It's that time of year again : (

[tygab]

<ramble>I think this is my favorite time of year - it's warm but not too warm, dry, mostly sunny, no bugs, and everywhere you look around here outstanding scenery. I agree, there are still many potential daytime rides/hikes/kayaks on the weekends left, but during the week I've already moved indoors. I had a great kayak this weekend that featured a bit of everything - open water & wind, calmer times to just enjoy the fall colors, and the water almost to ourselves.

Tonight the spin class was full for the first time since I've been going (since mid August when I was on and off depending on local riding options). I may be one of those people who doesn't look like I'm working hard (who knows, I can't see myself), because I don't sweat profusely and I haven't been huffing and puffing as much lately. But my HR monitor says otherwise - spent a good amt of time today in the upper reaches of my hr. I do turn it up when the instructor tells us to, and I usually push myself pretty well. Some of the others emerge dripping and red faced, but I rarely do. I was new to the Monday group/instructor today and he asked if I've been spinning for a while at the end of class. The question kind of took me aback at first, didn't know if he was just trying to make conversation or what. But I answered I just started in September. I like to think that he meant I looked like I was riding a decent workout. I try to have good technique, keeping my upper body relaxed and loose, rather than the death grip it seems like some of the others have. And since I've been doing bricks these last few weeks, as the rest of the class is leaving, I'm heading to the treadmill for a run - maybe they think I am crazy anyway. I run in my bike shorts after class and that does make me feel a little strange in the gym context. They are actually pretty comfortable to run in tho...</ramble>