So Much Going On!!

So last weekend I went up to Galena. Let me say, it is BEAUTIFUL there. Completely gorgeous. And hilly as all get-out. I have been in serious hill deprivation since moving here, but in Galena, I got my full dosage of hills to make up for it. I was actually wishing for a bigger cassette (as in more teeth on my biggest cog - a 23). In NM it didn't come into play all that much, and I was perfectly happy with it. This area was hilly enough, steep enough, and long enough that I was really wishing for that bigger cassette. The people who had them definitely were doing better than me at the end of the rides. That's ok. It builds power. It was a fabulous weekend. I learned that I'm a bit crazy (according to triathletes who, IMHO don't have the *greatest* bike handling abilities) when it comes to going downhills. But I'm just efficient. More downhill speed = less work to get up the hill on the other side. And it's a lot more fun that way! As of yet *knock on wood* I haven't had an issue with descending anything fast.

Most of this week however, I've felt weird. I did a bit of a gluten experiment up in Galena, so I'm not actually sure if I feel off because of that, or if it's just an I'm tired/over trained/female issues thing. Just don't know. I came around on Saturday for my long ride, but most of the week was junk for training. Felt like I was bonked, but since I'd just eaten, that's obviously not what was going on.

I have decided (yet again...be prepared for this to change) that I'm going to start working on getting ready for graduate school as well as take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. They always seem to put the FE exam on a day that doesn't work for me, and since it's only 2X per year, it's kind of something you have to do come hell or high water. I plan on doing it at this point, mostly because I'm SO FLIPPIN' BORED OUT OF MY MIND. Working at a bike shop is fun, sure, but mentally stimulating? Uhhh no. I have learned that I'm much more like my mom than I've ever thought. I don't like having nothing truly substantial to be working on. I start obsessing over what bike I want/how I want it/etc. Completely useless things to be thinking about. Especially since, for the most part, the only thing really keeping me from the objects that I want is money. Money is, for the most part, simple. You want something? Save up. It may take longer for one person versus another, but there's almost always a way. Unless it's like a Ferrari or something. That's just crazy.

I'm racing Memphis in May on May 22nd. It's going to be interesting. I'm told that the run is hot. It will be the first Olympic distance of the year. Then on June 12th is Kansas IM 70.3. Again. It will be interesting. At least the water temperatures should be comfortable.