it's ok, it just takes a while.

As usual, we went out for some red loops at Kettle while waiting for the group to assemble. Halfway through that short 1mi loop, I was already wondering if the ride was a good idea. It was a super easy trail but I was breathing hard. I was off the back from the start since I stopped to tell Amy we would be right back, but it was just painful. I was on Jen Mosley's Santa Cruz Juliana and it felt all smooshy and I couldn't stand and climb without feeling like the bike was eating half my effort. I was thankful for its cushyness, though.

I'm learning that the first thing I feel on any ride or run is like I shouldn't be there. The slowest paces and tiniest hills have turned into huge efforts and I just can't do what I used to. I can't help but think part of it is because I'm not doing intervals or speedwork, but much of it is certainly having to support the 10" alien. It's frustrating. I never had to warm up much before. Now it takes my body a good 20-30 minutes to get into a rhythm and stop feeling so damn awkward. Even then, I'm slow.

Either way, Saturday's ride was pretty sweet. We split into a group of fast guys and then the women and children- -they did the full 30mi but we stayed in the Muir trails. Evan fell off the back of the rest several times and he and I pretty much rode as buddies. He did way better this time than he did last time. We followed the ride with a pretty fun picnic and it was just the day in the woods I needed.

More importantly, though, Audrey's home! I scored some tickets for the beer party at the Half Acre Brewery next weekend and was so thrilled to remember that Auds can come with! WOOT. More pizza, more good times to come.