Come on - that's all you've got?!?

It's summer.  I live in Iowa.  I know the drill.   It's all heat, all humidity, and usually some  sneaky wind.  That's the name of the game.

Today I found a babysitter to watch the kids and set off for a ride and run.  It was time to assess how much training time I need to find before the sprint triathlon at the end of August.  I was pretty excited to be able to squeeze a workout in except for one little detail - it was about noon.

When I got to the trail head it was 89 degrees with about 115% humidity. 

As I unloaded my bike - I looked up at the clear blue sky and thought...no biggee - been here before- I can do a little heat and humidity.

A mile or so in, I realized the 20+ mile per hour wind gusts were going to add to the test.  But yep, it's July in Iowa - hot winds are part of the package.

3 miles in, the dust of the dirt roads parallel to the trails have coated me and my mouth.  Hey, I thought - good protective layer since I forgot the sunscreen.

8 miles in, haven't seen another biker in about 4 miles - hum...I can't be the only crazy one out here right now.

9 miles - the worst part of the trail is a 6 mile stretch uphill, in full sun and today with a huge headwind.   I check to see how slow I am going and find that my odometer has checked out - either it too thinks its too hot for such nuttiness or I am officially to slow to measure my movement.

11 miles in, swerved for at least the 20th time to avoid the kamakaze bunnies that are determined to take me out  - (must be part of the farm team of the crazy deer that keeps stalking me)

13 miles in, downed the first water bottle that was as warm as bath water.

18 miles in, oh crap, just realized I must have lost my other water bottle. 

I finish the 25 miles and hop off and start on my run.  Pleased I didn't turn back early but also feeling the effects of 90+ heat, lots of humidity, too much sun, and tired from fighting with the win.   As I get to the turnaround of my run/shuffle, sweat pours into my eyes.  Damn that stings!  I look up at the sky and say outloud "come on, that's all you got".   And as if on cue, my tunes go dead - the battery is gone!  Geesh, no sense of humor today from above!  I pick it up a notch and hustle back home.  I did what I came to do and it time to stop tempting fate for today.

Today's bike and run tell me that I am not in the best shape of my life and need to find some time to get in a few more rides and runs.   But, it also tells me that I haven't lost my determination - I got something to start with! 

Photo on Flickr by annbananne

Comments

[Brian]

A sprint triathlon! I love triathlons, having completed my first two this year. The events have a great atmosphere, the people are nice, and you get a great all around workout. I admire your tenacity in staying with the workout in harsh temperatures.

I went out running the other day and tried to run in about 95 degrees, got four miles in and found each mile getting slower and slower. Of course it didn't help that I didn't bring any water. As it may be, I also was training for a triathlon and went and did an 18 mile bike ride in the same weather (I know, reverse brick, but it was the only time I could meet up with my friends).

Anyway, good luck with the tri training!

[Dan]

Congrats on keeping through the elements. I know how hard this heat can make getting your workout in. Keep up the good work.

[Brad]

Oh the wind! The wind can really get ya!

Speaking of crazed animals, do you ever get the red-winged blackbirds that follow you and chirp at you until you are out of their territory?

[Amy]

Good news in Iowa land - the heat has gone away for a few days. No excuses for crappy training now - just gotta chalk it up to my fitness.

Brad - yes, had the blackbird issue as well as dog's chasing me and the always annoying flies that won't go away.