I thought the season was over...

Sooo... after Lake Geode, I planned on hanging up the bike for a while (well, after doing two days of RAGBRAI). I wanted to get back to basics and start training regularly again and I was completely getting overwhelmed by triathlon training. As with most things in my life, once I get overwhelmed, I end up not doing anything.

So the plan has been to run most every morning. Not far. Just to get back into the rythym of regular training. I do summer field work so my summer work days are unpredictable so I realized I need to run in the morning or it is not happening. I have run three days in a row!
Although in the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to do one more sprint tri this summer, as with the wind at Siouxperman and the hills at Geode, I have not had a race where I have rocked the bike. Then I realized that I am completely booked most weekends in August/September. Yes, I could come back immediately when my conference in Lake Tahoe ends, but seriously... I'm milking that free trip for all it is worth.

Then Chrissy called me last night to ask me if I wanted to go for a bike ride.

I had to decline as I had a date with Indiana Jones.

But I found out she is doing the Chisago Lakes Half-IM.

And that they have a sprint associated with.

A sprint that was practically designed for me with a short swim and a long bike.

So it's on.

And this is the fun part for me. Last year there were 25+ women in the Athena category. Which means I'll have some competition. But based on last year's results, I still think I could podium. Which means I'll have to work for it, but that sorta has me pumped.

Also? Nutella and banana on toast? Best. Breakfast. Ever.


Also! In the frivolous purchase category, new shoes! I love my other Keens and the thought of having a comfy bike commute shoe that isn't totally fugly got me excited. I have been wearing them around all day today to test them out, as these shoes will totally rock on RAGBRAI, where biking 130 miles over two days is interspersed with frequent stops in towns for the sole purpose of walking around and eating. And eating some more.

Can I freak out now that I just realized that one of my RAGBRAI days is 83 miles!!! Hello! I have never ridden my bike more than 60! And that was last year at RAGBRAI! 83 miles with 5600 ft of climbing!

And then six days later I am going to attempt to podium at a sprint race... yeah...