Bike to Work Day and trail running!

Today was Bike to Work Day - of course, it's Bike to Work month, but today's the day that companies do cool stuff for cyclists - like feed them breakfast and give away a bunch of stuff!

So John and I biked in from the kids' school (actually, I biked from home to the kids' school, because there isn't enough room in the new car for two bikes, two kids, and two adults - we haven't gotten a rack yet). It was a really good ride - I was surprised how good my legs felt, even up the big hill, and generally felt strong and happy.

I rode the tri bike with the new (pink) Speedplay Zero pedals. It was really, really hard at first to clip in (though easy to get out). Eventually I got it so I could get in right away - you kind of have to twist your foot down on the outside and hope something catches. Supposedly those pedals take a while to "work in" - but I think after today's ride I'm feeling confident about riding it in the city (where you have to stop and start a lot). I wanted to first do a ride alone or only with John, who wouldn't get annoyed or drop me if I was slow to begin again after stopping at lights or whatever because I wasn't clipped in.

So Microsoft did a big breakfast, and John joined me for it. Starbucks Verona coffee. Yum yum yum. And a breakfast sandwich, and some fruit. Plus some food in bar form for later.

The morning was sunny but kind of cool; maybe in the high 40s. I only got warm going uphill. But by noon, it was in the mid-60s and gorgeous. I had brought my running shoes and clothes all the way from home in my backpack (in addition to my work clothes; thank goodness I had work shoes already in my office!), so I decided to head out for a noon run (and thereby finish all my run hours for the week! Yay!).

A co-worker joined me, so we headed up the hill-repeat hill, then beyond it to Bridle Trails State Park. The park is pretty much a rectangle, so even though I don't know where all the trails go, I know what streets border the park, so I figured I could find my way back to work eventually. My co-worker had never run in Bridle Trails, but promised he had a good sense of direction.

We ran west, choosing paths that seemed the most west and north, since we entered the park on the southeast corner. I just love running in there - there are little hills you scramble up and down, and twisty-turny paths that really activate all the muscles in your legs to keep you stable. I don't like the greater risk of turning an ankle or whatever, but it's actually worth it. Plus, it was a lot cooler in the park with all the tree cover. By the top of the hill-repeat hill, I was HOT.

We made it to the official park entrance, which is approximately at the northwest corner of the park. Then we headed on a different path back. Part of the fun was not knowing exactly where I was; it's so easy to get turned around in there and not be sure which direction you're going. There are marked trails, but I don't think they're marked well - plus they don't go exactly where I wanted to go.

I was just so happy running on the trails. I need to find a trail marathon to do. Plus I need to learn how to run 100 miles on trail so I can do the Western States Endurance Run. (Yes: I do think that wanting to do Western States qualifies me for being insane.) I also think I run faster on trail than I do on pavement. Maybe it has something to do with the uneven terrain - I don't get into a rhythm that progressively slows the longer I'm out, because I'm always jumping and twisting and just moving in more interesting ways than the sidewalk allows.

Anyway, it's like six hours after running and I'm still on a runner's high. What was I saying a few weeks ago about being afraid to run? WHATEVER!!!