Frosted

 Rough day on the bike today. The weather warmed up nicely so it wasn't that.  Mostly I was in a funk to be riding alone again.  A couple vicious looking dogs and some crazy wind left me winded and worried last week.  They had me looking at how far I have to go, and took my eyes off the fact that I am turning my "I can'ts"  into "I dids."  

So starting out today I felt like I had an insurmountable mountain in front of me and I was alone.  Sigh.  Second I feel like I am racing time and MUST RACK UP MILES!!!  Double sigh.

Last night, I contemplated going to the Y this morning instead of riding after my friend cried "frost warning" and opted not to ride today. Looking back, I probably should have done that. Yes it was a gorgeous afternoon, but I think I need some cross training, not so much for my body but for my soul.  

All was not lost however;  I did stop and treat myself to Beans and Cream.  The best part?  They are having their anniversary celebration and mochas were just $1.70.  I got out there, got a few miles in, and stopped and smelled the coffee beans. 

You might be a d-mom if....

You text your husband a number unrelated to diabetes without thinking about it and he freaks out!  

Cold ten mile today. Gunning for 500 before snow flies!

Oh October!

October has arrived and already I am feeling the pressure to get a few more rides in before the winter sets in. I can feel the cold starting to sink in and I am not excited about it!  Maybe it's the rain that's cut down on my rides this week or maybe it's that we haven't turned the furnace on so our house has been a balmy 64 degrees. Either way I was happy for sunshine today and a nice long coffee ride!  

September

September was a beautiful month for riding!  I rode a total of 187 miles!  And woot- I did roll over 300 on the 30th!  That was on a great 21 mile ride with friends. 

It's not always about the numbers

Today marks 2 months since my new bike purchase.  Here's my odometer:

My friend Kim and I were all set to hit a long 20 mi ride this morning.  We met up at the park in Cedarville.  I was really excited to hit 300 miles.  Maybe I'll hit 500 before the snow flies!!  Alas, I didn't realize it was FORGETFUL FRIDAY.  I should have been tipped off when Isaac forgot his water bottle at home this morning.  Cue helmet left at home:

So instead of a 20 mile coffee ride, we took a nice 4 mile walk.  It was a gorgeous morning! 

I'm reminded again; it's not about the miles; it's not about the numbers.  It's about support, it's about having a friend and being a friend; it's about getting out there, off the couch and doing something, yes for yourself, but also for the greater community. 

And trying again another day. 

Rally Ride Redo

One thing I've been wanting to do before the snow flies is to re-ride the route from the first Rally Ride that Jason and I did in April.  Jason had a day off so after the kids headed to school, we drove to Beavercreek Station.  My hope was to see if I could tackle the hill at the Wright Memorial and how it would be different with my new bike.  I did it!  It was hard, hard, hard!  I almost gave up, but I looked back and saw how far I had come and how little I had to go.  I thought I was going to puke when I got to the top but I DID IT!

From the bottom, after we went up.

 We went across Huffman Dam and then decided to add a little to the route and hit Riverscape in downtown Dayton. The fountains started spraying after we passed under them.  It was a refreshing shower!  

I hit a wall at about mile 24.  I am seeing a trend where I hit a wall when I am about 3/4 done with a ride.  I struggle for a few miles and then the last few miles are fine.  Not sure if it is a body thing or a mind thing; I'm leaning more towards a mind thing because it seems like it is always about 3/4 in, irregardless of the miles. 

In the end, it was a great ride.  We had some great (for me) splits and it was just nice to spend time together. 
Stats:
30.5 miles
11.7 avg speed


I also got two rides with friends in this week for a weekly total of 58.9 miles!  Pretty happy about that and hope to continue to rack up the miles this fall!

Zippy's been crying in the shed.

Due to vacation and school and soccer for the kids gearing up,  it's been almost two weeks since I've had a chance to ride. Looking at the forecast and sky this morning,  it looked like today was going to be another no ride day. Thankfully, that turned around by lunchtime and I was able to get some miles in. 

What's that I see?  Dry pavement and blue sky?

It ended up being a gorgeous afternoon for a ride. I even did a trip over the highway overpass near our house. First time on the new bike and it was incredible how much easier it was!!!

Gotta go clean up Zippy before school's out!