The Great Outdoors

Finally. After all this time it finally felt like spring! I woke up and did my usual lounge on the couch with a coffee while surfing the iPad routine (I'm really going to miss that when the real training starts) and waited for it to warm up a bit before heading out on the bike. It was only about 50 but it was sunny and felt amazing. I actually ran back inside to shed a layer.

I've only been on my bike outside once this year so it felt incredible. I don't mind the trainer, but there are only so many episodes of Lost one can watch while pedaling in place. I did just over 30 miles and felt pretty good. I violated my own rules and took my iPod, wearing just one ear bud. I have to admit, it helped tremendously. I was riding in Prospect Park so I felt safe doing so, but admittedly would never do it on the open road.

My ride ended with a 3 mile run at half Ironman pace. I haven't done a brick since Ironman Wisconsin so it felt pretty horrendous. My legs were totally dead. I usually run really well off the bike, but not so much today. I'll chalk it up to being so new and hope it improves in the coming weeks. Horrendous or not, it felt great to be back in the swing of things.

How did I reward myself? With this.


It's a candy bar called The King, from Liddabit Sweets in Brooklyn. Everything is locally sourced and handmade, elevating candy to a new level. I couldn't resist when I read the description:

"A Liddabit signature item. Soft peanut butter nougat is sandwiched between a brown sugar-brown butter cookie and a layer of fresh banana ganache, and dipped in milk chocolate. Long live the King!"

A swim and bike tomorrow will wrap up week 1 of Ironman training. It's good to be back.