Pedaling and Pounding the Pavement

The training agenda for this post-Fourth of July was a 52-mile bike ride followed by a 6-mile run. The route was a mixture of hills on several of Lexington's major highways followed by some flats and rolling hills through the countryside into the town of Gilbert. Midge, Shelly and I had a very consistent, enjoyable ride despite the miscellaneous repugnant smells out in the country. I finally had to ask whether or not they bury the dead bodies in that area. It was at times breathtaking. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a really good ride, not too hot, cloudy and overcast. Less traveled roads even allowed us an opportunity to chat and catch up. Bonus! This was also an excellent opportunity for me to work on pacing, nutrition and not drafting. I pretty much stayed out ahead for the majority of the ride experiencing the headwinds and trying to stay in the groove. I felt superb on the entire ride.

Following the ride, Midge and I completed our run. We continue to talk to our legs in an attempt to convince them that they really do have to move forward. I am fighting boredom on the run. Today, I ran most of the run without my iPod which is going to be critical in the training ahead. I wish, oh how I wish, that I could make the transition from cycling to running look as easy as the triathletes on TV today. But, I keep pedaling, pounding the pavement and pushing forward towards the goal.