just couldn't do it...

returned the bike shorts.  Had to be done.

I remember as a kid/teen riding my bike everywhere and never having issues.  Do our bits get more sensitive as we get older?  At any rate.. I'm gonna suck it up and ride on.

Speaking of riding... I got a new bike yesterday!   So excited.  Found it on Kijiji.  It's a "vintage" road bike.  Probably from the 80s.  Excellent condition.  Already tuned.  New tires.  Comfy(ish) seat.  Took it for a little test spin yesterday.  WOW.. is it different from my mountain bike.  Almost peeled out a couple of times on gravel (but didn't).  Can't wait to give it a real go.

But that won't be tonight.  Still too mucky out for our bike sessions so instead we will be doing a "boot camp".  Sounds awful but am looking forward to meeting some more ladies from the group.  Those that sweat together, bond together.

I think I'm finding a nice rhythm to my exercise routine.  I'm working with my trainer (Reed) at Goodlife Fitness doing strength training on Mon, Wed and Fri mornings.  Biking on Monday eve, running Thurs eve and swimming on Sunday morning.  I'm trying to get in an extra bike/swim/run each week so that every day I am doing some sort of cardio activity.

Speaking of cardio activity... holy crap is it hard to run against the wind.  I went for a run on Saturday afternoon along the 14th street trail.  Running away from home it was a breeze.  Didn't even notice the wind.  Made it to the Preston corner no problem.. feeling pretty proud cuz I wasn't really even out of breath (it was about 2.5k).  Turned around to run home and made it about 2 blocks before I thought I was going to die.  Walked a minute or two and then carried on, alternating walk/run.  Started thinking about how disappointing it must be for real triathletes (or any other athlete for that matter) to train and train and train... striving to beat their personal best... only to have crappy weather on traithlon day.   I can run 5k no problem on a nice day but...

On another note...
I made an observation about myself today (in response to my friend Hillary's comment on my previous blog post where I was giving credit for my ability to run to my magic shoes and she pointed out that perhaps it was I... not my shoes... that deserved the credit).

I have never been an athletic, fit person (actually, I've mostly felt pretty disconnected from my body for most of my life).  My decision last August to join the gym and get in shape had more to do with panic about reaching middle age than anything else.  Working with a personal trainer has been absolutely transformative for me.  I began at the gym with the goal to take off a few pounds and gain more energy.  And that has happened.  But, over the last few months I have been amazed as my body has changed... become more strong, more dependable, more confident).   I would have NEVER signed up for Just Tri It if I hadn't already begun this journey.  

So the body has changed so much.. but the mind.. my self-image.. is slow to catch up.   I didn't think I'd be able to run more than 5 minutes and I ran 30.   I didn't think I'd be able to continuous swim for more than a few lengths and I swam the other day for 30 minutes.. no problem.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to do okay on the biking as well (so long as I don't wipe out).   So I can no longer think of myself as "a lazy slug" (seriously.. that was my inner message).  I can no longer make excuses for not trying and doing new things because I really have no idea of the strength and power that are inside of me.  I am more and more coming to believe that my body's capacity to do amazing things is 80% mental and 20% physical.

Now I need to work on translating this to my social life.  I have always seen myself as shy, awkward and not very good meeting new people.  So.. I am shy, awkward and have a hard time meeting new people.  My new mantra needs to be "I am a loving and loveable person".    So watch out Just Tri It ladies...

Who knew Just Tri It would be so inspiring... I just thought it'd suck :-) (I like to start with low expectations so I'm not disappointed).