Back a little early, but still . . .

120 . . . I fell a bit short of the goal of 160; however, 120 is nothing to sneeze at and I feel terrific. I basically stopped because I was overheated and 120 was a nice round number and I was just done for the day, out of juice. Here are some pics from the day. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement. They meant the world to me and were fruitful! I am more than satisfied with my achievement.

So good to me . . .

Things have really come together quite nicely over the last few days. Unfortunately, I battled rain during my normal riding time on Tuesday and Wednesday (although, Anna protested, "MOM, it is the RAIN ride." Right indeed, little one, right indeed) so I did extra cardio at the gym and home, lifted weights, and picked up a spinning class last night. This morning, I was back at it early in the AM.

I took off around 5:35. It was foggy and the moon was shining brightly in the sky. That felt a little weird. But the foggy was at least patchy and lifted by the time I rode into the drive at 7:25 AM. Around mile 15, I got really hungry (agony, thy name is the smell of bacon cooking wafting out of someone's home). But I made it through all 26 miles without eating my arm. I did come home and cook a huge breakfast. I'm beginning the carb loading tonight with a large amount of pasta (whole wheat, of course) so I don't run out of fuel on the big day. I came home, fixed breakfast and packed lunch for everyone. We went to Anna's library class and then to the gym where I rode about 20 miles on the hill program (interval by the minute) on level 13. Very good ride, too although the scenery was a bit less desirable. I'll do the FIRM this afternoon as a regular part of regimen. Tomorrow, I'm laying off doing only about 10 miles and mowing the yard.

My mom sent me a $10 reward card from Dick's so I got a shirt and some gels. And then a friend of mine dropped of a very nice cycling computer today to encourage me. What a blessing on both parts. So I think equipment wise, I'm set. Just need to get my bottled water.

In other news, Sunday is Anna's 4th Birthday Party (the 18th is the actual big day) and so I'm a madwoman making sure all of our bases are covered before we leave tomorrow afternoon. Nothing like multi-tasking.

The Training, the Prayers, and the Vitamins

So yesterday's total was 22.8 and today's 22 even (both well under 2 hrs). I have a 26 mile path mapped out for tomorrow AM (please God, no rain!), trying to keep variety in my rides so I'm prepared for anything. :)

I went to Taste of Group Ex tonight @ Bally, my absolute favorite class there. I rarely miss it and B took Anna to VBS on his own so that I could go because he knows I love it. Because of that class, I've improved my jump roping, my running, my free weight endurance, my push ups (and we're talking the manly kind, no girly modified for me), and general well being. B says I have a girl crush on Kerry, the girl that teaches and maybe I do a little. But her class has really worked for me and taught me several exercises that I can do on my own, too. Plus there's just something about running suicides again like 8th grade basketball til your side hurts. Hopefully I'll be able to walk next week and won't miss the class, but I warned Kerry just in case.

My buddy Brodie called today and passed on several more good tips. He rode a double century earlier this year for the first time and had lots of wisdom for me. Always good to have the knowledge of someone else who's walked the same/similar rode.

My biggest challenge has been getting enough sleep since I get up so darn early and want to spend lots of time in the evenings with my hunky hubby. I need to mandate a bedtime, but I'm weak.