Sunday, March 15th

Well-yesterday was THE day and it went much better than I'd anticipated. The course was incredibly, breathtakingly, beautiful, idyllic scenes at every turn. It was "hilly" but then there's the downhill portion. It was a very cold ride most of the time and we had intermittent cloud coverage with a bit of moisture in the early hours. I had built this ride up in my mind to be such a crazy, big challenge that when I reached mile 43 and still felt fresh and great-I was just struck with such awe of God and how He cares and works. Because, yes I put in a ton of work preparing, but I felt His presence in a tangible, amazing way. At various times along the route when things were getting tough, I could feel all the prayers lifting me up with wings as an eagle. I thought about the recipients of the bikes and how it will dramatically impact their lives for the better. I thought about all of you and how you care enough to partner with me in this undertaking. Compound that with the incredible scenery and I was awestruck!
Other than childbirth, this was the most mentally and physically challenging thing I've ever done and I feel SO pleased with the outcome!
Thank you again for caring and your support, I am so appreciative!!!

Totals:
Ride 103.4 miles
Time 6:04:17
Experience amazing and grueling
Gratitude immeasurable

Friday, March 13th

Well folks-This is it!! I have just come from the World Vision Mobility Dinner where we learned more about the Bikes for Africa project and it's far reaching ministry! Jamie came away pumped and excited to get back into cycling-so that's a huge blessing right there!
I am so honored that you would all partner with me in this undertaking and am thrilled to tell you that I have reached my goal of $500!! That will impact so many people's lives and I am so glad that you have helped make it possible!
Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow as I ride the 103.4 miles, I'm very excited and very nervous and need to go to sleep now!
I'll put one last update tomorrow night!
Lv, Hj

Wednesday, March 12th

I got my bike back, yay! Set out to go up through the foothills and focus on all hill climbing and realized something is not right with my shifter. My bike kept skipping gears or falling out of gear and rattling when it shouldn't have been. Everything was all cleaned up and pretty from it's tune-up but they obviously didn't adjust things back properly. I pushed through that though, and was pleased to see that my lung capacity is returning to normal and I was able to attack the hills with almost my previous level of vigour.
The day is almost upon us and I have raised, with your help $355 so far!!

Totals:
Ride 25 miles of hills
Lungs much better(thank you Lord!)

Tuesday, March 11th

Bike was still in the shop and I needed to get things from the store, so I made the boys hoof it with me rapidly to the store and back.
This week is supposed to be a laid-back week anyway but I feel like I've already been doing that due to illness and thus can't help feeling like this may leave me a bit unprepared.


Totals:
Speed walk (bible study people are a comin') 5 miles
Doubt fight

Monday, March 10th

My bike was still in the shop today so I ran 4 miles, got the boys and had them run another mile with me. They've agreed (Nic reluctantly) to do a 5k in April, it'll be Nic's second and Mason's first of that length. I find that I enjoy a tangible goal and so have set that as one for them. Jamie will run with Nic so that they can go as fast as they possibly can, and I will go with Mase at his speed. Mason loves a challenge of any sort, especially physical and is psyched and serious about this, Nic is unhappy but showing great promise already. I haven't decided yet if I'll push Logi in the race and make it a full Johnson family event-the first half is all uphill. ;0)

Totals:
Run 5 miles
Lunges 80
Crunches 100

Sunday, March 9th

Took my bike in to get it thouroughly tuned up and cleaned, which will take a few days. I had intended to do this right before the century but the bike shop dude was saying that I should ride the bike a bit after they've worked on it.
Was laid up today with yucky lungs, lovely lady stuff, and sick kiddos.

Totals:
Be sick

Saturday, March 8th

Today my friend, Marty, came out and we rode out from my house up through the foothills and back, trying to get in a decent amount of hills. My lungs GREATLY inhibited my ability and I was discouraged that this illness is happening now when I've been planning and training for this ride for so long, and now it's almost here and I'm not at peak performance. We met a fellow cyclist, along our route, who has done Solvang many times and he gave us some good advice and info. Everybody says to go out slowly and take your time, so that when you hit the hills and "the Wall" at the end you'll still have juice. All in all a good ride was enjoyed today, just wish I had an extra lung or two right now.
ONE WEEK TO GO!!!

Totals:
Ride 50 miles
Breathing not great