Have you entered the Glo Bar Raffle for the Livestrong Foundation?  It’s a super short, one-day raffle, so your odds of winning delicious vegan treats are high! 

It’s going to be a busy day up in hurrrrr!  I’ve got an Operation Beautiful presentation at University of Florida tonight, and I’m really excited. Im also going to try to squeeze in a visit to the gym later – I’d really like to go swimming!

Breakfast was a twist on the Grilled Banana Sandwich (recipe):

The star of today’s breakfast sammie was this lovely, soft, juicy pear:

I followed the same recipe as the Grilled Banana Sandwich, but I made one small change:  Instead of coating the bread with a sprinkle of brown sugar, I tossed the slice pear in maple syrup and then grilled the fruit to better caramelize it. 

Breakfast perfection!

Protect Your Noggin’

In light of my Olympic Triathlon bike crash (recap and video), I asked my dad to share some thoughts with the blog world about helmets and concussions.

I’ve posted an interview with my Dad about his cycling history (check it out!).  He’s done a lot of cool and exciting races, but unfortunately, he has also been very unlucky with crashes.  Although you probably wouldn’t guess it, he’s suffered a series of bad crashes that resulted in brain injuries and affected his overall quality of life.  He always wore helmets; however, treatment for concussions just wasn’t as advanced when he was in his accidents.

Here are a few thoughts from my Dad:

Here’s what you should know about helmets, concussions, and cycling – but don’t be paranoid! This is all the equivalent of wearing a seat belt in the car:

1. Protect your head. Always wear a helmet recommended for your activity – even if only a few do and everyone thinks they look dorky. Trust me – you really don’t won’t even minimal brain damage, and there is a low, finite limit on how many concussions you can have in your lifetime before you run the risk of early dementia and personality change. 

2.  Remember that helmets are one use items.  Even if you’re in a minor accident like Caitlin was on Sunday, destroy it with a hammer so no one else can use it and buy another.  Love yourself – you’re worth it.   Read this post for more info.

3. If you have a serious head impact, don’t trust your judgment as to whether you can proceed. I’m an experienced long distance cyclist, but after a crash in Paris-Brest-Paris in 2007, I had to be restrained from trying to ride even though I was clearly (to others, and in retrospect, myself) unable to ride. 

4.  If you do have a head impact in any sport, monitor your mood carefully. If you (or those who know you) notice changes, find medical assistance. Early treatment is the best defense against permanent problems. 

5. I’m not saying be a doormat, but if someone close to you has a concussion, cut them a little slack – but after they cool down, they should apologize. Temporary mood changes due to concussion are a valid excuse (although it’s not a license to be rude forever).  They deserve the love and devotion you would give them if the had any other serious injury. 

But the most important thing – if you wear a helmet, try not to do crazy stuff (although that was always the best part to me – sigh).  Be safe, get out of the house, and have fun.  After all, it’s much better than TV and Doritos!  🙂