Nostalgia.

I was listening to Hot Rize on the way to work this morning, missing the Birchmere. Then something about the music reminded me of the Rose River trail I used to love in Shenandoah National Park, and then I remembered sitting in the grass on the banks of some random river in the middle of Iowa in the shade of huge trees having a quiet lunch during RAGBRAI. I miss quiet times in the middle of nowhere. I'm wondering if it's something with the hormones making me think of all these random singular things that I clearly can't have right now. Or maybe it's that work's a bear, running is slowing down, riding is the slowest in years, and I'm in bed by 9pm every night.

I'm hoping we can ride some trail this weekend. Always the optimist, I have plans with groups for both days. Hoping. Hoping. (also: hoping to remember to fix that slow-leak I have on the rear tire before loading up tomorrow... must. remember.)

I ran 15 mi so far this week, steady. I felt strong today, but I have my days, for sure. Usually about 2 mi in something in the belly settles in and I suddenly have the urge to pee. I get jealous of Molly- she can pee anywhere she wants! - and the worst is when I have to pee and she stops and does it. Bitch. But as for the workouts, I'm hoping I can just keep going. Every week that passes and I'm still out there running is a really, really good thing. This morning I had a slight panic when I realized that my size M running knickers (no, not that kind of knickers) were stretching quite a bit to fit the belly, and I wondered if the morning sun at certain angles was giving passers-by a view of my butt that would be less than G-rated. I meant to ask Ben when I got home but totally forgot. (Ben, if you're reading this, remind me to put my running knickers on and hand you a flashlight.)