Our New Toy

Yesterday turned out to be quite a fun "training" day. A few months ago, Troy got this crazy idea to get a couple of mountain bikes for us to enhance our cycling addiction. In his infinite unselfishness, he sprung me with the idea that he was buying two bikes and the one he was buying for me would be my birthday and Christmas present (yet again, another act of unselfishness from my little brother). At any rate, the bikes finally arrived from order and we were antsy to test them out. Yesterday was to be that day.

Troy and I both had never been on a mountain biking trail but were eager to give it a shot. So Troy looked up some trails that were close by home and away we went. Not really knowing what to expect, we jumped on our bikes and rode off as if we knew what we were doing on the trails. We never gave it a thought that the trails might be for intermediate or advanced riders. We definitely paid the price - but in a good and fun way. Luckily, our bike riding wind and endurance came into play. Otherwise, we'd have never made it even close to an hour on those trails. It's a whole different workout and routine. It's much more upper body and strength based whereas road cycling seems to be more leg and endurance driven. I'm still partial to the road and the speed, but I can already tell that I'm going to love getting out there and exploring the trails and another sport that has challenged us. It's a great change from the norm.

Today's workout was a very intense and rewarding one. 45 minute swim this morning backed by a 25 minute run. It makes for a nice fit feeling for the rest of the day.



This is a rough shot of the new trail bikes made by Trek (we're partial and loyal to that brand).

Mundane Mondays

4:30 a.m.!!! Good lord! And on a Monday no less! Why can't every day be a Friday or Saturday? At any rate, this morning was no different than last week. Waking up at 4:30, get the twins to their swim practice, I swim while I'm there as well, then wait for them to finish and take them to school. They're committed to being a part of that team and I love and respect that. If it means me sacrificing some sleep in order for them to learn what it's like to be a part of something that takes some commitment and dedication, then I'm more than happy and willing to sacrifice for my girls.

This morning's workout was a 45 minute swim where I swam about 2300 yards. It was intense and good. Especially for a "slow to get started" Monday. My afternoon workout is going to be quite a fun one. Troy, in his endless selflessness, bought the two of us a mountain bike to further fuel both of our biking addiction. It was my birthday AND Christmas present and I can't think of something that I would've liked more (one day Troy, one of these days! I swear!). Anyway, we're going out on our first mountain bike trail here in Franklin. Troy found it online and it's right near our house and we've never even been aware of it. We're both excited to say the least.

I'll post pictures and video of the new gear and the trail after the jump. It should be fun!