Summer kick off

I kicked off July with a fantastic week of training. Although my next triathlon isn't until September, I'm still biking and swimming as normal to keep in shape, but my main focus for the month is running. Ragnar Northwest Passage is less that 2 weeks away and I get to run 24 miles of the 190 mile relay. Yikes.

Went to the beach for the 4th

A couple notable things happened this week, first off, SUMMER came to the Pacific Northwest. It's been sunny and warm (almost of the verge of hot for me) for the past week and the forecast isn't looking to change for at least the next 7 days. If you know anyone from this area you know that there really is no place better than the PNW when it's sunny and warm out. 

My favorite sunny day activity

Secondly, I got back to the track. The last time I "ran fast" (sub 8) was during the Fremont 5k, June 8th. I crashed the next day and that plus traveling, plus tapering for Lake Padden put speed work on the back burner for awhile. Coach put it back on the schedule and I took it pretty easy doing 8x400 @ 1:50. The legs felt sluggish and heavy, but what's to expect? Speed work is all about consistency, so I expect to feel better on the track again in a couple weeks. 

Lastly, the Tour de France has me all giddy about bike riding. Seriously though, have you been following? I've watched all the stages and get so pumped to get out and ride. During one stage, I was on my trainer watching it on my computer and I was trying to match my cadence with the men riding. Couldn't do it. They have such high cadence and can maintain it at high gears. I guess that's why they're pros and I'm not. :) 

And even more motivating is following the Reve Tour. Talk about a dream come true for those ladies. If you don't, you should follow Heidi Swift on Twitter and check out her posts on Peleton Magazine's site of the adventure these ladies are on right now. I know what they are doing is testing their limits, but I would drop anything and everything to do something like that. 

I was able to drive up to Bellingham today and ride with a group of awesome ladies, including Meghan (yay for meeting internet friends in real life!). The ride couldn't have been more perfect. 60 miles, sunshine, good company, legs felt alright, and delicious beers and burritos at the end. I hope I can get in some more rides with these ladies. 

Meghan and Laura

yours truly

Hope you had a great 4th and have kicked your summer off in a sweaty way