Shirley Jaglowski's
I'm Riding to end AIDS; and to make a difference to those already infected.I have been inspired! On October 9th I began training for the 2008 AIDS Life Cycle, a seven day, 545 mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to make a difference in lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. By mid-May, I will have road over 1500 miles of hard pavement, spent nearly 100 hours in the gym, and endured countless spin classes to prepare my 48-year-old body for this incredible journey. Easy--not for a minute! Impossible--never! Achievable--absolutely, but not without YOU! I need your help and your support. As a prerequisite, I must raise $2500 to participate. Please support me by donating any amount you can comfortably give. No amount is too small or too large. This is a great opportunity to donate to a great cause. And please encourage your family and friends to donate as well . . . every dollar helps me reach my goal of $2500 which in turn helps so many people in need. So please, donate now! Most of you know my passion for this cause runs deep. Over 40 million individuals are living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. alone. Together we can make a difference! Love and Light, Shirley
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Shirley's latest blog entry:
Friday, May 30, 2008 
I'm riding to support those I love, in memory of those I've lost, and to conquer my own fears.
Shirley's Goal: $3,500.00
Current Total: $3,810.00 |
Listen to Shirley's Gabcast |
HIV/AIDS Fact of the DayProvided by AIDS/LifeCycle The number of women in the US living with HIV has tripled in the last two decades. |
Shirley's LinksL.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2007
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Shirley's BlogFriday, May 30, 20088:16 AM05/30 Leaving for San FranciscoMatt and I will be leaving for San Francisco is just a few short hours. WOW! To date I have 1300 miles on my bicycle - and starting Sunday I will be adding another 545. It took me two days to pack, I didn't think I'd ever fit everything into one bag (which had to include sleeping bag, air mattress, helmet and some cycling equipment than one person should ever need). I will have limited access to my mobile phone, so please check my gab-cast episodes from time to time. We'll try to call in every evening to give you an update. I'll be blogging on the ride, you are welcome to read that as well http://aidslifecycle.typepad.com/. I'm a little nervous, a whole lot anxious and very excited. I feel I'm ready for the ride. I could have trained a little harder but lets face it - it's too late now. Keep us and all the riders and roadies in your thoughts (and prayers) - we'll need your energy and your well wishes. HUGS Shirley Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, May 27, 20086:36 PMShipped my bike to San Francisco today
the ride is closer than ever. I shipped 'Lola' (my bike) to San Francisco today. I already miss her, she and I have gotten very close (smiles). For those of you who are following this adventure, here is a map of our ride. If you have any pull with Mother Nature, ask her to be kind - to date we are expecting rain day one and two. That can make things cold and miserable. either way we ride. check back often for up dates. I'm off to start packing. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, May 18, 20087:01 AMThe Best Ride EVER - Solana BeachSaturday we (Team OC and I) rode to Solana Beach. Yes we have done this ride before - but this time it was different. Not only did we add 20 miles of hills on to the beginning of the ride, but it was also HOT. But that was not all that was different - I had my strongest ride ever. From mile on to mile 74, I just felt good. I did not allow myself to think any negative thoughts. Even though there is usually between 30 and 70 people riding on the training rides - we all ride at different level and speeds. So needless to say we get spread out, and at times you can be riding for miles and miles alone, or in my case with only Matt. Saturday, David, Kevin, Matt, and I all road together. And we were soon joined by another amazing group, (Brandon, Rick, Autumn, Augie, and, Jerri), and we all road the last 45 miles together. It was amazing - riding in larger groups, you didn't have time to think about how hot it was, how bad you were aching, or when was this ride ever going to end. We each took turns leading, and just when a negative thought came into your head...someone else rode up next to you and ask "How are you doing?". Thank you to all of you for making Saturday very special. I learned a few new techiniques - like the tuck and roll. No this is not a falling technique, but a techniqued used to gain speeding going down hill. I was passing Mo in no time. (Hugs Mo, you are the best). I also learned that bike shop owners are very kind and generous people. Kevin blew out at tire early in the ride. Just so happened we were only one block from a bike shop. The problem was it was barely 9am and the shop didn't open till 10. Now it was due to be recording breaking heat that day, and our group was passing us by the groves. The bike owner saw us standing out side his shop, he opened the door just to help us out. We were back on the rode in no time. So if you are ever in need of cycling stuff - stop by Ladera Cycling, these guys are great (and very good looking -hehehe). The best part - I rode every hill, I kept a good pace and I felt strong at the end. Since the last time our group did the Solana Beach ride - I added 20 miles and cut off 15 minutes. (Not counting stopping for Kevin's new tire and Kevin's fall). Yes Kevin fell - he skinned up his knee pretty bad - along with slamming his head into a metal pole - OUCH. But that did not stop him - we were back on the road in less that 15 minutes. The ride is less than 2 weeks away. I feel more ready than I did on Friday. I'm still a little nervous, but now - thanks to Saturday's ride - I'm also feeling very excited. HUGS to all. Love, Light and Laughter Shirley Does anyone really read these blogs? Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, May 15, 20084:03 PMWe fly to S.F. in 15 days - YIKESHello my friends, I can't tell you how much your support, works of encouragement, and of course, helping to me exceed my pre-requist, means to me. Can you believe it, we (Matt and I) will be flying to San Francisco in 15 days? With the training period winding down (ok, with the exception of this Saturday - we'll (Team OC) will be riding down to Solana Beach, a total of 74 miles) most of us are focused on getting in a enough miles to stay conditioned, while remaining injury free. This whole experience has been amazing. I have met some of the most incredible people, people I know will remain in my life long after we ride into Los Angeles on June 7th. I am excited, nervous, anxious, and amazed at how far I've come. Can you believe 7 months ago I could not ride 13 miles? Can you believe 7 months ago I would not attempt an incline? Can you believe my longest ride to date is 85 miles? Can you believe last week I rode 175 miles? Me either. Until there is a cure - those are some powerful words. I can't imagine living HIV free, what a beautiful thougth. I love you all, and I promise to let you know how the ride on Saturday goes. HUGS to all Shirley, rider 5575 Until there's a cure... Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, April 22, 20083:45 PMUp, up and away....*smiles* Saturday, April 19th - AIDS Life Cycle, Day of the Ride. This ride was designed to give us newbie an idea what a typical day in June would be like. Nearly 500 riders road 84 miles, complete with rest stops, lunch stop and sweep vehicles. Before the ride I was actually very anxious, excited and scared..all at the same time. Rumors were traveling about, the we were going to be riding over the top of Palos Verde *YIKES*. Routes slips were given out and the rumor confirmed... Rest Stop One: Feeling good, and what was great was that I noticed that the closer we got to P.V. the smaller the it seemed. It actually became more and more do-able. I did have to stop a few time, ok maybe 4 (I wasn't really counting, I was concentrating on getting to the top). But I made it, how exciting is that. Going down the other side was actually a little scary...at one point I looked at my 'cat-eye' and I was traveling 46 miles per hours. All I could think about at that moment was I hope there no potholes...I slowly, slowed down (just in case). By the time we got to the lunch stop I was feeling the effects of climbing that hill and several others. Food, and stretching made me ready to go again. What I learned, don't try to keep up with other people. Everyone rides at a different speed and if you put out to much energy early on, you won't have the steam to complete the ride. It was a great day, only on flat tire. Thank you shawn for your assistance, I actually bought one of those handy dandy speed levers...hopefully now I'll be able to change my own flat. This Saturday....Pacific Island Drive. YEA Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, April 6, 20083:20 PMLong Beach to San Diego....:)It started out like any other Saturday morning. Rising early, having a very carefully planned breakfast (with the right mixture of protein and carbs, but not to heavy). Packing the essentials...cliff bars, shot blocks, water bottle, electrolite (spell check) replacement, spare tube, CO2 cartrigate....ID, cash...a long list, but all very important! This morning, I even checked the weather. Not just for near my home, but all the way down the coast...WHY? This Saturday is special. This Saturday is going to change my life and my mind set FOREVER. Not only will this be my longest ride, this will be my first century. My stomach is anxious, but my mind is excited. The night before I prepared both physically and mentally. Eating properly, preparing my bike the night before, early to bed (mediation to relax). And asking for strength, courage and endurance. Asking for all the negative energy to be washed from my mind. The weather, as it turned out, was good and Ok. Not too hot, not too cold. But the wind, well sometimes you pray for a slight breeze to help keep you cool, but today was head winds all the way (not so good). From mile one to mile 90...and going through Camp Pendleton, WOW! This is when you were scared to relax, the wind nearly blew you off the road. This is where I had my only mishap. Not big deal, just a flat tire. The problem was I was starting to feel really fatiqued. We (Mike, Matt and myself) had stopped about 12 miles earlier for a much needed pit stop. I was beginning to feel the strain on my body and the wind was intensifing my fatique. It seemed I had finally gotten my second wind when the tire went flat. After changing it, moving forward was difficult, but we were almost to our lunch stop and I was HUNGRY. (lesson 1, eat before you get hungry-fatique, 25 mile winds and mile 65, don't mix). Who would have thought a chicken breast sandwich could make you feel SOOOOO GOOD. Oceanside, my legs are tired, my knees are tight. My husband (Matt) is a life saver, he was right there with me..encouraging me, reminding me that we are over three quarters of the way there. Reminding me that hill, that is right in front of us, is the hill walked up the last time we road this road. Reminding me...that I can do this. And I did. Throughout the day I road up a total of 6 hills that at one time or another I had previously walked up. (this is where the life changing comes into play). Solana Beach-I cried. Why, not only did I make it up that last hill (the I had previously walked up) but I never in my life felt this way. I was tired, proud, exhausted, energized and my mind was being mentally challenged. Mile 89....I was am reminded of a poem... Who am I, Why am I here. Is life to love or a thing to fear. What use am I, what good can I do. The poem goes on, but I stopped there. I was 11 miles short of my first century. Mike (who has been riding his entire life (over 35 years), looked at me and said, "you are staying here. You are not doing your body any good from here on out. You are not conditioning yourself, you are not tearing down everything you have been working for." Part of me wanted to tell him he was wrong. Part me didn't know if that was true or not, I had to trust he knew more than I. I stayed, ordered a beer and waited for them to come back and get me. Now some of you may be thinking...11 more miles....go for it. And had it been the actual ride, I would have. But I am "IN TRAINING" And I am so proud of myself. 89 Miles. 29 miles further than my longest ride..and with winds and hills. Just think, 5 months ago, I could not ride 20 miles. I woke up this morning (Sunday), the next day, at 8:30am (which is sleeping in for me). I went grocery shopping, prepared a beautiful pot of soup, weeded my 20 x 30 foot garden plot, watered the plants in the backyard, did a couple of loads of laundry, played ball with my dog "Shakee" and as I am typing this I am enjoying a glass of wine. My left knee is sore (in the bend of it), my quads are a little sore (not too bad), but all in all, I feel better than I thought I would. What should I have done differently...I should have had one extra tube with me (another flat tire and I would have been screwed). More pitstops, every 20 miles, to not only go to the bathroom, but also eat, drink and stretch. And eat lunch WAY before 2:45 in the afternoon. I also learned to ride your own ride, not someone elses. I needed to rest more than the others I was riding with, that made things more difficult, but you need to take the time your body needs. Once Matt and Mike left me (at mile 89), after 15-20 minutes I felt I could have continued. I didn't because I didn't want to be out there on my own, just in case. Either way, I have alot more confidence in myself and my riding. Till there is a cure. 5575 BKA Shirley It's not too late to donate. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, March 19, 20087:31 AMSolana Beach---yea, you read it right :)Not only was this my longest ride to date, it was also the most beautiful. All the rain we have had sure has made the hill GREEN. We started our ride at the Irvine train station. It as brisk, a little to chilly for my liking, but it didn't take long to get warmed up. Even as I typing I can feel the excitment in my stomach. We road out at 7:30AM, and within a mile I had a flat tire. Now my excitment turned to anxiety, but thanks to my wonderful hubby, it didn't take long to change the tube. And a very nice man offered up an extra tube, just in case I had a second flat along the way. (Thank you very much). Through Laguna the hills got a little rough, but they were short hills and we managed to ride each one. Our first rest stop was in San Clemente. Amazing...I felt good and ready to go. Riding through Camp Pendleton was breath taking, not because I was tired but because of the magnificant green hills, and the serenity surrounding them. On to rest stop number two...Oceanside, on the sand over looking the ocean. WOW. The wind picked up at this point, so we didn't stick around long. Actually the wind picked up alot the last 10 miles, but actuallly it was a blessing. My shoulder blades were starting to really hurt, and the wind took my mind off the pain. (I have since started some serious core strengthing exercises to hopefully stop this from happening...). All and all we (Matt and I) rode 64 miles, in 4 hours 40 minutes. Our group met at Pizza Port for some much needed chow, before we boarded the Amtak for our return to Irvine. I had a great time, and I felt like I had accomplished a huge hurdle. Amazing, beautiful, and powerful! Oh to the next challenge. Steep long climbs.... Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, March 4, 20083:32 PMProgress, you just have to love progressHello my beautiful friends~ After months of training, I think I have finally come to a cross road. Gzzzz, it took long enough. Now I am not say that I have MASTERed hills. But Saturday, I kicked butt. I wasn't the fastest. And I did stop and rest a few times. But....I made it up each and every hill. Now some of you may be shaking your head, but believe me I am so proud of myself and the 37 other people riding. We have bumped up our training, by the end of this week I will have ridin over 100 miles. And I am starting to believe what the trainers say...there is nothing like time in the saddle. Spin is great, cross training is great, but nothing compares to riding. I am having a wonderful time. I have learned, it is amazing what the human body can do. And that when all fails, talk to yourself. Sing to yourself. Do whatever it takes to keep you mind happy and your body will respond. My only wish is that I would have started riding years ago. But better late than never. Hugs to all, And don't forget, it's not too late to donate (or donate again)....lets continue to make a difference. Shirley Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, February 25, 20083:14 PMBIG HUGE SMILESThis was an awesome week. Not that I rode some outrageous number of miles, not because I busted my butt during spin class, but because I rode 36 miles on Saturday. 36 miles of hills, hills and more hills. And I did the entire ride. I did not walk, I did not cuss, I just rode. For those of you who are experienced riders...go ahead and smirk. But for those of you who aren't...mark my words...."I'm extremely proud of myself and I have every right to boast". I'm smiling from ear to ear...and loving it. Let's keep our finders crossed for another great week. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, February 5, 20084:23 PMAre you ready?Here we go. It is time to step it up a notch. This past week I had a terrible cold, and was just really tired. But that has past and time is a wasting. Can you believe only 4 months left to train? My goal...65 miles this week. 75 next week. By end of February I will be up to 100 miles per week. Mid March...125 to 150. And those hills...will be my friend. Hill training every Thursday! I'll keep you posted, you keep your words of encouragment coming. And don't be shy.....keep those donations rolling in. There are many, many HIV+ individuals who need our help. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, January 29, 20081:58 PMJust a little bump in the roadHello my friends and family, I can not tell you how much your continued support means to me. I am continue to train and am feel stronger by the week. I did have a little bump in the road (no pun intented). After many, many years of being off medication the time has arrived to begin a new regimen, for my healths best interest. My doctor has promised minimal side affects and so far (knock on wood) that has been true. I've just been very tired. So needless to say I do not have any wonderful training adventures to report. I have been hitting the gym and spin classes, but haven't had much saddle time. We need the rain, but I'm not comfortable riding in it. Saturday I am hoping for some clear skies...Sunday too. I'll keep you posted. HUGS to all Shirley Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, January 2, 20089:29 AMHappy New YearHappy New Year, and boy what a NEW year it will be. Of course, I am continuing my training, and the closer we get to June the more miles we put in. Not to mention those hills, I haven't really mastered them YET. Saturday I rode my longest ride yet, 41 miles. We (Matt, Mike and myself) left my house in Long Beach with the intention of riding down PCH until we felt we had gone just far enough to make the return trip home. The weather was beautiful, I honestly believe the powerful pacific ocean was sending us energy and endurance, because it wasn't long (1 hour, 17 minutes) before we passed the sign that reads....Welcome to Newport Beach. WOW! I felt so proud. We managed to return home in less time. Although Sunday I was too pooped to ride, I did make it to the gym. I think the best part about all this training, is the people that I meet. They are the kindest, most supportive people...and I thank each and every one. Till next time..... Love and Light Shirley Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, December 5, 20077:39 AMleft, right, left, rightDuring spin class, when I am thinking my heart is going to pound out of my chest, I hear the teacher saying left, right, left, right. This is to keep everyone in cadence (at 80 RPM). When I am on the road feeling like I have bit off more than I can chew...my brain focuses on my feet and repeats...left, right, left.... From day one I told myself, 'December 1st I will start my serious training'. And so I have..... December 1st--32 miles December 2nd--30 miles December 3rd--rest December 4th--spin class December 5th--gym, 1 hour cardio and strength training I have found that when I am tired and don't feel like training, if I just get off my butt and get started.....I feel GOOD. On another note: Thank you all for your words of encouragement and your very generous support. Your generousity has simply amazed me. When I signed up for this ride, fundraising worried me. I didn't think I would ever be able to make it. Thanks to all of you....we are nearly there. I know it sounds cliche'....but Together WE make a difference. Maybe I should raise the goal....*smiles* I love you all.... Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, November 20, 20076:46 AMWeek 5Saturday I managed get in a long ride...32 miles! Wow, my arms were so sore. LOL But that wasn't nothing compared to Sunday. I rode with Mike for the first time. He lied to me. He told me we were going to ride around Palos Verdes Pennisula and that it was mostly flat with a few inclines. I now know Mike does not know the meaning of flat. If I am not mistaken there may have been a mile or a mile and a half that was flat. Other than that it was hill after hill after hill....22 miles. My legs were burning, my lungs felt like ash and I have never talked to myself so much in my entire life. Bad news, I walked about a half of city block. Good news, I only walked once! I have been afraid of tackling rolling hills, Thanks to Mike...I not afraid any longer. *smiles* Furthermore, I have met some of the nicest people. Thank you for all you continued support, your words of encouragement and the energy you send. I NEED all I can get. It only gets harder and steeper. On a positive note: My first ride was October 9th, 12 miles and that nearly killed me. I'm feeling pretty good about my training and I am ready for more. Anyone who cares to join me...I love riding with others. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, November 11, 20078:16 AMWeek 4This week was quite a week; and my body can feel it. My brain is saying lets go, go, go. My body however is saying, what the hell are you doing to me. I am physically tired. Which, to my understanding, is completely normal (given my previous exercise regiman...NONE). This week I road over 70 miles. I even managed to tackle a hill or two (Thanks Steve...). 2 days in the gym and one spin class. I off to ride this morning. Then I'm hoping for a short nap. Thanks to everyone who is sending me messages of encouragement...this rides for you. I couldn't/can't do it with out you. HUGS Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, October 27, 20073:04 PM10/27 Week 2Well I managed to keep my butt in the saddle! I also managed to pull my feet free before stopping, at each and every stop. Thank goodness. I still have a 5 inch bruise on my leg from last weeks stunt. I went a little easy on myself with 2.5 hours in the gym, which included 2 spin classes. Saturday was the AIDS Life Cycle kick off ride: 13 miles. I felt good. The best part, I could have kept going. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, October 20, 200711:30 AMTraining, week 1Well, I managed to complete my first week of training. I hit the gym for a total of 3 hours, strength training, stair master and spin class. WOW. I also rearranged my eating habits which resulted in dropping 3 pounds (and still eating all I want). This part I love! My first road trip, well that wasn't so pleasing. I managed to eat it (yes, I fell), on the corner of PCH and Bellflower, in front of what seemed, like 100 cars. I bruised my leg and my ego. But nobody laughed harded than I. Who would have thought, those clips that lock you feet to the pedals could cause so much confusion. LOL After that I still manage to put 15.8 miles of pavement behind me. The best part, I could have rode further, but my coach says go SLOW. Who's to argue....not me. 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. I will conquer the amazing challenge. HUGS TO ALL!|
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