First, I discovered a new bike path during my run. I have actually known approximately where this path was for a while now, but I've never taken the time to find an entrance to it. During my run, I decided to explore some different areas of my neighborhood, and I stumbled upon the path - completely by surprise! There is nothing like running or biking on a great new trail for the first time. It was a hidden treasure in my urban sub-urban jungle. It quietly wove through country-decorated backyards following the course of a row of power line towers. It passed by a couple schools and parks where children played in the spring sunshine. It was super cute, and I haven't even seen the whole thing end to end. I only explored about 1.25 miles in the middle somewhere. It is so exciting to me to have a new, quaint little trail to add to my biking/running route options.
Second, when I got home from my run/swim workout, I found two packages that had been delivered during the day. I love it when packages arrive for me! One box contained the Hawaii Rides DVD's that I won from the Bike Lemming contest. Thanks, Lemming! The other box contained some new bike stuff that I ordered - a Park Tool chain cleaning kit and a second set of Crank Brothers Smarty pedals. I want to learn to do most of the simple maintenance on my bikes by myself, so the chain cleaning kit will contribute to that goal. I also decided that I like the clipless pedals on my road bike so much that I need to put a pair on my mountain bike, too. Thus, the Smarties.
New Bike Stuff!
I also added a second Specialized Dolce saddle to my repertoir (so I don't have to keep switching my current one from bike to bike) and a Park Tool pedal wrench (more bike maintenance tools). I actually got these at the end of last week.
New Dolce Saddle - Not exactly the same as the old one, but close enough.
Third, after swimming yesterday, I realized that I had forgotten to put some Q-Tips in my gym bag again. So after opening my packages of bikey goodness, I began searching the house for something solid to carry some cotton swabs in. I used to have a small plastic travel case for just this purpose, but it disappeared long ago. I liked that much better than using a baggie. So in my bathroom cabinet I stumbled upon a small silver box that had contained a jewelry present from my mom. It had the perfect dimensions to hold Q-Tips! And it's cute, too. A great way to reuse a pretty box.
New Use for an Old Jewelry Box
Monday, March 15, 2010
Run 40 minutes (approx. 4.25 miles)
Found a new bike path surprisingly free of traffic noise and full of cute parks and families. I can't wait to explore more of it!
Swim 30 minutes (approx. 1250 yds)
I finished what I thought was 900 yds in less than 20 minutes and decided I must have miscounted my laps. Even doing an extra lap, I swam it in under 21 minutes. First lesson: I may be able to meet my swimming time goal for the tri after all! Second lesson: Twice now I've swam faster after doing another exercise first. I guess that goes to show the importance of warming up well before the swim on race day. Then I continued swimming for a total of 30 minutes and what I guess was 1250 yds. That's the farthest I've made it in 30 minutes yet. Every time I swim, I improve. That will surely level off eventually, but for now it's really encouraging.
I also ran into the ultra-endurance adventure race guy at the pool again today. Good guy. Bad bathing suit. But not as bad as powder-yellow-speedo guy. Ahhh!
So cool about the new path! One of the things I love about cycling/running is that you can find so many new things you would never even notice in a car.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the clipless pedals ... they're great. Clipless pedals took me a while to get used to when I first put them on my bike, but now I can't imagine riding without them. I have Shimano pedals, but I keep reading great things about Crank Brothers.
Thanks for the great post!
Another interesting post, Missy. Sounds like it's been a great week already. Good to hear it. Keep up with the great training and fantastic blogging.
ReplyDeleteHey! I had the same old-school Dolce saddle and finally replaced it with the new version. I have about 500 miles on the new saddle, but I just can't get comfy on it... I think the nose is too long! I'm curious to see how it works for you. I just ordered an Adamo saddle to replace my new Dole. :(
ReplyDeleteDonna - I'm glad you commented on the new Dolce. I was curious when I bought it whether it would feel the same as the old one. Especially because it was about $20 cheaper. Only one way to find out! I'll definitely write about it when I've had a chance to try it out.
ReplyDelete