This is about a week ago. We have lost a lot of leaves with all the rain.
1. What have I been doing besides spectating a marathon? First what have I NOT been doing? I have not gone to the gym. I can't face that elliptical.
2. Last week I only worked out 4 days due to a family emergency (all is well) and going to Corning to watch Em race. It's not as easy to take a bike for those traveling workouts as it is to take running shoes. Besides there was really no time. So this week I have 6 workouts on the books to average out my 5 workouts a week. No worries though about doing too much because.........it...........is...........all...........cross..............training!
3. So how have I not gone to the gym?
I have been riding my bike to work every day this week. I won't be able to Friday due to two appts. after work but I'm hitting it for the first four. Wednesday turned into a torrential downpour. Two people from work offered me a ride home plus I had a voice mail from my hubby offering to come get me. But did I take them up on it? Of course not. Then I would have needed to go to the gym. So I rode home and got soaked but caught myself laughing more than once! It wasn't cold and I loved it! I will say the stuff in my backpack got soaked. Because I was coming home it wasn't an issue but if I had had my "school clothes" in there to change into when I got to work it would have been a problem? Suggestions? Plastic bags? I did wear a raincoat and the top part of me was completely dry! Oh yes, not only did I ride my bike home I did my usual going past my home to make sure I got enough mileage in!
Thursday - today - I rode to work in another downpour. I did put my clothes in a plastic bag and it worked fine. I brought a change of everything including shoes! A lot to carry but I was changed and dry within 5 minutes. I think the people I work with think I have lost it. I think my students think nothing of it! At least their image of "older" adults will include their crazy teacher who doesn't let weather stop her getting her ride in!
25 comments:
Way to brave the weather!!
Email me at mom2shoo at gmail.com if you plan to be in Windsor on Sunday...
You are hard core, aren't you?
There are pack covers that will keep the whole thing dry. Do you have REI in your area? They will certainly help you find the right size cover.
Miss NE colors.
I'm with Ewa - you ARE hardcore!!
So impressed!!!
Hoping the weather is a bit more cooperative for you this week!! :)
There's nothing wrong with being a little eccentric. Keep riding in the rain. Who cares what they think.
Every time you put up a picture I miss home....
Cycling (and running) in the rain can be exhilarating, but it can be tough work too! You are a great example to your pupils.
Gorgeous leaves!
Glad you've been able to get in lots of cycling. That elliptical doesn't exactly call out to me either. :S
Have a great weekend!!!
Once you get used to using the bike for transportation bad weather doesn't seem that big of a deal if you have the right coat and waterproof bag to put your stuff in. I would rather have rain than wind any day. In any case you are a wonderful example to your students so who cares what the colleagues think?
Way to go! Biking in the rain is something portlanders (west coast style) have to deal with all seasons of the year.
I hope you have a great weekend! We finally are in the clear; I hope the rain stays away for a while.
I can't even tell you the last time we had rain here in CO, probably 2 months ago. Seriously. So I'm no good on the suggestions, but the bag sounds good. You're doing great on the biking, though - that's awesome! Soon those gorgeous leaves are going to be gone and that icky white stuff will be here, blah! Enjoy your weekend, girl!! Off to send you a quick email :).
I avoid that Gym cardio at all costs. I love running in the rain so biking is probably pretty fun as well
When I commute to work by bike, I use a "trunk" (nylon zippered case) on a rear mounted rack. I always have a garbage bag in it. If it rains, I can wrap my clothes, cell phone, etc. in the bag, place them in the trunk, and have no worries. Just FYI, in case you really like the commuting bit...
Steve
You're setting a great example for your students (and co-workers). Seems like a plastic bag to hold your stuff would work great.
Wow! Biking in the rain! I'm such a baby and I would have taken the ride home. :)
Once again, since we don't have fall, I'm enjoying your beautiful picture! I'm glad you're keeping busy and having fun in the rain! How is school and your class? I hope everything is settling down.
I have co-workers who do the same as you so I'm don't think you're strange at all.
I'm impressed. I never catch up on missed workouts. But maybe I should.
I love your idea of getting the workouts done outside to avoid the gym. I am also not a fan of the gym! Nice job. Hope your heel is getting better! Have a great weekend.
I'm so impressed you went out on that bike in all that rain! That is determination to stay away from the gym! Good job this week! Hope the weather cooperates for you this weekend ;)
OK - I will try to give you a short list of cold necessities that K & I use for bikes, but you can email us at happytrails88@q.com if you need more:
Feet - always wool (personal fave Defeet Blaze) or Drymax winter weight. Sometimes a silk weight liner under the wool to wick sweat. Sandwich baggies over the sock for real cold/wind. The neoprene booties are awful clumsy, so we like these: http://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/accessories/2.-productCode-9295.html
Head - thin Gore Windstopper (or similar - windproof is key) headband with good ear coverage is the best under the helmet. K has more hair for insulation, but I'll sometimes use a polypropolene skull cap under the helmet.
Hands - for moderate cold, a lighter weight all weather shell glove (like Seirus) works well. Try first to make sure you can shift/brake safely with them on. For hands, it's all about stopping wind. Then a wool thin liner under for COLD weather.
Dark - we have a variety of lights, so that was never an issue as we sometimes ride technical trails at night. I would suggest at minimum a rear strobe-type flasher for visibility to others. Headlamp only if you want to ride when it is totally dark.
That's a start - let us know if you need more info. Hope the "S" word goes off the table...
Wow, you've become a hardcore biker. I'm very impressed. I must admit, I'll do anything if it means I don't have to go to gym. I love that you bike to work.
Ok, I (K) am adding a bit more - all things merino wool as a base layer = GREAT (glove liners, socks, undershirt, you get the picture!). Wind resistant/windproof fleece is wonderful (headband, vest, jacket, gloves). Anything made with Sporthill's 3SP is invaluable, as it is highly wind resistant (pricey but worth every penny!). The nice thing is, though, most of these clothes will transfer over very nicely to running, once you are healed up. Unless you become a hardcore cyclist and use running only as cross-training!!! :-)
I love to run in the rain, but I'm not sure if I rode bicycles that I'd be brave enough to do THAT in rain!
Gorgeous colors you get to look at these days!
~RR
I love that you are riding your bike to school! If I were one of your students I would think that you were the cool biker teacher if I saw you riding in the rain:) You are one tough cookie! You always inspire me:)
Way to workout in nasty weather! Stop by my page when you get the chance, you won something. :-).
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