100 mile ride

I have completed my first century bike ride...never done before. I was so nervous leading up to it, especially with the crazy start to the week. My Monday turned into a rest day and my Tuesday turned into Monday. I started the week off with a tempo swim just to be easy before jumping into the motherlode workout for Wednesday.

My approach for the day was to treat it like a job. I figured I would be out there for 7 hours, so might as well just settle in and take it easy. I wanted to get lots of hills in because the IM CdA course looks very hilly to me. I started at 9:00, just after dropping the kids off at school and took off for Boulder. I did the Old Stage climb and went on up to Jamestown. It is so nice to be able to accomplish both of those things. I know I didn't set any records, but I got them done. I headed up to Lyons after that and did the Fruit Loops, while taking a break to eat a PB&J, go potty, warm up my feet, and get some water. It was a nice reprieve and I love it when I can feel my feet. After that I rode up 75th to Carter Lake and went up and over that route, heading home the same way. I added a couple little loops, including circles in front of my house, just so that my odometer would say 100 even. It did. Went at a 15.3 mph pace...not my desired, but whatever, it's done.

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but if I had to, I could have gone farther. Thankfully I didn't. My schedule recommended a 5mile run after, but I ran out of time. I had to take a power shower and boogie to get the kids from all the places I had farmed them to after school.

I was told afterwards by a couple of friends that they had prayed for me throughout the day. I am so grateful. I felt like the day was ideal...weather was perfect, my body and mind were solid, my plan was flawless. I just knew I was being lifted up and this was the experience I needed to give me the confidence I need to finish up this training. As I was climbing the switchbacks to Carter Lake at mile 65, I prayed, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Every pedal stroke was a word. It was a wonderful way to keep my mind off of the climb and just get up the hill. I will do my best to remember that one!

Today was an endurance swim, another "easyish" day before finishing up the week with all the other stuff, including my long run. I just have to say how nice it is to have that workout behind me...YES!