MAKE IT HAPPEN

This has been a good solid week. My base period started late, and went March through June, so I am finally able to start adding some faster rides into the mix. There is something to be said for being disciplined and not trying to go fast all of the time. Hard=hard and easy=easy. I am getting so much better at implementing that concept. So, now I have been mixing in 1-2 harder rides a week. (heeding Walt Rider's small lecture, I mean advice, on how I need to be challenging myself to harder rides 2x per week).

I have also picked up some new training partners which has been AWESOME! One of them is a neighbor, Rachel. She is one of the fastest runners in the city- and her husband races bikes. So, she has done a little crossing over into the cycling world (of course she is strong with such a great aerobic base). And it has just been awesome to have a good training partner live so close to me. Today we met for an early morning group ride, and then followed it up with an easy run and drills. Every week our plans seem to evolve, and we now have a standing date for Thurs am ride/brick with drills. It really helps me to have a motivated training partner- she is serious about her workouts.

So between my Sunday swim Olympian partner and my Thurs awesome runner partner...could you guys make me fast? Oh yea, I have to make myself fast. ;)

Yet isn't it funny how there are just some training partners that fit? Although she could outrun me with one lung, it does not feel weird or uncomfortable when I train with her. Her workout is about her- not about me. And ditto. It is super-refreshing to not spend my training time competing with other females. I have just been so fortunate lately to continue to meet great training partners. (of course my all-time, bestest, up for anything, training partner has moved away...but I still bug her almost daily with the ins- and-outs of my life and training :)

Surrounding myself with great people is crucial- in life and sport. I feel that I am putting in too much effort to be around people that bring me down in training. And yes, those people do exist. I hope I am not one of "those people" to someone else. If I am, then I need to do better!!!!

I would like to end this by saying that I am sadly taping my shoes as the sole has come off. I used to do this in soccer when I was broke. I went online to buy some shoes last night....and hence the tape. I mean, holy cow....I can't believe how much cycling shoes cost! Even on e-bay? Even used shoes!!!!!