The Signs of Fall
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011Can ya feel it in the air? That crisp morning smell with the sun lighting up the fall colors that are beginning to show?
One of the highlights of fall, is I don’t have to worry about getting out early for a workout in order to avoid the 100 degree heat!
This past weekend I had some great training. I’m in my last big block of training as I gear up for Ironman Florida.
The weekend started with a “flat” ride starting in Watkins and heading east. I say “flat” because here in Colorado flat is hard to find. I was joined by 3 of my biggest supporters Kelli 1, Kellie 2 and Darla for the first 40 miles of a 75 mile ride. Here I am just starting out and spinning along on Black Betty
We rode and rode and then I rode and rode. The weather warmed up into the high 80′s. After the ride I threw on my Newtons for a quick, hard 30 minute run. And this is where it got interesting.
For some reason I had the bright idea that I would eat 2 caffeinated gels in the last hour of my ride and then a 3rd caffeinated gel right before my run (I was feeling pretty hungry!). By the time I finished my hard run, I thought I might pass out. The caffeine left me light-headed and not sure if I would fall over. That’s when I decided I should sit on the ground next to my car tire in the shade, while I waited to see what would happen. This was one of those times I wished I had someone else with me. I sat there, returned texts and waited it out, drank my chocolate milk (that helped) and finally felt well enough to head home.
All I can say is I am so glad I tried this “bright” idea while training and not during my Ironman! OMG….I never want a caffeinated gel again
I barely consume caffeine as it is!
I felt the effects of my “brightness” well into the morning of the next day. It wasn’t until about 1 hr into my 3 hr run on Sunday that I began to feel better. Ugh…all I wanted to do for that first hour was NOT run. But run I did and I think I ran myself back to feeling normal. The run was fantastic as always. Every time I run on the Highline I meet someone and we will run for a bit and chat. This day I got to enjoy the company of some new friends who I may end up running with next weekend too!
Monday rolled around I headed out to the Gravel Pond for my last open water swim of the season. It was absolutely breathtaking that evening. At this time of year the number of triahletes swimming has gone from 50 to about 15. It is so peaceful and calming. See for yourself!
I was joined by my training partner in crime Scott . He is always good for a bunch of laughs and kicking my butt! It was our final “swam song” for this season. I actually took a moment to take in the beauty and thank this wonderful body of water for all the swims I did here over the summer. GP- I will miss you until next May.
Yeap, the signs of fall are happening. Less athletes out and about, the colors slowly changing, the coolness of the morning air. I feel blessed that we are still having 70-80 degree weather here in Denver as I keep training for November 5th. I will be pleasantly surprised if most of my training gets to be outside and not indoors. Only time will tell!




























