Sore Shoulders

From all that swimming, I woke up with pleasantly sore shoulders. It didn't impact my ride at all, which likely means I'm engaging my core more than using my arms/shoulders.  I got a 36-miler, dry pavement, peaceful.  There was a tree down right near the 2nd underpass but it was easily passable.  Slow, duck, and go.  Plenty of rabbits out again today. Must be that time of year. 

Another Good Swim

Bright sun and warms temps. Perfect.

I swam almost continuously, with momentary rests, for about 70 minutes.  Alternated freestyle and breast stroke, and felt good.  I wasn't at all tired when I got out of the pool, and really, I could have gone longer. I didn't want to overdo, particularly since I knew I'd need some fuel in about another hour or I'd risk bonking.  Doing this consistently is going to be the trick to really getting comfortable and mastering it.  Brian watched me and said I was not at all a "messy" swimmer.  My legs made no splash and my arms, minimal.  There was a guy who decided to swim in the middle of the lanes, which displeased the lady who was on the other lane (they block off two lanes for lap swimmers -- make it one wide lane in which three can swim, although it gets a little close).  The guy was a big splasher and she told me that he was making water go in her mouth!  I found his "style" annoying but knew he wouldn't last long since he was wasting so much energy pummeling his arms and legs. 

Sigh. The end of the weekend looms and does the resultant sadness/dread. On the bright side, I'll be off on Thursday for medical appointments (who ever would have thought a visit to the gyn would be so welcome?).

Dry Ride

The scattered thunderstorms that were predicted for yesterday afternoon and evening stayed south of us, giving me a wonderful dry 43 mile bike ride.  It was humid but not muggy.  The rabbits and their babies were foraging, and I had a couple near misses with cotton tails.   On my way home, I encountered some skateboarder, heading west, spitting out fountain of some liquid. Water?I think he was trying to hit the big metal sound barrier but unfortunately fell short.  Impressive.  Skateboarders aren't allowed on the trail but this one was being polite. 

Gorgeous sunrise. The rosy light just before the sun comes over the horizon. My favorite time of day.

Fiona and Maeve enjoyed their walks. On Taylor, Fiona decided to dwaddle and stopped to a couple times for "hug me, mommy."  Such a sweet golden. I think both of them like the break from the holy terror, Margot.  As did I. 

Swim Success

Two blogs in one day? Well, I did so well at the pool, I had to document it.

70 laps in a little more than an hour of swimming with minimal rest. Alternated 1 lap freestyle/1 lap breast stroke.  The TI tips on I used worked. Once I really understand TI and start doing the drills, I can see that I will get better. For the meantime, I have a functional freestyle that isn't perfect but gets me across the pool and doesn't wear me out. 

I Miss You, Sun!

This is my favorite time of the year. Longest days, most sun, and early summer temperatures. This year, the weather Gods have not been kind to us because the sun has been covered behind clouds and rain. Days long dreariness. After our long, cold winter, this seems like the final indignity.  I had been looking forward to sunny skies, warm temperatures, dry pavement....  The first half of 2009 has been disappointing in many regards, so I suppose the dreary weather provides the appropriate background. As with all things in life, this is temporary.

I managed to ride five out of six days so far this week. Most have been on wet/damp pavement and in very thick humid, gnat-laden, air. But I'm happy to be outside, despite the imperfect conditions. I need the  daily dose of nature to help me get through the weekday slog (commute, work, commute, recover). Even a muted glimpse of the moon through a blanket of grey cheers my soul. 

Hopefully, we won't have rain tomorrow morning so I can get in a 200 mile week. Thus far, I have 187 miles logged, so I'm close.

Weekends means swimming and today is decent outside. Meaning no rain, at least during our usual swim time. I'm going to try some total immersion techniques and see if that helps with my freestyle. With some luck, the pool won't be crowded.  Next week, we should be able to swim after work, since the pool will be free of swim team practice. It's all contingent on the weather.

Margot is getting big and has become quite a gorgeous puppy. She's coming into her own and is learning. Maeve and Fiona seem to enjoy her antics, for the most part. Best of all, she isn't constantly biting!  You can actually hold her and get a kiss instead of a nip.

Cold Swim

Yesterday, it was supposed to be warmer and sunny. "Supposed to" being the operative phrase. Well, we went to the pool when it opened and it was cloudy, barely 70.  I knew it would be cold and I was not disappointed. Once I was in the water, I was fine. However, as my swim progressed, I got chilled. Ended up doing 46 laps, including several of a very rough freestyle, before I surrendered.  Another positive was I had the pool pretty much to myself!

This morning's bike ride was wonderful. Chilly - around 58 degrees - and humid. But I had the trail to myself and witnessed a nice sunrise. Felt pretty strong, too.

Today it's supposed to be in the 80s and sunny. The sun is out now, so I'm optimistic.  Today's swim should be in warmer waters.

Another Rainy Week

This was a rainy week, which seems to be the theme for 2009.  This year has not given us weather that's been conducive to outdoor bicycling.  I ended up inside on the trainer twice this week, but I'm glad that the weekend is supposed to be dry.  This morning, I got in a 43 mile ride - wet pavement - but I was surprised there wasn't a bunch of debris/mud/sand as a result of yesterday's flooding. I guess there was nothing more to wash out, since the creeks have been out of their banks at least once a week of late.

Last weekend, I got in some good swimming and have worked up to 42 laps. We will head back to the pool today, as it should warm up by noon.

Margot has gotten to the cute stage, but she is still biting a lot. Puppyhood is full of good things and not-so-good things!