Spend time with family, or workout? Both!

So, in march I biked 118 miles. But in the last week, I biked 112! In part because I won't be bringing my bike with me for my week in Colorado and feel like I need to get in as many rides as possible. And in part because I'm a little freaked out that my race is only 21 days away! Life can get in the way of training. When I found out I was going to be spending Saturday with my Mom & brother on Saturday my first thought was "Oh no! What about my ride?" Normally, I would be happy to spend a day tooling around thrift stores, shopping, having lunch and catching up. 

But with the race fast approaching I just don't feel like I can afford to skip the big ones. I felt conflicted and almost explained that I couldn't when I caught myself thinking what would I miss more: not spending the time with them, or being a workout short? I decided I would see them, before it was even a decision. But the thought alone speaks volumes to how much this training has woven it's way into my daily life. Luckily, it all worked out because Friday was a minimum day. I was able to hit the Santa Ana River Trail by 3pm. I rode 45 miles; from Newport Beach to Yorba Linda and back in 3 and 1/2 hours. 

It was absolutely gorgeous out, with beautiful puffy white clouds. The kind I'm certain would catch me if I fell out of an airplane. And it only sprinkled on me a few times - a far cry from the 4 hours of hell I endured on the same ride back in December. During the start of my ride I was enjoying it so much that I had the thought that everyone should bike! I was listening to Hitch 22 and it was finally getting interesting. I was thinking about my trip, life, and enjoying the industrial sights as well as the more natural ones of the river trail.

But when I turned around, I had a fierce headwind to contend with. A wind so strong that I had to pull over and raise the volume on my iPod. And still couldn't hear. I was pedaling just as hard as I was on the way out, yet going half the speed. By mile 35 I was wondering why anyone would own a bike. I was ready to call and leave messages with all of the people I had mentally called on the way out, telling them that I had it I had it backwards; a bike wasn't the greatest invention after all. 'Save your money and buy a scooter' I would say. 

But, as always I made it through. And, as always, it was worth it. That's the thing - no matter how tough a workout is, you never regret it afterwards. When today rolled around I was able to enjoy my time with Mom & Glen more than ever, knowing that it was out of the way. And I will never put quality time on my bike or in the pool or running before family, lest I be left sitting on this bench alone.


Now, my focus for the next week will be swimming. I plan to swim at least 5 of my 8 days in Colorado, and run 5 times as well. When I get back, I'll have another big week with swimming and on the bike; at least 100 miles and then...it's time to taper! Which some training plans, like this one, say can begin as early as NOW!