Bike Walk to Work

Here ends bike walk to work week. It was fun while it lasted! Technically it goes through tomorrow, but my commute then is 100 miles. The only walking I'll be doing is from the parking lot to the building. And there will be NO bicycling. I really did enjoy my ride home, and my legs aren't as sore as I thought they'd be. I do, however, have some unexpected discomfort, compliments of my seat. And while I'd love to say I'll be doing it again soon, that simply isn't practical. I did make a mental list of all the things I would change if I did it again. I am going to make a partial list here.

Change to a more comfortable bike seat
Bike more beforehand to be in better shape
Choose a route with fewer hills
Wear my blue running jacket, not the yellow jacket that kept getting caught on my seat
Leave things behind or don't bring them at all if possible (my lightweight backpack felt like a ton of bricks by the time I was done)
Cross the river as soon as possible or figure out the route more exactly farther down

That's enough to work on for now. I biked approximately 25 miles, not included some unplanned detours. That included several ridiculously steep hills. The trip took about 2.5 hours. Not a reasonable commuting time.
For now I'll continue with busing/walking and will also consider biking to the park and ride so I'm not using my car at all.

Did anyone else bike/walk to work? How did it go?

Go Ahead, Make My Day!

Yesterday I had a great 6-mile run. I killed two birds with one stone. It was the kickoff to Bike Walk to Work Day, the idea of which is to replace part or all of a car commute with walking and/or bicycling. I ran 3 miles to the yarn store, met my husband (who brought water and a wallet - he is the best man alive!), and bought some more yarn to make my first scarf. Hubby brought my things home while I ran the 3 miles back. It was a great idea that was executed well.

Today, Hal says I need to run 4.5 miles. That's why I hate Hal. Just kidding! I couldn't get by without his training programs and I love them. I didn't feel like running today though. I didn't have anything fun to wear and I had to map out a new route that goes farther than all previous routes. Very discouraging! I got over my reluctance and hit the pavement. While I was running down a small hill I saw someone approaching on a Rascal. I spent a lot of time worrying about whether I should move to the left or move to the right. As I went right and he passed he said, "Slow down! You're running so fast you're going to get a ticket : )" He had a big grin on his face too. Now, we all know that I don't run fast. Not even close. But what a nice thing to say! It was a great reward for overcoming excuses to get out and do what I know I need to do.

What's the nicest, or most memorable thing anyone has ever said to you while you were running?

Who Ordered the Sausage?

It is 70 degrees outside and that can only mean one thing for my run - wear shorts. Imagine my surprise when I put on shorts, looked in the mirror and saw two overgrown sausages where my legs should be, complete with cankles! Fortunately, I had a pair of capris in my drawer of running attire. I put them on and waddled my way through my run. How depressing!

WWYD? Would you go with the shorts and say you'll wear whatever you want, or would you hide the offensive appendages?

Is it Winter Again?

Every year we slog through at least six months of colder than desirable temperatures and snow, or threat of snow. When spring, or even signs of spring roll around people come out of the woodwork to get outside. Usually a few crazy dudes put on shorts once the mercury hits 40. The real exodus to the outdoors occurs, though, when we see our first week of predicted temps at or above 60. That time is now. Lawns are full, lakes are crowded, streets are packed with carloads of people itching to be outside. Windows are down. The workplace is full of sandals and short sleeved shirts. I myself thought it would be safe to wear cropped pants. Silly me. These same people who crave warmer weather, green grass, and sunshine also LOVE air conditioning. I don't understand why, and I never will. It's 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Not too hot, not too cold. But indoors, you'd think you were trapped in the arctic circle. My cropped pants are covered by a blanket, and I've had to put a sweater on over my long-sleeved blouse. It's time to face facts. I will never be able to wear cute spring and summer clothes indoors in this crazy schizo state. And a big, figurative sock in the chops to all of you who complain about winter, then get on the horn to facilities management to complain about a lack of freezing cold air conditioning. Shame on you!

Mega Fuss

When they wanted to go somewhere they tuned in, dropped out, and rode the Magic Bus. When their kids want to go somewhere, they actually go somewhere. To do it, they take the Megabus.   I'm guessing their parents must be curious about this megabus business.  So curious that they park in no parking zones, wait in their vehicles at the bus stop, and drive the wrong way down the one way just to get a glimpse.  I would have included photos of all the cars blocking the crosswalk but I'm not ready to experience baby boomer road rage at 6 am.  Especially after my 2.5 mile walking commute.  I have to admit, though, that I'm a bit curious about the megabus too.  Does it really cost only a dollar?  What's it like to sit on the second level?  Where does it go?  How does it get there?  Does it make any stops?  Are there helicopter parents in Milwaukee and Chicago?  Maybe someday I'll find out.  If so,  I will definitely share all that I've learned.  If you're curious too, be sure to tune in and find out!

Google Me This

So there I was, well, not the real me, but the Google representation of me, looking in all directions to see what this place would look like when the real me arrived. I needed a 3.5 mile route, and I wanted a relatively flat out and back. I mapped my way out 1.75 miles, but I didn't end up being close to an intersection. I clicked the street view hyperlink and was shown exactly where I would be, and what it would look like. There was a little person there to show me where I would be standing and which way I would be facing. When I finally arrived, in person, I recognized the place instantly. Now if only I could have clicked another hyperlink that would have told me I was going to be pelted with tiny bits of hail for a minute or two, I really would have known it all! But then again, who doesn't like to run in rain and hail?

I Like Shoes

This is not my entire shoe collection.  But as much as I like shoes, I detest shopping for running shoes.  I hate the incessant changes running companies make to their shoes, so that I can't continue to wear the same model from one year to the next.  I can barely handle the fact that my feet have gotten so big.  Worst of all, the availability of the shoes I need and the quality of service has been hugely disappointing.  Fortunately for me, I belong to a running club that gets discounts from various running stores.  My husband kindly looked up what those stores are so I could take advantage of the discount.  A necessary step, in this economy : )  Imagine my surprise when, upon entering Gear Running Store, I received some of the best service I've ever received anywhere, ever.  The salesman was kind, knowledgeable and friendly.  I walked out buying a brand of shoes that I never would have imagined myself wearing.  The man who helped me asked questions, listened, and gave me all the time I needed to make my decision.  I'm so far very pleased with my purchase, and happy to be excited again about shopping for running shoes!

www.gearrunningstore.com