It was supposed to be a rest day for me. My last day off was 4 days ago and I technically didn’t really rest on that day. I completed two Runner- Core circuits which are full body strength training sessions designed to strengthen my non-running muscles. It’s tough. My last 3 workouts included hill repeats, a tempo run and an 8 mile run on Saturday. Today was also a rest day for my husband- he rode 60 miles yesterday hard and is racing tomorrow- so all he needed to do today was spin easy. The idea was to “spin” to the bike shop then head over to the market for lunch. We each had one of our children in a trailer and we were on our mountain bikes. So, we set off.

Our ride takes us immediately uphill past all the really expensive houses. On one side of the road is a cliff which overlooks the whole valley (reminds me of Tuscany- with orange groves instead of olive trees) and on the left the houses with architectural wonders such as fountains, horse property, Spanish style houses, massive garages, etc. Essentially, we climb for 7 miles. I knew I was in trouble 4 minutes from the house. I felt like I had 200 pounds attached to my bike and I couldn’t turn the wheels around even in the granny gear. There didn’t seem to be any difference carrying one kid or two. Shifted into the easiest gears, but, my legs did not want to cooperate.  My legs were on fire.  I asked if we could just ride to lunch – but- nope, had to get to the bike shop.   This was a “schlog”. I struggled the whole way so slowly…Heart rate was fine, just no power in my legs. Put my legs in slow motion and we got there eventually.  Husband commented at dinner that I couldn’t even spin.

I can remember a time when I used to get mad at my husband for “half- wheeling” me. When two riders ride side by side and one rider continues to “push the pace” by riding a half a wheel in front of the other rider- it’s called “half-wheeling”. Today, I was HAPPY when he pushed me! No competition when you can’t move your legs. Too bad, pushing us made his tire go flat, otherwise, I would have accepted all the help I could get.

Finally after almost an hour, we arrive at the bike shop. We were not there more than 2 minutes before my two year old had a COMPLETE MELTDOWN because I would not let him play with screwdrivers. Such a mean mommy I am. (apparently Dad let him on previous trips to the bike shop). We left as fast as possible.

So, now all I have to do is get to lunch. One half mile hill to climb and the rest is gravy……Slowly, I make it. I ask my oldest to sing to me, to count flowers, to spot trees, spot letters and numbers on signs, anything to distract him and me from the slow pace on the hill. YIPPEE, downhill, buckle up all hatches. Grab your blanket we’ve got 5 miles to descend.

Latte and chicken pita. Yum. 1300 calories burned, 1500 feet of elevation, 14 miles. So much for a rest day! It was a great family outing, though. First time in 5 years we’ve all ridden together for any length of time. Hubby wore shorts and jersey from 15 years ago and me, an old Terry skort and jersey. We looked very retro and kindof nerdy, but, we didn’t care. We were kind of laughing at each other. Ha ha ha- you have a half moon on your back! (Not cool in the cycling arenas to have your jersey not cover your back.)