South Bay Roadie Ride

I am still working out regularly, suffering through each one. Today's workout was a road ride. Since my workouts have been slow and tedious, I wasn't expecting much. I decided to ride from the house to make it easy. Unfortunately, it takes 7 to 8 miles to get to somewhere cool from San Jo. Even though it's been hot, I felt good. Zipped down the road on Pandora and, surprisingly, quickly settled into a comfortable pace. Maybe walking the dogs around the block first had helped me warm up.

I couldn't believe how quickly the miles flew by. It was hot, and I am out of shape, yet this ride felt easy. Of course, I pulled a little trick on myself--I took the batteries out of my computer so I have no idea how fast I was going. That way, I would avoid negativity drills. I reached Hicks Road and began climbing. The climbing was hard, very hard. However, I was still able to settle in and find a pace.

Very soon, I was winding my way through Los Gatos and Saratoga. I felt great, and the tough hills were behind me. I was amused at a couple of male cyclists who hammered past me, only to pull off at the top to drink water as I passed them again, slow and steady. I wove Pandora through crowds of pedestrians, bikes, and cars around the Saratoga Village, avoiding a huge weekend festival. Soon, I was headed home again. I still can't believe how quickly the 22 miles went by. I feel great and even followed it up with some core and upper body weights.

I am pinching myself. This is the first workout that has felt fun and "easy", relatively speaking. It makes sense that it would be a bike ride and not a run (although running is my favorite). I can't underestimate the thousands of miles I put into the road bike years ago for my IM training. Is there such thing as muscle memory? I guess I'm going to find out. I'll keep you posted.

Top blog of 2012? Just discovered this!

I just discovered a website that nominated my blog as one of the best of 2012. I am so flattered. I really needed that!

http://www.triathlontrainingschedule.org/top-125-triathlon-blogs

Phoenix Rising

I'm coming back after being on the couch for 4 years. It's been 3 weeks of workouts--mostly 3-4 mile runs with some bikes and swims sprinkled in. No goals right now except to find a sustainable pace. I've decided to revive the blog since journaling about my workouts helped motivate me in the past. Read and enjoy if you want.

Last few runs have been a sufferfest. Not being able to eat or sleep doesn't help. Neither does the 90 degree San Jose weather. I've been escaping to the local redwoods for relief. It is somewhat cooler, and I love the solace of the trail but the hills are humbling. I basically walk up them, knowing as long as my heart rate is up, I'm getting the benefit. But it's hard to quiet the drill sergeant in my head. He yells nasty insults at me when I walk. Then, I get to the top of the climb. Turn around. And I get to run down the entire hill. During that time, there are moments of peaceful bliss that remind me I should keep doing this. It may take 6-8 weeks before it starts to feel easy. I remember this. But I keep on doing it, knowing every bad workout will pave the way to many future ecstatic ones.

The photo shows me running at Big Basin State Park. The Bay Area has so many fantastic trails! Time to start exploring!