I have had this post rolling around in my head for weeks. I am finally done with school, and here I am on my first day of summer break getting to put these thoughts down.
I am on my bike 5 or more hours almost every week of the year when the weather is nice. This winter I was religious about getting a GOOD hour workout in on the trainer three times a week. So my bike and I have spent a lot of time together. And I do feel a strong attachment to my bike and biking in general.
I think for me there are a few reasons that I put my love of biking above my love of the run or swim:
1. First and foremost, it is a workout that I can do with the people I love. I ride with John, Matt and just recently added Lizzie. I can't run with them, they are faster than I am. I can swim with them, but there is very little conversation going on during a swim workout. But we can ride together, and do ride together FOR HOURS. It is a very bonding experience, and I feel absolutely blessed that as a family we can share this.
John, Matt and I (along with some other guys we ride with) are doing a century ride this Sunday. We did it last year also. The experience of doing something that tough, together, was amazing.
2. You can go so far on a bike, and see so much in just a few hours. A few weeks ago John and I went out on a Sunday 30+ mile ride. We started in the NE edge of the county where we live and rode through a large part of the eastern part of the county. 7-8 different towns, and all kinds of different landscapes.
3. You can ride for 3 or 4 or more hours and it isn't hard on your joints. You may be tired if you ride hard. And your 'seat' may be a little sore. But...my knees and hips don't take the beating that they would if I even went out for a 2 hour run.
4. I love going fast, and feeling the wind blow past me. I like how powerful I feel on the bike. It is an exhilerating experience. It is definitely my strength in the triathlon. And I guess we like the things we are good at.
I do have two main enemies while I am on the bike--> HEADWINDs and Sucky Roads that are in need of a good paving. Both of those things just suck the joy out of a ride for me. Of course I never mind a good tail wind.
John, Matt and I after a very rainy ride last year!
Half ironman training is going well. I have a lot of running and a lot of biking in. I am officially on week 7 of my 12 week training plan. Unfortunately, there has been NO swimming in there. No pool time available. Next week we are in Punta Cana and so will definitely get some swimming in every day either in the pool or the ocean. A few weeks later we are in a cabin in Canada, where we will do open water swims in the river every day with wetsuits on. And now that school is out I will be able to get some pool time in.
Steelhead 70.3 is coming soon (July 31)!!
"Almost" Vegan eating continues...no meat and very little dairy or egg product. Trying to kick my sugar habit to the curb... That will need a whole post later!
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