Relentless Romero Blogs

Have you ever dreamed of doing something really big that scared the pants off of you?  Have you ever failed at something, and struggled to find the courage to get back in the game and try to remedy your failure?  Have you ever thought something was impossible, then you did it and discovered it was possible? This is the story of my Summer in 2018.   Almost eight years ago, I discovered an athletic challenge called “Leadman”.  It is a series of endurance events that takes place in Leadville, Colorado – the highest incorporated town in America at 10,135’ above sea level (there is 30% less oxygen in Leadville as compared to sea level).  In order for an athlete to be named Leadman/Leadwoman, they must complete five events: 1.    Trail Marathon 2.    50 mile trail ultramarathon or mountain bike 3.    100 mile mountain bike 4.    10k run 5.    100 mile trail unltramarathon These events take place over a 10-week time period from June to August in Leadville. The c

With 60 lbs of groceries after a trip to Super Target Have you ever felt like you just didn't belong somewhere, and everybody was looking at you because you were different?  Well, I just had that very experience and wanted to share what I learned. Tomorrow I am going to see my oldest daughter at college, and she requested a few things.  I also needed some groceries so I decided to visit my local Super Target and kill two birds with one stone.  I don't drive at this point (due to being legally blind) and Target is 3 miles away so I had to figure out how I'd get there and back to my home.  I decided to ride my bike since there are bike lanes all the way to Target.  I also had to figure out how I was going to get all the goods back home.  I decided to try out my new Osprey 50L Atmos pack to carry the items I purchased.  The ride to Target was uneventful and I rang my bell a lot to let cars know I was around.  Then it happened (insert nails on a chalkboard sound here

Click HERE to view YouTube video bog As I sit ere and type, I am struggling with FEAR.  I am feeling scared.  The reason for my fear is a 100 mile mountain bike race in Leadville, that I am competing in this weekend.   I have always contended that Fear is an emotion derived from some Future event that has yet to occur.  The fear I experience now is being generated by an experience that has yet to occur.  The start of the 100 mile mountain bike race has yet to begin, but I am experiencing an emotion that is attempting to sabotage my joy and happiness. Eight years ago I attempted this same race and came up short.  Specifically, I finished 1 hour and 8 minutes after the cut-off for an official finish.  That DNF (did not finish) has rattled around in my head for a long time.  I am fearful of failing a second time, despite having made adaptations from what I learned during my first failure.  Some adaptations include better training, fitness and equipment.  I also had some additi