18 Today!

I surprised myself today. After a very difficult week both physically and mentally (thanks, by the way, to everyone who wrote in with condolences, etc.) I decided I had better get back on the trike and continue to prepare for the big ride in October.

I had low expectations for today but thought I might stick to my original goal to increase my distance by one mile a week. That would mean pedaling 18 miles today.

Lately, I've had a few very low-energy days with even less tolerance for sitting than usual, so I was preparing myself for the possibility of going a mile or two and turning right back around. That didn't happen.

Normally these rides take the better part of an afternoon. I stop and get lunch. I stop and lie down–– several times. I stop and look at birds. I chat with people on the trail–– I ride a 3-wheeled conversation-starter, after all. And did I mention I stop and lie down?

When I reached the end of my ride today, though, I realized that not only had I done the full 18 miles, not only had I increased my best average speed, but I did it all with only a single 20 minute break.

Now I'm wondering if my ideal training program needs to include equal amounts of daytime bedrest, late-night insomnia and mourning. I hope not but I guess I've been doing something right lately.