78 miles, pulling 78 pounds!

[Veronica]

Even the tough parts can be fun. I had fun doing DMD - until mile 130.

But some time off sounds good now.

Are you going to be able to do Knoxville?

V.

[maillotpois]

Nope. 3 - 6 months of no riding. I will be out of it just in time for it to start raining... But at least I can do stationary bike work. And trail running has suddenly developed a new appeal.

[Veronica]

You could volunteer with us then.

A little cross training is a good thing. Maybe your next thing will be triathalons.

V.

[maillotpois]

Probably shouldn't try to volunteer since we leave early the next day for Hawaii (tiny violins coming out all over, I am sure). Doing the double was going to be tough enough coordination-wise.

Tris? Nope. No offense to anyone here, really, but I have done a few tri relays for time, and I can't stand riding my bike with most triathletes. I've raced my bike in tight packs, etc. I know triathletes cannot draft, but in the process, most of them are dreadful at riding in groups. They don't hold a line cornering, move erratically, etc. Again, no offense to anyone here - that's just something I have observed in the tris I have done. Also, I am nothing but a survival swimmer.

Trail running just works (in theory) because there are so many great hill trails right out my door. I am a stone's throw (by someone who could actually throw a stone) from the Dipsea steps and trail. And trail running for me is basically fast hiking. Which is something I really like. Hoping to get my calves in shape by Yosemite!! (They always seem to hurt after a hike - I guess cycling works different muscles.)

I'm also hoping that some consistent training, without the once a week 7 hour rides, will make it a bit easier for me to focus on consistent food intake and go into next year at a better cycling weight. Especially if I want to do the 508, weight is key.

Boy I sure did hijack your thread didn't I?? Sorry! Hope the rest of your trip is safe!

Thanks for the postcard!!

[Veronica]

I don't really mind thread hikacks. It's kind of like natural drift in a conversation.

Glad you liked the postcard. I thought the part about padding the calves under the stockings was just too funny - especially since I'm a big calf oogler.

V.