100 Mile Weekend

Last weekend was a busy one. On Saturday we went out to Westfield to see the track be dedicated to the man above, Jerry Gravel. It was an incredible ceremony, WSC has really stepped things up. Because of the day at WSC there was no time for a ride. On Sunday, I headed out early. I didn't really have a loop in mind and just headed out towards Carlisle. I ended up traveling through Westford, Acton, Carlisle, Concord and back. It was a casual 30 mile ride. I had Monday and Tuesday off from work so I figured I could get some rides in.
On Monday I got in 50 miles. I headed out through Ayer and Shirley. This time I followed symbols on the road. Once I got out to Shirley I started to get a bit nervous. It was a beautiful day but I wasn't really sure where I was and how quickly I could get back. My plan was to ride 40 but once I figured out where I was it ended up being 50 and the last 10 were through the hills in Harvard. Actually this is a good thing because it will help me get ready for the Harpoon ride (I am riding from the Harpoon Brewery in Boston to the Harpoon Brewery in Vt in late June). After the ride I was sore for the first time this year. I may have been a little dehydrated due to the temp spike. I think it got to about 90 degrees.
On Tuesday I went out for another 40 miles. I was a little sore from Monday, especially my butt!! The ride went well but was a little slow. After the ride I went out to ask for raffle prizes for Buddy's bash. I have to say that the places I stopped were very generous.

Beautiful Weekend

It's been a while and I will start updating weekly. I had some pictures of the Jordan's first big easter egg hunt and wanted to post them but none came out that well. Last Sunday I got out for a cold 28 miles. I felt great on the bike but it was just a chilly ride and not as enjoyable as the rides in June and July. I rode the hills of Harvard and Stow. I figure that the hills are the best way to get back into shape. After the ride we went to Plymouth to celebrate Easter. We had a great easter dinner and Jordan got to see a live (easter)bunny in the front lawn. During the week I got in a couple of runs and a couple of yoga classes. I had my first run in the woods of Lincoln. I ran over to Walden Pond and back. I haven't been in those trails since the night before Jordan was born so it was a little bit of a weird experience. I hope to get in there twice a week now.
This weekend I got in my first back to back rides. On Saturday I rode 35 miles through Harvard, Stow, Boxborough, and Littleton. It was the first day I could be out in shorts and it felt pretty good. On Sunday I just rode a quick 20. I rode through Westford Chelmsford, Carlise, and Concord. It was another good day for a ride but not as warm as Saturday. After the ride we went out to Johnson's Drive In in Groton for lunch. Nice day to eat outside.

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!

Here is my first post for the 2009 PMC training log. Much has happened since my last posting. But the most important thing is that I signed up for the PMC again. This year I committed to raising $4200 so it will take a little more work on and off the bike. After a winter of getting fat I have been back on the bike, doing a little running, and even added a day of yoga to my routine. Two weeks ago I took my first ride. Just an easy 23 miles, averaging under 15mph. It was a great way to start the season and a nice little shakeout of the legs.
Yesterday I got out for my second ride. It was actually broken up into two segments with a friendly shuffleboard game in the middle (don't ask!!!!). The first segment was a 22 mile ride from Littleton to Stow via Boxborough and Harvard. I averaged about 16 mph and really enjoyed being back on the bike. I was bundled up with gloves, long pants, two shirts, a jacket, and a hat under my helmet. I am looking forward to riding when it gets a little warmer out!!!. After shuffleboard I rode straight home. It was a 12 mile ride and I averaged 16.8 mph. I was riding as fast as I could as I had to get home to get ready to go out to a fundraiser in Gardener. The ride was tough and it started to drizze a bit. Not what I needed during an early April ride.
The fundraiser was a great time and appeared to be a huge success.
Today I ran the Doyles road race in JP. It's one of the best races in Mass. I ran 37:30 for five miles. Nothing to write home about but pretty good considering my current state of fitness. Gotta get out on the roads more often.

"It takes a leap of faith to get things going
It takes a leap of faith, you gotta show some guts
It takes a leap of faith to get things going
In your heart you must trust
-Springsteen "Leap of Faith"