Uphill Both Ways

You know that "When I was your age..." diatribe that our grandparents' generation is stereotyped for giving? The one that references walking to school "uphill both ways?" That's kind of how my weekend of training in New Hampshire felt.

Noah and I took off Saturday morning to spend a couple days on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, graciously hosted by some friends of his. Another couple on his tri team drove up, too, and the 6 of us spend the weekend, swimming, biking, and running around the area, in between great meals and funny conversations.

It was only my third time outside on the bike this season (maybe my 6th or 7th time ever), and while the chosen distance of 28 miles seemed harmless enough, I quickly learned that the local hilly terrain was more than I bargained for. Lucky for me, the girls I rode with were extremely patient, understanding, and helpful, and while there was no salvation for my poor quads and hamstrings, I did learn a few tricks that gave me a little extra oomph on the climbs. It was one of those workouts that is tough while you're in it, but then you feel really good about yourself when you're done. Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I joined one of the girls for a 10 minute run immediately after hopping off the bike (what's known as a "brick" in the triathlon community), then the next day ran another 9 miles on those curse-ed hills.

I never got in the water that weekend, but I guess I still have some time to get into a regimen. Although, after training in the same region my upcoming tri is in, I'm almost tempted to give my number away and stick to marathoning!