Skip to main content

moving mountains

    Welcome back, friends! In May 2023, I rode the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, a bike ride that is roughly 50 miles long in Colorado from Durango to Silverton. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. I defeated two mountain passes higher than 10,000 feet on this point-to-point ride, with more than 6,000 feet of vertical climb and two descents. I cried at the top of the last mountain pass and when I finished as well. Although, this means that during my sophomore year of college, I was working many hours a week and training for my race on top of my studies.This was half the battle of the whole thing. 


   How did I find time to do it all? Well, I started with a planner. My time was budgeted in there perfectly. I made sure to get a planner that was weekly/daily so that I could have the time blocking feature for each day. I recommend you do the same. (Day Designer has great options) Each Sunday I filled in when I would be at work, school, working out, church, and whatever else I needed to do. One thing I was sure to do was make time for myself as well. Even if it was less than an hour of quiet time, it was crucial to give my mind a break, or else I was going to burn out, which I got close to doing at times. Yes, it was an overwhelming year, but it was all worth it. I finished the ride which was a giant accomplishment. I was focused on work. I even did well in all my classes.


    If you want to do it all, you can. You just have to make time work for you and be very disciplined. I am very fortunate to have a great support system and resources at my disposal which I am very thankful for. I understand that finding that can be difficult but I encourage you to find an online community going through and doing similar things to you. Encouragement is everywhere if you just look around. You can belong and find your people. You can do the hard things. 





Comments

  1. JordynAugust 28, 2024 at 5:21 PM

    Wow! This is super cool! The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic sounds like it was a lot of fun and super challenging. I could never do something like that so props to you!! It’s awesome that you found time to train while in school. I also like your tips on time management, it shows if you are passionate about doing something you will make the time to do it. Can’t wait to read about some of your other experiences!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amaya GonzalezAugust 28, 2024 at 11:04 PM

    This is so cool Marina! Congrats on such an amazing life accomplishment! Your time management skills amaze me. I love to bike ride but I don't think I would have the disipline or stamina to do an Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. The trip must have been super fun!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 of my favorite toxin-free swaps

 In our world today, we are surrounded by things that can poison us. I know that sounds dramatic but if you really look into it, you would be shocked at the things that we are putting in our bodies and environments. When we are prioritizing health, it means making active changes in all facets of life. It will take time but one swap at a time is progress nevertheless. Here are 5 swaps that I have made that I do believe have improved my quality of life.  Household cleaning products: Have you ever looked at the ingredients on a regular household cleaning product like Windex? Talk about toxic chemicals! I recommend making your if you have the resources. If you can't, brands like Evergreen from Target are great options.   Food storage containers: I know little plastic options are easy and cheap but that can expose your body to many microplastics over time. Investing in glass and stainless steel containers have been the right supplement for me. Also, they feel nicer to use...
4 comments
Read more

5 Self-Care Practices you can do in Under 5 Minutes!

 So the whole thing my blog is centered around is prioritizing wellness when your schedule is full and you don't think you have time for yourself. Well, these tips are for your busiest weeks. I know you can find five minutes in your day to do these. No matter how busy we are, most, if not all, of us waste time or at least settle down at some point in our day. Here are some ideas for when you literally only five minutes to think about and take care of yourself and your wellness.  Deep Breathing Exercises: Pause and take 10 deep, slow breaths, inhaling through the nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through the mouth for four. For me, this reduces stress, calms my mind and spiraling thoughts, and resets my nervous system in minutes. Stretching: Stand up, stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, and stretch your neck gently from side to side. This relieves muscle tension, increases circulation, and boosts energy levels. Gratitude Practicing: Take a m...
4 comments
Read more