Back on Track

So I was a little distracted and tired a few weeks ago but training is back on track. Lots of Running Riding and Swimming. Swimming is coming along well technique and form are coming along great, now I just need to build the endurance to go the distance. I will get there. I know I can do it, I am an athlete. Lots of support from friends, a good coach and shear will, will get me to my goal. I am having fun and the effort is paying off on many levels; increased skill, endurance and the excersise leaves me satisfied and recharged. All this excercise and focus on the goal has been good therapy for me. I believe it has made me a better person for the stress relief and focus it gives me. I am hooked on endorphins. It has allowed me to think and process as well as leave my cares and worries behind me. I am a happier person. The challenge is great.


Word:endurance

Derailed

My training, this last week, was derailed. I have plenty of excuses but no real reasons. I am, however, undaunted and will press forward. I am doing what I want and having fun. Just need to bring back a little focus. I'm good.


Word: committed

New Toy

I purchased a bike stand this weekend for working on my bike, plus a chain cleaner and assorted other goodies, including a long sleeve jersey. Damn Performance and their ubiquitous good deals and clearance rack. So, I have had my bike for over a year now, and currently have my eye on three other bikes, I am becoming a gear head. Cleaning and doing the minor maintenance I am capable of was a pain without a stand. So it was time to pony up and make the purchase. I got it home and immediately set it up and spent the next two hours cleaning my bike. A clean bike is a happy bike. I like new toys. This bike stuff is fun.

So I mentioned I also purchased a long sleeve bike jersey off of the clearance rack. I really like bike clothing because they actually make long sleeves long enough to cover my long ass monkey arms. I would probably wear this stuff more if it wasn't for the mandatory three back pockets. Although in Portland I could get away with bike jersey wearing as a fashion statement, especially if I doff my orange hand made wool cycling hat. I am so vain.

I completed another good full week of training. The week was capped off by a great weekend of friends, running and riding. Friday was a rest day and went to a show, The Black Keys. Managed to still get up at 7:30 Saturday and go for a long run with Jen, Em, Andrea and ...and... damn I can't think of her name. Put in 12.5 miles of low intensity trail running. Went out again Saturday night. Belgian Beer Fest, dinner and beers with Jon and Malia. Once again arose in reasonably good shape and by afternoon ventured out to Marine drive and up to Springdale and returned making for good solid 41 mile ride. Then it was off to watch the last half of The tour de Flanders race with Mike. Well, Performance is close to the pub where the race was on and knowing I had a bit of extra cash from some overtime it was time to get the work stand. It actually is quite collapsible and portable making it a great item to take along if I think I need my stand at a race.

So, here is to good friends, exercise and new toys. Oh and while you are raising a pint in a toast, today marks the anniversary of the beginning of the repeal of prohibition. 75 years ago today it was legal to consume and make 3.2% beer. A fine thing indeed.

Word: full