Cycling and weights

This morning I met up with Leonie and we cycled around part of Lake Burley Griffin. It felt good to get out and about, as I didn't do any exercise on Friday or Saturday. We were meeting up at 9 am, so I was counting on it not being too cold. I layered up as usual, but I swapped a lighter jacket for my ecofleece. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but there was still frost on our path in several places. I was surprised to see the first lot but quickly got used to it whenever we went through a shady patch.

I played catch up with Leonie most of the way around the lake. I was fine on the flat but lost her on the uphill sections. A couple of times I had to get off and walk, but I managed to ride most of the way. Playing catch up with Leonie is definitely improving my riding. I'm much more confident and I'm turning the pedals over faster. I also stood up on a number of hills and wasn't in constant fear that I'd topple over. The most fun improvement was that I pedalled down a couple of hills. Normally I've got the brakes on most of the way, so it was a real adventure to be going downhill faster than before.

I managed to get a good sweat up while I was riding today. I was puffing and panting too so I felt like I'd done a decent workout. I was out for about two hours, including a quick cup of coffee near the lake. My backside is definitely tender now. (Andrew, I do have proper cycling nicks - I just need to get used to riding I think.)

One advantage of riding round the lake - I now know what I'm in for when I decide to run it. Better still, there are a couple of marked runs, a 10 km and a mile. We had a few hills to ride up which will be good practice for the City to Surf. All I have to do now is get myself down there to run.

On the way home, Leonie decided to stop at the gym for Body Balance. She managed to inspire me to go there so I headed home, dumped the bike and my gear, then went back to the gym to do some weights. I didn't have enough time to do the whole program, and I'd already given my legs a good workout, so I did the upper body exercises. It always amazes me how quickly the body adapts to a new program. I really struggled with the triceps press last week, but I was able to do it this week. I don't think it will be long before I increase the weight on this one.

I am so glad I bought my skins. They kept my legs nice and warm while we were riding around the lake. I wore them to the gym as well. I look like a whole different person with them on.

I'm going to head out this afternoon for a walk. I recently bought a digital camera of my own, instead of borrowing one from home. I'm having a lot of fun taking photos. I have a book voucher to spend too, so I'll be coming home via Borders.