Would I ride faster in this outfit? Have more fun? My guess is she still has a pair of super padded shorts under that skirt...I'm just sayin'!

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED was that I went on a training ride with five friends yesterday.

WHAT I HEARD WAS that the wind was so bad it was nearly impossible to ride.  That is was hard to stay motivated.  That one should just tuck behind a friend and draft the entire way.  That a friend was dejected after the excursion.

THE RIDE THAT I WENT ON was a happy one.  We’ve experienced a strange winter here in Tampa.  I’ve only been out on my bike a handful of times, so my training is not up to where it should be.  I was happy to ride with friends, regardless of the time of day we decided upon.  The sun was shining.  I pulled out my  flower-power arm warmers in honor of the spring that is almost here.  And I had a really nice ride.  In between thinking “The wind is my friend” and “Count it all joy” I know I muttered a few “for the love of God”s.  I managed a (little tiny) run when I finished.  And when it was all over, I sprawled on the floor with an ice pack. 

Yes, my friends, spring is here.  I’m happy.  The sun is shining.  Gone are the cycling tights and ear warmers.  Bring on the open water swims!

OK, so that’s pushing it a little. 

It’s six weeks until St. Anthony’s.  I had a little Call-to-Jesus meeting last week in an attempt to get myself up and motivated and kicked in the Clydesdale butt.  (Then I had a little Call-to-Ernie meeting so the butt would actually get kicked.)  I’m way behind for where I would like to be…

…yet so much farther than I was a few months ago.  Aaahhh, the winds of change! 

I will count it all joy, and I will make it to St. A’s.  It’s ALL into the wind right now, and THIS spring wind truly is my friend!