So Wednesday, I took "off" as usual. Thursday I pushed myself to head out to Lake Pine so I could get a run in for the week. I ran into my spin teacher, Linda, on the trail which made me feel good because it was almost like I felt I got extra credit for pounding the pavement outside of class. While finishing up the 4 miles (with Audrey in tow in the jogger), I passed a woman with some kickin' hot pink compression socks. She made a comment like "Oh great, I'm getting passed by the jogger mommy but I'm okay with that. Really." I kind of chuckled and we got to talking. She asked how much the jogger slows me down. Truthfully, I don't know because my pace has actually increased since starting to train for the triathlon. Then she talked about how she didn't start really exercising until her kids left for college which I thought was a great idea although a shame to wait that long. She agreed. I told her about the triathlon and the typical response I get from people is fear about the swim. As I told her, you don't have to be a good swimmer to do an event like this. Do you need to know how to swim? It's a good idea to be able to swim a couple of laps but beyond that, your training gets you in shape. (Mind you I am doling out advice prior to actually having had to swim a mile so you might want to check back in with me after June 23rd.) Anyway, she also mentioned that she didn't have a great bike. I laughed thinking about the hunk of metal I rode on my first ride. The fact of the matter is that, you make adjustments as you go along. You find a way to make it happen and that is what I would share with others. Don't wait until all the stars have aligned and you have all the "right" equipment and you're in shape. It ain't gonna happen. Find a team or group if you can and just do it.
So Friday, I didn't do much. I was too distracted by the fact that my oldest, Sarah Cowles, got reassigned for Kindergarten to a different school. Me oh my how we/I have stressed about this school stuff. Finally, though, we got her final assignment for next year and we're getting geared up for that. Where has the time gone? Today was her last music "performance" at preschool and it was precious! Check it out:
And then came Saturday...we just cycled but it was a doozy- 30 miles to be exact. The weather was overcast which was good but there was wind. Funny thing, though, I finally learned how to ride my bike! Coach Tom gave a little gear shifting for dummies seminar prior to our ride today and I was totally intrigued. You mean you aren't supposed to be shifting mainly with your left hand? Well I'm glad I know that now because I have been wreaking havoc on the gears during my ride. If one didn't work I'd shift around until I finally found one that did. No real rhyme or reason to it. Just keep moving forward, right?! Apparently not. There apparently is a rhyme and reason to shifting gears on a bike and I am proud to say that I am well on my way to learning what that is! I am also thrilled to report that I did NOT drop the chain one single time today on the ride. Next up is learning to master the click-in pedals (Speedplays). People tell me it makes a huge difference in your biking efficiency. Watch out triathletes of the world...there is a new kid in town! ;-)
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