"INVICTUS" -- to those unconquerable souls (2/28/2010)

From coming across William Ernest Henley (1849-1903) poem "Invictus" in its Chinese translated version when I was a teen, to watching Clint Eastwood's movie "Invictus", starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, I came to a conclusion that we do live in One World, a "World of Cherishing Unconquerable Souls". Sticking to my mind, while traveling through different time and space and living in different lives, has been and will always be those words of courage, perseverance, and endurance that have inspired us all (Below text from William Ernest Henley's poem "Invitus"):

"Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul."

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)

Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)

612-991-4912

http://www.teamstrongheart.com/

http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

The last RAAM indoor simulation ride 2-19-2010

Spring rides are around the corner while we wrapped up the third and last indoor simulation ride last Friday, 2-19-2010. In a normal winter season here in MN, many cyclists in clubs do not see each other unless they enjoy a common winter sport, such as xc skiing, or go to a holiday party. The common language have been, "Hey, you look quite different without that helmet on," or "Boy, you look faster on skis..." Of course, these jokes will be replayed or repaid during the non-winter season.

Our three indoor simulation rides have become a great winter get-together time among the Greater Team Strong Heart families and friends. Even though some of us stayed in touch through weekly club spinning workouts, etc., we are all in different rebuilding phases or goal race planning stage for an exciting cycling season ahead.

I have posted some training details and comments on the three RAAM indoor simulation rides on the companion blogsite: http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/. Thanks for your participation and support, and hope to see you soon on the road.

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)

Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)

612-991-4912

http://www.teamstrongheart.com/

http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

Happy Lunar New Year Day & Heart-Day (2/14/2010)

2010 Team Strong Heart Fundraiser Raffle Tickets are now available:

A variety of prizes include a new bike, a new bike trainer, a new bike frame, a free 2-night lodging at Rainbow Resort, movie theater tickets, books on RAAM for kids, DVDs, Gophers Football tickets- club level tickets ($100 value), EK Endurance Training gift certificates ($200 value), GO-Girl products (priceless), etc. The top 4 prizes are:

1st Prize: new 2009 Gary Fisher aluminum/carbon with carbon form $1,000 value
2nd Prize: Rock N Roll Pro from Kinetic donated $699 value
3rd Prize: Diamondback Insight 1 flat bar road bike $499 value
4th Prize: 2 night stay Rainbow Resort Lodging (up to 4 people) $350 value

Tickets: $5/ each (Need not be present to win)
Drawing held at Trailhead Cycling & Fitness, on June 26, 2010, Sat. at 6 pm

Please contact: teamstrongheart@gmail.com or xu.amy@dorsey.com for tickets