thoughts...on most everything

On swimming

It occurred to me the other day that swimming in the Hilton pool, despite its shortness, might actually be a beneficial place to train for a triathlon in a lake for the following reasons:

1. It's always a little murky.
2. The constant interruption of laps due to its short length may accurately recreate the short distances I'll go before being interrupted by another racing swimmer.
3. Avoiding small, splashing children is perhaps more difficult than avoiding other racers.

That said...my kingdom for a regular lap pool. Seriously.

On biking

Oh what a marvelous 10 days it has been! 30 Days of Biking is in full swing and I have managed to get on my bicycle every day. Some days with longer mileage (today, for instance, I only pedaled half-heartedly around the block in the midst of a ginormous wind storm), but all told, enough to make for some tired legs and a slow, satisfied contentment creeping all over my bike-loving soul. 20 days left and hopefully the forecast will hold (it's been tremendously beautiful, this April, so far).

On running

It's getting better. My new shoes are still fantastic. Twice now I've run halfway up Victory Memorial Parkway and back for a total of 3 miles each time, and been happy with the result. I've been tired and I have some unique new blisters, but my legs are feeling stronger and it's getting easier to convince myself to keep going. Tomorrow I'll attempt Calhoun again.

On racing

I think...I think I'm so excited. I can't wait for the atmosphere, the crowd, the burn, the competition, THE RACE. And most of all I can't wait to be done, and so proud of myself and of Kate for what we have accomplished. And I can't wait to find out- will I get addicted? Will I want to do this over and over again? I think I might.

Yes, I think I just might.

supplementary

This week I registered to participate in 30 Days of Biking, a month-long event masterminded by some lively Twin Cities folks who want people to love their bikes and tell them (and the world) all about them.

From the website:

The only rule for 30 Days of Biking is that you bike every day for 30 days—around the block, 20 miles to work, whatever suits you—then share your adventures online. We believe biking enriches life, builds community, and preserves the Earth.

Pretty rad. I think I can manage this April to pull that off. Blue Bianchi Friend is sitting on the back porch, spiffed up with a clean gearset and freshly oiled chain, ready to rock it like the bad-ass old lady she is. And until I can get my hands on a faster racing bike, she's what I've got and she's going to get me there.

My main biking adventures are to work- 2.5 miles one way- and around the lakes, parkways, and greenways of Minneapolis. This Saturday, the 2nd, is supposed to be nice, nice enough- and I have the day completely off.

That means you, local riders, should join Kate and I for Brunch and Bikes...details to be announced. It'll be exactly what it sounds like.

Let's go riding!