2000 Miles...

I had a great time this weekend with family in Monterey. My parents joined Aubrey, Mase, the twins, and I, and we had so much fun swimming in the hotel pool, going to the Aquarium, and hanging out together.

My 100 mile bike ride started early Sunday morning, 7 am. It was by far the most challenging ride I've had up to this point; there was a significant breeze, steep climbs, and I spent the better part of 6 hours cold.

The best part of the ride was eclipsing the 2,000 mile mark on my bike. I started counting late August of last year, and it was so encouraging to see the progress I have made. It's not the distance that's rewarding--it's the amount of stress reduced, the amount of fitness gained, and the amount of think-time enhanced by riding 2,000 miles. Being introverted and cerebral AND working with people all the time is a real challenge. Time on the bike has helped keep me fresh and focused throughout the year.

100 Miles...

This weekend my family and I are heading out to Monterey. On Sunday, I will be setting out to complete my second century bike ride. I love all the aspects of a 100 mile bike ride; the endurance, the mental focus part, the great sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing, the energy of cycling with lots of other people, and the pit stops. Unlike marathons, century rides have amazing rest stops full of energy drinks, carb stuff (muffins, breads, etc), and fruit. They make the 6 hours spent on the bike worth it.

I'm hoping to complete the race in 30 minutes less time than last year, but my ultimate goal is to have fun, soak in the scenery, eat well, and finish. And take a lot of pictures.

Also during the race I will eclipse the 2,000 mile mark on my bike for this year! That is so crazy to think about, but all those miles are the place where I pour out and leave all the stress of life. More updates next week.