Bugsy

Thursday after work I did another bike ride: 9.0 miles/36:57/14.6 MPH

I rode up the Iron Horse and back which is always pretty windy in the afternoons. I noted that the first 4.5 miles took me 21:10 which is 12.8 MPH average, but the return trip only took 15:47 which is 17.5 MPH! It's amazing how much the wind affects you on the bike. It wasn't THAT windy - I wouldn't have even noticed it if I were running.

There were also a lot of bugs. The trail goes along a canal and there are tons of those tiny little bugs. I rode through several swarms and could feel them pelting my face and arms. Several landed in my mouth- ew! I was surprised that when I got home and looked in the mirror I didn't have a bug beard. In fact, there weren't any stuck to me. Oh not so fast biker girl! When I unzipped my jersey there were a dozen or so in my cleavage. :O Some were still alive and flew out. Ya. That is your mental image for today. You're welcome! Please share your bug stories, I can't be the only one with bugs in weird places.. can I???

Anyway, after I de-bugged I did some strength training for a while. I used my 12 lb dumbbells and did some curls, shoulder presses, rows, and tricep extensions (one dumbbell held with both hands). I also did a bunch of crunches and leg raises and stuff.

Finally some running:

Friday 10.0 miles/1:25:56/8:36 average pace

I was up and out the door shortly after 6:00 a.m. and was surprised to see the sky was already light! I ran on the trail and listened to a couple podcasts about Boston history. I was sort of supposed to do a goal pace run but I just wasn't really feeling it. I put in a solid effort though and felt great, so I'm ok with that. It's not like I tried and couldn't hit my pace, I just didn't feel like trying! haha.

I ran into a runner friend Mark Ramierez on the trail and we ran several miles together. I always seem to see him before a race and he is always so encouraging. He has run multiple sub-3 marathons even after age 50, so I really respect his opinion. He told me I looked really fit and strong and after running together a while he said I "sound great" with good breathing and a good rhythm. He always boosts my confidence! He has all kinds of great running sayings too like "without the drills you get no thrills!" and "if you keep doing what you've always done, you're going to get what you've always got" and so forth. He just peppers them in conversation, it's hilarious. He also says "Make it a great day!" when we part ways which is also great. Oh, and he knows EVERYONE we pass on the trail and gives me a little synopsis "Hi Lynn!" "She ran CIM last year too." He's awesome.