A week of downs and ups!

I sit here on Sunday night trying to muster up the energy to even write my blog, but I guess I feel a sense of obligation.

I’ve had a relatively disappointing week of training.  I think it was mostly due to over- exhaustion.  After last Sunday’s 55 mile ride, I didn’t sleep well or much and then attempted much more than I probably should have.  I wish, sometimes, I would simply take my own advice and lay off when I know I need it.

Tuesday, my great friend, Brent, and I went for a 10 mile run – only for me to utterly crap out at mile 7.5 and opt to go home.  I was simply too tired to continue.  I could not remember the last time I had ever failed to complete a run I started.  It had been a while.  I noticed, somewhere around mile 5, that we were barely pulling ten minute miles and I think it (mentally) got the better of me.  I had done this run the week prior and pulled 9:30’s.  I was going nowhere and Brent was gracious enough to allow me to stop.

Wednesday I got up for spin with Steve and knew I probably should have rested then, too.  I made it through his class, but I think my effort was not what it should have been.  Steve complimented me on my form a couple of times and reminded me to lay-off the quads a couple of times, too.  I must have looked as exhausted as I felt.

Thursday morning, I got up super early to get in a 40 minute swim before hopping a flight for Chicago for the HLC Conference with my favorite team at MCC.  My swim was actually really amazing – 18:35 for the first 750 meters: 39:40 at the 1500 mark.  I was done and pleased with my effort.  It was the first sign I might not be as wrecked as I was earlier in the week.  The ride on Sunday really did a number on my body.  I guess at 39 I have to know the warning signs.

Redemption came this weekend, though.  On Saturday, as always, members of my HLC Team and I headed out for a run on Saturday morning along the lake.  It was quite overcast, extremely windy and 37 degrees.  (I failed to remember to bring leggings…brrrr!)  Jim, Brian and I took off around 630am so that we would be ready to present at 8:30am.  Jim told us he runs around a 12 minute mile, so I mentioned to Brian on the way out that we might need to keep it easy.  However – we talked and ran and Jim had NO problem keeping a sub ten pace for 5+ miles.  I was impressed.  

The skyline behind Brian and me at the midpoint of the run.

After our run and presentation, the whole team went out to enjoy the city.  We ate a phenomenal breakfast at a place called the Wildberry Café and walked around downtown.  Although it was far colder that any of us had hoped, we still all managed to have a wonderful time.

The Team: Tim, Matt, Jim, Brian, Jacqui and Roger.  (Craig and I are up front - ready to present)

Tim, Craig, Me and Jacqui -- downtown Chicago

This morning, Matt, Jim, Jacqui and I went out for another run.  This time I knew I wanted to take advantage of the fact that Matt would be running with us.  He runs sub eight minute miles a lot of the time and I was excited to really try to push myself.  I’ll admit, I had little regard for Jim, this time, thinking he knows the route, he’ll keep up or meet us.  Boy did everyone impress!  Whether any of us want to believe it – it had everything to do with our competitive nature and Matt’s desire not to allow any one of us to out run him.  

Jacqui, Matt and Jim at the midpoint looking out onto the lake.

Jacqui, Mer and Jim -- same spot

We pulled just under 9:30’s for the first mile and a half and then kicked it up a notch to 9’s for the 2nd into 3rd mile.  As we rounded the start of the pier, I figured I would take the lead – pulling sub 9’s and feeling very strong.  Matt was having NOTHING to do with it and pulled ahead of me, forcing all of us into 8:45’s for nearly a mile.  The air was incredibly humid and I was soaked from it – but really enjoying the force of the team.  What was really astounding…Jim!  Jim (Mr-I-run-12-minute-miles) held on for dear life and ran along with the group.  

Jacqui and I took the high route along the lake on the way back, still pulling 9:15’s and 9’s and allowed Jim and Matt to work together (without us) – or they simply didn’t notice that we had peeled off.  From what I understand, Jim hung in for the whole run with Matt.  He continues to amaze me at 60 years of age.

5.5 miles in 51:33.  And, at the last moment, Matt and I challenged each other up the 4-5 flights of stairs back to street level.  He kicked my ass, of course – but it was worth it.  I felt strong and happy.  I need the push sometimes.  I know the pain is temporary – but more than anything I am so happy I have this team of amazing people at my side for so much of my personal and work life!

Today I realized I really AM crazy!

Gripping the handlebars of my road bike for over four hours has profoundly affected my ability to type – so I am not entirely sure how much blogging I am going to make it through, today. 

That being said, my really great friend, Matt, texted me on Wednesday of this week to ask if I might be interested in doing a 57 mile ride with him, this weekend.  Always up for a classically-retarded challenge, I jumped at the chance.  I mean, didn’t we just do 40 miles together a couple of weeks ago? 

I slept poorly, probably in anticipation of the ride, but I was excited to get out of bed when my alarm went off.  I met Matt at his house at 615am and we headed out, immediately.  Matt had prepared me mentally for the ride – letting me know that it would be fairly flat for the first 20 miles or so, and then we’d start hitting some long hills. 

When we began, Matt and I agreed that he would take the lead the majority of the time and allow me to let him recover here and there.  So, for the first 10 miles or so, Matt led and I drafted.  It was quite a clip for me and when he signaled for me to take the lead, I took advantage of the opportunity.  What I quickly realized was that I was really struggling to keep the same pace as Matt.  I only stuck it out for about a mile and half before Matt took over again.  Now, my quads were inflamed and I had to work hard to stay on Matt’s wheel.  Five or six miles later, Matt gave me the signal again, and I jumped out front.  This was the point that I knew 60 miles at this pace would be absolutely impossible.  I was having serious doubts and a couple miles later Matt took over, again.  We only managed about a half mile before I begged Matt to lessen the pace.  I was really working hard to stay close and I was failing.  Disappointed in myself, Matt was VERY accommodating explaining that I had done very well and that communication was key to our success as a team on this ride. 

After a short break for some water and Gu, we started on our ride through the hills.  This was where my doubts really began, but Matt was great about keeping the pace at a more reasonable rate.  He’d check in with me from time to time just to make sure my head was in the right place.  (My years of acting experience came in handy as I joked and made light of my severely sore quads.)  One of my favorite things about Matt is that he’s absolutely hysterical – and even better than that, he thinks I am just as funny. 

As we rounded the entrance to South Mountain Park, I struggled to get up the hills.  Matt explained the path ahead and told me that it was going to be hard and hilly.  I wanted to vomit – at this point we were only at mile 33 and all I could think about was the finish line.  I allowed Matt to take the hills of the park at his own pace – I knew at some point he’d double back and find me.  I was also a little embarrassed by my weak legs and diminishing spirit.  Not to mention, rider after rider passed me in the park.  There was a point where I realized I was simply going down and down and down – which meant I would have to go right back up.  And, I admit it – I turned around and waited in a common meeting spot for Matt to pass. 

As we made our way out of the park, Matt really made no mention of the 5 miles he did without me.  I told him about a nice woman I’d met while waiting for him, as we exited the park.  The next 10 plus miles would take us home.  We didn’t say much and I vowed to stay on his wheel, this time.  I think we were both too wasted at that point to do anything but focus on the road ahead. 

We were passed by a couple of riders who we met at the light about 1/8^th of a mile later.  One of them asked if I was having a good day – all I could say was, “I think I was about 40 miles ago.” 

As we finished the ride at Matt’s house, I looked at my watch – 4 hours and 17 minutes.  I can honestly say it was as difficult as completing a marathon.  I cannot imagine completing a century any time soon.  I definitely need to become a better rider.  I would be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to do better, but I wasn’t displeased with the ride – or with my effort.  I absolutely left everything I had on the streets of Phoenix, today. 

Matt and me, post-55 mile ride.  See, I can still fake a smile!

Now – could someone please explain why my hands feel like those of a quadriplegic?  

Feeling accomplished!

It’s 6am on Sunday, the time and day of the week I am usually heading out the door for my longest/most difficult workout of the week.  Instead, I am sitting on the couch, listening to the rain hit the desert floor.  Yes, once in a blue moon, Phoenix gets rain.  Fortunately, the news-people were good enough to let us know about it well in advance. 

But, that’s ok – the past few days have been amazing!  At 5pm on Wednesday, my college’s administrative offices were officially on Spring Break.  Knowing well in advance about today’s rain simply meant we all needed to shift our training plans a smidge. 

Thursday I woke early because I had a HUGE day planned with my great friend, Kris.  I made my way to the gym’s pool at 4:45am hoping I might get a lane (Thursday seems to be the choice day for swimmers).  I managed to get a lane, but only had it to myself for about ten minutes.  Around 5am a very experienced swimmer, who seemed to glide effortlessly through the water, asked to share my lane.  Naturally, I shared, but not without huge trepidation. 

About 30 minutes into my workout, my spin instructor Steve saw me struggling to keep up.  He took the opportunity to ask me if I wanted a lesson.  I nodded vigorously – especially if it meant I might be able to EVER swim like the fishy in the lane with me.  “Out of the Pool,” he snapped at me.  “Walk the lane with me.”  He explained that I work too hard (something he also told me in spin class on Wednesday…sigh.)  He had me watch the gal (Chrissy) with whom I was sharing a lane.  “See how her body is level in the water?  You need to bring your ass up and kick a hell of a lot less.  Watch her.  Now (holding hand at an angle) THIS is what your body looks like.”  I got it.  It made sense.  But…how?  We got back in the water and he loaned me some floaty-devise that I squeezed between my legs and BAM! up my butt went!   THIS WAS HUGE…HUGE!!!!  Everything changed.  I was working smarter, not harder.  And 70 minutes later I seriously wanted to continue learning to do it better. 

After a fantastic morning swim (thanks to my spin instructor, who is now also my swim coach), I met my friend, Kris, and we spent the day up north shopping the outlets and enjoying wineries and art galleries.  It was incredibly fun and relaxing.  Just what we both needed on our first day off for Spring Break!

Kris took this pic of me with our nosh plate and vino!

Kris and Me in Jerome, AZ - so much fun!

Friday morning I got up relatively early and headed out for a run.  Two weeks ago I had done the same run with Thuy, Brent and Jacqui, so I figured it would be good to make sure I can always handle a decent, hilly 10 miler – I have always said, it would be great, if I never really had to train to run a ½ marathon – this would keep me in shape for that goal.  My times have been steadily improving on my 6 milers due to the cross-training I am doing.  And, Friday I had my BEST time on my 10 miler – even with the hills and stoplights – 1:36!  Two weeks ago it was 1:43 – and seven minutes is a big deal (to me)!  My last several miles were between a 9:02 and 9:21 pace -- I was in the best mood and it set the tone for the rest of the day.

After a night of scotch and lasagna with several of my best friends, I woke up Saturday morning to meet Jacqui at my gym.  I hope she knows just how grateful I am that she is willing to drive across town at the crack of dawn to workout with me.  Our goal was to do the swim/bike/ run combination.  Jacqui attempted it on Wednesday with huge success – so I was hopeful I would have the same success with her at my side. 

By 6:30am we were in the pool and by 6:50 we had hopped out feeling really pleased with our 800 meter swim.  Jacqui finished over 3 minutes before I did.  In fact, I looked up when she finished and thought, “seriously? I still have 6 laps!”  She was kind enough to wait it out.  We changed as quickly as we could and headed out to our cars where our bikes would need to be hoisted out for our 13 mile ride.  Neither of us felt exhausted from the swim, so when we hit the road we were chatty and in good moods.  We both admitted that we could feel it in our quads for the first several miles.  Jacqui drafted off me for the first 6.5 miles and then I drafted off of her on the way back to the gym.  Our riding paces are fairly similar – which makes us great riding partners.  The ride – although just over 40 minutes, did not seem overly taxing, either.  We then tossed our bikes into our cars and headed out for the last event – the run.  I had a 3.1 mile route planned for us.  Our legs were solid bricks for the first ½ mile and our pace was just over 10 minutes.  But, after the 1^st mile, we were chatting away and pulling 9:30’s and 9:40’s without batting an eye.  Not paying attention, I missed the turn off and we wound up adding nearly a mile to our route.  We agreed that it would be good for us – and continued on the route back to the gym. 

After the swim/bike/run in my car - feeling super pleased!

WHAT an accomplishment!  We felt great!  In fact, we both realized about ½ way into the run, that we can really do this!  We high fived each other and knew that we can not only pull off a Sprint Triathlon already – but we KNOW the Olympic length is not out of reach. 

So, let it rain.  Jacqui and I deserve a day of rest!  

40 mile ride and lived to tell...

Another successful week of Triathlon training, so I bit the bullet and actually paid for my registrations.  The commitments are: Sunday, April 15^th (Sprint Triathlon) and Saturday, May 5^th (Olympic Triathlon).  We all know that payment equals commitment – because up until that point you’re really only considering it.  Right?!  (This is a hint to the others in my group who have yet to fund their races!)

Last night I went to bed at 8:30pm after suffering from TWO ocular migraines on Saturday.  I have never had two in one day (or one week, for that matter), so I decided that I needed 8 hours of solid sleep before meeting three of my favorite people for a 40 mile bike ride on Sunday morning (today).  As anticipated, I rolled over at 4am bright eyed and bushy tailed and committed to simply lying there doing nothing until my alarm went off at 4:45am.

 

At 6:15am, Jacqui showed up at my house, and by 6:40am we had arrived at our meet-up spot to ride with Jim and Matt.  Now, if you’ve been following along – Jim is the 60 year old guy I ride with who appears to have some sort of hidden mechanized engine attached to his bike, and Matt – well, Matt is the guy who pushes us to do things we never thought possible (after 2 months of riding).  Before we took off, Matt asked if we all had enough water and supplements and gave Jacqui and me a brief lesson in “drafting” another cyclist.  Matt told me in an email, recently, that he really wants me to learn the art of drafting because it will make long, hard rides MUCH easier at times.  Everyone knows that I am “safety girl” so even the notion of being a mere tires length distance between my bike and the rear tire of the guy in front of me, while traveling at 20+ miles per hour, makes me want to vomit.

But off we went.  I rode alongside Matt for several of the first 5 or so miles getting some much needed emotional baggage off my chest.  Shortly thereafter, I could see the long rolling hills of the road in front of us and tried desperately to keep Matt’s pace while chatting away.  It seemed futile, and I knew that if I kept it up, I would never make it the full 40 or so miles he had planned for us.  Just as I was considering my fate, Jim rolled up beside Matt and told me to start drafting. 

The next 10 miles were like nothing!  Jacqui and I kept right up with Jim and Matt – enjoying the fact that they were “pulling” us along.  I cannot tell you how much of a difference it made.  As we hit mile 15, we stopped so Matt could answer nature’s call.  It was there that Matt explained that for about the first year of serious cycling he drafted on his rides – never attempting to lead the bunch.  (wiping my brow)  However, he now feels like a strong enough rider that he can take the lead.  I am sincerely hopeful that I can do the same, one day.

In the midst of the 40 miles, Matt took us up a fairly tough route through the foothills, but by mile 22 he assured us that we had seen the worst of it.  And, as we rounded the 33^rd mile, Jim pulled us into a park-n-ride and told Jacqui and me that we rode today like we were riding for years.  All Jacqui and I could do was smile – we needed that!

Jim broke off about a mile later and headed home, while Matt, Jacqui and I continued to our destination(s).  Those last several miles were somewhat insignificant – even though we rode hard and steady all the way back to the house.  Matt, Jacqui and I took turns riding side by side talking about work, our families and the accomplishment of the day. 

Nearly 40 miles later, the emotional haze I had found myself in the day before had cleared and I felt/feel better equipped to handle the little bumps in the road that will inevitably be part of my future. 

Jacqui and Me - accomplished and ready for breakfast!

I discovered that I really love riding – more so than I ever thought, and for exactly the same reason that I love running.  It’s hard and sometimes painful, but the enjoyment of the accomplishment when finished is all I need to remind myself that I can do all the things I set out to do in life. 

Thanks, Jacqui, Matt and Jim for another memorable weekend!

9 days solid of training...Done.

What a weekend!

Friday morning I awakened debating whether or not I should run.  At that point, I had worked out in some form, training for the triathlon, every day for 7 days straight.  My body was telling me it would be ok to ignore the run – after all, running I can do.  But, guilt set in about 2 minutes after my alarm went off and I dragged myself out of bed.  After a quick cup of coffee, I decided I felt awake enough to run.  And, five miles later, I plugged my Garmin in and learned I had performed negative splits all the way up and down the hills – and even pulled an 8:30 in my last flat mile.  I haven’t run an 8:30 mile in years – and here it was my last mile of the route.  YES!  THAT was certainly worth getting out of bed for!

I went to bed at 8:15pm on Friday night after a long, hard work week – and knowing I was meeting Jacqui at the Usery Mountain Pass at 6:45am.  Jacqui had purchased a brand, spankin’ new road bike, and she was eager to break it in on a tough 20 mile run up and down – and up and down – the mountain.  When she pulled the shiner out of her Prius, the handle bars still had the plastic wrap on them.  Offering to pull the wrap off for her, she shrugged and said, “Nah, I can just do it later.”  And, off we went. 

Much to our surprise, there was a 10K road race going on at the same time.  This meant the Usery Pass would be blocked off to road traffic and Jacqui and I were able to ride up the front side of the mountain side by side chatting away.  We found ourselves cheering on the runners.  They were incredibly responsive and yelled/waved back as we passed.  As we crested the top of the mountain, we could feel the head winds on the way down – this would mean the speeds down wouldn’t be so exciting, but that we’d have a smidge of a tailwind on the way back up the 1200 foot climb.  I decided to capture a snap shot of this ride from my Garmin – so you can all see just how steep this mountain pass really is.  6 miles up, 3.5 miles down – and of course, 3.5 miles back up again (vomit). 

And, there she is...Miss Usery!

Jacqui’s new bike was exactly what she needed, because for the first time since we’ve been coming out to the Usery Recreation area – Jacqui beat me to the top by nearly a minute. 

As Jacqui and I made our way passed all of the runners at the end of the ride, I did a classic can’t-get-my-feet-out-of-the-cages-fast-enough…and I went down.  (sad face).  It wouldn’t have been so humiliating were it not for the tens of bystanders cheering on the runners nearing the finish line.  Sigh…alas.  Now I have a bruised left thigh and a scabrous right knee.  As Jacqui approached, she said half-laughing, “whaaaaat happened?”  All I could say was, “look, I rode 20 miles and just couldn’t manage the last 1/20^th of a mile.”  We both laughed.

Jacqui and I both felt Matt needed to see the knee...hence the picture!

After cleaning myself up and tossing my bike and gear into the back of my car, Jacqui and I headed out for a run.  This time we went around the lake at the park twice – amounting to about a 2.5 mile run.  We were satisfied with our brick training and ready for showers and food.

Accomplished: 20 mile ride, 2.5 mile run!

Sunday morning, Jacqui, Brent and Thuy all showed up at my house at 6am.  We had a ten mile run planned.  As we all filtered into the house, ten miles seemed long and possibly too adventurous for the day, but we headed out anyway.  Jacqui has never done more than 6 miles, so this was going to be a new feat for her! 

As always, Thuy told funny stories and we all laughed our way through the foothills.  I warned Jacqui at mile three that the next few miles were not going to be easy, but they’d be incredibly rewarding.  She toughed it out and climbed for 3 miles with us.  Brent is training for a marathon on May 6^th, so he would occasionally sprint ahead of us here and there and come back to keep pace with us.  It was really a lot of fun to have the group together.  I cannot express just how much I love running and riding with friends.

Jacqui made it to the mile 7.5 turn off and headed back to her car.  Brent, Thuy and I finished the ten miles with flying colors.  Thuy admitted that she was wasted at the end – but it was a great accomplishment!  We’ve all still got it!

Thuy and Brent -- post-10 miles!!

After a nice breakfast with D and a quick nap, I readied myself to meet members of my triathlon team for an afternoon ride-swim-ride.  But, by the time I got to the pool area, I knew it was going to be tough.  I still hadn’t had a day off in 9 days and had already completed a 10 miler five hours prior. 

Jacqui, Jim, Matt, Sonia and I all got into the crowded pool and began our laps.  Jacqui and I were tired – soooo tired.  But, we managed to chunk it out for a good 30-40 minutes.  Jim gave me some very helpful swim tips which improved my speed and comfort in the water.  I am eager to really put them to use in a non-community pool where I can focus on my swimming and not avoiding young children just out to have a fun afternoon.  But, it was good that we did it.  Jim knows a lot about technique and I just want to improve. 

As we all got dressed, Matt, Jim and I left on our bikes, while Jacqui and Sonia headed home.  I only had a 5-6 mile ride back home.  Never have I ever been so happy to be home, seated on my couch – blogging.  I need a rest…

I think I’ll take tomorrow off!

My Most Challenging Friendships...

I know I haven’t blogged in two weeks, but I simply didn’t have the inspiration.  However, I am more inspired today (and this week in general) than I think I have been in years. 

Last weekend, my friend Jacqui and I went out to attempt the Usery Pass, again – determined that we could do better than the 1:42 we had pulled the week prior with Matt.  Jacqui has become, interestingly enough, one of my favorite people.  Ten years my junior, there is simply something about her that is utterly enjoyable.  She begins every conversation (with me) with a huge smile and we follow it up with hours of laughter.  As we headed out at 7:15am (should have been 7, but she failed to remember her helmet and had to go back for it – and she knows I am safety-girl), we talked about the ride and how we struggled to get up the mountain on the backside the week prior with Matt.  We both agreed that there is an intimidation factor when riding with a seasoned cyclist. 

Interestingly, we conquered the huge, hard, back-side of the Usery Mountain area with strength.  As we pulled into the park we started from – I looked at my watch: 1:37:52.  We beat our last time by nearly 5 minutes.  Jacqui and I felt great.  Our friend, Sue, was there waiting for us to kick out a run – and she knew Jacqui and I had no idea if we’d be able to pull it off.  The run was lousy – but we all laughed it off at breakfast 30 minutes later.

The very next morning, I went out again with more of my co-workers for a 20 mile ride, after I had already completed a 1500 meter swim an hour prior.  Matt led the group of us (yes, Matt from the “Holy Crap” post the week prior).  I followed and allowed the remaining group members to fall in line behind me.  Naturally, that didn’t last long.  As we crested the first substantial hill in Ahwatukee, Jim flew passed me like he was on a motorized bike (sigh).  My thighs were on fire from the Usery Pass the day prior, so my confidence was dwindling.  It was moments like that one that really put things in perspective – Jim is 60 and absolutely kicked my ass on that ride.  I should also mention that while I was swimming, he, Matt and their friend, John, were crunching out a 20 mile ride (yes, prior to our ride).  So humility be damned – Jim is pretty effing amazing on a bike.  Fortunately, I ended the ride strong and enjoyed breakfast at Jim’s before heading home.  I certainly felt accomplished last weekend.

On Monday (President’s Day), I went to my gym and happily pushed out another 2000 meters in the pool.  I am pretty slow at this point, but getting stronger and faster each time I get in the pool.  I know I can get through the swim part of the Triathlon, now, so I just need to really focus on my bike to run combination.

Tuesday – the Triathlon Team (of my co-workers) and I all left for St. Charles, Illinois, for a work academy.  I pushed out a 10K before getting on the plane – for fear that the Chicago metro area would be too cold to do anything while we were there.  But, fortunately, as we all checked into our hotel (which was more like a dormitory than hotel), we learned about a 13 mile trail just feet from the entrance and along a beautiful lake. 

Wednesday morning the temps registered 37 degrees in St. Charles, with some snowy residue on the ground – nothing substantial – so Jacqui, Matt, Brian and I all went for a run.  We had planned 3-4 miles, but I was feeling so good in the humid temps, that I pushed us to go a little farther.  In the end, we’d completed 4.5 miles and were ready for breakfast.

Thursday morning was more of the same – but Matt was less inclined to run at 630am, so Jacqui, Brian and I headed out for a couple more miles along the lake.  It was colder and super foggy (we saw no lake), but we chatted and laughed for a couple of good miles and enjoyed the time together.

As we all waited for our plane in the airport on Friday evening, Matt piped up, “Usery Pass on Sunday – followed by a trail run?”  Jacqui and I agreed.

Saturday I pulled another great workout in the pool – over 2000 meters and never felt the need to really change strokes.  Up until this point, I had been alternating between Free Style and the Breast Stroke.  I simply could not keep up Free Style for the entirety of my swim.  But, Saturday was different.  It was as if something had significantly changed – I found absolutely no need to switch out my strokes.  I realized I was really getting somewhere with my swimming.  (grin)

So when my alarm went off this morning to join Jacqui and Matt for another torturous ride through the Usery Mountain Pass, I was actually excited.  The excitement was more about seeing them, again, and doing it together than it was able the ride/run.  I have trained for a marathon only once with two of my best friends – and it, too, was one of my favorite experiences.  This certainly rivals that time in my life.

Matt and I parked in the Usery Mountain Recreation area, this time, and were meeting Jacqui and her husband a mile or so into the ride.  It was a “first” ride for Aaron, and the poor guy really struggled.  I remember our first ride a few weeks ago and I remember thinking it was among the most difficult workouts of my life.  Now I acknowledge the difficulty knowing I am able to conquer it without dying.

After we crested the backside of the mountain, Jacqui stayed back while Matt and I finished another 10 miles back into the recreation area.  Matt is a MUCH more seasoned cyclist than I and I am so appreciative that he is willing to work with me to help me become a better rider.  I feel humiliated a lot of the time as he glides up and over the hard hills and I struggle behind him, but he glances back often to make sure I haven’t tipped over or given up. 

Interestingly, we finished the ride and were raring to do the trail run.  By now, there were hundreds of people in the recreation area hiking and mountain biking.  The first couple of miles were actually downhill – so naturally I was worried.  Matt asked how I felt about a mile into the run and the only things bothering me were my shins.  Having never experienced shin splints on a run, I was not terribly thrilled.  But, I hung with him for a little while.  Truth be told, this was my first ever trail run and I learned a lot about myself.  Even though running is VERY much my thing, cardio-vascularly, trail running is completely different than running on the roads.  My heart rate would elevate and then need to come down – over and over and over.  It’s a lot like cycling, actually – so this kind of exercise is totally different for me.  I felt like a failure and decided to take it slower, allowing Matt to go ahead of me.  Just under 3 miles into the run, I told Matt I was walking to remainder of the way.  He was kind enough to stay with me – and we moved at a decent hiking clip back to our cars.  (Sorry, Matt.)

I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that I am feeling more inspired than ever, now.  I have developed friendships – really good friendships – with a couple of fantastic people: Jacqui and Matt.  And, while I look forward to our work time together – I completely prefer our challenging rides and runs.  They push me and help me realize a lot about myself.  I am capable of a lot more than I realized and I am relishing it.  I will likely spend the remainder of the day on the couch thinking about tomorrow’s swim, hoping I can do as well as I did, yesterday.   I remain hopeful that these friendships continue and even though I know it will bother Matt enormously that I quoted Garth Brooks in my blog (since he lamented our friend Craig’s play list on the plane on Friday) – this is genuinely how I feel, today:

Yes my life is better left to chance 
I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance

Thanks Matt and Jacqui – I (heart) you both!

HOLY CRAP, MATT!

Sunday is usually run day – but the best laid plans were utterly destroyed by my good friend Matt’s trek up the Usery Mountain area.  On Friday, I mentioned (at work) that I would like to do a 20 mile bike ride followed by a 5K, just to see how my legs would feel after the mileage on the bike.  So, Matt graciously volunteered to play guide to my friend Jacqui and me on Sunday morning – 7am sharp. 

When I awakened this morning, I was excited about the ride.  It would be my first long’ish ride, ever.  I thought a 20 mile ride might take somewhere between an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to complete.  But, I evidently had NO idea what Matt had in store.  Our starting spot was at a Park in East Mesa – a good 30 miles east of my house.

Matt was already in the parking lot with his bike unloaded when I arrived ten minutes to 7am.  I got my bike out and put my gear on just as Jacqui arrived on her bike.  Astounded, we realized that she had already ridden a good 8-10 miles to get to the park from her house.  So, I think Matt and I were both worried about how she would feel on this ride.  He did mention it would be hill work, but Jacqui assured us that she really took it easy on the jaunt to the park. 

Before we headed out, Matt re-explained my gears to me (and Jacqui) – which was incredibly helpful.  He explained that I would probably spend much of this ride in a very low gear, if not the lowest – so to make sure I was definitely comfortable going between all of the gears.  I cannot tell you how much that helped on this ride.  Within the first few minutes of the ride – we headed up over the 202 overpass and I was already ½ way down my gears.  But, I had no idea what was to come. 

My Garmin beeped at me about ¾ of a mile into the ride to tell me that I had failed to start it.    I was disappointed, but knew there were still nearly 20 miles left.  We turned left onto Ellsworth and everything started to go up…and up…and up.  It was a gradual climb for ~5.5 miles.  Jacqui was quiet for a lot of these miles, trudging ahead of me learning to shift between higher and lower gears.  I was doing the same.  Just as my watch read 6.67 miles, Matt pulled off and stopped us from riding.  He told the two of us that this was the Come-to-Jesus moment – there would be several miles down and fast and then the same number of miles (3-3.5) back up…STEEP!  Jacqui and I were already sore and tired, but we agreed that we could do this.  Matt smiled, turned his bike around and flew down the hill.  We were all three flying.  The warmth I had felt climbing up to the top of this hill immediately went away and I was FREEZING cold all the way down to the bottom.

Note the elevation change

Matt arrived to the bottom first and then Jacqui and I followed.  I admit, it was the first time I was scared on the ride – there are just too many opportunities to make a mistake while going that fast.   But, I’ll be honest, that was the least of my concerns.  The whole time I was going down I was thinking “F***!  I have to go back up THIS?!  I cannot even explain it, but here’s a snapshot of my Garmin.  1200+ up, down and up again – but a much shorter distance on the way back – nearly 2 miles shorter, this time. 

Those 3+ miles were BRUTAL!  I kept my head down and chunked it out.  I worked out distance math equations each and every time I looked at my watch.  At one point it was so steep, I wondered if I could simply run faster than I was riding – so I looked at my Garmin.  9:18 pace.  OMG – I could absolutely run this as fast as I am chunking it out up the hill.  I knew I couldn’t stop – I couldn’t wait for anyone, I just needed to get back to the top and get this over with.  And, so I did. 

Just past the very top, I stopped and waited for Matt and Jacqui.  Matt was in front of me for the first ½ mile, but smartly decided to make sure Jacqui would be ok up the mountain, so he went back for her.  A few minutes later, I saw Matt approach, so I quickly grabbed my phone so I could see Jacqui begin the descent. 

Jacqui, just beginning descent!

Ready to head back down!

Our fearless leader (Jacqui and I both hope he wasn't bored).

The last 5-6 miles were uneventful except to say they were a lot easier than the previous 3-4.  Additionally, I completely forgot to turn my Garmin back on after I had stopped and waited – so I don’t have a total picture of the ride.  I’ll also admit, that for that first ½ mile ascent with Matt, I told him that the 5K run was NOT going to happen.  I just wanted to finish this without dying. 

The three of us arrived back in the park 20.5 miles later in 1:42 (Thanks, Matt, for having another device with our stats).    1:42!  I laughed at myself – never in a million years would I have guessed it would EVER take us THAT long to complete a mere 20 miles.  Holy crap!  That 1200 foot climb was unbelievable!  I will do this ride again – I have to.  It was so hard that I know I have a lot to work on!  

I just hope I can swim tomorrow.