Tuesday

I got in a 36 mile ride before work. Nice outside, actually a little warm. Saw several foxes, so perhaps, that means I'll have good luck today.

Hoping to get in a swim tonight after work....  My shoulders aren't sore any more.

The Rest of the Weekend

Brian and I went to the pool yesterday, despite the cloudy skies and cool breeze. I was able to get in 70 laps in an hour. My sore shoulders are pretty tired this morning.

This morning, I had a nice ride - 36 miler, dry pavement, cool breeze, and partly cloudy sky. It was one of those early mornings where the moon is so bright it makes the clouds look downy white in the night sky.

Solstice

My favorite day of the year because it has the most light and is usually warm. During this morning's ride, there was not a cloud in the sky, which is fitting given it's the Solstice. There also was a refreshing, dry NW wind.  I got in 43 miles on dry pavement. 

Yesterday, before the rain started, I was able to get in a 43 mile ride.  It didn't rain Friday night, despite predictions to the otherwise, so I really enjoyed it. Some muck/sand in the first underpass thanks to all the torrential downpours. I noticed that the creek has a lot of silt/rocks accumulating in certain spots, probably due to all the flooding. 

I was able to walk the girls before the rain started.  It came down pretty hard and right before noon, we had a thunderstorm. Thankfully, not severe. Just enough to ensure that everything stayed a muddy mess.

We delayed going to the pool by about 40 minutes, as we wanted to make sure it was clearing up for good. Got there and had the place to ourselves for almost an hour. I swam 80 laps, alternating freestyle and breastroke. Today, my shoulders are just a little sore, but in a pleasant way. 

Fast Forty

With rain possible tomorrow, I wanted to get in a longer ride, so I plugged out forty fast ones this morning.  There was debris and muck on the trail from yesterday's heavy storms.  For a change, the sky was free of clouds so I saw some stars.  

More Rain!

I had today off because of doctor's appts.  So I was hoping for some extra time to do the things I enjoy.  No surprise, rain but a damper on things.

This morning, it poured and thunderstormed, so I ended up doing Spinervals on the trainer instead of riding 43 miles outside as I had intended.  Hillacious and Recovery/Technique are tough workouts, but they cannot compare to riding outside.

I decided to head for the pool, despite some thunderstorms on the radar. It didn't seem like they were headed our way, even though it was very humid and cloudy.  So I got there and was able to swim 14 laps before being ejected from the pool due to "thunder."  Well, it stormed in earnest right after I got home. Now it's sunny outside and still raining/thundering. Sheesh.  Just as I was getting my rhythm in the pool, fate intervenes and cuts my session short.

I did get to walk both Fiona and Maeve this morning, so that's one positive. I also was able to change/wash the sheets, a weekend chore that I loathe.  

To top things off, I noticed something odd by my shoulder this morning --- like a tiny speck of dirt. When I pulled it off (ouch), I figured out it was a TICK. Part of it is still in my skin, but it'll come out on its own.  Now I have to be on the lookout to make sure that bulls eye mark doesn't form. What a PITA.  After that happened, I decided to give the dogs their Advantix, despite my reluctance to put chemicals on them.

Sweet Doe

Pm this morning's ride, I saw the sweetest young doe. It was alone the trail and I thought it would get spooked by my headlight. Instead, it simply stood by the side of the trail as I passed and watched me. I said, "good morning, gorgeous."  

It was windy as a mofo and cooler than usual. Actually, that was a positive because I had to wear my rain jacket, which can get sauna-like.  Rain was on the radar in the mountains, so I was pedaling at a fast clip to get in a dry ride. Looks like it likely will hit during my commute to the "gates of hell."  LOL

Glad I Went

Today I went to an old friend's retirement party. This week, I've been in a foul mood, so I really didn't feel like going. I've been in hermit mode, keeping to myself and staying in my office.  Despite feel like a bitch on wheels, I wanted to be there for my friend and I know how much it means to someone, realizing their pals took time to attend. So I went. The minute I stepped out of the building, I felt better.  The party was fun. It was so nice to be around normal people, with whom I could laugh, relax, and talk without being on guard. I saw some folks whom I hadn't seen in ages, too.  

Got in a good ride this morning, although I still had yesterday's headache. Sinus, as evidenced by the red droplets of bloody nose juice that landed on my arm warmer when I let loose with a snot rocket during my ride.  An advil when I got home got rid of the headache.

Did the usual summer weekday 36 miler.  Encountered three harmless young folks - late teens? - apparently coming home from a party or night out. Two girls and a guy, signs of being mildly drunk. Took me back to the day!  I guess they missed the last metro and had to hoof it.  One of the girls was carrying a hockey stick (protection from a mauler or a homeless person?).