A Hero, Fallen

13
Aug
2010
By

Let me tell you right now that today’s post has absolutely nothing to do with cycling.  I’ve had a few close calls in the past, but for the first time…after doing cycling blogs for the past six months, I’m deviating from what this blog is all about.

The reason?  Because I am way overdue to write about a little girl who means so very much to me.  I’ve already posted about her Mom, her younger Brother, and her baby Brother…..now it’s your turn Kassidy.

You entered my life when you were two years old.  Such a clear talker for your age, and it was so cute to hear you call me Darryl. But before too long, that all changed…and from then on you have known me simply as, Dad. You’ve experienced so much with me, and as I look back over these past 9 years it seems as if you should be at least 16 with all that we’ve done. But you’re only 11….what do I mean, only?  I can’t believe my little girl is soon to be a teenager….how did time pass so quickly?

I can remember back to the time when you were around six or seven.  There was a string of time when you often referred to me as your hero…..and I’m pretty sure you even wrote about it a time or two.  Wow, you really looked up to me didn’t you?  But then Brother #1 came along and I know that as soon as that happened, I stopped providing you with the attention you deserved.  Now with Brother #2 here, I doubt I am doing any better.  But every single day I think about how I used to be your hero.  Such an acclaimed honor, and I let it slip.

You have spent the past 8 days away from us…out of town visiting your Aunt, and I miss you very much.  Aunt Loretta says she reads this blog every day, so I hope she calls you over to read this from her computer (I’ve got my eyes on you, Loretta :) ).  This post is all about you, and it makes me feel great to get this out into the cyber world.

When you get back home later today, and as we move forward in all the adventures that lie ahead for our family….I am going to fight to win back my hero status.  I Love You, Kassidy.

My Daughter, Kassidy will soon be a regular contributor at Loving the Bike.  She is a brilliant writer and will be providing posts about cycling from the perspective of an eleven year old girl.  I can’t wait to have you on the team, baby girl.

Enjoy Your Ride

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  • http://www.reasons2ride.com/ Joel Phillips

    So basically what you are saying here is you want to give more of yourself, hmmm…The true spirit of the Holliday Season is alive and well in you my friend, and not just this time of year.

    Thank you for sharing….

  • http://MultisportMama.com Multisport Mama

    I discovered your blog this morning and love your writing & topics (the bike fit guest post was great). Thank you writing about your relationship with your daughter. The post brought tears to my eyes. I have an 11-year girl too. I can’t wait to share your blog with her. Best wishes.:)

  • http://www.bikejuju.com Bikejuju aka Tom

    Awesome, I have an 11-year-old looking forward to reading the 11-year-old perspective!

    • http://lovingthebike.com Loving the Bike

      Very cool….I hope my 11 year old can provide information that Adults and kids can both enjoy.

      Darryl

  • Kassi

    thanks dad!! that really means a lot to me.
    you will always be my hero!
    can’t wait to write for your blog.

    love,

    Kassi

    • VitaminLee

      Oh man, Kassidy – I’m really looking forward to reading your posts. I still have a copy of that lovely poem your wrote in memory of your dog (R.I.P).

  • Kathy

    They do grow up before you know it. My baby girl is now a nurse and leaving for a year in South America. Not sure how I will cope with that. She is such a generous and sweet person (now an adult) who I love so dearly. Keep them close while you can.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Loving the Bike

      Oh man…..I’m not looking forward to when my kids get old enough to take off like that. Congratulations to her, and it is going to be one exciting opportunity.

      Darryl

  • http://massivemtber.blogspot.com/ Clive Chapman

    I’m a Dad too, a 13 year old daughter who was and is an Angel and a 3 year old lad who goes by the nickname of the Spawn of Satan. So I guess you can probably imagine what he’s like!

    Anyway, both myself and my wife always agonise about whether we’re doing the right thing by them all the time. And there’s the thing, if you’re not doing that then I don’t think you are doing right by them.

    As parents you can only do your best at any given time, and because we’re human we sometimes don’t. But that’s life.

    Reading that post mate, I wouldn’t be beating myself about your parenting skills, but as I said, you do beat yourself up because you are a good parent.

    As you folks across the pond say…”Go figure.”

    My old man used to say in some desperation “Who’d ‘ave kids?” after some drama me or my little brother had caused, I kind of know what he meant by that now…

  • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

    Thanks also to Donald and Eric. As fellow Dad’s, I know we can relate to so many things together. From what I’ve seen so far from you guys….you’re definitely delivering the goods to your families. I really appreciate your comments.

    Darryl

  • Eric

    One of the things that makes you a gifted writer is that as a reader I can FEEL what you are saying. My Daughter Michelle is about to start her senior year if high school. Its a wonderful and crushing thing. I feel exactly as you described and cannot shake the feeling that I should have done more. But, it all has to be balanced, and that is never easy.
    And certianly watching her walk away will not be easy either.

  • http://djones.myncblogs.com Donald

    So very dear! I completely understand where you’re coming from. Enjoy the priceless time with your baby girl. Like you say… before we know it… they’re grown up. I look forward to reading Kassidy’s posts. You guys are so fortunate to have each other.
    Thank you for sharing!

  • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

    Thanks Bryan, Tim, Anita, Jim, Paul, Annalisa, Tony, and Dare to Become…..She is so deserving her own post and I was so happy to share it today.

    Yes, I can’t wait for her to start contributing to my blog as well.

    Darryl

  • http://www.daretobecome.com DareToBecome

    I love this post! So beautifully written. Can’t wait to read Kassidy’s post.

  • http://lifes2wheelbalance.wordpress.com Tony

    awesome post, I’m looking forward to see what the “little” lovingthebike cyclist has to offer!! Bet it will be great.

  • Paul Higley

    Awesome Darryl! The fact that you wrote this blog means you still qualify for hero status! Kassidy is a lucky kid.

  • http://anaphase.com/blog Annalisa

    I can’t wait to read what Kassidy has to say. That will be AWESOME. :)

  • http://bikerly.wordpress.com/ Jim

    Wow, is right. You know she is lucky to have you – one of the good dads. Truly.

    PS I bet she doesn’t mind the wind

  • Anita

    Words fail … what a tremendous testimony to the love of a father for his first born little girl! Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to Kassidy’s perspective! May you and yours have a Wonderful Weekend!

  • http://oldguy2wheels.wordpress.com/ Tim

    wow

  • http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

    Man Darryl, you sure know how to write’em. Life inexplicably makes us feel like we grow away from our children. Sometimes it’s because we let other things get in the way. Reading about you and your family though, I don’t think your wife or kids have any doubt who their husband, father, or hero is.

    Kassidy, can’t wait to read your first post.

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What’s the best fuel for an early morning ride?

Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride.  For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am.  I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier.  My rides are 1.5-2 hours.  Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all?  What do you think?

Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved.  The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all.  And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.

Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.

My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon).  Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods.  The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants.  The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.

Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water.  These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.

And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.

During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well.  With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.
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