Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Gunning for 1,000

Date: Aug. 28
Mileage: 41.8
August mileage: 853.4
Temperature upon departure: 57
Rainfall: 0"

August has been full of beautiful days that make me wonder ... is this the last day of summer? The last day of sun before the rainy season really sets in? Last year, August and September brought blocks of wet weather that had to be measured in weeks. Those long stretches of gray brought a sameness to the days ... as though not even time could pass through the thick fog. Then one day I woke up to the sun blazing high in a blue expanse I couldn't even recognize, and there was snow on the ground. Winter came, and no one even warned me.

But today, today was the last day of summer. Unobstructed sunlight failed to even warm the temperature above 60, giving the air a crisp, autumn-like taste. I spun through the school zone clocking at least 5 over the speed limit, nodding at sullen-faced teenagers as they shuffled past with their eyes locked on text messages and lips wrapped around energy drinks. It's the first week of school, and already we can't remember what we did with our summer vacation. All around us, the groundcover was beginning to die ... yellow edges curled the end of giant Devil's Club leaves, blueberries shriveled and fireweed clamped shut.

Today's ride was flawless, and for that I was silently grateful. I was so blissed out that I nearly forgot my place in time and space ... rushing to make it to work in time, knowing I could rush some more, then surprising myself with a lot of time to spare. It made me wonder if I have one more summer goal in me yet. Maybe I could ride my first 1,000-mile month. I have 150 miles to go and three days to do it. It's easy to visualize on the last day of summer, with its warm moments surrendering to nearly effortless miles. Harder to do when looking at the three-day forecast, with its 90 percent chance of rain and 15 mph east winds. But it would be fun to try; and what a way to ring in the rainy season fall.

6 comments:

  1. Go for the Gold! A good part of what you're preparing for is Mental. This would be a good goal to accomplish what you set your mind to do. I encourage you to balance the needs of the body, mind and spirit.

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  2. You'll never make it!

    (I am Jim's counterpoint).

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  3. I know you can do it. I have read about your recovery and your pains. I think you can do it - end this summer with a BANG! 150 to go - to say you did it in one month! I hope to read soon that you were able to finish!!

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  4. I've been wondering if you were gonna give the 1000 a go. GO FOR IT. 50 miles a day in the rain, no worries mate!

    "...the temperature above 60..."

    Geez, nowadays I don't even jump in my pool unless the water temp is over 67 F! I've turned into a wuss :(

    Anyways, go for the 1000 miles, do it on the roadie so you can just sit 'n spin with no pressure on your knee. No hurries an' no worries.

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  5. Jill,I know you can do it! And I am sure you will...you are so close:)
    That little rain won't stop you.

    ....easy for me to say, isn't it, but I have all the faith in you.

    Go out and RIDE, one pedal stroke at a time:)

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  6. jill
    you have the longest blog link list of all time
    guess it reflects your contact to the cycling world
    your list is long
    and well
    your posts are long as well
    and I have the disorder of the selfish blogger
    I write more than I read
    I came here to read
    but am realizing I have to go to bed
    but still wanted to say hi
    a big endurance race coming up this weekend for me
    looking for inspiration
    I told my kids my plan
    I am going to tape some photos of them to my stem
    my older son asked about when I go to make a turn
    I assured him I would be looking for the inspiration on the climbs
    when it is safe to glance at the photos

    time to log off
    time for bed
    well... log off
    finish this glass of wine
    then go to sleep

    -jg

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