Fitness goals and a bike

Early in my 20's I set 2 fitness goals:

1) finish a 1/2 marathon before I turned 30

2) finish a 70.3 triathlon before I turned 40

Fitness Goal 1 - achieved. I finished the Indianapolis Mini Marathon before I turned 30 and continue to enjoy running 1/2's. No plans for a full...yet.

Fitness Goal 2 - a work in progress.

I'm 5 years into my 30's and the tri has been floating around in my mind, but honestly I've made little effort in attempting to reach that goal. Really, I'm just full of excuses. I don't have a bike. And if I did have a bike, the roads here are so hilly, where do you even begin? I don't have anyplace to swim during the winter and in the summer, I'm afraid of swimming in the lake where I can't see my feet. And besides, what if I'm taken out by a skier or worse a teen on a tube?

I shared theses goals with Jonathan years ago and he has listened to my excuses and maybe listened to them for too long, because when he recently sold his bike (too small for him) he gave me some of the money and told me to order a bike for myself. So I did and it arrived last week.

last week was crazy busy and I did well to find time to run in the early mornings. But this morning, I found time to run and ride. Thanks J for getting the boys up, fed and on the bus, so I could do this. I had an okay 6 mile run, my calf muscles are really sore and we ran a hilly route this morning. It was dark when we started and finished running, so I changed and waited for the sun to start to turn the sky from midnight blue to a lighter shade then I headed out. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to my ride on Wednesday.

This is what I learned & wondered from my first 14 miles on the road:

~ I don't like it when I'm passed by a semi

~ I want a girl seat

~ I live in a beautiful part of the country, something I say often

~ rolling hills are not too bad

~ people throw all sorts of things off the side of the road in AR, like stoves

~ I wonder if they make double padded shorts

~ I want a girl seat and pronto

~ I need a shoulder massage when I'm finished

~ I watch the sun rise most mornings and I'm a little sorry for those who do not

~ I don't like to pass chicken houses, ever

~ I said a prayer of thanksgiving for my health

~ Wow, I rode in two states

~ Athleta makes really cute sleeves (and a top that matches) and my arms were cold

~ I have to find a place to swim...at the very least a sprint tri is in order for the spring and maybe 2012 is the year I'll attempt goal 2.