Rode the fixed gear from the house to the bash downtown to the bike path in Smith park. Loads of fun!

Rode my Langster Moscow yesterday for the first time

So yesterday was the first day I rode a fixed gear bike, and it was a blast. I wasn't prepared to ride, so I was wearing gym shorts, no sunglasses, but I did have a helmet on. I took the path from Trenton down to the other end of the Middletown bike path. I think it's about 6 miles each way, but I'm not sure if that counts the Smith Park stuff.

I've wanted a fixed gear bike for a while now, because I think it will help improve my fitness. I was not disappointed by the bike ride although I do wish I had worn sunglasses at least, because the bugs were out in force yesterday afternoon/early evening. I kept feeling them hit my legs, arms, face, and head - THROUGH THE VENTS on my helmet.

I was curious to know how fast I was going at points; I think I was going at a pretty good rate. Part of the reason I got the bike was so I could ride with Mark - I figure the fixed gear will slow me down a bit. :)

Edisto Island trip coming up...

Am looking forward to a visit later this summer to a beach house we rented!

On the trail

So today I did my first trail running at MUM of the Spring, and it was nifty. Things that I noticed: spots of purple amid the blooming green; more down trees and limbs; a new "loop" I've never used before.

I didn't do too hard a run, because I'm really out of shape. It's ridiculous to think that I'm nearly 140 lbs, but I trust I'll be able to lose some weight and tone myself if I can get back to the sort of workouts I once did. I also think I'm this way because I AM getting older, and my body chemistry is changing.

Although I hate, hate, hate road running, I love trail running, because it's the closest running gets to weight training. I just think of the trail as a giant leg press machine...upside down...

Running on the trails forces me to concentrate - so I don't break an ankle - but also frees my mind in ways I think are similar to meditation for others. At times the running feels effortless as though my feet naturally know where to go. This is not the case, as evidenced by the stumble or nearly twisted ankle. But it does feel that way at times.