Today I attempted riding on a real road. Not the road that ran alongside the Regatta Centre which is only accessed by patrons of the centre and trucks from the quarry, but a real road - with cars coming from every direction. It was a 10km circuit but not in a complete loop, which meant I had to be road savvy to navigate turns with the traffic. I actually quite enjoyed it and felt at ease with my ability to do this. I guess if your confident but are still cautious of what is around you then accidents are less likely to occur. That's not to say that it could never happen, God only knows there have been alot of cyclists who have been hit by negligent drivers. But I will try with all my might to avoid this happening.This is an important step for me as I feel that soon my training for the Half Ironman will require long distances, which I can only acquire by riding on the road. It would do my head in if I had to do the 5km loop at the Regatta for more than 30km. So I look forward to the open road and the challenge of riding up some hills. I may not be saying that though when it actually happens. But having something different to look at seems to distract me from the burning in my legs and seems to make the time pass faster.
So with another goal ticked off I am set to attack another one tomorrow, my first long run. Ok, so it's only 8km but this is more than I have ever done. I have to remember that it is not about the pace but rather just doing the distance. So nice and slow I will go and I will not walk once.
