For the love of the Bike

 

We all know that biking has pivoted to a prominent spot in my fitness regimen, right?

Believe me, it's a reality I never saw coming. I mean, I've been a runner for over 18 years now. How could something (anything) ever step into (let alone, share) the limelight?

Well, it happened, in a relatively short span of time. And, I'm ever grateful for the experience.

10 Things About Those 20 Rides

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, as runners, is that of another sport.

A bonus gift is the willingness to take on new challenges. Not just simple challenges, but big scary ones that take you out of your comfort zone. After all, comfort zones are pretty overrated and not much good happens within their confines.

Alas, I took on the challenge of weekly cycling, on an especially hilly bike path. And, I did it for 20 weeks, accruing 300+ miles of hills in the process. 

Back in the PINK of things

 How is it that we're already a full week into October???

Thankfully, the weather felt like a continuation from the previous week's return-to-summer party. Granted, it wasn't quite as warm (until the weekend), but it definitely felt more like late-summer than early-fall. Add in all the pink colored stuff everywhere, and it was a pretty-in-pink kind of week.

When Summer Stages an Encore

It's almost like Momma N knew she'd wronged me.

After the previous week's fast-forward to all things (late) fall-like, this week saw a resurrection of all things summer. We're talking daily sunshine and near-record-breaking temps. Let's just say, I was totally back in my element.

Turnabout is (not) Fair Play

They say turnabout is fair play, but Momma N didn't want to play nice this week. 

I was dreading the end of summer, so I was already in a blah kind of emotional state. Suffice it to say I was not the least bit amused when the frigid fall-like weather arrived a day early. Nor did I appreciate the sudden plummet in temps and upswing of wind.

Alas, I did live to tell about it (or you wouldn't be reading this LOL). Just because I can handle the crazy Iowa weather doesn't mean I have to love it. But, I refuse to let it dictate my livelihood. Or something like that...

Back in Black (and gold)

Well, this definitely isn't the taper I had in mind.

Had the Air Force Marathon not gone virtual, I would be basking in my second week of 26.2 taper bliss. Alas, with the big Cy-Hawk football game (the Iowa State Cyclones vs. the University of Iowa Hawkeyes) on deck for Saturday, this week also would be full of black and gold bliss...so that's what I chose to focus on instead.

So how did that work for me? In two words: quite well! 

A Breath of "Fall" Air

 

Where did my summer go?

Apparently, Momma N is in a much bigger hurry to shut-down the summer season than I am. The days are getting markably shorter, and my dear sunrise is arriving later and later each morning. Alas, I'm determined to get outside everyday and embrace what's left of summer.

That's the plan, and it kept me smiling most of the week. 

Back in Maintenance Mode

And just like that...we're back in maintenance mode.

Yep. My reality took an unexpected turn this week. 

What can I say? One thing we have absolute control of is our attitude, and I embrace that fact. A sense of humor is also invaluable. Thankfully, I have both in my arsenal.

Oh, by the way, did you hear? My marathon (scheduled for next month) won't be happening.

Resurrection of the Daily Rides

Well, this was a week I could not have foreseen...but not necessarily in a bad way.

We do what we can with what we have, am I right? And, we make the best of whatever situation we find ourselves in....well, at least I do LOL. 

Biking was front and center this week, and Gustavas and Fritz went head-to-head for attention. Care to hear who garnered the most mileage?

Rock What You Got

Sometimes, you just gotta go with what you're given.

We've had an unusually extended heat wave. We're talking nearly three continuous weeks with near record-setting temps and continuously high humidity levels.

With a September 18th marathon on deck, I've been keeping pretty active on the bike(s) and on the feet. I've been in constant motion and was due for some scaled-back recovery time. 

Wouldn't you know, Fate intervened and allowed both to happen...all within the same week. Lucky me. I like it when that happens! 

"On Your Left" - Reflections from my first RAGBRAI

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

After several years (like, maybe 15?) of whining, pleading, and sweet-talking from the hubby, I caved. He's long been a huge fan of RAGBRAI, and has ridden this week-long bike ride many times...and I finally agreed to ride Day-1 of the 2021 event. 

I would be "On-Your-Left'ing" with the best of them...

Summer Smiling While the Sun is Shining

There's been a lot of smiling happening.

Believe it or not, we had an entire week of sunshine! 

We also had an entire week of summer temps and humidity, but it's a package deal and one I'm quite content with. I was able to see the sunrise most mornings, and that always ensures an awesome start to each new day.

Show Me Some Summer

...and just like that, it was full-on Summer!

We're talking daily sunshine, heat, humidity. The whole nine yards (and then some).

Thankfully, I was able to take most of my workouts outdoors, and that's always a good thing. There was plenty of action on foot and on the bikes, and even some sweat equity on the outdoor stairway. For myself, this is what the summer season is all about...getting outside as much as possible and soaking up all the sunshine (safely).

It's a boy! Say hello to Fritz!

As many have seen by now, Gustavas (my mountain bike) became a big brother recently.

We welcomed Fritz, a hybrid bike, into the family on June 8th. Let me just say, it's been a smooth ride thus far (pun intended).

Care to hear a little more about this new addition to the family?

A Humid Heat Kind of Week

It was one of those "it's not the heat, it's the humidity" kind of weeks.

Believe me, I am no stranger to these, especially once the temps start climbing. Do I love the heat? Yes! The humidity...not so much. But, it's my reality and I'll take it any day over the frigid temps of winter.

And, I'll gladly run in it without too many complaints. After all, at least it's not snowing. Glass half full, and all that jazz.