Back in the Saddle Again

Quite literally.
So I took some time off after the Houston Marathon. Like off off. I spent a lot of time on the sofa and working on neglected house projects. By Saturday I felt ready to sweat again!
Yesterday it was 75. This morning I woke up and it was in the 30's and windy. Perrrfect weather for a bike ride, right? Well, yes, if you have some new cool weather gear to try out! So I donned my new wool socks. Yep, I'm a dork and bought tall running socks so my delicate little ankles won't become frostbitten. Good thing Sugoi thought to label them L and R for me. I struggle with that dilemma daily!  The extra thick toes along with my new shoe covers were sure to keep my tootsies toasty.

It is totally obvious that I'm a runner posing as a cyclist. Head to toe running gear, I certainly don't look the part. Oh wells.

Erin and I are both training for the Shiner GASP in May. No time like the present to start getting in some time in the saddle.


We got in about 7 miles when tragedy struck. Unfortunately, falling is a part of cycling. It happens to everybody. You're lucky if you don't get hurt too badly. You're unlucky is your bike is damaged in the fall. Sadly, her bike didn't survive the topple unscathed. This makes my stomach hurt to see. Yes, those are snapped handle bars.  So glad that SHE was okay!

The ironic thing is we were JUST talking about how her handle bars are too wide for her and she is considering new ones. She handled it so well. When I fall, I just lie in the street like a dead squirrel, tears rolling down my furry little squirrel face. She hopped right up and started making arrangements to get her bike home. She is a TROOPER!


I managed to get lost not once but TWICE trying to find my way back to her apt. I'm not familiar with that area and the busy traffic was unnerving. It is official, I prefer to ride in the country.


For lunch, I made what was quite possibly the best sandwich ever. As a vegetarian, unless I'm having peanut butter (which is often) making a sam is an event; look at all those ingredients!

Once my food settled I hit the pool in my new rainbow goggles. They match my suit! Miss Zippy has a keen eye and recognized them immediately as Speedo Vanquishers.

The dude at the tri shop assured me they would make me swim faster. I need all the help I can get! They really are more comfortable than my others. Sadly, I still have "meth face" when I get out of the pool. Guess there's no cute for goggle eyes.


I still haven't made any decisions about Cowtown. Taking time off to do NOTHING was so beneficial though. Both physically and mentally. If you're feeling overwhelmed and burned out, take a break! Training is no joke and sometimes a little down time is just what you need. The fitness you'll lose over a few days is nothing compared to how broken down your body can get with overtraining.


Have you ever taken a total break to clear your head and rest your body?