A Hard Run

Yesterday I did the Laurel Switchbacker 10K, also known as Tussey Teaser #1. This is a very tough run for me: you run 3.1 miles up to the top of a ridge, and then turn around and run back down. I struggle with long climbs like this, but that's why I wanted to run it. And I did struggle, many times I wanted to stop and walk, but I resolved to just keep running. And after I made it to the top and turned around, I felt strong the whole way down.
A lot of runners hate doing long downhills, but somewhere along the line that has become my biggest stength: I just let gravity and my long legs do all the work. You can read the minute details of my run here.

On an unrelated topic, I need to replace my aging bicycle, and I want to go with a road bike this time, since it seems that I am doing most of my riding on the road. So after my run I stopped at a bike shop for a test ride. The bike I have now is an ancient, hybrid/"comfort" bike with a steel frame. The thing must weigh 40 pounds. Trying out this Giant road bike with an aluminum frame and composite forks was just an unbelievable chi hit. Even with my tired legs from the run and keeping it in middle gears, I felt like I was flying. It was amazing.
When I got home I did some sun salutations and thorough strething. Then in the late afternoon Sue and I took the dogs for a 30-minute romp in the woods. That's when I realy felt the training effects. Today I am going to do some strength training, and then I have a volleyball double-header this evening. That should be a well-rounded weekend.

BTW, if any of my readers has a recommendation on a bike, I'd love to hear it. I'm looking to spend @$800. Just post your comments below.