it takes patience on the long climbs

To a clapping and stomping beat you chant:

Be Aggressive, B-E Aggressive. B-E A-GG-R-E-SS-IVE. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TEAM~!

Is that an international high school cheer or only American. Regardless it has a good beat if you get it going with the stomping and clapping. Very empowering! I had a cheerleader attitude l coming into work today so I thought I would send you along a good old American cheer!

Danda, you have come a long way! It has been a hard road. You have more mountains to climb. Feel free to let it out, that is when you can move forward. Often times you have to take a step backwards to take a step forward. I am telling you some Tour de France action will certainly let you know you are not alone on these long road climbs. These cyclists show a great amount of courage and strength...and tears. They suffer greatly on their daily 100+ kilometer rides. Some fall (at great speeds) and still get back on their bikes broken bones and all to get to the finish line. Some have to accept defeat in a stage and pull for another team member simply because they are not in the position to win "that day". And most cry as they come over the finish line because it means so much to them after working so hard and overcoming many obstacles in order to cross that line. Your tears are emotional releases not dissimilar from these champions on two wheels.

Your Lance is out there at 37 years of age LIVING STRONG and being tested by those much younger than he is, but he is fighting and overcoming doubts every step of the way. Last night we watched him in the Alps wait patiently in the peloton while others attacked up the mountain wanting to gain a lead early on. His coach kept telling his team to, "be patient, don't worry, be patient and you will be fine". They were patient and it paid off. In the last few kilometers, out of nowhere to the viewer, Lance exploded away from the group and turned and burned up that hillside at a pace that had the hair on our arms standing on end. He zoomed past others and you could hear his coach telling his riders from his radio-"Lance is coming alone, Lance is coming." It was a haunting few words-one man was coming to save the day. And sure enough after patiently waiting he rejoined the lead group to help his teammate, Alberto Contador, a Spainard, battle his way to the finish in order to keep the yellow jersey. You, my friend, have all of us telling you to be patient, wait for the results, know that while you wait patiently you are overcoming obstacles everyday as your body regains it strength and health from the inside, out. We are here to get you up that hillside, but in the end it is you who will cross that finish line! Deep breaths, I love you!

Alexis