Taking a break (Karen’s definition): Not running - Cross training, doing other things that does not include running to keep my level of fitness up.
The words “taking a break” have never been in my vocabulary besides the time I broke my foot while playing softball two summers ago.
Anyway, I decided to take it easy after the New Orleans Marathon. Running on an injury only makes it worse and I want my knee/leg to heal. I bought a bike back in January to cross train with and that bike has really gotten some use! I also experimented with new shoes so we’ll see how that turns out!
Since New Orleans (March 4th), I’ve probably only run a total of 15 miles and that’s just fine with me. I bike a lot more often now. I also attempted to ride a few miles really hard on the bike, then run a mile – OH MY GOSH I have no idea how tri-athletes do it!! I felt as if I was going to fall over for at least half of that mile! Besides bike riding, I’ve been doing a lot of videos and weights at home.
Saturday, when I heard that a few of my friends from my running group were running 14 miles, I had a bright idea! I knew that covering 14 miles on foot was a bad idea…but what about riding them? I could bring my BIKE! I text them to make sure it was ok and they agreed! YAY!
Our Saturday route took us to River Road….a gorgeous area that I love to run when the mosquitoes are not out! Lucky for us, Saturday morning was not bad!
I love love love this route because I love love love watching the sunrise over the water!! Gorgeous!
We saw quite a bit of wildlife on our route including birds and crabs. Heather commented that she always wanted to see a Gator and I’m not kidding you – we looked up and there he was!
Just lazily floating along in the water!
Good old Southwest Louisiana for you….we have gators and snakes and bears…oh my! Ok kidding about the bears…at least I think I’m kidding about the bears!
We also passed this so I had to take a picture:
These signs are ALL OVER TOWN. Josh Ledet is an American Idol top contestant this year. He’s from my town and it’s all anyone can talk about. I’m telling you, if he makes it all the way and American Idol comes for a hometown concert, I’m so going….. hehe!
Back at our starting point, these geese were mesmerized by their reflection in the truck! Too funny!
Heather and Andrea ran 14 while I biked. They joked that I was their “pacer”. Heather killed it with her time. Makes me sad I wasn’t running with her but that’s ok! We had a lot of fun!
Andrea ran her very first 14 mile run! I was super proud of her and she did a great job!!
We had a lot of fun on Saturday and I felt great after my bike ride. I wasn’t riding “hard”, but Heather kept a super beast pace so it definitely kept me moving!
Until running becomes an option again, I will cycle until my heart’s content! :0)
Have a fabulous day!
Haha those geese are funny. Think they are a little vain or just trying to make friends? :)
ReplyDeleteLove you definition of taking a break! I agree, I think running right after biking is ridiculously hard! Or vice versa!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time and how nice of you to keep your girls company! Glad you found a healthy, fun way to occupy the down time. I am hoping my husband will bike with me during marathon training so I'm not out for 20-milers by myself.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Karen! The geese are too funny.
ReplyDeleteI hate that feeling you have when you start running after biking. Major jello legs!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you were from SW LA until I read this post, and saw the gator ... I lived in Calcasieu Parish in the early 90s and again in the early 00's. Sulphur, Vinton, and LeBleu. Wow! I'm in Baltimore now, and your post made me quite homesick!
ReplyDeletethose first few photos are absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeletei'm trying to do more biking and less running too. unfortunately, the wind isn't cooperating...
Glad you enjoy the bike! I bought a road bike and the works and started riding with a group, but I don't enjoy it much at all. Very sad. I keep trying, maybe someday! Love the photos.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying your bike! Yes, those first steps off the bike on to the run can be so tough!
ReplyDeleteLiving in Texas we usually break out the bikes in May because it is just too hot to run. During the cooler months my wife rides next to me while I run. Great job on the crosstraining!
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