I cannot believe I can bike that far. I cannot believe that after all those miles in pretty nasty winds I was not exhausted and felt like I could actually bike more. I have to give credit where credit is due. I don't think I would be able to do all these miles on my own. Somehow biking is different for me than running. I can spend hours running all by myself with my thoughts or my music, but when it comes to biking I feel I do much better in a group. 66miles with the ladies passed much faster than my 26 solo miles a couple of days before. Or is it 'pace lining' that makes riding quite a bit easier since it cuts on wind resistance? I found this exercise fun but I have to admit, I am not comfortable riding close behind someone. I worry that if they stopped rapidly... actually it did happen to me the weekend before. That was not fun! So for now, I would rather be in the front battling winds. Next weekend, I am told, we are going to do some pretty nasty climbs over passes where the winds get pretty furious.
This training takes a big chunk of my weekend but I still managed to spend quite few quality hours with my teen who strangely enough still likes me. I thought teens were supposed to detest their parents.
Running is not that eventful. I wish I had more time to run on trails. Orange poppies are blooming very early this year, hills are finally getting greener, spring is in the air, and running exclusively on pavement is not that great for my legs and with a half marathon coming up in April I don't want to risk injuries. Yes, I miss my trails.
I have not been doing that well on strength training. I had only one session last week and one the week before. That is not good. I wish I had some good excuses here but I don't. Saying I was busy just won't cut it since I have free weights at home.
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| I shamelessly stole this picture from eBay |
This week I will be starting my training for John Muir Trail. Have I mentioned that I got my permit? Yes! This year, it seems, it took a lot longer to get it than a year ago. I guess there is more demand since there is a lot less snow in the Sierras and those who got discouraged by conditions last year are trying to make up for it this summer.
So with my permit in hand, I will be loading up my ugly backpack with weights, and just like I did last year, and putting on training miles.
A word about the pack. Last year I carried an external frame Kelty, which performed very well. Since my teen needed a good pack and liked my Kelty on his backpacking trips, I just gave it to him. So it happens, a friend of mine kept bragging about military surplus pack he got. The pack is heavy, ugly and very, very cheap. He offered me a chance to try it. We went on a hike together and I loved, loved how the pack felt. I have never had a more comfortable pack than this one. Figuring that for most of the hiking time I would not have to look at it (I really hate the way it looks), I decided I my comfort on a 220mi hike was worth... $60 - yes sixty. I am sure it will also make as a great conversation starter.
So with my permit in hand, I will be loading up my ugly backpack with weights, and just like I did last year, and putting on training miles.
A word about the pack. Last year I carried an external frame Kelty, which performed very well. Since my teen needed a good pack and liked my Kelty on his backpacking trips, I just gave it to him. So it happens, a friend of mine kept bragging about military surplus pack he got. The pack is heavy, ugly and very, very cheap. He offered me a chance to try it. We went on a hike together and I loved, loved how the pack felt. I have never had a more comfortable pack than this one. Figuring that for most of the hiking time I would not have to look at it (I really hate the way it looks), I decided I my comfort on a 220mi hike was worth... $60 - yes sixty. I am sure it will also make as a great conversation starter.
Good news on my background check. They did not find any dead bodies in my closet so I am clear to start volunteering at the center for the blind. I will have my first training session on Thursday. I am hoping to meet the lady I'll be working with then. Her progressive eye disease made her totally blind four years ago though, I've been told, she's been legally blind for much longer than that. I am curious as to what her fitness goals are and what kind of help she expects from me. I, of course, have grand plans for her.
16 comments:
That's a lot of riding! Good for you. And I hope you enjoy your volunteering.
You are doing great things. So fun to watch!! You inspire me!
Keep focused!
That bike riding sounds intense. And maybe you can decorate the backpack to make it prettier?
Yay for the JMT. Wish I could see you and ugly pack on the trail.
It's good to hear that the powers that be are supplying your soldiers with quality equipment. We've had some monumental equipment disasters were - made in China uniforms that left chemical burns on the skin, shoes that lost their soles.
Glad to hear you passed the 'I have not killed anyone yet' test. It'll be interesting to hear about your time with your new client.
Seems you had a pleasant biking adventure! The photo shows a nice biking group and a beautiful environment.
Great to hear about your volunteering!
That is a great picture! What fun to bike with all those people. All women? Did you say this and I missed it? That is my farthest distance - 60 something. Next summer I hope to hit 100 but mountain passes won't be involved.
Honestly, is there anything you don't do?? ;-) You just amaze me every day!!! You go lady!
What a positive post, I love it!
I don't like to bike alone either but when it comes to running, like you, I don't mind doing that alone.
I love the background in the photo. It must be beautiful to bike there.
Congrats that you survived the check. I hope you can help her and that you both will enjoy this very much.
Well done with that biking! You are way tougher than me. I will not do that distance (or any for that matter) on a bike. Yay for getting your permit! You will be so strong for Pikes Peak.
So much going on and big plans ahead, sounds like things are really humming along.
Look at all those brightly colored jackets you guys all have on, how fun is that!?!?! I thought once I got to the 60 mile mark riding my bike, my girl bits wanted to fall off. I think I need a "professional" fitting for my bike seat position or something. Nice job on the bike ride, you are doing fantastic!
Too funny about the military backpack. I have tendinitis in my shoulder so when we did Whitney last year, I wore the shoulder strap down off my shoulder and more on my arm. Some guy stopped me on his way up (we were going down) and told me I was losing my backpack. Hahah. I told him it was the only way to survive. I'm not a good backpacker!!
You are killing the cycling miles! That's so great. And i totally agree about riding w/ people to make that mileage happen. I guess that means you/I both like running a bit better since we can motivate to do that solo.
Excited you are in for the volunteering, as well as for the John Muir hike again. Good stuff going on for you this week!
Your teen still likes you because you are fun and adventurous.
There's a blind man who exercises at our gym on the weight machines. He does very well, with a little assistance from his wife (who I adore). So go on expecting great things from your new friend.
:-) Marion
Congratulations on the accomplishment. I love having teens - they are interesting, fun, and teach me so many things!
You make me want to ride again. My hubby and I last summer rode 63.5 miles which was my longest. I got burned out he was tough! :)
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