The Great Outdoors

Age did not discriminate for this ride. 

Nothing compares to training outdoors, no matter the weather. No indoor bike ride or dreadmill run can replicate the warm sunshine, slight breeze, fresh air, and vivid, constantly changing scenery. On the other hand, no indoor ride or run or even swim could simulate the gusty spring wind, constant mist, and uneven hills with which Mother Nature assaults us.

Nothing compares to outdoor training. 

And so, we took advantage of such opportunities last week. 

Tuesday night, as mentioned, via the wonderful technology of social media, Mr. T. organized a no-drop group ride. Optimal weather greeted us, or at least as optimal as we can hope for in southeast South Dakota in late March. We had temps in the upper 60s and low 70s and a slight south breeze. Because of the great variety of riders whom he anticipated, Mr. T. opted to send us on a north route with a few gentle rollers versus the south route with some constant hills. All in all, I'd call the event a success. Twelve people total rode. We even had our local bike mechanic come in case we had any problems on the ride. 

The rest of the week brought average training with the interruption of Easter festivities from Friday through Sunday. Mr. T. sent me outside for a quick mid-week run Thursday despite 25 mph gusts of wind. I came back feeling like I had accomplished more than just a three-mile run. I'm thinking we need to call this the "Mother Nature" badge of honor. 

Clearly RC has different elevation
than the east side of the state

We spent Friday afternoon through Sunday out on the west side of the state with Mr. T.'s parents, celebrating the holiday and generally watching the kids receive some grandparent love. Sunday after church and before we headed home, Mr. T. squeezed in his long run. Needless to say, the hills of Rapid City did not disappoint. 

This week will look much like other training weeks with a longer ride, run, and swim in this weekend and the basic workouts throughout the week. Mr. T. still continues to strength train, and this is yielding some genuinely positive results. It certainly isn't hurting. 

I'm continuing my own training as well, with more focus on strength than in the past. I'm also basking in the freedom of Spring Break from school this week, with the hope of putting in some good workouts and catching up with the income-earning job. Whenever I think things are hard, I just remember September 28, 2014.

It's crazy how one day can give a person the strength to do a million other things. 

When we first finished Ironman back in September and I tried to complain about basic life issues, Mr. T. always replied with the same line: you're an Ironman. Suck it up. 

More on sucking it up next week. . .