Gym work, slight pumped swagger and weekend rides

Hit the gym for some upper body work at the end of the day. Ouch, I’m not getting any younger, and I ache like a son-of-a-gun! But it hurts so good, right? Pecs, delts, traps, biceps and triceps. But that pumped-up feeling after the workout was kinda cool, and the muscles were hard. So I took off my t-shirt and strolled back to my truck wearing my sleeveless shirt and a slight swagger in my step…”Hey, if you’ve got ‘em, show ‘em!”

Slept like a baby Thursday night, thanks to the workout and oh yeah, (shhh) the two beers I drank in my neighbors driveway!

Friday morning, bounced out of bed at 6 am, hit the neighborhood for 15 miles. “Howdy” to all the neighbors. Exchanging a few “passing” words with a couple of them now, joggers and a lady pushing her baby in a stroller. No, DeAnna, no monster cat today!

Also, I might be new to riding, but I’m not slow in learning the best approach, nor am I reluctant to take advice. As a result, I am pushing myself to use the more efficient bigger ring as often as possible. I noticed how much smoother the pedal stroke was, and how much further you can travel with a little less exertion.

The 15 miles went by quickly, which I think took about 65 minutes. Which makes me feel good, since I seem to have picked up some mileage with little loss of time! By my calculations, my mileage is now up at 91.35 miles since starting my riding last Saturday. So, it’s taken me 6 days to accomplish the mileage of 1 day for the Valero Bike to the Beach…! Er, gonna have to do something about that...

Had intended hitting the gym again today (Friday), but computer system problems at the office saw me and my colleagues staying later than I had planned. And there were some “honey do” things I had to take care of.

SATURDAY: I’ll be out and about in the MS Society’s Toyota Tundra, which is covered in bright graphics promoting the Valero Bike to the Beach, over the weekend so look for me and say “hi.” I’m riding out of Leon Springs Saturday (8 a.m. wheels down) at the elementary school near Rudy’s BBQ. Riding to Boerne with the HOLT CAT team and captain Bob Harwood. I’ll be wearing HOLT colors, so look for me in the yellow and red jersey. This could be my toughest ride yet, especially if we hit Toutant Beauregard Road…the up-hill direction!

Also working with my buddy, my first coach Pete Templin, to ride Sunday. Possibly out of Bullis County Park. Remember, that was my Wednesday ride, and my first experience of rolling hills. I’ll be wearing my Team Qantas jersey on Sunday.

If you want me to wear your team’s jersey, I’ll take a photo to send back to you (and return the jersey if you want (washed), contact me (tralf@nmsslonestar.org). However, I’m fundraising, so it’ll cost you a $50- per-jersey donation to Pauline’s Last Hurrah.

C ya on the road…!
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