Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Not only does she ride, but she writes!
Kathy, Jim and Phil's recent participation in the Horrible Hilly Hundred bike tour. Well Kathy wrote up the following story and submitted it to the tandem newsletter called "Double Talk" - it was selected and will be published this fall. Here's is what she wrote:
Tandem Captain: Phil Krejci
Tandem Stoker: Kathy Ducat
"Work That Sucker to Death" was a song we could hear often times during training with the Madison BCETS Group. Phil has a way of singing his way up those horrible hills of western Dane County. One day, he even belted out the "Candyman" song, but I think it was an extremely weak moment.
How my story began:
Jim and I joined the Madison Achilles Chapter in May of 2007. Given I am visually impaired, it was a new way to find folks to guide me in tandem cycling, running, or cross country skiing.
While riding tandem with Kim Virden, Madison Achilles Founder, along side of a hand cyclist, late last autumn, we met Phil on the bike path.
He stopped us on the tandem and explained he was interested in becoming an Achilles volunteer and that he coached a group for the Horrible Hilly Hundreds ride.
Before we parted, I raised my hand and told him, "Give me some of that biking stuff." He responded, "I will be with you on that tandem for the
2008 HHH." I smiled and said, "That would be fun!" I was thinking to myself, "Oh yeah, he has no idea how difficult that would be on a tandem."
We traded contact info.
Phil did become a very dedicated Achilles volunteer.
In November, Phil approached me to gauge my interest in training for the HHH. This would mean he would need to learn how to captain the tandem.
Lessons for Phil. Trust for me.
We rode a few times prior to the snow falling. We mostly stayed on the flats in order to get the start, stop, and emergency communication in sync.
In February, Jim, my partner and I began spinning classes through the BCETS program.
There was soon to be a break in my cycle training as I injured my right knee during a 10k cross country ski race in Bend, Oregon while attending the International Ski for Light Event. I was thankful to hear the news of a sprained MCL following the MRI - no tears and bike riding was good rehab.
This brought us to March when the outdoor BCETS training rides began.
Many chilly and windy days presented additional challenges of learning how to climb those hills. It was great fun being a part of this group.
Everyone is so supportive and friendly.
The training continued to add opportunities for growth. Longer rides with more hills. Phil's sense of humor really helped to get my mind off other life challenges and more on to the matter at hand of conquering that next hill.
There was one hill we just could not make it up. In fact, we toppled over. Just did not have enough umph to keep the boat a float. The biggest mess up during that moment is that Phil forgot to yell the emergency unclip word which was supposed to be f___ (like he meant it).
Instead, he muttered sh_t. I did not understand, so I stayed clipped in.
We did the Barlow tandem sprawl! No blood, no cars in sight. Good to go. Pick it up and ride on troops!
After that event, we hauled the tandem in for the addition of a super low granny gear. This is really something to fall in love with. It makes those climbs much easier if there is such a thing on a tandem.
I rode my first century on 5/23/08 with Phil. It was a relatively flat ride compared with the training we had completed thus far. It was the first time I was a part of a "pace line." It seemed so easy compared to riding hills. We celebrated with fellow BCETS members in Mazomanie.
On 06/14/08, the HHH Day finally arrived. Most of our BCETS training group left about 6:00 AM because they planned to ride 200K. Phil and I had decided in early May to ride the 100k.
Wow, what a ride!
There were 5 other tandems registered. The most crushing event took place on our first climb up Blue Mounds when a red Comotion pulling a trailer with 2 children in it passed us. We did pass them on the same hill which put my slightly competitive spirit to rest - for a little while.
The next notable event took place during our Barlow climb. I had not been on that road since our topple over. It was scary. I unclipped my left foot for a hopefully faster response should it be needed. Zoom we went. Up and over. There were many screams of joy! That was so neat!
Even better than the 100 mile ride of a few weeks ago. After that climb, we resolved there would be absolutely no walking on this ride.
The last climb was brutal. Up Blue Mounds we went again. We were exhausted by then. There were writings on the road - "Beer near," "Is this a hill?"
"That which does not kill you, will make you stronger." All of these Phil read to me and it helped to entertain my tired muscles. Near the top, Barb Wolter, our Achilles friend, ran along with us. At the top Kim Virden and Rene Cromer also of Achilles, and Sue Krejci, Phil's wife, chimed in. It helps to have a cheering section.
The HHH Ride is well supported and the rest stops are great. Thanks to everyone who made this a memorable event.
Thanks also to all of my friends who helped to conquer those hills :)
Vera & Gordon Cunningham and Kim Virden for watching over Elizabeth, my guide dog, and opening their homes to us.
Joann Peck who picked me up for the training rides.
The Achilles family who connected Phil & I and cheered us along during training and at our finish.
Jim Cunningham, my partner, did training rides and transported when he was not delivering the US mail. I managed to get a few massages from him now and again :)
Then there is P-hil. He digs those climbs. Think that someone knew what they were doing when he was named with the word "hil" in his name
:) There is so much to thank you for. Many rides to and from training and the most important job of Admirable of the sS commotion! I'll never forget the feeling of beating Barlow! That 100 mile ride was also great fun. We kicked some butt in that pace line! You have a great sing song voice. Dig that "Candy Man" song!
:) Thanks for helping me to reach up and over!!! I will work hard to continue training and maybe next year, we will set a higher goal. More miles! More hills! Oh no I am hooked. Dreaming of the red bike with the super light components :) Roberts Road anyone?
I am filled with blessings of angels in my life.
The training and the actual ride was fun, challenging, and motivating.
Aint no mountain high enough!!!!!
Note: The Achilles-Madison Chapter is open to and serves disabled people of Dane County.
Achilles was founded by Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, in 1983.
The organization pairs differently abled athletes with a guide for exercise - running, walking, hand cycling, or rolling in a wheelchair.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
July Birthday Babes
A big Happy Birthday to our Achilles Birthday Babes:
- USA July 4,
- Gwen D. July 7,
- Lauri B. July 15,
- Little Elizabeth July 17,
- Stephanie W. July 18
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Achilles June Babes
A warm birthday wish to Achilles members born in June:
- Michon O. - June 1,
- Andy Z. - June 6,
- Tony D. - June 12,
- Lynne W. - June 20,
- Trisha M. - June 24
- Rene C. - June 25
- Oscar Hammerstein II, 1945
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
And, the winning Essay
My name is Kim Virden and I’m a 45 year old brain injury survivor and an athlete with epilepsy. At seventeen years old I was in a skiing accident in Colorado that left me with a traumatic brain injury and as a result of the damage fired off a seizure disorder. It took me five tough years to get my life back to “normal” - relearning and retraining the common aspects of life.
Nothing seemed to work for me any more and I really struggled to find anything good left in my life. My long term and short term memories were erased. I struggled with vision problems, learning disabilities, painful daily headaches, depression and much more.
Relearning and starting over was tough at such a young age but slowly it did come back together for me. My mom had the patience of a Saint and together we worked to re-learn and get thru all hard times. After five years of relentless hard work, never giving up and hours of frustration it started to come back. Slow but sure I eventually graduated from high school and then college.
Eventually the doctors gave me to ok to test the body and start working out again. After five years my brain was healed as best it could. They reminded me that it was important to always wear a helmet when participating in sports but now it would be ok to bike, run and ski again. I first found freedom on my bike – I rode for miles, feeling free and feeling great that I could get in shape again.
Years passed and I eventually went back to skiing and running. Who knew that one day I would finish three marathons and carry the Olympic torch.
On the way to a ski trip in January 2005 I picked up the book “I am the Central Park Jogger”. I was pulled to Trisha Meili’s story about surviving her attack and brain injury. While reading it I learned about the Achilles Track Club founded by Dick Traum.
I eagerly wanted to learn more about this group and get involved but I found out there wasn’t a chapter in my state. I contacted Dick Traum and spoke with him about his incredible group and what it would take to start a chapter here in Madison, Wisconsin.
Well it’s been almost three years now since I started a chapter here in Madison and we’ve grown from just a couple members in 2005 to almost fifty active members in 2007.
This fall I ran the New York City Marathon for my second time. My connection to Falmouth is very dear to my heart. As an athlete with a disability I was given two Achilles Guides to run with me and keep me safe through out the marathon. One of these was a wonderful woman by the name of Diane Pasquaretta, she lives in Massachusetts.
She is not only one heck of a runner but also an incredible and dedicated person! She ran with me every step of my 26.2 miles and was trained and ready to take care of any problems I might have, such as a seizures. She rose at the early hour of on Sunday, Nov 4th and stayed with me till the very end of our long Marathon day.
What a comfort it was running with these guides – angels to look after me, to encourage me during the tough times and to make me smile with the crowds. I would absolutely love the chance to come back to her home town and once again run with her in the race that she loves and is proud of…..the Falmouth Road Race in August 2008.
Nothing seemed to work for me any more and I really struggled to find anything good left in my life. My long term and short term memories were erased. I struggled with vision problems, learning disabilities, painful daily headaches, depression and much more.
Relearning and starting over was tough at such a young age but slowly it did come back together for me. My mom had the patience of a Saint and together we worked to re-learn and get thru all hard times. After five years of relentless hard work, never giving up and hours of frustration it started to come back. Slow but sure I eventually graduated from high school and then college.
Eventually the doctors gave me to ok to test the body and start working out again. After five years my brain was healed as best it could. They reminded me that it was important to always wear a helmet when participating in sports but now it would be ok to bike, run and ski again. I first found freedom on my bike – I rode for miles, feeling free and feeling great that I could get in shape again.
Years passed and I eventually went back to skiing and running. Who knew that one day I would finish three marathons and carry the Olympic torch.
On the way to a ski trip in January 2005 I picked up the book “I am the Central Park Jogger”. I was pulled to Trisha Meili’s story about surviving her attack and brain injury. While reading it I learned about the Achilles Track Club founded by Dick Traum.
I eagerly wanted to learn more about this group and get involved but I found out there wasn’t a chapter in my state. I contacted Dick Traum and spoke with him about his incredible group and what it would take to start a chapter here in Madison, Wisconsin.
Well it’s been almost three years now since I started a chapter here in Madison and we’ve grown from just a couple members in 2005 to almost fifty active members in 2007.
This fall I ran the New York City Marathon for my second time. My connection to Falmouth is very dear to my heart. As an athlete with a disability I was given two Achilles Guides to run with me and keep me safe through out the marathon. One of these was a wonderful woman by the name of Diane Pasquaretta, she lives in Massachusetts.
She is not only one heck of a runner but also an incredible and dedicated person! She ran with me every step of my 26.2 miles and was trained and ready to take care of any problems I might have, such as a seizures. She rose at the early hour of on Sunday, Nov 4th and stayed with me till the very end of our long Marathon day.
What a comfort it was running with these guides – angels to look after me, to encourage me during the tough times and to make me smile with the crowds. I would absolutely love the chance to come back to her home town and once again run with her in the race that she loves and is proud of…..the Falmouth Road Race in August 2008.
Cap'n Kimmer Keeps Rolling out the Awards!
"The CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge" is an essay contest where the winner, and a guest, will receive an all expense paid trip (up to $5,000) to participate in the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race in 2008. The contest is open to U.S. residents, who have a life altering disability or illness, or have overcome a life threatening disability or illness to tell us their personal triumph stories and why they want to race in Falmouth.
And our Kimmer is a winner!!
PHILADELPHIA – May 21, 2007 – It's been an uphill battle for Madison, Wis., resident Kim Virden. After a severe skiing accident at age 17 she suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with a seizure disorder, vision problems and learning disabilities. Despite this, Virden has achieved goals many people without her challenges might find out of their reach.
In the 28 years since her accident, Virden has run three marathons, carried the Olympic torch and started a local chapter of the Achilles Track Club, a non-profit worldwide organization that works to help people with disabilities compete in mainstream athletic events, in her hometown. Virden, 46, can now add to her list of accomplishments that she has been named the winner of the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge.
"I am thrilled to have been selected as the winner of the essay contest," said Virden. "It's been a long road to recovery for me, but one thing that has always been consistent is my desire to continue to be active and to never give up. I am honored to be running as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this August at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race."
In support of its mission to help improve health, well-being and security of individuals, CIGNA is once again, for the third consecutive year, serving as the title sponsor of the race. Virden, a software systems administrator, was one of many who submitted an essay in February in response to CIGNA's nationwide call for contest entries that asked individuals who currently have, or have overcome, a life-altering disability or illness to share their personal triumph stories and why they want to race in Falmouth. As the winner, Virden and a guest will receive an all-expense-paid trip to participate in this year's CIGNA Falmouth Road Race.
Kim's story should be an inspiration to each of us as she has overcome – what most would consider - insurmountable obstacles to live life to the fullest and to contribute to her community," said Karen Rohan, president of CIGNA Group Insurance and CIGNA Dental. "We are very pleased to welcome her as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this year."
Virden was named Athlete of the Year by The Achilles Track Club in 2007 and was recently recognized by the Brain Injury Association with an Individual Achievement Award for her life's work and giving back to the community. Since she started the Madison, Wis., chapter of the Achilles Track Club in 2005, membership has grown to almost 50 in just three years.
To learn more about the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race and Kim's road to the race, visit CIGNA's website at www.cigna.com/falmouthroadrace.
And our Kimmer is a winner!!
Madison, Wis., resident Kim Virden wins essay contest
PHILADELPHIA – May 21, 2007 – It's been an uphill battle for Madison, Wis., resident Kim Virden. After a severe skiing accident at age 17 she suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with a seizure disorder, vision problems and learning disabilities. Despite this, Virden has achieved goals many people without her challenges might find out of their reach.
In the 28 years since her accident, Virden has run three marathons, carried the Olympic torch and started a local chapter of the Achilles Track Club, a non-profit worldwide organization that works to help people with disabilities compete in mainstream athletic events, in her hometown. Virden, 46, can now add to her list of accomplishments that she has been named the winner of the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge.
"I am thrilled to have been selected as the winner of the essay contest," said Virden. "It's been a long road to recovery for me, but one thing that has always been consistent is my desire to continue to be active and to never give up. I am honored to be running as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this August at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race."
In support of its mission to help improve health, well-being and security of individuals, CIGNA is once again, for the third consecutive year, serving as the title sponsor of the race. Virden, a software systems administrator, was one of many who submitted an essay in February in response to CIGNA's nationwide call for contest entries that asked individuals who currently have, or have overcome, a life-altering disability or illness to share their personal triumph stories and why they want to race in Falmouth. As the winner, Virden and a guest will receive an all-expense-paid trip to participate in this year's CIGNA Falmouth Road Race.
Kim's story should be an inspiration to each of us as she has overcome – what most would consider - insurmountable obstacles to live life to the fullest and to contribute to her community," said Karen Rohan, president of CIGNA Group Insurance and CIGNA Dental. "We are very pleased to welcome her as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this year."
Virden was named Athlete of the Year by The Achilles Track Club in 2007 and was recently recognized by the Brain Injury Association with an Individual Achievement Award for her life's work and giving back to the community. Since she started the Madison, Wis., chapter of the Achilles Track Club in 2005, membership has grown to almost 50 in just three years.
To learn more about the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race and Kim's road to the race, visit CIGNA's website at www.cigna.com/falmouthroadrace.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Know Your Madisonian
Another feather in her cap, for Cap'n Kimmer, From Sunday's Wisconsin State Journal:
Know Your Madisonian
Wisconsin State Journal :: LOCAL :: D5
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Interviewed by Heather LaRoi
Name: Kim Virden\ Age: 46\ City: Madison\ Family: No children, soon to have a dog\ Occupation: Systems administrator at TDS Corp.
Volunteer activities: Organizer of the local Achilles Track Club for disabled athletes.
"My athletes have survived strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries. They have multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or epilepsy. They may be visually impaired, amputees, or have Parkinson's or other medical conditions. Achilles meets once a week for a workout. This means walking, running, handcycling, whatever the individual is able to do. We also participate in mainstream run/walks throughout the year."
How she ended up doing this: "After reading Trisha Meili's book, 'I am the Central Park Jogger,' I learned about Achilles International Track Club. When I discovered there wasn't a chapter in Wisconsin, I spoke to the New York-based founder and president Dick Traum and started the Madison chapter three years ago. We now have about 50 active members."
Why is what you do important?
"I really love my group of folks. They have become my family. It's great seeing folks get active again and form very special social bonds after surviving a life-changing medical problem or disease. It gives them new goals, new friends, and a new outlook on life something to live for. This makes my heart grow and grow."
Hobbies: Downhill ski racing, cross-country skiing, marathon running, kayaking, biking, swimming, camping, hiking.
Right now I'm reading: Bob Woodruff's book, "In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing"
Person I admire most: "Lance Armstrong, for surviving cancer and going back to be world's greatest bike racer"
Favorite way to spend free time: Movie and dinner with friends
If I could change one thing about Madison: High property taxes
If I could convince people of one thing: I would convince them that we all have different beliefs and thoughts on how we should live our lives to make ourselves happy. The world would be boring if we were all exactly alike.
- For more on Achilles Track Club, visit www.achillestrackclub.org.
Know Your Madisonian
Wisconsin State Journal :: LOCAL :: D5
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Interviewed by Heather LaRoi
Name: Kim Virden\ Age: 46\ City: Madison\ Family: No children, soon to have a dog\ Occupation: Systems administrator at TDS Corp.
Volunteer activities: Organizer of the local Achilles Track Club for disabled athletes.
"My athletes have survived strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries. They have multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or epilepsy. They may be visually impaired, amputees, or have Parkinson's or other medical conditions. Achilles meets once a week for a workout. This means walking, running, handcycling, whatever the individual is able to do. We also participate in mainstream run/walks throughout the year."
How she ended up doing this: "After reading Trisha Meili's book, 'I am the Central Park Jogger,' I learned about Achilles International Track Club. When I discovered there wasn't a chapter in Wisconsin, I spoke to the New York-based founder and president Dick Traum and started the Madison chapter three years ago. We now have about 50 active members."
Why is what you do important?
"I really love my group of folks. They have become my family. It's great seeing folks get active again and form very special social bonds after surviving a life-changing medical problem or disease. It gives them new goals, new friends, and a new outlook on life something to live for. This makes my heart grow and grow."
Hobbies: Downhill ski racing, cross-country skiing, marathon running, kayaking, biking, swimming, camping, hiking.
Right now I'm reading: Bob Woodruff's book, "In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing"
Person I admire most: "Lance Armstrong, for surviving cancer and going back to be world's greatest bike racer"
Favorite way to spend free time: Movie and dinner with friends
If I could change one thing about Madison: High property taxes
If I could convince people of one thing: I would convince them that we all have different beliefs and thoughts on how we should live our lives to make ourselves happy. The world would be boring if we were all exactly alike.
- For more on Achilles Track Club, visit www.achillestrackclub.org.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Cap'n Kimmer and an Old Achilles Member
The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Henry David Thoreau
Cap'n Kimmer and Doc George
May Birthdays
A bit late, but with the best of all wishes for a Happy Birthday MONTH to our Achilles May Babes!
- Judy E. May 10
- Deb S. May 19
- Carlee the dog, May 23
Take a look at these links!
Check out these groups at their websites!
- Madison's Spinal Cord Injury Group - We plan, We go, We conquer!
- Outdoors without limits - A life changing experience
- Playground support - FIRST Boundless Playground
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Celebrating Strength With MS - 4/23/08
Celebrating Strength Event
Date and Time: Wednesday, 4/23/08 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Madison, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Program registration begins at 6:00 PM and the program will start at 6:30 PM.
Complimentary light dinner will be served.
Register for this free seminar online or by calling 1-866-955-9999.
We welcome you to participate in a dialog of hope and health for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Learn about Biogen Idec's commitment to MS and how we are transforming discovery into care.
Join others at this program and learn as Drs. Mary Forester, Natasha Frost, and Christopher Luzzio explain about treatment options and infusions in MS.
Date and Time: Wednesday, 4/23/08 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Madison, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Program registration begins at 6:00 PM and the program will start at 6:30 PM.
Complimentary light dinner will be served.
Register for this free seminar online or by calling 1-866-955-9999.
We welcome you to participate in a dialog of hope and health for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Learn about Biogen Idec's commitment to MS and how we are transforming discovery into care.
Join others at this program and learn as Drs. Mary Forester, Natasha Frost, and Christopher Luzzio explain about treatment options and infusions in MS.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The Great Bubbles Get-Away
Celebrating Bob's big 50 Party, he and Rene' went off for a weekend....Up North somewhere....
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
HOPES RUN
- The 10th Annual HOPES Walk for Awareness on Saturday, May 5, 2008, at Olin-Turveille Park.
- HOPES stands for Helping Others Prevent and Educate About Suicide.
- It is a 3 mile walk.
- Registration ($25) will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. with a light lunch to follow.
- Each year the names of our loved ones lost to suicide are read aloud during the opening ceremony. Our many faces of suicide quilts are displayed at each of our walks. There is a drawing for donated prizes, along with musical entertainment.
- Funds raised support both prevention efforts and services to survivors
- Sponsorships by making donations payable to HOPES
For more information, check out www.hopes-wi.org.
April Birthday Babes
Happy Birthday to our Achilles members: - Allegra R. - April 11 (boy, do I remember that day!)
- Barb W. - April 25
"The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
a cloud come over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March."
- Robert Frost
Monday, March 31, 2008
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