Springing

Im not sure where spring gets its name, "spring of the year," when plants "spring up". one etymologist says it comes from the spring- as in the source of a flowing river or brook. so as the snow melts the rivers begin to flow because of the spring or spring the season i guess. either way this mythical thing is occurring or springing right now.

as triathletes we notice it first. we are egging to get out of the house and go for a ride. when we do so, we suffer at first. there will probably even be a ride where we regret going on, or a ride that we are all layered and suited up for, and we end up sweating our ass off on the trainer, because we dont want to brave the elements. but then something amazing happens.

we go for our ride, reluctant, and almost ready for the pain on our face cheeks, and its not there. you feel warm, you end up zipping your jacket down and letting some air flow. and consciously the most magical part happens - the smells defrost into the air after a winter of holding back. you can smell restaurants cooking bread down the road, gas at the gas pumps, salt air off the ocean, seaweed in the marsh, even manure on the farms smell good. the air is alive again and it is intoxicating.

so as i sit here at the computer, i can hear the birds chirping, i know spring is still springing, and soon enough all of my senses will tell me when it has sprung.

out the door.

Sweet Colorado Pics

Here are some pics from my recent trip out to Colorado. It was a lot of fun, and some tough training in the thin air.

Entering the Rockies..


Grand Junction, CO on the way to the Better 1/2 in Gateway, CO.


The Palisade in Gateway Canyon, Gatway, CO


My recovery drink...after 15miles at altitude.


A must do in CO: the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction. We did a lil run at 6600 feet, at times you felt like you were on Mars bc of the plant life, but it was outstanding.


I felt like I was living in an LGB train set.


Long ride through Co Springs, Manitou, and Garden of the Gods.


Some more Garden of the Gods, and that is Pikes Peak in the background, measuring inat 14,000 and change feet. (Although, i do not think, that is what Starbuck's was inspired by for their new house blend)


The 9x2min hill repeats executed at 5500ft were totally inspired by Maqua from Last of the Mohicans, except he was running up a Mountain.


That is snow in my pants, I can assure you nothing else was working after this run.


I'm pretty sure these native Boulder cows could have ridden my bike faster that day.


All the pain was worth it for Margaritas and queso at Juanita's in Boulder.