Today's Ride

Normally on Sunday morning I run with Daniel and his family; however, since Andrea and Marilla were running in the 3M Half-Marathon I did not go up to their place to run today. Also, since I was not at work Friday, I had not talked to Daniel to set up a time.

So this morning, bright and early, when the thermometer at the house showed a brisk 38 degree temperature, I rode my Trek over to watch the 3M Half-Marathon in the vicinity of Shoal Creek and Anderson Boulevard. I watched from several locations in that general area for about a half-hour.

Then I decided to ride up Mount Bonnell, one of the highest points in central Austin. I have been thinking for some time that it would be good training for my legs, not to mention my heart. (Last summer Daniel and I ran to the base of Mount Bonnell.)

Several years ago, I rode the last 20 miles of the Spokes and Spires bike ride with a biking buddy. He said that he and several of his friends had trained by riding up Mount Bonnell every Sunday morning. He asked me to come with them, but I never managed it.

Well, this was my morning to test my legs! I approached the target from the northeast side, and before I knew it, I was on top of the mountain.

I descended Mount Bonnell via the street on the south side. It was lot steeper than the way that I had taken up the mountain!

I need to train a little more on the easy route that I took today, then start training on the ascent from the south side, along that steep road.

After conquering Mount Bonnell, I rode the Scenic Drive to Lake Austin Boulevard, and then to Mopac. From there I followed fifth street to the Pure Athletic Club, where I stopped for a quick "nature break" (and to see if I could get in, since I have not been able to since I signed up).

The previous time I tried to enter (last Tuesday) they would not let me in because they had not received the release from my doctor. Today I had no problems, so now I can start spin classes and indoor training when the weather is bad.

I also met the weekend manager today and I got a demo of one of their newest treadmills.

From there I rode to the Capitol, where the marathon was ending, and watched people crossing the finish line. I never did see Andrea or her mother. After watching for a quarter of an hour, I made my way home.

Total distance on today's Sunday morning ride around Austin was 23 miles. Some of those miles were pretty steep!