Faster, Higher, Stronger

I've always loved watching the Olympic Games. Being a runner at heart, my favorite events are usually the track and field races, but the other events never fail to reel me in. The strength, speed, flexibility, and skill exhibited by the athletes is amazing. They seem super-human, yet I know that while those athletes possess incredible talent, so much of their abilities derive from dedication to their goals.

As I type this, I'm watching the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The Ride to Read is not a competition for a gold medal, but the example of the athletes and the Olympic motto of "citius, altius, fortius", (Latin for "faster, higher, stronger") are things that I can take so much inspiration from as I prepare myself for my challenge.  I know that with dedication to my goal, I can bike faster, master higher hills, and become stronger in order to complete the whole 60 miles.

If you had asked me a couple of years ago, I would have told you that I'm just not cut out for bicycling up hills. Then I gave some hills a shot and found out that the more I practiced, the easier it got - so much so that I was able to take on (and conquer!) the second-highest point in New Jersey.  With further practice, I will continue to extend my limits for the Ride to Read.

So, over the next 17 days, I will be cheering on Team USA while admiring the intense dedication and achievements of all of the athletes in celebration of the Olympic spirit and in preparation for my part as a member of a team of Warren County Library supporters.