The temperatures here have been in the mid 90 with what seems like 90% humidity. No seriously though the humidity is lingering in and about 70% the last few weeks. The air so thick I could cut it with a knife ( I couldn't resist the cliche..hehehe) I've been running though through this trying to prepare for my duatholon in September again. Can't say that I'm getting any faster at all as the heat and humidity serves as a muscle relaxer and I find myself slowing at every half mile, as I try to wipe the "perspiration" off my forehead so my eyes will stop burning from the salt. Must have been the brie cheese I had last night.. hehe I finish the sad 3.5 miles and like a magnet I slow my run to a walk the direction of the pool. I've been dipping frequently after my runs as a way to lower my body temperature. I take my sneakers off and walk willingly into what I would call an ice cold bath.
In I go, not so bad. It take a few minute to get use to it and them continue on to swimming a few laps. Grabbed my new "nike" goggles ( hahaha) secured them tightly... and off I went... I like my new goggles of course I look dorky, next thing I'll be wearing one of those head caps... Gosh....don't worry, you'll never see me in one of those... Yes, the goggles are a new addition as I kind of got a bit of the Olymipic bug. Can't help but suggest that perhaps, when I put those goggles on, I feel official and perhaps "feel" a bit faster... hahaha.. Although as I stop to pant every 2 laps I get reminded I'm no Olympic athlete.. hahaha...
A side note, I'm hoping maybe the next sport I pick to participate in will have a cooler outfit and or accessories... :/ I'm thinking beach volleyball... haha.... bathingsuits Check cool, Glasses check cool, hat check cool. haha... Don't get me wrong my passion for cycling is untouched but I would love to wear an outfit with more "cool" fashion sense... Although most pieces of the "outfit" are necessary and needed. Even those bib shorts :/!!! Have you ever tried to ride with a pair of shorts that were just a tad bit short wasted. Well it is not a pleasant feeling as you've realized you picked the wrong shorts to wear on your 50 miles ride with the pack. Too late to turn around as they'll have way to far of a head start, and you'll never catch up. I'm sure it is much worse than I'm letting on but for anyone that has done that... It is a hard lesson to learn as for the next 3 hours your preoccupied with the thought that the cars passing by are getting a free show as you put your hand on your lower back to make sure your not exposed in anyway... HAHAH.... ahhhhhh Bib shorts... what a beautiful thing... and let's not even get into the pads... I did a long ride without them once.. hummm Well let me tell you there was not a reward for me at the end of that one...
How did I get off track here??... Anyway finished my laps, not really sure how many as I don't keep track. I enjoy the swimming as it helps me to work out my arms and back which are virtually ignored in my running and biking. I also find that it helps with my left shoulder pain that I've been dealing with the last 6 months or so.
I stop and roll to a float, arm over my head, with my hand grasping the opposite elbow. A very comfortable position as I wrap my legs and bend my knees. My head is submerged in the water except for my mouth, nose and eyes. I notice what an amazing feeling of quiet. Just the sound of the water filter pushing out water with an occasional bubble of air, and of course I can hear my breathing. I breathe in and them out as my body floats to the top and then lowers as I slowly let the air out until I'm just about to take in water I breathe again and up I go. I repeated this 2 dozen times until my body and mind have come to a final calm and cool place.
No stats for this training ( not sure if I could even call it training, let's call it maintenance.) What I learned and have been learning the last 4 weeks? That it's okay to not always have a goal in mind, a time to beat, a distance to reach... ALL of the time. Let's call this summer vacation for the mind and body....
Ralph and I are doing the August Century this Tuesday, will warm up with a ride on Monday and then off we go to Rhinebeck, NY.. Humm do you think Ralph's incorporated stops for the antique barns??? Not sure if I can pass those and not stop!!!! Ralph????
Ride is mapped below for anyone interested in the route. hummm.. I need to look this one over.. I asked for mercy on the climbs... I feel a bit out of practice... being on "vacation" and all.. heheheh
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1563455
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