sport distance triathlon.
yes. i am planning to participate in one. notice i used the term "participate" as opposed to the term "compete". i think i'll be in a category of my own. i will be competition for no one.
it began like this: my friend jenny naftulin approached me one day. "brooke, do this triathlon with us. it's just a sport distance. you're fit. you'll do great." it seemed like a good idea at the time. it was april...september was an eternity away. "sure. i'll do a tri..." what??? well, now we're 68 days away from said tri. at this moment in time i do not currently run or swim. not to mention open water. yikes. thank god runner's world had a 6 week training plan for a tri. perf. i've studied it a bit. mostly i'm worried for the open water swimming bit. i'll have to get real brave. and a wet suit. i'll be fine.
on another note. jenny has gotten us sponsorships. from salomon (of course) and the new local cupcake boutique, vintage cupcake. yep, you guessed it. we are team salomon cupcake! that really takes some of the pressure off. who's going to expect anything but fun and cool from a team called "team salomon cupcake". solid move jenny.
now for the race. a sport distance tri consists of a 750m swim in pineview reservoir, 19k mountain bike ride up wheeler canyon to snowbasin, and then there's that 5k trail run. the finish is at snowbasin. i was there last year...just at the finish. not participating. it was cool. there were a lot of people. i'm excited to be a part of it this year. the feeling of accomplishment will be great. the road to ready will be long. probably a bit painstaking at moments. but when i cross the finish line alive it will all be worth it.
this event is not a breast cancer fundraiser. it has nothing to do with breast cancer...except that there will be women with breasts participating. however, anticipating the sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears that will be shed in preparing and perhaps even participating; i will dedicate this new adventure to kara. i will do it in her honor. i'll bike for kara. i'll swim for kara. i'll run for kara. i will participate in my first triathlon for kara. she'd be proud.
http://www.xterraplanet.com/utah/utahTri.html
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
face lift
as cycling season approaches and little red riding hood 2010 is just around the corner i decided pedalingwithapurpose needed a bit of a face lift. i know i dont' post here much now. don't worry your pretty little head, pedalingwithapurpose will have its season. in due time. without a doubt.
small update for inquiring minds. i am currently on schedule to begin the cross country cycling tour in the early summer of 2014. that summer will mark our 5th year without kara. the plan, which as of now is tentative, is to ride from the east coast to the west coast. before you advise me about the wind, know that i was born with a brain and did take that into account. we shall wait and see together how this whole thing pans out when the time comes.
what i know for certian is that in three years i'm going to pedal my ass from one end of the country to the other in honor of kara. she will be proud.
as for current news. this saturday (in 4 days) i will pedal my ass 100 miles. i have not trained for this ride. but i commited to 100 miles and i will ride 100 miles. no options. i will not accept defeat. i have spent the last six months on the excecutive planning committee for the ride. it has provided ample learning opportunities on how to plan and organize a ride. i'm not a pro by any means, but i've most certainly learned a thing or two. not to mention made some great contacts. tonight we are stuffing 3000 rider packets. that will be fun. tomorrow riders begin picking up their packets. friday is a great big pre-ride party and celebration. saturday is the ride. i wish all of you could be here. maybe you should plan for next year. put it on your calendar: little red riding hood 2011. logan, utah. see you there.
small update for inquiring minds. i am currently on schedule to begin the cross country cycling tour in the early summer of 2014. that summer will mark our 5th year without kara. the plan, which as of now is tentative, is to ride from the east coast to the west coast. before you advise me about the wind, know that i was born with a brain and did take that into account. we shall wait and see together how this whole thing pans out when the time comes.
what i know for certian is that in three years i'm going to pedal my ass from one end of the country to the other in honor of kara. she will be proud.
as for current news. this saturday (in 4 days) i will pedal my ass 100 miles. i have not trained for this ride. but i commited to 100 miles and i will ride 100 miles. no options. i will not accept defeat. i have spent the last six months on the excecutive planning committee for the ride. it has provided ample learning opportunities on how to plan and organize a ride. i'm not a pro by any means, but i've most certainly learned a thing or two. not to mention made some great contacts. tonight we are stuffing 3000 rider packets. that will be fun. tomorrow riders begin picking up their packets. friday is a great big pre-ride party and celebration. saturday is the ride. i wish all of you could be here. maybe you should plan for next year. put it on your calendar: little red riding hood 2011. logan, utah. see you there.
Friday, October 9, 2009
My most tremendous life experience...so far
September 11th 2009 marked the beginning of a remarkable adventure. "Little boxes on a hillside, little boxes made of ticky tacky...." was what I hummed as we drove south on Interstate 15 to Cedar City. A happier state of mind for me did not exist, I was about to spend 7 days riding my bike nearly 500 miles through my favorite part of the country and as icing (the really good cream cheese icing) on the cake I would be doing it with people who are nearest and dearest to me. Truly, I am a lucky girl.
Arriving in Moab the next day with a full day to play and explore made me very happy. Being there with those that I love made me euphoric. After eating lunch at Milt's, pedaling to the grocery, bike shop and liquor store we headed straight to the hotel pool. We carbo loaded on margaritas and soaked up the sun. I have a true love for Moab.
After swimming and drinks we...well, we had more drinks and went to dinner.
Really, no need to explain why I love this place. As we headed out on our river boat tour a storm moved in over the mountain.
Sunday we began riding. Blue ribbons were worn by some for my friend Edie who was receiving cancer treatments as we pedaled across Utah. Positive energy was sent into the universe for her by many, and I got a wicked cool tan line from wearing the ribbon.
Day one began with a bang...literally for some. Traveling a road not suitable for any motor vehicle let alone cycles. Whoever chose this route is OBVIOUSLY not a cyclist. Numerous flat tires were had and this wore on some of our nerves...not a good start Les.
Day 2...we learned early to expect crazy shit. Like maybe the road we're supposed to travel being torn out.
Riding 500 miles in remote locations you find yourself improvising when it comes to natural human processes. Once, just before arriving in Hanksville we stopped to powder our noses and I stumbled upon this...it was a sign of things to come in Hanksville.
As previously stated, Hanksville was something to behold. I will never forget that place, nor will I ever find another like it. I will forever treasure the Hanksville t shirt not only because it was a gift from an awesome friend but also because it holds all of our fond Hanksville memories.
Here begin the images of my favorite day. My favorite scenery and my favorite memories with my people. Day 3 was unforgettable.
Riding through Capitol Reef was a highlight. Surrounded by beauty while pedaling my bike, I experienced pure and total bliss. I love the picture below because it captured so much of that day. I was with the people I love, we were surrounded by natural beauty, and (as can be told by the laughter on my face) we were enjoying each other.
Cheers to Kara. Day 3 was Kara's day, the day I remembered her and rode every pedal for her...and in dedication I wore "the" socks.
And here we have Uncle Bob. This guy was such a blast and I count myself better for now knowing him. I'll never see a box of Frosted Flakes again without thinking of him.
From Capitol Reef we climbed some more on our way to Torrey. While climbing we noticed this big rain system on the horizon...
Which eventually made its way right to us! But I pulled into the campground in the nick of time.
I had some fun with the propane tank before dinner. I was trying to get in the mood for the cowboy poet who was scheduled to entertain us after dinner...didn't really work. 
Oh day 4 how I love you! This day consisted of more climbing than I once would have thought humanly possible but I now know that it IS in fact possible because I did it! But in my exerted physical state I believe I became delirious (at least that is the excuse I'm using for the story I'm about to tell you). As we rode over Boulder Mountain there were some cattle that crossed the road in front of us and made their way up a steep bank. As I heard them falling on the rocks I said, outloud: "I don't think cows were made for this." Thank god I have good friends who keep my idiocy in check and replied, "They were here before the roads were."
Again, LOTS of climbing and I summited!
The best part about the horrendous climb that day: What goes up MUST come down...fast!
Riding through Escalante... 
Only to have to climb back out again.
Here we have Uncle Bob again who had to buy new sunglasses on the trip. When I saw the sticker, half way through the day, I said: "Uncle Bob, are you leaving the sticker on for a reason?" His response: "I was wondering why I couldn't see anything!"
After the insane climbs of the Escalante Day we went out to a special dinner and slept in a hotel room...VERY fun night.
And here you have the Iowa team I met on the first day of the ride. They are from Ft. Madison, 40 miles from the town I grew up in..but that's not even the kicker. Here it is, are you ready?? Nancy (the lady in the picture) was Susan Haight's college roommate and the had gone to high school together! Whoa. Mrs. Haight was one of those who loved me through the "formative years" and even took me into her home for a summer. I was very glad to have met Dan and Nancy after getting to know them, it's no wonder they're friends with the Haight's. Good People.
The morning of day 6 in Cannonville brought frigid temperatures. Very frigid. I tried to eat breakfast but really I just needed the sun to come out so I could feel my fingers.
We hiked in order to see....
...this
And how could one not be inspired after seeing a sight like....
...this,
...or this?
After passing Panguitch Lake and again climbing more hills than I believe possible we came upon our friends taking pictures of a tree creature. Turns out it wAs a condor. The bird was cool but I was more thankful for the break from pedaling than anything.
After all that climbing we had the pleasure of cruising on Highway 10 down this beautiful canyon into Cedar City. It was a fun descent at high speeds.
The night of the finish we partied. We celebrated the ride, nature, new friends. I celebrated doing the coolest thing I'd EVER done.
Arriving in Moab the next day with a full day to play and explore made me very happy. Being there with those that I love made me euphoric. After eating lunch at Milt's, pedaling to the grocery, bike shop and liquor store we headed straight to the hotel pool. We carbo loaded on margaritas and soaked up the sun. I have a true love for Moab.
After swimming and drinks we...well, we had more drinks and went to dinner.
Really, no need to explain why I love this place. As we headed out on our river boat tour a storm moved in over the mountain.
Sunday we began riding. Blue ribbons were worn by some for my friend Edie who was receiving cancer treatments as we pedaled across Utah. Positive energy was sent into the universe for her by many, and I got a wicked cool tan line from wearing the ribbon.
Day one began with a bang...literally for some. Traveling a road not suitable for any motor vehicle let alone cycles. Whoever chose this route is OBVIOUSLY not a cyclist. Numerous flat tires were had and this wore on some of our nerves...not a good start Les.
Day 2...we learned early to expect crazy shit. Like maybe the road we're supposed to travel being torn out.
Riding 500 miles in remote locations you find yourself improvising when it comes to natural human processes. Once, just before arriving in Hanksville we stopped to powder our noses and I stumbled upon this...it was a sign of things to come in Hanksville.
As previously stated, Hanksville was something to behold. I will never forget that place, nor will I ever find another like it. I will forever treasure the Hanksville t shirt not only because it was a gift from an awesome friend but also because it holds all of our fond Hanksville memories.
Here begin the images of my favorite day. My favorite scenery and my favorite memories with my people. Day 3 was unforgettable.
Riding through Capitol Reef was a highlight. Surrounded by beauty while pedaling my bike, I experienced pure and total bliss. I love the picture below because it captured so much of that day. I was with the people I love, we were surrounded by natural beauty, and (as can be told by the laughter on my face) we were enjoying each other.
Cheers to Kara. Day 3 was Kara's day, the day I remembered her and rode every pedal for her...and in dedication I wore "the" socks.
And here we have Uncle Bob. This guy was such a blast and I count myself better for now knowing him. I'll never see a box of Frosted Flakes again without thinking of him.
From Capitol Reef we climbed some more on our way to Torrey. While climbing we noticed this big rain system on the horizon...
Which eventually made its way right to us! But I pulled into the campground in the nick of time.
I had some fun with the propane tank before dinner. I was trying to get in the mood for the cowboy poet who was scheduled to entertain us after dinner...didn't really work. Oh day 4 how I love you! This day consisted of more climbing than I once would have thought humanly possible but I now know that it IS in fact possible because I did it! But in my exerted physical state I believe I became delirious (at least that is the excuse I'm using for the story I'm about to tell you). As we rode over Boulder Mountain there were some cattle that crossed the road in front of us and made their way up a steep bank. As I heard them falling on the rocks I said, outloud: "I don't think cows were made for this." Thank god I have good friends who keep my idiocy in check and replied, "They were here before the roads were."Again, LOTS of climbing and I summited!
The best part about the horrendous climb that day: What goes up MUST come down...fast!
Riding through Escalante... 
Only to have to climb back out again. Here we have Uncle Bob again who had to buy new sunglasses on the trip. When I saw the sticker, half way through the day, I said: "Uncle Bob, are you leaving the sticker on for a reason?" His response: "I was wondering why I couldn't see anything!"After the insane climbs of the Escalante Day we went out to a special dinner and slept in a hotel room...VERY fun night.
And here you have the Iowa team I met on the first day of the ride. They are from Ft. Madison, 40 miles from the town I grew up in..but that's not even the kicker. Here it is, are you ready?? Nancy (the lady in the picture) was Susan Haight's college roommate and the had gone to high school together! Whoa. Mrs. Haight was one of those who loved me through the "formative years" and even took me into her home for a summer. I was very glad to have met Dan and Nancy after getting to know them, it's no wonder they're friends with the Haight's. Good People. The morning of day 6 in Cannonville brought frigid temperatures. Very frigid. I tried to eat breakfast but really I just needed the sun to come out so I could feel my fingers.
We hiked in order to see....
...this
And how could one not be inspired after seeing a sight like....
...this,
...or this?
After passing Panguitch Lake and again climbing more hills than I believe possible we came upon our friends taking pictures of a tree creature. Turns out it wAs a condor. The bird was cool but I was more thankful for the break from pedaling than anything.
After all that climbing we had the pleasure of cruising on Highway 10 down this beautiful canyon into Cedar City. It was a fun descent at high speeds.
The night of the finish we partied. We celebrated the ride, nature, new friends. I celebrated doing the coolest thing I'd EVER done.
Monday, August 17, 2009
My First Tour
In just over three weeks I will embark on my first cycling tour. While still at the genesis of my journey to the "Big Tour" (across the country for Kara) this will be one of the links that connects me to success in the big picture. The ride will tour southern Utah from Moab to Cedar City through the heart of beautiful red rock canyon country. I will pedal 420 miles in 7 days and camp each night. The ride is organized as a benefit for a Native American Education Fund so while the proceeds of my ride fees will help fund a Native's education every pedal will be for Kara. Yes, the pink "Kara Socks" will return for their second appearance. They were a hit at the century.
In preparation for the tour I've been on some long, challenging, and steep training rides in the past couple weeks. Last weekend I climbed North Ogden Divide (a steep mountain pass), pedaled across the valley and around Pineview Reservior, climbed Trappers Loop and Snowbasin Road on the other side of the valley, and descended back into Ogden via 12th Street through Ogden Canyon. Each of those climbs alone can be brutal but to have conquered both of them in a day I feel strong. I was beat at the end of that day and it hurt to move so I took the next two days of to recoup (I recently learned that is when your strength is built, in the rest period). I also saw my first wild Tarantula on that ride, that was very creepy but cool. In the next two weeks I will continue a somewhat rigorous training schedule with long rides, steep climbs, spinning at the gym twice a week, and afternoon Yoga once a week.
I know I will learn a lot on this, my first tour. Knowledge that will be priceless when the time comes for my 6 week tour across the country. I will share what I learn with you, I will share all of the journey with you; the laughter, the pain, the tears, the victory, the defeat, the success.
In preparation for the tour I've been on some long, challenging, and steep training rides in the past couple weeks. Last weekend I climbed North Ogden Divide (a steep mountain pass), pedaled across the valley and around Pineview Reservior, climbed Trappers Loop and Snowbasin Road on the other side of the valley, and descended back into Ogden via 12th Street through Ogden Canyon. Each of those climbs alone can be brutal but to have conquered both of them in a day I feel strong. I was beat at the end of that day and it hurt to move so I took the next two days of to recoup (I recently learned that is when your strength is built, in the rest period). I also saw my first wild Tarantula on that ride, that was very creepy but cool. In the next two weeks I will continue a somewhat rigorous training schedule with long rides, steep climbs, spinning at the gym twice a week, and afternoon Yoga once a week.
I know I will learn a lot on this, my first tour. Knowledge that will be priceless when the time comes for my 6 week tour across the country. I will share what I learn with you, I will share all of the journey with you; the laughter, the pain, the tears, the victory, the defeat, the success.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The beginning of something bigger
Yesterday I participated in my first breast cancer cause. I look at it as a bit of a "kick-off" to the cross country ride I am doing in Kara's honor. The day was a phenomenal experience. The energy and excitement present at the event was very moving.
The personalized "Kara Socks" made their debut for the ride. Many people complimented me on them and they were a good conversation starter for "Biking for Boobies".
100 Miles is far...we rode all the way to another state, Idaho. In this picture we are returning to Utah.
I was still giggling at mile 90!
Lunch in the park. They fed us well; Subway sandwiches, cookies, Doritos, Rice Krispie treats, and any other snack my imagination could conjure up.
The victorious finish.
(L-R: Amanda, Judy, Lynn, Jonna Brooke, Jaymee)
The group in its entirety, including our wonderful support posse.
The personalized "Kara Socks" made their debut for the ride. Many people complimented me on them and they were a good conversation starter for "Biking for Boobies".
100 Miles is far...we rode all the way to another state, Idaho. In this picture we are returning to Utah.
I was still giggling at mile 90!
Lunch in the park. They fed us well; Subway sandwiches, cookies, Doritos, Rice Krispie treats, and any other snack my imagination could conjure up.
The victorious finish.
(L-R: Amanda, Judy, Lynn, Jonna Brooke, Jaymee)The group in its entirety, including our wonderful support posse.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Purpose for Pedaling
My name is Brooke Smith and this blog is to document and follow my journey, a journey to raise breast cancer awareness. Most of us have been affected by breast cancer in some way. I recently experienced the pain that breast cancer leaves in its wake after taking the life of a defenseless victim. Pictured above in the center of this photo is Kara. I met Kara in 2001 when I was a senior in high school. She remained a great friend and role model to me through my young adult years. In 2007 Kara was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. Her cancer then went into remission. In September of 2008 I received a call that Kara's cancer had returned and it had spread to her bones. Needless to say, this was devastating to Kara and all of us who love her dearly. Kara put up a fight and never gave up. After a heroic battle she passed away on November 17th, 2008.While driving 18 hours through the night to get to Kara's funeral I had a lot of time to think. To think about what is really important in life, to think about what can be done to eliminate the pain and suffering that Kara and other breast cancer victims are subjected to. Being an avid cyclist I looked at the beautiful vistas in Wyoming and Nebraska (yes, there is beauty to be found in Wyoming and Nebraska) and thought about how much more I could see if I crossed the country on a bicycle instead of in a car. Then, the idea was born...riding a bicycle across the country is a remarkable feat and one that could bring awareness to the cause for breast cancer and help fight for a cure.
This is a goal that will require much planning and organization for it to have the impact and success that I envision so with that in mind the ride is scheduled for the summer of 2014, in five years. It has just begun, the idea is new and I am beginning from the ground up. I have no experience with these types of things so if any of you out there do and would like to help please leave a comment.
Please stay tuned.....
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