They didn’t get there by accident. Above all, they’re each students and their class grades take priority. Under IHSA rules, they have to be passing a minimum of five core classes. If they fall below in any class, they become ineligible. As you can imagine, to play at a high level they’ve all got to be there for their team by being on top of their class work.

In addition to their studies, they’re practicing mornings, after school, weekends, and then also playing 33 games over three months, including trips to Tennessee, Arizona, Ohio, and of course, Bloomington.

It takes dedication. They didn’t expect to just show up and win. There are no shortcuts. Just hard work. There’s no magic pill that a player can take and instantly have better skills. Just more hard work.

Fitness works the same way. Have a plan, be consistent in your efforts, work hard, get a coach, and never, ever give up, and you’ve got a better chance of reaching your goal.

Help honor them, and all children fighting brain cancer, by purchasing these holiday cards. Each pack includes 15 cards with one of each of the designs.  (Brianna’s has a snowman and a Christmas tree

The Cure Starts Now 2009 Holiday Cards

on a blue background).  The inside includes a message “May the spirit of the holidays bring you hope and happiness.” Envelopes lined with silver foil are included.

Proceeds go directly towards The Cure Starts Now which helps families battling brain cancer and funds pediatric brain cancer research. Help a worthy cause and spread holiday cheer!

He’s made great progress with his strength and endurance and in addition to working out at the gym, has been cycling regularly to build his endurance. I have enjoyed the opportunity to have helped train Andy as he prepares for his journey. In addition to muscular endurance strength, he also needs financial support to make the trip happen.

Please take a few minutes to learn more about the cause and consider donating to the Children’s Miracle Network to help Andy make the trip. Please visit the Ace Tour de Kids Miracles website to learn more about Andy’s goal and this fantastic ride.

Think back to when you were a kid and you got your first bike. Remember that feeling of freedom? The joy of being able to power yourself along to go places you couldn’t go before was amazing, wasn’t it? Think about that time you taught your child to ride their bike as they wobbled on two wheels.

Now, think of how you would have felt if you never got that bike. There are a lot of kids who can’t afford a bike and here someone’s deciding that they’re going to throw one away. What a waste.

Their argument is that by putting it out by the curb, the trash pickers will scoop it up and it will go to use. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that bike that was once your prized posession is on it’s way to become scrap metal. What a waste. That bike could bring a whole new life to a kid. It could give them hope, inspiration, keep them off the streets and give them a goal to work towards. It could help someone get to work. It could make the difference between putting food on the table, or not.

If you’re about throw away a bike just because you no longer need it, don’t do it. Donate it. Take it to Goodwill. Take it to Working Bikes Cooperative in Chicago. Drop it off at the The Recyclery. Or, take it to any one of these places. If that’s too much trouble, contact me and I’ll take care of it for you.

Please, don’t throw it away.

(Photo provided courtesy of Deborah Courson Smith)

Every summer, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events holds Bike to Work Week. Check out all the events and activities of Bike to Work Week. One of the highlights of the week is the Bike to Work Challenge. You don’t have to live or work in Chicago to participate.

I’d be willing to bet that many of you live within a few easy miles from your workplace and you’re a perfect candidate to give it a shot. Go at a nice easy pace and you’ll arrive refreshed but not all sweaty. Bring your clothes in a backpack or alternate driving and riding days and bring your clothes the day before. Here’s a great guide to help you learn how to bring your clothes and make sure they look good, arrive fresh and sharp, and even how to avoid the dreaded helmet hair. The Bolingbrook Park District has even put together this map outlining the bike trails, paths, and bike friendly streets in the area.

You can even get your coworkers involved and challenge them to accumulate miles and riding days. You can also get your workplace into the Bike to Work Challenge. It’s free.

If you give it a try, let me know how you did.

Learn more.

I saw him again today and he was on a scooter. But here’s the problem: It was an electric scooter.

He stopped riding the bike.
He stopped riding the skateboard.
He’s adding on weight (and it’s not muscle).
He’s riding an electric scooter.

Something tells me the extra weight’s not a coincidence. It even has a seat so he doesn’t have to wear himself out by standing!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of children ages 6-19 that are overweight or obese has tripled since 1980. Children who are overweight or obese have a 70 percent change of carrying that weight problem through adulthood.

School’s almost out. Don’t let them sit behind the Wii and call it exercise. Send your kids outside this summer. Please.

If you need a few ideas for things to do outdoors with your kids, check out Chicago Wilderness

If you’re not doing the event, take a few minutes from your day to go over to the Bolingbrook Town Center, see the excitement and energy, and cheer on the participants as they raise money for the fight against cancer. Visit the Bolingbrook Relay for Life site.

If you can’t make it to today’s Relay, there’s another on June 5 at Neuqua Valley High School on June 5. If you’re not in this area, find a relay in your own area here.

Learn more about the Ride of Silence and how you can participate FREE and hundreds of locations worldwide.

Bikes are vehicles too. I personally have been subjected to abuse and dangerous situations from people and their cars who feel that they alone have the right to the road. And, if you think someone putting on makeup or reading the paper is dangerous when you see them from your own driver’s seat, imagine the panic a cyclist feels when seeing that same bozo.

You can help too by keeping Brianna and her family in your prayers. Learn more about Brianna and her fight at www.curebrianna.com

It’s free and easy to register. Sign up now!