Sufferfest

Man, today's 8 mile run was just brutal. It was pushing 90 outside, and I turned back after 5 minutes to grab a water bottle. It was still a really rough run. I don't think I was 100% prepared hydration and nutrition wise, but I can usually get through it. I think the roughest part is that on the way back, there is a very long false flat, and that combined with the heat just smoked me. I'm glad I got this run in, as I think this will be similar to the conditions in the Long Course, so I just need to learn to stay cool, and push through. Once I got through the false flat, I took off my shirt which cooled me off a LOT, and I just hammered through the last mile or so feeling rather strong. Lessons to take with me.

Yesterday was one of the best bike rides I've had all summer. It was the type of ride that makes me realize why I love cycling. Crystal blue skies, 68 degrees, got on the roads by 8am, so they were just empty. Gave me a lot of time to be in my thoughts, thinking about the 4th of July and all the sacrifices people have made to allow me to get out there and enjoy the freedom of the roads. It let me pretend for just a few minutes that I was on a break at the Tour de France and that the Peloton wasn't going to get me. It let me take a check and realize how lucky I am that I won the genetic lottery by being born in the US - even if I disagree with most of our politicians and the way we handle ourselves in the World. It's pretty awesome when you can just get lost in your thoughts that way.

I hope all 3 of you that read this had a fantastic 4th, and I hope you have a great Sunday.

E