run, swim...

RIDE! Over the past few weekends, I’ve raced in a half marathon and a masters swim meet… this past weekend, it was time to get out on my bike. No, no cycling race – just a fun, long day of training (with some intervals thrown in for good measure).

Since we’ve been experiencing warmer-than-normal temperatures here in SC, I was able to ride in shorts – lighter weight gloves – no shoe covers… and I felt free. The bike felt amazing, my legs turned over with ease, I found myself smiling. I realized, again, how much I enjoy cycling. The time/miles passed quickly. Honestly, it felt so good that I tried to capture the moment: to create a memory I can recall once the intense, exhausted, hot, tired summer months kick in.

It was 74 degrees here yesterday. Today, the high is 73 (with rain – almost spring like). I ran in shorts/short sleeves… in the morning… on February 6th! Life is good. The weatherman tells me that the temps will fall back down (high 50’s), but for now… there is nothing to complain about.

Now, more on the topic of cycling:

I’m sure many of you also have coworkers who question your “outside-of-work habits”. The running into the office w/ wet hair & goggle marks, collection of water bottles on your desk, face pressed to the window on a sunny/warm day, closing your office door to stretch… not to mention everything that comes with difficult training days: limping down the hall, falling asleep on a conference call, running out the door at the end of the day – just so you can go get on your bike and ride until the sun goes down.

I know my coworkers think I’m a bit on the crazy side. As proof, I’ve compiled a short list of quotes from Rachel (our Healthcare Services Coordinator, who is from OH). After seeing a few triathlon race pictures, here are her comments:

- “Ashley, do you have a tattoo on your shoulder?!” (in the pic, you could only see part of my body-marked number)

- “swim?... what? You were swimming this morning? Wasn’t it cold?” (I then told her I was lap-swimming in an indoor pool) “oh, right… did you wear one of those rubber thingies on your head?”

- “My husband and I love to make fun of those people who ride their ‘serious’ bikes through our neighborhood. Where do you guys find such ugly, bright, tight fitting stuff to wear? Actually, it kinda makes sense that people in South Carolina would wear that… I mean, Nascar is huge. They wear ugly, bright, tight clothes to those races too.”

- “do you wear one of those sperm-hats when you ride your bike?” (referring to an aerodynamic race helmet)

- “Ashley – you’re just not right”

Some people will never understand the world of triathlon – and that’s ok.
Be crazy – train on!