We are a little more than a month away from the starting line in hopes of conquering RAAM for the third time! Our team of cyclists have been busy training, riding and competing in preparation for the 3,000+ mile journey from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD. I thought I'd take a moment to share a little more about each of this years riders and what they would like to accomplish. This year we wanted to amp up the team names a little bit. So, we decided to base them on the time of day that the teams will be in for most of the ride. Team Vampire will of course be spending most of their ride time during the evenings. While Team Daywalker will be seeing a more of the sunlight. First we will take a look at our returning members, all of whom will be competing for the third time.
Leading Team Daywalker is Jeff Zaniker who had the idea to compete in RAAM back in 2014. Jeff said, "I wanted a way to bike across the US and still keep our jobs (e.g. 6 days versus 40)." Jeff was diagnosed with MS back in 2003 and has been an active supporter of the MS movement since then. He currently lives in Carmel, IN with his wife Jill and works for Accenture. Together they have three daughters: Alexi, Emily and Elise and can spotted participated in MS Walks all over the country. Here is a shot from their first ever MS Walk and most recent.
When the Zanikers first started their drive to find a cure there were only 2 medications available for individuals living with MS. Now there are over 12 different options because of the fundraising done to help research a cure. The importance of events like Walk MS, Bike MS, Challenge Walk MS or Muckfest MS is in spreading awareness to ultimately find a cure. However, these events also encourage being active and coming together for a common goal.
Jeff has found that through cycling it has helped keep his MS at bay. Fatigue, blurred vision, walking (gait) difficulties, pain and dizziness are just some of the common symptoms for those battling MS. Staying active and mobile is a huge benefit and the National MS Society website even has some suggestions for ways to stay fit and healthy! 'In addition to being essential to general health and well-being, exercise is helpful in managing many MS symptoms.' http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Health-Wellness/Exercise
Jeff trains by doing several short 15-30 mile rides during the week and 1-2 long rides (40-50 miles) on the weekend. Since the team focuses on a series of short sprint rides, the focus for training is on intervals to improve speed and then distance to improve endurance. Jeff's go to recovery drink is a glass of milk with Hammer Recoverite and some bit of food. Although he has started eating a little less to shed a few pounds before the race start in June. His goal this year is to first and foremost get everyone safely across the finish line, but also shed some time off the previous two finishes.
Show your support for Jeff and our team by spreading the word and consider making a donation to find a cure for MS.
'Together we can face any challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky.' - Sonia Gandhi
Jeff has found that through cycling it has helped keep his MS at bay. Fatigue, blurred vision, walking (gait) difficulties, pain and dizziness are just some of the common symptoms for those battling MS. Staying active and mobile is a huge benefit and the National MS Society website even has some suggestions for ways to stay fit and healthy! 'In addition to being essential to general health and well-being, exercise is helpful in managing many MS symptoms.' http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Health-Wellness/Exercise
Jeff trains by doing several short 15-30 mile rides during the week and 1-2 long rides (40-50 miles) on the weekend. Since the team focuses on a series of short sprint rides, the focus for training is on intervals to improve speed and then distance to improve endurance. Jeff's go to recovery drink is a glass of milk with Hammer Recoverite and some bit of food. Although he has started eating a little less to shed a few pounds before the race start in June. His goal this year is to first and foremost get everyone safely across the finish line, but also shed some time off the previous two finishes.
Show your support for Jeff and our team by spreading the word and consider making a donation to find a cure for MS.
'Together we can face any challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky.' - Sonia Gandhi