What a month it has been. The snow is gone (hopefully for good!), and it is looking pretty and green around here…the wildflowers are even starting to pop out!
In the past few weeks the weather in The Dalles has cooperated enough to allow for some great outdoor riding. One unseasonably sunny, warm day in late February, I set out on my road bike, exploring roads, and looking for new routes to ride. I ended up taking some dirt roads, riding “unknown territories”, getting a little bit lost, but eventually finding some great new loops. I must say… searching out new courses can be very energizing. Sometimes it’s nice to NOT know what lies ahead, and NOT know just how long your climb is going to be! Try it - get out of your rut, off your normal comfort path and EXPLORE! You may end up riding longer than you expected to, but that’s not always a bad thing, right?
This past month, I have also ran a couple road races - a half marathon in Olympia, WA and the Shamrock 15K in Portland, OR. The Shamrock run had a stinkin’ tough field of runners! I finished in the top ten, but didn’t quite break the 1 hour mark as I had hoped to do. Next year! Both races were good “fitness tests” as well as good opportunities to practice the mental toughness I need to find for race day. I feel like I am running strong - right on pace with where I want to be this time of year.
CA 70.3 is right around the corner…just three short weeks away until race day. I am on track with training and feel good going into this early season half. This is chance #1 (of 2) to qualify for the Long Course World Championship race in France.
Wish me luck!
