Tempo Ride

What a glorious afternoon to be outside. I did a 25 mile ride in Terry Hershey/George Bush Park at 19 mph and it was kinda up there with sex. Wow. And not because I saw Coach Steeeve running at me at 27 mph. Yes you got that right, Coach Steeeve was running so fast it was a world record pace.

Of course you are smart enough to know that I was cycling toward him at 19mph and he was running at me at 8mph, therefore he was travelling toward me at 27mph.

Thanks for the comments, they were all appreciated and wise. I did need to get that off my chest and see what folks might have to say. Someone told me separately to put my big girl panties on. Well they are the only ones that fit, while skinnier than ever, I can't quite shop in the petite department, so I don't have much choice. Sometimes one talks oneself into a corner and it is good to get other perspectives.

I have decided on the following path forward and we shall see what happens. I am not ready to forego running, either temporarily or permanently, but will be content with the short side of long distance running, eg I will not do a run longer than 10k. In order to attempt to have a consistent running experience, I will train by taking one day off for every mile run. So if I do a 3 mile run, I will take the next three days off (from running, other sports are OK) and then run again. I know this dooms me to a mere 5-6 miles of running per week. Not enough I know, but I'll be happy to have it every week. And absolutely no hills outside of a race with small ones. The cardio will be no problem as I will by cycling 60 to 100 miles every week and doing some swimming as well.

If November goes smoothly, I may run the Reindeer 5k, otherwise I will keep my eye on the HARRA spring series.

As for the Tour d'Etape, I need to muddle on it. I think the 10000 feet of climbing I did in the Tour de Bypass aggravated my calf/achilles area. Flat cycling in the saddle does not use those muscles/tendons much, but climbing certainly does. Climbing may be best avoided. Next time in Colorado, instead of riding up them on my bike, I may just have to ski down them. How horrible, woe is me, OK just kidding about the horrible woe.....skiing is luxury punishment....