I am a little late in the season to get started with my tri training, but better late than never…right?  For the second morning in a row I didn’t set an alarm clock and woke up refreshed after more than 8 hours of quality sleep.  I made a simple breakfast burrito with eggs, salsa, and avocado while I checked email and caught up on Words with Friends.

 

 

This morning’s workout plan was a bike ride, and I decided to slip in a short post-ride run.  I left my running shoes by the door as a reminder.

 

 

Although last weekend’s ride was a success, I was still a little nervous about my clips.  In this heat, I was planning to wear shorts to our afternoon BBQ, and I knew that skinned knees and bandaids didn’t match my look.

 

 

I got to test out my clipping skills almost immediately.  I was heading down a slight hill to the path when the stop light quickly changed to yellow.  Although there aren’t typically cars at that intersection, there was one today.  Before I knew it, I was stopped in the intersection with my foot clipped out and planted firmly on the ground, heart pounding, and with enough room for the car to pass safely.  Whew!  I continued on my way following the same course as last weekend. 

 

 

I didn’t expect to see many other bikers on the road this late, and for the most part, the streets were pretty quiet.  I biked north through South Barrington, Barrington Hills, and I think I even made it to McHenry county.

 

 

I cruised along ~15 miles at a good pace.  I  stopped for a photo and a snack before turning around.  Just as I held up my phone, a group of bikers came by, and a young guy screamed out to me…’looking good’.  So busted!!!  I hadn’t seen very many bikers all morning and in this area, none of them are around my age.  I’m guessing that the typical hard core bikers don’t stop to pose for photos during their route!

 

 

When I got back on my bike, I got hit with a MASSIVE head wind.  Instantly, I realized why I had been feeling so quick on my out.  I had the wind at my back.  Slowly but surely, I pedaled my way back home enjoying the views of the large homes with fountains and the horses grazing at the barns.

 

 

 

My legs were pretty fatigued pedaling against the wind, and I had to shift down to my little wheel for some of the flats.

 

 

I arrived home after a 1 hour 50 minute ride looking like a sweaty mess, which the BOY kindly pointed out to me.

 

 

Even though my legs felt like jello, I was committed to getting in a run.  I figured I could use my light weight sneakers for some extra speed : )  It took a little push, but I got myself off the stairs and out the front door.

 

 

I don’t think that I have ever in my life run so slow!  It felt like I had sand bags tied around my ankles.  It is possible that I’ve run faster with a tire tied to my waste in my training sessions.  But I kept swinging my arms and putting one foot in front of the other.  I was definitely huffing and puffing 18 minutes later when I arrived back at the house.  It was hot and humid and I was soaked in sweat.

Complete first BRICK of the year-CHECK!

I’ve got a little ways to go before my first triathlon, but I am definitely on my way.

 

 

The only way to recover from a workout like that…a HIGH protein Green Smoothie!

 

 

In this surprisingly tasty mix…

1 cup almond milk

2 large handfuls of spinach

1/4 cup raw oats

1 banana

1/2 cup shelled edamame (sounds odd, but really tasty and high in protein)

A few slices of frozen fruit

Ice

 

 

Absolute Green Smoothie perfection!!!

 

 

Between yesterday’s activity and this morning’s BRICK, it is possible that every muscle in my body hurts.  And I’m not sure how late I will be able to stay up tonight.  Is it embarrassing to go to sleep at 8pm on Saturday night?  But I am feeling strong and looking forward to getting back into my training.  Only 6 weeks until my next triathlon!!!

 

 

You can read about more of my breakfasts, BRICKS, and refueling HERE!