February 2007
I recently wrapped up an excellent block of training down in Tempe, Arizona. Thanks to my fabulous hosts, Erin, Travis and Swoosh (the little white wonder Westie who welcomed me home after each workout), I was able to focus 100% on training and recovering.
The cold weather that greeted me in Tempe (snow in AZ!?) didn't last long. The sun came out after my first couple days down there, and I was able to get in some great riding. I have been in Oregon, and my last outdoor ride was before Thanksgiving (OK, I may be getting a little wimpy about riding in the cold)! So, it was especially nice to get out, off the trainer and ride on the roads. Riding through the desert was great, but it did feel strange to be all bundled up and riding past cactuses. Although it wasn't hot, the sun was shining, so I was happy.
Swimming outdoors was fabulous too. Such a treat when I normally have to swim indoors this time of year. I swam a couple times with ASU masters and also got in some good swims at a nice outdoor pool at Lifetime Fitness... a super PLUSH gym right near where I was staying. I think I could spend hours there everyday!
If you are in the Phoenix / Tempe / Scottsdale areas, I recommend:
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Trail running (or a hike) at South Mountain on the Desert Classic Trail
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Riding to Tortilla Flat - it's a beautiful ride through the desert, past a ghost town, to a tiny town with a population of six
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Banana Walnut Pancakes at Wildflower Cafe
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Oregano's for dinner - YUM!
After nine days filled with training fun, I am ready to go home to be with Dave, but I'm not ready to return to the cold Oregon winter!
