2 weeks to go...

30 miles today! It took me just over two hours and 638 calories - according to the Cateye. I did the home-Forest Park-home loop again, but did multiple laps around the park once I got there, switching directions every now and then so I covered all of the hills every way possible. The park was very empty for a Saturday (I'll blame the 90 degree heat), which meant that trail traffic was light so I could get in some good sprints.

Because I was looping around inside the park so much, I ended up passing a man in a Barnes-Jewish jersey multiple times. On about our fifth pass, he said, "You must be training for the Bike MS ride," which started a brief rolling conversation about how both of us were just trying desperately to get as many miles in before the event. It was relieving to know that someone out there is struggling just as much as I am. Is that sick?

I can only hope that it's a bit cooler on the weekend of the event. The heat radiating off of the black pavement sure is a killer. Anyway, If I was truly dedicated, I'd probably get up a do a long ride tomorrow, too, to prepare myself for the back-to-back rides on the 6th and 7th. But, the idea of relaxing tonight over some beverages and sleeping in tomorrow sounds much more pleasant.

For now, though, it's off to the Festival of Nations! Delicious international food and highland games, here I come!

Spinning my wheels

Well, the bike is in the shop for it's pre-event tune up. Looking forward to getting it back and ramping up the training these last 2.5 weeks (yikes!).

T-minus 29 days!

It's August 8, which means it's Olympic Friday. It also means that the Bike MS ride is ominously less than one month away! These things combined suggest that I should put some miles behind me today, which is exactly what I intend to do. I reckon that if I can leave the office early and hit the park by 3:30, I'll have plenty of time to get in a few laps before the TV broadcast of the opening ceremonies.

Despite my lack of publishing, you can rest assured that I have, in fact, been riding when I can. I feel confident that I can - at the very least - bang out 40 miles on the first day (the hills day), and do the full 75 on the second day (flats) of the ride. I'm out of town the next two weekends though, so I've really got to be diligent about hitting the road, or the trainer, between now and September.

I plan to chock this weekend full of aerobic activity in an effort to rev up my training. I'll get those miles in tonight with moderate hills. Tomorrow afternoon, the husband and the dog and I plan to get our hiking boots dirty at Castlewood State Park. And with this Sunday all to myself, I hope to participate in the Tour of the Little Hills ride hosted by Trailnet. It'd be a nice confidence booster to get through the moderate 44-mile route. There may be some scheduling conflicts there though, so I'll have to report back re: whether or not I make it out for that event.

In parting, I'll let you know that the proofs for the jersey designs have come in and have been approved. They are pretty slick. When mine come in, I'll post a picture, if you promise not to be too jealous.