Windy City Seedling

What's at My Core?

OK, how many of you are ready to do a 183-mile bike ride over two days?

I thought I was, and I learned something exhilarating about myself.

Who am I? I'm Lisa Sorrentino, founder of X-chrom.com. I played Division I field hockey. I think of myself as an athlete, I will always be active. My friend Violet invited me to visit Seattle, and to join her in the Ride Seattle Vancouver Party (RSVP). 183 miles. Two days. We would join five others who had been planning for this ride all year.

Without thinking a lot, I said yes. I hadn't trained or prepared, but I thought I could do it. I would muscle my way through.

Well, the first 25 or so miles were indeed a blast. And then the difference between Chicago and the Northwest hit me. It was on a four-mile hill (or "incline" as they call it there). I hit the wall. Luckily, a new friend from the group was waiting for me at the top. We found the rest of the group eating pie and cookies in the Snohomish Pie Company.

I was really winded and needed to catch my breath. I stayed at the Pie Company while the rest went ahead. There I was, alone and pounting a bit amid the bakery delights. Then I realized I was eating the best pie and warm cookies I had ever had, among the beatiful scenary of green trees and "inclines".

This was really a special moment, and I could just soak it in without any distractions. Think what I'd have missed if I'd let caution prevail and said "no" to this trip. In a flash, I realized that what I really felt was not competitive spirit or the need to win, but determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.

I wish I could tell you that I finished the entire ride, as did my new friend Nancy, who seemed always ready for more. But since I didn't prepare, I won't criticize my performance. And my performance wasn't the point.

When I got back to Chicago, I told some folks about the RSVP ride. Some were shocked that I even tried it. But I reflected that I'd never had any doubt or fear. I went for it!

Where did that spirit come from?

Initially, I'd say it came from my high school field hockey coach, Barb Liles. She first exposed me to the lessons of having no doubt and no fear in life. Did I follow those lessons then? No, not really. But she planted the seed of no doubt and no fear in life. And, over time, it's grown into a solid tree that cannot be easily taken down, that sways in storms, and that always reaches for the sky.

I hope every one of you has a chance to get this seed.

Even if you don't see growth now, that doesn't mean it won't happen, for every body and everybody. As this web site continues, I pledge to tell you more about me (I love dogs!), learn more about you, and share more about how your trusted sports-bra source will be Giving Back.

Sincerely,

Lisa Sorrentino, X-chrom Founder & Head Boob
X-chrom.com - your trusted sports bra source for every body