Keep Calm and Try not to panic

Well, I've done it.  I've registered for Bike Across Kansas.  This is the 40th year for BAK and of course they went big.  I'm pretty sure this is the largest mileage map (547 miles) they've done, it's diagonal across the state.  But the good thing is that 3 of the over night stops are places that I won't have to stay in the gym (that's if Jason can't get the truck running).  I am a strange combination of excited and terrified.  I know this is mostly my brain freaking out.  Rhi told me to remember how much time we have until then and realize that what we are working on now is going to help later.  I think that all the hard work I've been doing will pay off as long as I don't let my doubts and fears control me.  It will be okay :) Take it one day at a time.

Procrastination at it's best

I'm procrastinating.  I should be working on my graduate work, but I don't want to...I will get it done, don't worry but I'd much rather write about my day that read 100 pages about technology and education.  Anyway, I am sore today.  All over.  It got better, but then we went driving through the Quivera Reserve for several hours and I stiffened up again.  I did get to eat at the Wheatland Cafe for the first time.  It was delicious, and I couldn't finish all my food but I wanted to.  When we got home, a nap was attempted.  However, a very grumpy miniature schnauzer simply refused to let us have a nap.  He grumbled, growled and generally made a nuisance of himself for about 45 minutes.  So we gave up the idea of the nap, and decided on bike riding.  We had discussed a 20 mile yesterday, and it was nice today.  So we ended up going 22 miles.  I broke my 10 mile record again, this time by a minute.  I had some help with a tail wind but I'm still happy about it.  Wind and hills still are not my best friend, but my general speed is more constant and I was still quite a bit faster even going against the wind.

One thing I do want to discuss is bicycling clothing.  First off it can be expensive.  I personally have fitted Danskin leggings from Walmart.  I say fitted because the loose ones catch in my chain.  Up until a few months ago, I didn't own a bicycle jersey, I now own two.  The Shebeest one posted last week and one Jason bought me off of ebay.  I would like to say it is not necessary to own a jersey, and they do run very small, not like regular clothing.  I also don't think they are the most form flattering things on the planet but the reason that I like my jerseys...POCKETS!!  They have pockets sewn on the back so you can keep stuff with you.  Today that meant tissues for my cold, and a snack bar.  I just think they are convenient and they are made of moisture wicking material which helps a lot.  Hate wearing a sweat soaked tshirt.  I guess my point is, you don't have to have the expensive bike clothes but they have their purpose and can be nice.

I'm posting my outfit today so that you can see what it looks like.  Now this jersey is one Jason bought me off of eBay.  I really like it, but it was short sleeved.  Shebeest has removable sleeves, which you see me wearing.  They don't slip and don't have any weird clingly stuff touching your skin.  However, I'm not sure if they'd be comfortable for someone with larger arms than me.  I know the elastic is tight so they won't slip but I wonder if I had thicker arms if it would be uncomfortable.  I don't feel them once I get them on, so they work great for me.

I'm babbling, I'm tired and now heading to a hot bath to help with my soreness and stiffness.  Until next time, enjoy the ride!!

Fun with Resistance Bands and Hula Hoops

I did something today that I would not have done a year ago.  I actually met Rhi at the gym to work out on a Saturday morning.  And I felt great about doing it.  Now Rhi told me that the ab work we did today will make me hate her tomorrow, but today I feel great.  While we were working out, we were investigating the resistance bands.  We both decided that we should research some exercises using them before we hurt ourselves just winging it.  While discussing this and in the process of putting the bands away, I managed to snap myself in the face.  Not my most elegant moment.  We also decided to do hula hooping, since it was Saturday fun day.  Turns out I can't hula hoop, I spent more time picking the silly thing than actually hula-ing. Anyway, it was good, even for a Saturday morning.

I also am so glad for the awesome weather we've been having.  Jason and I were able to go for another bike ride, a short one.  Jason was able to snap the pictures below as we were riding (not bad for just clicking over his shoulder). :)  It's supposed to be even nicer tomorrow.  Jason suggested possibly going for a nice long 20 mile ride if it's as nice as we hope.  I'm excited to be outside on these rare warm days, but I also know that Mother Nature is a tease, especially in Kansas where we have 60's one day and 20's the next.  I will enjoy it while I can though.  

  

Motivation is high

I feel so excited since Sunday's ride.  Seeing myself improve has motivated me to continue to work hard and push myself.  I've worked out twice with my awesome friend Rhi and even when I'm tired and want to quit, I remember the strides I've made, so that 30 seconds of jumping jacks isn't as bad.  I know that doesn't sound like much, but I hate jumping jacks....too much stuff moves, it's not pretty.  Any way, feeling really good about my progress and am motivated to continue.

Screen printing, head colds and improvements

It has been an awesome weekend.  I have figured out how to screen print using pantyhose. Had a few naps and the weather has been surprisingly warm for January.  Up into the 60's with the never ending Kansas wind.  So I decided to drag the husband out for a ride, even though I'm fighting a nasty sinus infection...cannot get my right ear to pop, and there are gross mucus issues.  So glad I went anyway!  We went south deciding to go with a cross wind, and I was pleasantly surprised at how fast I was going!  I've been doing weight training and indoor bike training to get better.  I've agreed to do Bike Across Kansas this year and decided I needed to train to become a stronger cyclist.  IT'S PAYING OFF!! I was able to go about 2.5 miles on average faster than my old average.  So excited.  I also got to wear my pretty long sleeve Shebeest jersey for the first time, I really think it did a good job of wicking away the sweat and was super comfy.  My only regret is that I didn't take tissues with me...ugh.  I wonder how I will do when I am completely healthy?! Totally Stoked right now!  I've added pictures of my screen print and my Shebeest Jersey.

Owl Screen Print "Just Wingin' It"

SheBeest Jersey