Bring on The Heat!

May 27th - May 31st

5-27-10 - Bike 2:17/Run :56
It is officially HOT! To make things "convenient", I keep a gallon jug of water ready in the refrigerator at all times and I have been, as of late, consuming at least one per day (32 oz on a 2:00 hour bike, 16 oz on the run, 16 oz between the bike and run and 32+ oz after the workout). (PHOTO: my watch after my 2:17:00 ride)
On the run I had too many dead bug carcasses stuck to my sweaty flesh to count, sweat was dripping from my chin and from my torso onto my legs and I felt great! I ran my fastest mile split to date for a total duration of 6 miles. Usually, I do a 10 minute mile, today it was 9 (impressive to me) after a 2:17 bike.

The bike was good. I felt better than yesterday - hallelujah! and found another new section of road to ride on. I don't know who creates the state maps though, some of the roads have different names, others don't even exist. But, I eventually find my way and am loving the exploration of it all.

I saw my first "dust tornado" today. I was peddling past a very flat area. A car had just passed me coming from the other direction. I saw a large pile of debris spinning in the air that I thought I had been kicked up by the car. However, it kept going across the road in front of me and into the field. It was a miniature funnel cloud - cute and impressive at the same time. Have mentioned before how much I love this journey. What a hot, but amazing day! (PHOTO: the field where I saw the mini tornado).

• 5-28-10 - Run 2:06 Trail Miles/Swim 4,000 yards - For details please read the blog title "Trail Adventure".
• 5-29-10 - Bike 4:17 - Preparing for a long ride alone takes planning . I am not certain where I will end up or how long it will take me to get there. Two key components, water and food (oh yes and extra tubes of course). I've got my map and my compass and I am ready to roll. Armed with my water bottled I headed out for a long ride. I spent the first 2 hours riding into the wind, the next hour fighting crosswinds (add in some hills) and finally 45 minutes of tailwind and you have my ride. I have heard some say that you need to plan your ride around the direction of the wind. My questions is, why? I have been learning that the wind can be a very helpful training tool. It is a free "wind tunnel" experience and I plan on utilizing it whenever it becomes available. It did take its toll on me. I am tired and perhaps dehydrated. The sun beating down on me for almost 4.5 hours probably didn't help. I think I need to bring at least one bottle of some electrolyte sports drink the next long ride I do. I am ready to sit down and take a nap. (PHOTO: one of the many ridiculous things I see on my bike rides.)
• 5-30-10 - Bike 2:00:00/Run :30 - The bike went well today. The sun was hot, but I had enough water and the run was uneventful and felt great. I do think it entertaining that the stronger one gets, the further one has to run when doing a :30 minute run. Today, I parked at the end of the Alum Creek Dam (where I usually go directly after riding for my quick run). Last year, I remember exactly where my stopping point was for :15 and where I could turn around. Today, however, the :15 point was a little further. I had not anticipated running so far - ha!).
• 5-31-10- DAY OFF