The workout you didn't want to do but did anyway

#Swirlsisters

We have all had those days.  You get up and you are sore from the day before and/or just plain tired.   Well in my case, I was both.   Yesterday I did an amazing hike with my friend (sister), Jamie.   Every time I drive "down the hill" I pass the Mormon Rocks and I see trails that disappear into the mountains.  I knew one day I would explore them.  So Jamie and I decided yesterday was the day.  Here are some beautiful pictures from the hikes.  

• Stats:  5.1 Miles Round Trip
• Hours:  2:50 Round Trip
• Elevation: 1,670 ft in 2.5 miles
• Grade - 5% to 35%
• Calories burned - 904

#Mormon Rocks

Yes, that is one of the trails we followed. 

Yes she had to pick the highest peak

Heading Down

Made it to the Summit and Serbie was hungry

 

So I woke up thinking I would be very sore.  I wasn't real sore although I could feel some tightness in my quads, but I was very tired.  I thought nothing a nice bike ride wouldn't take care of.

I grabbed my mountain bike and off I went.  I wasn't in the best of moods mentally and this ride was what I needed to spend time with God, in HIS creation and help burn some calories and pump the heart.

I completed an 18 mile ride in 12-15 mph high desert wind.  I chose a road that was all sand so had to retreat and go back my "normal" way.  As I was approaching the paved road, I had a slight hill I had to climb so I pushed up, popped out on the road (which was in the middle of a switchback) looked up and there was a big yellow school bus.  I could see the fear in the drivers eyes and I'm sure my heart was hanging out of my mouth.   I almost hit that bus straight on because I served over the yellow line trying to power up that road. All I can say is thank goodness we were both going slow.  I stopped and cried, then cried for other things in my life then sang my heart out and finally made it home.  

It was a long 2:30 with an almost death stop but I am happy I finished it alive and burnt 820 calories.  Probably not the best ride for a recovery but a ride nonethless outside in the sun.

I also got a date for my shoulder reconstruction. Seems that my 2014 race calendar will be filled up real soon.   I'm hoping an event once a month (if not more).

So, now I make my strategy on staying "the course" while visiting family, getting through the holidays and surgery.

All I can say is BRING IT ON 2014!  I've been waiting for you all year!