowest my heart rate would get to was about 120b/m. This put me at high risk, and I was not able to work out and train for Texas 4000. I was also not in the best condition on various other levels because of my thyroid disorder. And as a result I had to defer to 2010.

Because there is no current way to treat hyperthyroidism, the only option is to remove the thyroid. So, I had my thyroid removed, and as a result the Graves’ disease is no longer a problem and I now have a hypothyroid disorder. Hypothyroidism also comes along with its own set of side effects. But luckily those can be treated with medicine which acts as a thyroid replacement. However the medicine isn’t perfect from the start, it takes about 6 months to figure out which level is right for you. I have been dealing with Graves ’ disease and the thyroid disorders for about a year and three months now, but I am finally in the final stages of balancing my thyroid replacement medicine. And I will find out in the next couple of days if my thyroid has been balanced, and I will let you all know how that turns out. However, even if I don’t have my medication balanced this week, I will definitely be able to ride this summer!

And on that note, I love the 2010 team. Everything this year has been so fun and exciting. I was really nervous getting on the bike for training camp. But once we got going I couldn’t believe how much fun I was having. Cycling truly is a beautiful and exciting sport. And I would like to thank all of my coaches from training camp for all that they have taught me. My rides would be terrible without the knowledge you all gave me. I am finally confident riding, and that is such an amazing feeling. And Coach Mike you gave me the greatest gift I could have asked for when you acknowledged what I’ve been though this year and gave me the donation. I truly appreciate that, you have no idea how much it meant to me.

I’d also like to thank everyone else who has supported me through this last year and supported me in Texas 4000. I am so lucky to have such generous and kind family and friends. I love you all!

Every week I can tell I’ve gotten better at riding. I love it so much. A friend of mine from Texas 4000 2008 and I went out on a ride today in the beautiful 50 degree weather and really killed some hills, it was awesome and I can’t wait to get back on the bike for the team ride this Saturday!