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Getting My Guts in Gear


Wed, June 24, 2009 1:22 PM

Getting My Guts in GearI assume most of you have at least heard of "Get Your Guts in Gear" the ride for Crohns and Colitis (and if you havent it is an event worth looking into).  Five years ago my dad and I signed up to ride in the New York ride.  We started training and quickly I found it more difficult to sit on the bike seat because of painful fistulas.  After a training ride where I didnt sit down at all, I realized it wasnt going to happen.  I traded in my bike jersey for a crew shirt, and have crewed every year since, including this past weekend.

I am so excited!!!  After 5 years of crewing, Im finally jumping (or sitting softly) back on the bike seat and riding the 210 miles in Seattle this August.  Im finally healthy enough that Im going to be able to complete the ride.

Im in the middle of training, and fundraising, and so far it is going well.  Five years ago I wasnt sure I would ever be here, but its going to happen.  Even better, not only is my dad riding with me (after completing the NY ride just a week ago), but my sister and friend are riding too.  My mom and cousin will also be joining us on the crew.

The coolest part is that after I signed up, I realized that this August also marks my ten year anniversary of diagnosis.  Its kind of cool (for me at least) to be showing myself that this disease hasnt conquered me, ten years later.

Anyway I would appreciate any comments, suggestions, words of encouragement if youre so inclined.  You can contact me at GarysGuts@aol.com, or follow my progress through my blog and find a link to donate online through my blog at GarysGuts.Blogster.com.  Good health!  Gary

FPO garysguts
Joined Jun 21, 2009

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