Distance

Yesterday was the first day I actually pretty much just took off and had as a vacation, in a while. The two weeks this summer with the girls and the stay-cations (one in July and one in August) were nice and a good/much needed break but mostly they were full of catching up with stuff. Yesterday felt like a Sunday, but without any sports to watch on TV during the day. No veg.

Woke up late (well dog woke up early and i fed her and then climbed back into bed), the girls got up a bit late too, and then we made waffles.

And hung out. Washed both the commuter and the Race bike, lubed the chains and assessed what was going on with each of them. Cleaned up the back yard a bit more, but generally didn't do much.

So needed.


My wife put off registering for the Tufts 10k yesterday too long and the day of fees were too high. So she went for an 18.5 mile run instead. Yeah. That is a long run. And she's running mostly with just water. She took a gel with her and one 20oz water bottle (hand held running thing with a pouch in it). And $5. Dunno if she stopped to get water or anything along the way but it was hot and she was able to crank out the mileage. Like I've always said, "She's the athlete of the two of us." She's got crazy strength and aerobic capacity and complete control of the brain, able to turn it off and just go. I could use some of what she's got.

We cranked out a bit of lunch, some Hummus. We hadn't made any in a while and K wanted to make it. So we made a big batch of garlic-y goodness. And ate it with carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, red peppers and chips for lunch. Was good.

Took the little one shopping and then just had a chill relaxing evening...

This morning was a bit harried getting everyone out the door but we succeeded and I managed to depart a bit later than I had planned and with no riding at all on Monday after two days of heat stroke cross racing I had planned just a mellow easy ride in.

Some how that first pedal stroke felt awesome. The next one after that too. I felt strong and comfortable on the bike. Sort of like there was something gained from the weekend. Pedaling felt awesome. Riding felt natural. not forced, not tired, things were good.

And the ride in was fantastic. Weather was ideal, nice 55°F, little wind and dry.

I'd read this article about the costs of commuting this morning, so the ride and the benefits and gratefulness I have at being able to pedal to work were quite present in my head.

I really actually felt ready to do some intensity. legs right now are thinking otherwise so putting them off until tomorrow is probably a good idea but mentally I'm ready to go.

This weekend is one of the single race weekends. The youngest has a soccer game at 10am so it looks like I can hit the soccer game and watch her play before heading over to CT to race. There might be enough time to show up for the 1pm race but if that doesn't work out I can attempt the A race again. Last time it landed me a cameo on the ResultsBoy bar cam, and while maybe the 2,3,4 racing is more appropriate for my current speed, I need some more work on my pacing and discipline (aka avoiding the nuclear meltdown in races). Might wind up being a day of reg thing depending on timing and what not.

Long range forecast is looking good.

The distance a day gives has been good. I actually don't feel as negative about my race on Sunday. I sure looked like a zombie and raced like one, did some stupid stuff (list is long) but I did get a couple good laps of racing before way over heating.

And

there were so many people cheering me on around the course - that was much appreciated... and not just the dude past the barriers who kept making remarks (unzip you idiot, have a beer, a beard? in this heat?, i forget the other laps and heckles they came up with)...

There's some great people at these races. Super pro waterbottle feed from K-Buck was so awesome. Can't really thank Kevin enough, I sucked down most of the bottle and drained a bit more over my back as I rode through the pits on the fast side. He called out 'GEOFF BOTTLE' or something as I was coming towards the pit entrance and I swooped in and grabbed the bottle. He had a brilliantly pro handup. I watched many botched hand ups in the 45+ and the Cat 3 race. It was nice getting a pro quality hand up, even though it was a bit late to avert the detonation, but that's my own damn fault.

Move over Gripel Face Time for some BAUER POWER!

Feeling good about racing, at least right now. Wasn't that way so much yesterday or Sunday night. A bit of distance adds perspective.
Always a good thing.

Now, I want a dozen Allie's Donuts. Right now.
so
hungry

heddwch
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