Thursday, June 3, 2010

Yikes! Stripes!

You know summer is approaching when the crazy stripey tan lines start showing up on the arms, shoulders, back, ankles and legs.

This, right here, is the result of a ride over the long weekend. I went to IL to visit with family. My mom lives in Effingham, which is 47 miles from my uncle, who lives on a lake in Olney. I decided to get some training in on some very flat land with a trip on my TT bike from mom's to uncle's on Saturday. 

Holy headwind! It's flat in south central Illinois, but damn is it windy! I had some demons to fight while riding. I literally screamed out loud at the wind at one point because it was just relentless. I'll take hills over wind anyday. The ride out (and against the wind) took me 2:16. And upon arrival, I ran down to the dock and jumped into the lake. That was followed by a beer, food, floating in the water, a ride on a jet ski, socializing with family...and then a ride back to Effingham. For perspective on that wind...it only took me 2:05 to get back, but the wind had died down (and no, it's not because i couldn't feel the benefit of a tailwind. i actually looked at the flagpoles). By the time I got back to mom's, I was beat! And Clubby and I laid down for a good night's sleep....

We awoke early the next morning to some crazy humidity. I mean, I checked the weather and it was 72 degrees with 94% humidity at 6:30 am. So, I set out for my run and decided that I'd just go as long as I could with the heat without hurting. I still had to drive to grandma's and then back home that day and I didn't want to be overly exhausted. Plus, I was just a week off TTT. I made it 1:15. with 4 water stops.

And then off to granny's for a visit. Meanwhile, the boy was back home meeting up with dad for a talk...more on that later.

Last week was just a whirlwind. And this week, while short, has been much the same. We're getting some crazy storms here now. And I just lost my toenail.

Other than that, I'm doing an Olympic tri at Deer Creek on Sunday. And then riding home from the race site (about 87 miles?). Some teammates are up in Quassy, CT doing the Rev3 Half this weekend. The following weekend, there is a 40k TT and I committed to a long ride after that with a friend. And the following day is Ride Cincinnati. Then the following weekend is a visit to CT myself and Father's Day! Big month. Lots happening!

11 comments:

Kim said...

A - in the first picture i thought you were sitting in a baby seat! nice job with that ride and getting that run in despite the winds and humidity. you are gonna kick butt at Deer Creek.

Missy said...

I'm with ya, wind can suck IT! It makes my contacts feel like pebbles in my eyes.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I HAVE THE EXACT SAME TANLINE RIGHT NOW!!!

One of my team mates said that the wind is your training partner, you hate this training partner, but it is the best training partner you will ever have.

I am thinking about Deer Creek, I signed up for the Wheelie fun series, I have to do 4 of the 6 races to get points, but last years exeperince at Deer Creek is still a BIG demon in my head, such a bad race that day.

Emily said...

My friend commented on my super hot racerback tan last night. I told her to get used to it...it's not going anywhere for the next few months!

Anonymous said...

busy month...good luck with all that...enjoy!

Tri-James said...

Love the tan lines.

Red Bike said...

Lol, same situation here.

(See my last blog post )
The question is are they a badge of pride or an embarrasment ?

Ryan said...

I always appreciate the high cycling sock tan line...proof to my friends that I really am out riding my bike.

Anonymous said...

Amanda--I was about 40 miles from you on Saturday trying to ride a century. Had to drop out at mile 58 due to a mechanical but yeah, the wind was terrible!

Red Bike--depends on the company you keep. Definitely raises eyebrows among the non-cycling crowd.

Ray said...

Hey the next time your in Illinois I'll be glad to show you the hills we have :) and as far as tan lines go, I miss the days of cycling gloves with the big circle cut out on the top of them. They made for an excellent "badge"

Lindsay said...

gotta love the wind! Sounds like a busy time. Love the tan line.