So last week I ordered a bike from the local bike store. I picked it up and got sized for it on Thursday and took it out for it's first spin on Friday. I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to go off-roading on a road bike. Oh well, I cut through a cotton field at my work on Friday to ride in a local neighborhood. It was pretty bumpy. I have some friends that run the 'hood from work, but I'm not fast enough to get any decent mileage in on my 1-hour lunch break while running, so I had never explored the 'hood. Riding was a different story. 7.6 miles in 36 minutes. I know that isn't fast. But, I'm still learning my bike for one thing and I was just aimlessly meandering around the neighborhoods. I'll improve, I'm sure. It was HOT out. I enjoyed the ride quite a bit. I bought it as a means to cross-train, but I think I might enter a local sprint-tri this summer just for fun. We'll see. 
(Ignore the yellow seat. I am trying out different ones to find the right "fit" for me.) This morning my alarm went off at 5:05 and I got ready to drive to downtown to run a training run on the Cotton Row Run 10k course at 6AM. The actual race is Memorial Day. I had little sleep and a HUGE dinner the night before at the Melting Pot (yum!) so I was worried about stomach issues; thankfully, no problems! I have done the 5k course, but never the 10k. I've always heard about a killer hill that is right in the middle of the course and it did not disappoint. I was determined to run the whole time until I at least got to the top of the hill. That would be right at a 5k. I was slow and was about ready to cut my legs off the first 3 miles. It sucked. I got to the hill which sucked even more. I made it 3/4+ of the way up and then walked the rest (I'd say about .10 of a mile). When I got to the top, I stopped for less than a minute and stretched a little. Then, I was off again! I ran the entire way back down the mountain and into downtown. Climbing that hill sucked, but cruising back down that nice, gradual downhill was so worth it. I felt better for the last 4 than the first 3. I ran the entire time and even extended my run out from 6.1 to an even 7 miles. It was slow. Super slow (AP: 10:54), but I am still really pleased with my no walking breaks (besides the top of that darn hill...). This is by far my best run ever as far as no-walking. I'm thrilled. The temps were absolutely wonderful at 65ish degrees. Getting up early was worth the nice temps. After running, I went to the local Botanical Gardens to plant flowers for the Garden of Hope. It is a portion of the BG that my company sponsors fully by paying for it and maintaing it and buying the flowers, etc. Twice a year they select 3 cancer patients and spotlight them and their story. They get to design the garden (3 separate ones) how they want it. My boss has been in it before. This year another one of my co-workers was honored. It really is a moving experience and I am glad to be a part of it twice a year. This little girl, Sydney, age 6, was one of the participants this year too. She has had some sort of eye cancer. Her information plaque told me exactly what it was, but it was about 47 letters long and I couldn't even pronounce it. She was absolutely adorable and was so sweet when I asked her if I could take her picture. Planting flowers is tough. My back and knees hurt now! I am known to have a bit of a black thumb too... at home anyways. Flowers are a lost cause here. 
Sweet Sydney. I love those freckles. Needless to say, it is not even noon and I've had a fantastic day. Sorry this is so long!!! Happy Mothers Day to all you wonderful Mama's out there. I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend with your families!! Update: After doing a bit of last minute homework, I went out for a quick bike ride around the 'hood. 5.6 miles. It is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day outside; could not ask for better weather. It actually feels like Spring! So, quick question bike people: When biking are you supposed to go with the flow of traffic or against the traffic like when running? Also, when you are turning and cars are around, do you do those fancy signal things that I have no idea what they are? Like sticking your arm up or out or something? Thanks! Now, time for a nap before more homework. Yippee!
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