Running & Riding

It’s just been such a great day friends!

Last Saturday’s run was a bit of a struggle. Inadequate pre-run fuel, fighting my body’s rhythm and midges <shudder> conspired to make me unhappy for a large portion of it. Today was my last long run before the race and I really wanted it to be a positive one. Mother Nature cooperated with good weather and no bugs and I fueled well and kept a fairly steady pace. End result: I felt strong all the way through and finished in 1:54. It was a great training run and I’m feeling pretty confident heading into next weekend.

Followed the run with my riding lesson where things are already starting to come together. Once the instructor explained that “posting” (where the rider rises out of the saddle in time with the horse) is like pushing out of a squat, everything clicked. If there’s one thing I know, it’s squats. Drive through the heel and butt? Can do! Why didn’t you say so?!

I will say these long runs followed by riding lessons are kind of exhausting. I’ll be happy to dial back the kilometres a bit after next weekend. The sweet spot seems to be the 15-18K mark. That’s when I can feel I pushed it but still have enough energy for the rest of the day.

Speaking of the rest of the day, I’m already in my comfy clothes and have no plans to do anything more taxing than cook dinner and watch a movie with Ian and the kids. Happy Saturday!