It Was A Milestone…

…kind of day.

A friend sent me an invite to a FUNDRAISER BIKE RIDE that’ll be coming up on June 16th.

He’s a long-distance biker and even though it’s not a ‘race’ – they’re offering a 30 mile ride.

The longest I’ve ever ridden was 15.65 MILES ON OCTOBER 6, 2011. So yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve put up some ‘mileage’ on the bike.  Not more than 10-12 miles since then.

Today I rode 16.65 MILES and beat my previous record!

Which is great – but that’s just over half way to 30 miles.

Granted, I don’t have to ride the entire 30 miles.  I’ve got a performance that evening of AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG, so I want to be able to walk when I’m finished riding.

I took my time and stopped when I needed to – I found that I really enjoy the PANHANDLE TRAIL. I rode from McDonald to Walkers Mill and back – just to the Viaduct/Tressel where the Montour Trail crosses the Panhandle Trail.

What I was most pleased about was the elevation – it was a 1447 foot climb.  I’m not a mathematician or a land surveying engineer, but believe me, my legs are noodles and they’re telling me it was BIG.

I probably could’ve done 20 miles – I was tired and knew that I’d pushed my body enough for one day.

I’m okay with setting a new record and new goals.  Will I make the 30 miles by June 16th?

You’re better off asking my screaming knees…

There Wasn’t A Whole Lot…

… memorable about it.

I just went out and did what I needed to do and got on with my day.

1.51 MILES just around the neighborhood.

It wasn’t fast, but it was consistent.

What really amazes me is that while there are days I dread it – sometimes it’s easiest when I just get up and get it done.

It’s not fun – but I need to think on the positive side of how GOOD it is for me mentally and physically.

So yeah – that’s always GOOD to remember…

It Was One of Those Rare…

… mornings when things just fall into place.

I thought it might be too hot already at 10:30am.

But I ran anyway.

I thought I might be too tired from having some stomach issues yesterday.

But I ran anyway.

I chose to go a route that I knew was tough with several big hills and heavy traffic.

But I ran anyway.

1.56 MILES – just a short run by most running standards. 

I remembered to wear my ARMY STRONG ARMBAND OPERATION RUN for a HERO.  I thought about my uncle who is still in the VA Hospital being treated for the rarest form of A.D.E.M. unable to walk or eat on his own.

So I ran anyway.

Because I know he’d do the same for me…

What a Ride!

It was such a beautiful day – on the warmish side by the time I got out there on the MONTOUR TRAIL.

I had to install my new bike seat and water bottle holder before I loaded it on Bailey.

I rode 10.55 MILES and even though it was my first real ride on the open trail with Mountain MAN, I took my time and tried to get use to shifting gears.  I haven’t done that for a very long time on a bike – my two other bikes are cruisers. [No gears.]

I got on the trail at Southview via Galati Road Access – they’re still working on that section, but it’s open.  And I rode towards Imperial – I only rode out a little over 5 miles, because I knew I’d have to ride back making the trek 10 miles.

I stopped to eat a bit of lunch and just enjoy the quietness of the trail.  Actually, it wasn’t really quiet – the wildlife was buzzing like crazy!

It was an leisurely ride – I was passed both directions by bikers. No runners/walkers out on this section of the trail.  I’m sure as Summer heats up, I will find my way back to this trail because of the tree cover!!

I Haven’t Lost…

… my mojo for running.

I needed a good reason to get back out there after the Pgh Marathon 5k race on May 5, 2012.

Apparently, it took me a while to find that reason.

TODAY I MADE I HAPPEN FOR 1.26 MILES

Here’s the good news – I still love running.

I absolutely need to remember to do it more often.  I’m encouraged because it would be so VERY easy to let it go, like many other things in our lives.

Just when I think I might re-think the running, someone tells me what an inspiration I am or I think of you every time I begin my Couch to 2 5k programmed run.

I won’t kid you – that’s a lot of pressure to live up to…

Bring it.