Friday I did it! I rode my first 1/2 century. I actually ended up going 55 miles and averaged 15.7 mph. The fence you see here was at a farm in either Concord or Carlisle. I am taking a photograpy class so I decided to bring my camera on the ride. I am sure there were better pictures to take but I was hurting by the end of the ride. I was very happy to make the 50 miles and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. But it also showed me that 110 miles on the first day is going to be a big challenge and I have to step up my training. Friday my sister also came into town. I only get to see her a few times a year so it was nice to hang out, even if it was only for a short period of time. Saturday was a busy day and I did not have time for a ride.
Sunday was tough ride. I got in 35 miles and averaged 15.3 mph but it was a painful ride. It appears that my butt may need the most training. It was very uncomfortable sitting down. I did a nice ride through Boxborough, Stow, Lancaster and Harvard. There was some great climbing. At this time I think that the uphills will be my strong suit. Only time will tell. Monday I wanted to get another ride in but chores took over my day. This Saturday is Buddy's Bash so there will be no time for riding but on Sunday I am hoping to get a long ride in on Sunday with a group of people. It will be my first group ride so it should be interesting.

So last weekend was a big one for my riding. I got in back to back days of 37 and 39 miles. They were actually on the same course but I got lost on the second day! I have learned that there are all sorts of routes mapped out around Littleton and the surrounding towns. There are little symbols painted on the road. I saw a Pi symbol at the end of my road so I decided to follow it. The route took me through Westford, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Bedford, Concord and Acton. The first day was pretty fun. I rode a bit slower while looking for the little Pi signs on the road to see where to go. At one point I saw West Billerica Liquors and I couldn't believe I was that far from home. I was a great ride. The next day I decided to do the same route. Now that I had a vague idea of where I was going, I picked up the pace a bit. But I was a little careless and missed a turn that added two extra miles. On Sunday, Annie, Jordan and I went to a road race in Stow. Jordan got to stay with Grampy Gaebel while Annie and I ran. It was a 5K and we wanted to run 8:30 pace. I told Annie not to worry and just follow me. I would hit 8:30 at mile one. So much for my pacing prowess, we got to mile one and I checked my watch. Right on!! Not really, it was 7:57. I don't think Annie was happy but she soldiered on. Mile two was faster at 7:53 and we dropped off to 8:30 on mile three. We averaged 8:10 pace so I was very happy for Annie. I think she can break 8 minute pace by the end of the summer. Congratulations to fellow AB grad, Mark Mayall who won the race pretty easily.
Tomorrow I am hoping for my first half century (50 milier). Wish me luck.

It's been a while

Well at least someone was glad to see me return from my ride on Sunday.








First I would like to thank everyone that has donated so far. I have reached the $1500 mark in donations and promises. It has been inspiring to read peoples notes on their donations. THANKS!!!
It has been a great last week of training. Seven days and seven workouts. Four runs and three rides. The runs have just been an easy four miles before work. Just putting in some time.
The rides have been much better. On Thursday the 8th I went out after work to try to get in a thirty mile ride. Unfortunately, the daylight was not cooperating so I cut it short to 23 miles. I rode through the hills of Harvard Ma. It was great to get in an evening ride. On my way back to Littleton, I was on a back road and came upon three deer in the middle of the road. They did not know what to make of me and just stood there for a minute. Finally, they had had enough and darted off into the woods. I will have to start riding with a little camera so I can capture these moments.
On Saturday I went to the Cape with Annie so she could run the Irish Village Road Race. As you can see it was a nasty morning.

Annie ran awesome. Although the race results screwed her, she ran 44:55 and broke 9 minute miles. Not bad for a day where the wind could have blown over a small SUV. Jordan and I were a great support team. Once Annie got out on the course, we headed to the Pilot for a little "Finding Nemo" and a nap. Road races are so much fun!
After the race we headed to see Baby Donaldson. Very cute baby and Mom and Dad are doing a great job. I rode home from Lincoln via some back roads through Sudbury, Stow, and Boxborough. It was a nice ride, about 26 miles and not as many hills as riding through Harvard.
Sunday's ride was going to be a long one, but with Mother's Day and many chores ahead, I decided to go a little shorter but try to ride a lot of hills. I rode into Harvard again and over to Lancaster. It was a 30 mile day but the hills were killer. I had no problems on the hills but about 10 miles from home my body just quit. I was just riding to get home from there. I have to respect the hill work and take it a little easier on the days that tackle so many of them. Once home it was a nice Mothers Day celebrated with three generations of Mothers.
Congratulations to anyone who celebrated their first Mother's Day.