So it happens every season. I wonder if I'm really training enough for the events coming up. Lately, Robert and I have been hitting the mtn more than the road. I know that mtn biking is a great workout but it leaves me wondering, will I be able to push for 30 miles when it comes time? Even if I don't, I still get to visit with my friends and put another race under my belt. That's more than a lot of people can say.
So, a few years back we bought these "Griz Guides" for area mtn biking trails. At first my skills just weren't there but with time, I've improved. We've done a few of the rides in the book now and I have to say, these books need to be renamed to the Uphill Mtn biking guides.
We hit the trails yesterday in search of a new adventure and we got it. Going into Rothrock, you know that you are going to be gutting it out over the mtns but oye! It was a great skill builder, by the time the technical section came around, I was so tired from the climbing that I didn't have the energy to get scared and foul up. One little fall with a chain ring track in the leg and a flat tire but All in all a great ride!
I hit my regular route this morning and fully expected the humidity to cause suffering up the big hills. Surprisingly, I was very light on my feet and felt good to get out and run. I passed a few friendly locals out for morning walks. One gentleman put it all in perspective for me. It went something like this:
I wave, he says "Good Morning!" and I reply, "Good Morning!" to which he replies in a shocked tone, "you can talk! you are running and you can talk." I joked that I was just trying to get it in before it got hot and continued on. When I crested the hill I realized, not only could I run and talk but I did so without losing my breathe while going uphill... Rock on!
My weekend was consistent, I'll give it that. I struggled through my run on Saturday before the weather even thought about getting hot. I believe it had something to do with the night before and my lack of proper hydration. I am now remembering why I do not drink much during training programs.
Sunday I powered through a mtn bike ride that had a few high points. I managed to ride my first ever log pile. I decided that I was tired of watching other people do it and that there was no reason I shouldn't be able to do it as well. Turns out I was right. I rode a few more, but none as successfully as the first. Figures.
I also ended up getting stuck in a bit of mud and tramping through a patch of poison ivy.... I'm still suspiciously itchy and hoping that it's just paranoia. Let's keep the fingers crossed.....
I had an argument with myself this morning. I woke up at 5:30 and knew that I didn't want to run so I laid in bed and argued about what I was going to do while I snoozed. In the end, I compromised and went to the pool on the way to work. This is a first for me to do my laps in the morning. The water was pretty warm, which I don't love, but there was hardly any one there, which I do. I also feel a little water logged here at my desk
So it stormed yesterday right before I got out of work. When I walked outside the air was thick like soup and the clouds were not so comforting. I went home, walked the dog, and thought to myself "well the clouds are clearing.... I really should get that ride in". I checked the radar and saw my window of good weather. For inspiration, I went into the closet and for the first time donned the supersuit. The supersuit is a biking outfit my sister sent me from the Luna Chix. Here's a shot of her team in theirs outside of Phoenix.
It just so happens that my bike matches the supersuit and so with that much matching other cyclists may assume that I'm fast. Now that's a big deal to live up to. I took off and immediately noted that I needed to break in the shorts. They were so smooth I nearly slipped off the seat! Then as I went, I realized how comfortable they are. Sweet!
I also noticed that other cyclist were waving at me. I always wave but most people ignore me so that was a nice change. I rode a short lap, just the minimum 10 miles of my training plan. That was probably a good thing because I was able to go faster than normal.
On the final hill back from the airport, I got a little surprise.... a shot of silly string right in the face! Some white car full of teenage boys decided to light me up. Robert asked me later if I had gotten the license plate and I had to laugh....its kind of hard to get a license plate when you are concentrating on a faceful of silly string....
Wednesdays are just weird sometimes and this one was no exception. I was scheduled to lift with Brian at lunch and time just jumped away from me. I ended up changing in my office, running to the white bldg and getting there early... Brian was cranky and I can't say the lifting went so well but oh well, least its done. I need to get on the bike tonight but the clouds are rolling in. Let's hope they roll out just as quick!