Back from vacation, though some wouldn't call it that! You are suppose to relax on vacation, aren't you? As I mentioned before we planned on riding our bikes on the Hiawatha Trail in Idaho. It's a 15 mile bike trail one way on an old railroad bed at a 1.6 percent grade. We started at the bottom and went through a 1.77 mile tunnel at the top, didn't like that part, it's pitch black, have to let your eyes adjust to the dark. As I was attempting to ride I started to panic, which caused me to weave from side to side then I was worried about hitting the ditch or the side of the tunnel. I wasn't sure whether my slight balance issues, the darkness or my fear was causing the most problems for me, I'm guessing it was a combination, I did noticed that my mind played a big part in it and when I decided I was the only one that was going to get me out of there I rode better. At first I decided I would walk my bike, no hurry because I was on vacation. I was thinking it was only a mile which meant about a 20 minute walk, then I remembered it was almost 2 miles, didn't like the thought of being in the tunnel that long, I'm claustrophobic. About that time I noticed that I could see better, eyes adjusted to the dark, so I got back on the bike and started to get the heck out of there. Was so relieved to see the end of the tunnel. We ate some jerky and fruit as we rested at the end of the trail. Then I had to go back through the tunnel, it wasn't as bad that time because I knew what to expect, but I still didn't like it. When we got to the end of it I had a great feeling of accomplishment because I knew that if I hadn't pushed myself to ride more and try new things before our vacation I wouldn't have made it through the tunnel or up the trail for that matter. I really liked the rest of the trail, beautiful scenery. Took some great pictures! Don't know how to post them, should have paid attention when others were told how to do it.
Two days later we biked on the Coeur d'Alene Trail. The bike trail is also built on an old train track bed but it's pretty much level unlike the Hiawatha and it's paved where the other trail is packed rock. We rode 15 miles and back from our campsite on Thursday, some other riders told us about a moose they saw by the side of the trail so we kept our eyes peeled. I spotted him crossing the trail then my husband heard him jump into the river. We watched him swim across and go up the bank, when he shook you could see the gallons of water come off him. We rode into a small town for supplies on Friday morning. In the afternoon we rode over to the Old Mission which is the oldest building in Idaho. On our way back we found a Geo-Cache. Don't know if any of you have heard of them or not. You use your GPS to find treasures people have hidden and you go on the Internet to get a clue as to what and where you are looking for it. We got a travel bug from the Cache we found, it has a special number on it and you go on the Internet and find out where it has been and then you put it in a cache you make or in another one you find. This one started out in Montana. The cache we found had been hidden since 2005 not sure how long the sport has been around. You sign your name in a notebook so you can read who was there and when. Lots more details to it if you really want to get into it. You can get a lot of exercise and have fun while doing so. Since we found the cache on our bikes we are going to hide the travel bug while on our bikes so others can do the same. Anyway, that day we totaled 27 miles for a total of 97 should have ridden 3 more for a nice round 100.
Soundy - I understand shifting the thoughts to motivate you, that's what I did when I was in the tunnel, thought about those on the board that have problems riding a bike at all, figured I could push through it just to see what one can overcome.
Cindy - You and others have mentioned using the buddy system to keep you going. My husband started riding his bike to work during Bike to Work week and has been riding by himself every day since then, 12 miles one way, don't know how he does it. Thanks to him I started riding so we could ride together on vacation. I love riding now, was scared and wobbly at first but now have the need for speed, the faster I go the better I feel. Just after my surgery I needed someone holding my hand when I left the house, I've come a long way baby!
Pat - Glad to hear you're still doing the marathon's is that both biking and running, I've read lots of your posts but right now my memory isn't doing me justice. Perhaps I'm still tired from biking, he, he. I can't imagine doing a marathon run, walking is about it, but perhaps one day a bike marathon.
Keri - From what I've read you are doing pretty well with your marathon training so there's no need to yell at you, however, if you need some inspiration for your daily runs on your own I'm sure I can help you out, just let me know. For now I will just let you find motivation in reading what everyone else has been doing.
We are having wonderful Fall weather so I've been walking the dogs, tomorrow I get back on the bike, hope everyone is having great Fall weather too so you can do whatever it is that make you happy! Jill
