Ever have one of those days where you are just super pleased with the way your day went?
That was today for me.
Last night, Rick and I had dinner at Kevin and Ashley's. They suggested that we go mountain biking today and we JUMPED at the idea! However, in my mind, I was thinking about how sore my legs were after the last time we went riding and wondered how I'd ever have a good long run on Sunday with sore, fatigued legs.
So, in an amazing feat of self restraint, I barely had even one glass of wine last night and woke up this morning and set out with Bella to run the canal trail. I wanted to get my long run out of the way before the biking, so I could be fresh for the run.
I didn't get out there until close to 7am. The temperature was great but the sun was blazing. In my mind, I knew I really wanted to run 4 miles. During my first week of official training (which is rapidly approaching), my long run is 5 miles. I wanted to build my confidence that I'd have no trouble achieving that when the time rolls around.
I TOTALLY ran 4 miles this morning, and I couldn't be happier or more proud of myself!!
4 miles is a hefty chunk of running, and I can't believe how far I've come. Of course, it's still less than 1/6th of the marathon distance but . . . . . hey . . . . . today it felt like a lot.
I think the longest part of the run was the first mile. The first mile I was overwhelmed and daunted about thinking of how far I still had to run. (Of course that was all mental). Once I completed the first mile, I realized that I only had one more mile until I got to turn around and head back and the rest was easy (and fun) after that.
Bella was sooo tired by the end. I felt a little bad, but I know she was fine. She's probably never run 4 miles before either! I know she thought it was worth it. She's been getting lots of comments lately about her new "rock hard" physique, and she's loving the positive feedback. I think it is keeping her motivated to continue running. She really is a BARREL of muscle lately.
I returned home from our run to find Rick readying our bikes. I took a quick shower, and we headed out to Usery Mountain Regional Park for some mountain biking fun.
Kevin and Ashley had been riding there before, but it was a first for Rick and I. Our ride was HOT but beautiful! The sky was super blue and the desert landscape was pristine. Of the 4 of us, I'm the most timid about mountain biking, and the trails we rode today were so enjoyable because they weren't so challenging that I had to completely focus on the terrain and I was able to do a lot of looking around at the gorgeous landscape. I really enjoyed it, but by the end, I was ravenous and way too hot!! We rode Blevin and Moon Path Trail.
I completed the third leg of my triathlon today in an unconventional way. Feeling quite tired from a morning full of exercise, I walked two laps on the Baja step of the pool, mostly to cool my feet and calves. I know most people choose the freestyle stroke for their triathlon swim, but not me, not today!
The four of us finished out the afternoon with a bit of swimming, a DELICIOUS and well-earned Bloody Mary and an amazing feast of smoked pork ribs, prepared by Rick on his new Big Green Egg. It was a delicious dinner!
What a day! It felt so long and full, and tomorrow, when I roll over and sleep in instead of heading to the canal like I usually do on Sunday morning, I won't even have to feel any guilt!
We'll see if I can actually get out of bed at all. My legs may be too sore. . . .
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