Preparing to Swim in the same River Twice

Accidental selfie--
taken on every bump in the road 
on yesterday's ride!

I wanted a repeat of last spring.  I wanted long rides with my husband and cycling club.  I wanted the excitement of anticipating race day; and let me admit it, I wanted the weight loss I experienced last year.

Few of these experiences have come to pass.  I am enjoying long rides with my club, and I love it; but my husband rarely gets to join us.  My race training is slightly less thrilling than last year, and I'm up ten pounds.  I'd like to claim it's all muscle, but I'd be lying.

A Sunday Novice ride with my son, Denver.

Heracleitus said we "can't step in the same river twice" (Of course, he said it in Greek).  I realize I've been trying to do just that-- repeat last year.  This year's training experiences are different.  Still good, but different.

One change is my focus: I've begun thinking how fun it would be to share the triathlon experience with others.  I've been offered the opportunity to coach, and I'm going to take it.

Riders seeking sustenance at Rest Stop No. 4
at the Tony Serrano Ride. 
It was a joy to meet every one of them!

Another surprise, I became president of my cycling club this year.  An even bigger surprise is that I love being more involved with our riders and supporting the growth of the club.  Working as a volunteer at the Tony Serrano Century was incredible!

Baking Pumpkin cookies for
the Tony Serrano Ride.

Another unexpected change is that I've fallen out of love with running (temporarily, I hope.  We're in counseling ;-).  And my nemesis and I are more than just friends--I'm passionate about swimming-- some would say obsessed (Amy Benton).  

I'm happily training and looking forward to race day, but it's less mysterious now.  I know if I have a good day, I'll be faster than last year.

Sneaking a kiss from my son after our ride.

Dominic and Eddie on our last ride together before
Dominic's move to Philadelphia.

A rare opportunity to ride with (almost) the whole family.

What I don't know is what this quiet, rainy day will bring, or the days that follow it.  This admission is hard for an organized, goal driven control freak like me to admit.  Today will be a rest day.  A be grateful day.  But maybe . . . if it stops pouring . . . a long run day.