Monday, March 22, 2010

Weekend Wrap-Up and Look What I Got!

First things first, look what I got!



Here's what she looks like up-close.



I didn't want a mountain bike, but didn't necessarily want a road bike either, so hybrid was the way to go. I decided on this one because, well, it was the prettiest bike in the store. What can I say? I was just looking for something to ride casually and leisurely and it seemed like a good fit. It's super comfortable and I pretty much smile like a goofy kid as soon as I get on.

Hubby got himself a road bike, which is what inspired the bike shopping to begin with. Needless to say, I couldn't let him have all the fun.

***

In other news, I ran a pretty awesome (almost) 20-miler with the group yesterday morning. It was a particularly scenic hilly mountainous route with some memorable climbs, but lots of good company for distraction. One of our companions who is currently recovering from an injury was kind enough to set up another amazing aid station for us complete with fluids and plenty of fruit and goodies. We are truly spoiled!

I felt fantastic (though definitely sore in the later miles) and ran my fastest pace yet on a 30K+ run.

32.0 KM (19.9 mi) - 3:08:21 - 5:53/km (9:28/mi)


For comparison I ran a 20-miler last August at an average pace of 6:23/KM (10:16/mi) and in December at an average pace of 6:20/KM (10:11/mi).

After the run (and after indulging in many leftover goodies from our aid station), I forced myself into an ice bath for the first time in months. There may have been some cursing and a lot of grumbling, but these legs definitely needed it.

Including a nice and easy 10K run on Saturday morning, that wraps up another "marathon distance" weekend.

Next Sunday: Around the Bay 30K, the oldest road race in North America.

54 comments:

Jen Feeny said...

In your own words... FIRST!

Pining for Pinterest said...

Love it!! I want a bike too, but we do not have a lot of places to ride it out here.

Jen Feeny said...

Love the new wheels! Uber cuteness! :)

Great job on that 20 miler! I'm so jealous. Yup, I'm jealous. I miss running LONG runs. I need a new marathon to train for STAT.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

Wow! Awesome 20 miler! And so impressive that you've made such improvements in the past 6 months. Good work!

teacherwoman said...

Lovin' the new ride! :) Can't wait to hear more about your riding adventures!

And WAY TO GO on the 20 miler! You are making such great speedy gains! :)

Happy Monday, Marlene!

Unknown said...

cute wheels!

and way to rock the long run!

Karen said...

Love the bike! That one does look much more comfortable than a road bike. Have fun with it!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Enjoy the bike Marlene, that's great! You look super cute on it too, love the smile! Awesome 20 miler and progress too! :)

Meg said...

I love the bike. You make me want another one for driving around town on!!!

Anonymous said...

Nice job on the (almost) 20 miler - and thanks for reminding me about ice baths! (that would have definitely helped me yesterday)

Anonymous said...

u got a bike! coool!!!!
maybe a duathlon is in ur future, as well!! hahha. i think u would be really good at it. U have the legs of steel and the determination of a ..........marathoner?? hehe.

gread job on ur run this weekend and i cant believe u took an ice bath. i dont know if i can ever actually get thru one!
i almost cried when i attempted on the other day.

taper week this week for u???

happy monday!

J said...

Cute new bike. I like the hybrids - they seem perfect for just riding around. Great job on the marathon distance this weekend!

RunningLaur said...

Hooray bike - it looks like so much fun! This post does nothing for my want for a bike of my own though (haha).
Great work on the run too - that's such awesome improvement!!

ShutUpandRun said...

Love the bike and great job on your fast run!

macnic said...

I LOVE that bike! LOVE IT! Never knew about hybrids! AH! Jogging stroller or pretty bike?!?! Now you've given me a hard decision! Good luck with ATB! Hope the weather is WAY better than last year!

Unknown said...

Oh I'm so jealous!!! I am FINALLY getting a bike (like you, just for leisurely rides) this year, and I still haven't made it in to get it! It keeps getting put off for one reason or another. Wednesday should be the day!!

Allie said...

I got a hybrid a little over a year ago (before I started running) and I haven't really used it much. I'm hoping to ride more when it warms up.
Great job on the run, that's quite an improvement.

Anonymous said...

Love the new ride!! Making me want to bust out my cruiser bike and go for a ride. YAY! I also picked my bike based on looks! ;)

Congrats on your awesome run. How awesome to kick butt at a 20 miler!

Anonymous said...

ah, you just keep going! AWESOME pace, that's a huge improvement from the last two - :)

Laura said...

Nice wheels and nice run. You are going to eat ATB up this weekend.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Love the bike. WOW what an improvement on the 20 miler!! Sweet...

Runner Leana said...

Congratulations on the new bike! You look so happy and it is definitely a pretty bike! I have no doubt that you are really going to enjoy it.

And wow, what an amazing improvement on your 20 mile times! That is fantastic!

Aron said...

yayyy for new toys!!!

AMAZING job on the 20 miler!!

Denise said...

i like the new wheels!!

it's great that you have the old paces to compare to. you're doing great!

Gotta Run..... said...

Nice new wheels :))

I just can not bring myself to starting the Ice Baths just yet...but they are coming!

No Longer Using said...

wheee a bike!! :)

the oldest race in NA huh!!! that is awesome!!! can't wait to hear about it. looks like laura is running that one, too !

WAHOOOO 20 miler and faster and faster you go :)

Heather said...

Love the new bike! I have a hybrid too and reall like it.

Great running this weekend!

Jamie said...

Love the new bike - so cute! Nice job on the almost 20!

Anne said...

Great job on the 32K!!! Wow!
Your new ride is gorgeous :)

Teamarcia said...

Your new addition is so cute! Enjoy!

ShirleyPerly said...

YAY, a bike!! I think cycling is such a fun way to be able to spend time with a loved one. Enjoy your new toy. Good luck on your race this weekend. I have no doubt you'll do well after that awesome near 20-miler!

Ali said...

Great job on the long run and pace. You are totally ready for ATB!

RunToTheFinish said...

oh lala what pretty new wheels you have!

Pace improvements are always so fun!

Tricia said...

great bike!

ajh said...

Your race next weekend sounds great!

MCM Mama said...

Great job on the 20! You've done some major improving!

Cute bike too!

N.D. said...

yea for the new bike! so exciting!

Kelly said...

Yayyy! I absolutely love the new bike! It is beautiful and I am all about that when it comes to biking!

Char said...

You're just getting faster and faster. Great run! And pretty bike! Does she have a name?

Lindsay said...

oooh did it come with a bell?!? :) mine did, and a kickstand, haha. i haven't quite caught the biking/tri-bug yet, but maybe you will?

Unknown said...

What a sparkling beauty! I love the fact that you got some goodies on your long run, how nice of them.

Anonymous said...

cute bike!

Unknown said...

The bike looks like fun. Makes me want to get mine out of the attic - yikes! don't ask what it's doing in the attic - and ride with the kids this spring.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Amy said...

Oh, I must be tired! When I first saw your picture with the tree behind you, I thought the tree posts were some sort of training/posture contraption attached to the bike! On second look, the bike looks a lot more fun to ride, and I'm glad it's the tree being trained to stand up straight!

Jill said...

Awe sweeeeeet bike!! Love it! And awesome job on the 20-miler - you're just cranking along at some great speed there, girl! Have a great week, it was good to get caught up with you after being away for awhile!

H Love said...

I am just amazed at the twenty! Can't believe that I will be there someday?? Love the bike! Good times.

Anonymous said...

Ooooh. Congrats on the new bike. Let us know how you like it!!

Anonymous said...

You look so very cute on that bike!! Have lots of fun with it. Your pace has gotten so strong. Good for you. All the hard work has certainly paid off! Nice job girl.

Leanne said...

I just posted about how i wanted a bike and did not know what kind. I had no idea hybrid existed. Thanks!

rinusrunning said...

The bike looks good, but your saddle must be higer!.
Goodluck this long run weekend.
Rinus.
www.rinusrunning.nl

yumke said...

I'm scared to ask. Triathlon?

Badgergirl said...

Love the bike!

Scarlett said...

Damn, you're fast! Enjoy the bike. I love taking long bike trips in the summer.

RoadBunner said...

Congratulations on your new wheels! I regret not getting a hybrid. The road bike is way too scary for me.