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August 11, 2005
Bridge Crossings
Before 7:30 AM this morning I had crossed the Potomac River (and went back and forth between Washington DC and Virginia) 4 times-twice by car and twice by foot. I drove from where I live (DC) into VA to get to Ohio drive (DC) and parked there. Then I ran across Memorial Bridge, along the Potomac (VA), and back into DC along the 14th Street Bridge (I think that’s the last bridge’s name). I had to add about 10 minutes to it but ultimately I ran for 39 and change. It was 6:45 AM and already hot and sunny out. It was a good run though and I am excited to start building my mileage up a bit more than previous weeks. I don’t feel tired or anything. My foot feels fine. I went right from Ohio Drive to work and showered, changed, and ate breakfast there (I brought all the fixings for oatmeal-oatmeal mix, plastic spoon, and plastic bowl.)
After work I rode my bike to the bike store. I noticed earlier this week the valve on the back tire was broken which means the tire has to be replaced (Though I only suspected this and did have to confirm via phone with the store before I went). The guy at the store changed the tire and simultaneously taught me how to change it. It is the fifth time someone has showed me how to change a tire. I still think it’s complicated. I confided in the guy that bikes scare me. For example, what if I got a flat during a race? What if what happened to my bike right now (the tire was REALLY flat while I was riding it to the store) happened 2 weeks ago at the tri? I find relying on more equipment than just myself and my legs a bit stressful.
Posted by Audrey at August 11, 2005 06:39 PM
Comments
I am right there with ya with the flat tire deal. I think the problem is, I can learn how but the next time I have one there is such a long time between the last time that I forget in between, so I just feign ignorance and stupidity. I think I need a clinic. I usually just start walking and I have had unusual luck, as long as I have the supplies someone usually assists, but I have had a few long walks too!
Posted by: Dawn at August 11, 2005 06:57 PM
Yea, I don't know if I could change a tire by myself yet. I agree with Dawn that it's such a rare thing, so you get out of practice.
Did I tell you the story about my pinch flat after the tri clinic? Remember how the tube was showing? Well, we pumped it up fully the next day before our ride and within a minute, it burst so loud in the house it freaked us and the cats out!
P.S. Great runs!
Posted by: Leilani at August 11, 2005 07:52 PM
This is a stupid question, but what happens if you get a flat tire? Be it race or on some long ride over the weekend. It's not like you ride around with a spare.... Do you just semi-fix it until you get back home? As you can see I am 100% clueless about this. I really hope I don't get a flat tire!
Posted by: Nanda at August 12, 2005 10:05 AM
That's just it, about the tri...I was more stressed out about all the equipment than I was about the actual race. There were so many more things that could go wrong!
Posted by: Dianna at August 12, 2005 11:48 AM