Thanks so much to my pal, Karen, for taking us out on a preview of the IronGirl Atlanta bike course today. The race is happening in just a mere three weeks.Yay and oh, no!

Karen, SBM and Kim heading out!

This was my first day back in the saddle since broke-foot-a-palooza 2012.  The air was cool and I felt so alive, just being back on the bike!

Karen and Kim!

Even though the bike was painful and exhausting and I have a long road ahead, I loved being back on the bike.

A few observations:

1. While I felt great getting on the move and back onto my bike, I felt (and to my horror, also looked) like a giant stuffed sausage.  Time to put down the food (again and always…sigh.) Not only for aesthetic purposes do I need to lose weight… but there were some mean climbs on this course, and three weeks until the race…. if I could peel off, say… 1000 pounds, that would make the climbs easier.
2. This was actually my first ride with a “group” that did not include the Expert.  While I can say that I was probably holding the group significantly down, it felt great to spend an early morning riding with some fabulous ladies.  Next week:  Mountain Goat is coming too! Woot!
3.  We rode about 20 miles, and while it was difficult, I am proud to say that it is true: I have not “lost it all” with the broken foot.  Because the beginner triathlete in me could only do 8 miles on the first outing.  So… there’s something there. 
4. Seriously, the last climb on this course (around Mile 13) was crazy.  Crazy. I was sucking wind like a freight train, and Constance (my Garmin) didn’t even register my heart rate… I think it was too high for the watch.

I am looking forward to the race. Even though I will be walking the 5k (doctor’s orders), I am going to be so thrilled to have the energy of a race again. It’s all about the climb, baby. At least that’s what Miley Cyrus says… and we all know she’s a genius.

Thanks, Karen!

 Have a great week! Oh, and on the drive out… I couldn’t help but LOVE this!