Been off the training schedule this year–a combination of scheduling issues and distractions. Realizing, however, is less than 3 weeks away, I have been pushing myself–50 miles Thursday, including a round trip to Salem, and Saturday, an 80-mile loop from Dorchester to Milton, Canton, Sharon, Walpole, Medfield, Sherburne, Natick, Wellesley, Weston, Lincoln, Concord, Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, Cambridge, and back to Boston. Phew. The last 20 miles were pretty flat, including the 10 miles of the Minuteman Trail, but the first 80 had some decent climbs. Good for training, tough on the legs.
Good news is, no permanent damage. But I need to keep pushing–next weekend, a 100-mile ride (my “H2B century,” covering the 9/14 ride route to Plymouth, then back to Boston along the coast).
What keeps pushing me? Ego, of course. I have to do this again. And knowing the causes I am supporting are providing desparate services, advocacy, and research. And of course, the wind beneath my wings are the family and friends who support my ride. (Does that include you yet?)