the great leslie

I biked 15 miles today (to Kettle Cove again, and back) and then ran 4 miles.

That, my friends, is called "getting there." I'm definitely getting there.

A BRIC session is a training session where you combine two or more of your triathlon sports into one exercise session. Makes sense, right? I mean, since the triathlon is three events back-to-back. Yesterday I made it to the pool and swam laps for about 45 minutes (don't ask me how long it was in length...I can't keep track of the laps after the first two) and then went for a bike ride out to Kettle Cove, pictured below.

A true BRIC session would go from one sport to the next without pausing, except to change costumes. Mine was much more leisurely: I took my time changing my clothes, stopped for a sandwich, stopped to eat the sandwich on the beach. It made me wonder why I do triathlons at all, when I could just go on bike rides to the beach. The answer: impetus. I need a little nudge that essentially has me doing things today as opposed to doing them tomorrow...or never.

I must say: it was so lovely at Kettle Cove, and I might not have gotten out there if I hadn't been "training."

I didn't run, swim or bike today. I went rollerskating. And ohmyquads!

I was in Western Massachusetts this week, and went for two excellent, up-hill runs. And you know the best thing about up-hill? Everything that goes up, must come down.

I also added karaoke (or grapevine, to some...done often in dance routines...can I get some jazz hands please?), side shuffle, jumping jacks, star jumps, punches, squats, and even some lunges to the run.

Back at my summer home yesterday, I tried to do my regular run and it was a total failure: I got drenched,  fell on my butt, and then the path was blocked by city workers cutting trees.

It can't always go right.

It's been raining and grey in Portland for, say, three weeks. Pretty much every day. And everyone is getting a bit tired of it, including me, but it's definitely good for my running. If you know me, you know: I sort of hate the sun. I mean, I have nothing against it as a celestial body, but when its rays are shining in my eyes and it is upping the temperature to anything over, say, 75 degrees, I start to wilt a bit. And I have to slather on sunscreen, which makes my face sweat even more than usual and stings my eyes. I like the grey days better for running: easier on the senses.

I ran six miles today...slowly, but surely. I've still got almost three months until the Lobsterman...I can get those times down by then, even when/if the sun shines again.