Let me tell you something... this getting older stuff is for the birds! In true midlife crisis form, my husband of 20+ years decided he wanted to get back into BMX racing. Being the supportive wife I am, I decided to join him. I, myself, have never been on a BMX track, have never even followed the sport. However, in the last few years I have lost a significant amount of weight and have been looking for a sport I can devote myself to... looks like this is it. BMX racing looks and seems so full of excitement and energy. It is a self-improvement sport, the only person responsible for your success is you. I love this idea and have dived headfirst, all in... at 46 years of age, (shhhh, I tell everyone else I am 28).

A few thousand dollars later, my husband and I joined USA BMX, bought bikes, helmets, pads, and gloves. Decked out our trailer and hit the track. Personally, I have not had the kahunas to race, couldn’t even fathom getting on the gate amongst all the advanced racers... advanced racers generally consist of 10–20-year-olds, and here I am, rocking mid 40's and never once on a bike like this... seriously, what was I thinking?  

My husband on the other hand, has raced for years, collecting hundreds of 1sts, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies that still line our garage/ bike shop. He has had sponsors see him through his racing career until life caught up with him and had to put his dream aside. Now, several pounds of lifestyle changes under his belt, he is back in, and instantly hits the racetrack, riding right alongside the pro's... with NO FEAR! Granted he did not place, or perform the way he used too, but he did it, he made every lap on every moto, even when he was dropped to a younger class with pro riders. I envy his natural skill and talent.

I did manage to find my way around the track for one lap... my husband and son basically made me try it during practice time at Cargill BMX Track before the big qualifying racers. Let me tell you, I work out, I am not afraid to do many things. but standing on that gate surrounded by 12-year-old pro riders. My only thought was, "I am going to bust my butt and take out all these kids, ruining their chances at qualifying."  That was either the momma mind thinking, or that was just me being scared.  I was literally shaking. I have wanted to do this, but I did want that first run completed on my terms, where I felt comfortable, no pressure... turns out, there is no "FREE" time to just practice on the track. I am the girl who wants to get up at 6am, and try it, practice when no one is around. Turns out, I cannot. So, there I stood at the gate, yes standing. not balancing like my other child companions lined up. Shaking, so worked up that I was not sure if it was my sugar levels bottoming out or if I was shaking in fear. Ready, Set, Race... or whatever they say at the gate, and I was going... down the hill, around the curve trying to figure out how they balance this, over the oops, slower than molasses, so slow I was laughing at myself. Front tire shaking, barely able to maintain control... this was not because I was not strong enough, or agile enough, this was pure adrenaline-based fear of hurting someone, or making a fool of myself... I am here to tell you, I lived. By the time I passed the finish line, my teeth were chattering. But guess what, lap one was done. That first hurdle was done. My husband road alongside me the whole way, coaching and advising me on where my feet should be, to stand up straight, slow down, and peddle where I need too. Granted everything they advised me before I went through that gate went out the window... "don't look down, look straight."  I looked at my front tire the WHOLE time. "Keep your peddles level, not one up and one down” My pedals were everywhere, in all the wrong places. "Use your brakes if you feel like you need to slow down” I have brakes? Y'all... I am the last person you want to be next to on the track... but guess what? With every lap, every practice run, every race I am getting just a little bit better... watch out, this old lady on the track might just, one day, beat you!

I have no intention of quitting or giving up. It was scary, it still is... but we have developed plans, we do not want to be that couple that just travels in our old age, sleeping our days away... we want to live. We want to retire and live a life of freedom and positive energy... we want to travel and BMX. We want our kids and grandkids to enjoy the sport, so if we get to an age where we cannot race anymore, then we can watch them grow and succeed. It is not your average dream for old age... but I am not the person who will sleep my days away, it is just not who I am or who I want to be. 

#goals #watchme #differentlifestyle #nevertoold #Echolsracingteam