I iced it, then wrapped it for work. After work, I went to the gym and lifted weights. I decided to try running again. I was getting into the flow and things were loosening up when the power went out. Ugh. When the circuit breaker was flipped I tried again but the leg was tight. Oh well. I'm no longer upset or disappointed, I'll take what I can get. When I return, I'm gonna kick some butt!
So, I ended up running a total of about 2 miles and walking 1 today. Not nearly enough cardio. A bike ride was in order.
I've been wanting to do take my favorite ride for a while, but hadn't been able to because of forest fires, closed roads and then crazy heat. The route is just 30 miles, but a bit more intimidating than riding another 70 mile route I've frequented. The ride offers everything; good winding roads, virtually no traffic, significant hills, fast descents, crazy scenery and of course, wildlife! I attribute training on this route to my progress as a rider. I went from not riding at all, being WAY out of shape, to finishing a 73 mile race in an official 3:45 with a torn hamstring! Enough of that...
I was coming down the second fastest hill and there's a hard left turn that I have always, in the past, braked on. Today, I decided to stick the turn and fly through it. I'm glad I did. I'm glad I didn't run today. I'm glad I was FLYING around the corner. I'm glad I was wearing my prescription glasses and not my sunglasses.
On the shoulder, on my side, sat a large animal facing away from me. I thought it was a dog. When it stood I knew it was a cat and figured it was a bob cat. Two things jumped out at me...the size and the tail. I thought it was a GIANT bob cat. And the tail was a weird color, so was the body. I've seen a few bob cats, and one real close and personal! Then I remembered that bob cats are not called bob in short for Robert...they have bobbed tails, duh!
By this time, the cat had hopped into the bushes and I was afraid was long gone. I stopped the bike and hung a u-turn. He was about 300 yards away a dry river bed. We watched each other for a while. I took some pictures with my iphone, but unfortunately, it's a version 3 and the cat looks like a rock. :( I tried to get him to move so I could get a better picture, but no dice.
Aside from that cool stuff, I kicked butt on the ride. Even with the stopping for the mountain lion, I finished 10 minutes faster than my previous best time! The hills were no big deal. There are two major climbs...the long one wasn't much at all, I didn't even need my highest gear. The other that's super steep but short I powered through. Sweet action indeed!
Anyhow, had I been upset about not being able to run I probably would've run through the pain and hurt myself. Then, I wouldn't have been on the ride. Then, I wouldn't have seen the mountain lion.
All in all, that's an all time ride!
