My dad would have a fit - we don't pick sports equipment based on color, only on fit! (and price, of course)

I, too, have rich tastes and a penchant for pretty colors.  It's a burden.

Both frames fit nicely and feel right. However when i was on the red Giant, i felt all wrong. I am a tackle tart.

I'm starting to come out of the emotional fog that yesterday became.  And i'm almost walking normally again. B2V sure did a number on my legs.  Here's why: my partner (in the follow vehicle) sent me these splits (the first one is affected by the starting uphill and the fact that the follow vehicle wasn't behind me right away)

I was supposed to start training again yesterday. Maybe tomorrow, the run wasn't happening yesterday and a bike wasn't happening this AM.

A local run shop is doing a Boston Memorial run tomorrow evening. 2.62 mile loop. They (the LRS) will donate $5 to the Boston relief fund for every loop finished. Don't care how the legs feel tomorrow, i'm there.

Here's a "should I do it" question for the pod... There is a metric century ride on May 4 to honor NM fallen law enforcement. This hits me on many levels, probably accentuated by the events in Boston. It's on my birthday, it goes from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, I'm in law enforcement, I know LEO's who were killed in the line of duty. Cons: I have races on May 12 (sprint) and 19th (oly) and 27th (10k). I've never done a stand-alone bike event before... Thoughts?

I just got this email from Marathon Sports and it just touched me.  I wanted to share it with you guys:

OUR CITY IS STRONG

 #prayforboston

This took too long to write, and in part it’s because there really are no words to describe how we all feel right now.

On this surreal Tuesday, in the immediate wake of this incredible, tragic, senseless act of violence that took place quite literally at our doorstep, we are deeply saddened for the loss of life and the injuries sustained by the multitude of victims. We send our prayers, thoughts, and positive energy to all who have been affected by this act.

As a company at the epicenter of the running community in Boston, we feel it is our duty to respond. We will not respond with any commentary on those responsible for the attack; that would merely validate their actions. We will focus instead on the incredible sense of solidarity, of unity, and of love within the running community and Boston at large.

We are incredibly grateful that the members of our staff on site at the time of the attack are, miraculously, safe, and we are proud of the individual decisions our staff made in the face of inconceivable circumstances. And the outpouring of prayers, offers of help, and love from all corners of the running world is heartfelt and appreciated.

The decision to help one another through tragedy can be instinctive, and those very instincts are native to the running community, and part of what makes it such a special group of people in the first place. While running is very much an individual sport in many respects, we all strive to celebrate and triumph together, united by a common pursuit. Whether celebrating a first 5k, a PR, or a lifelong pursuit of crossing the finish line on Boylston Street, we all train, race, and celebrate together.

And because of this, we will persevere. As Bostonians – which we ALL are on Marathon Monday, native or not – we are strong, stubborn New Englanders to the core. As runners – we are unified through love for one another, love for our sport, love for the thrill of crossing finish lines, and for (sometimes) beating the clock.

Yesterday’s events will cause us to cherish those triumphs all the more, in honor of those who no longer can. Know this: Boston will not stop running. We will run again, and we owe it to those who can’t.

#PrayForBoston and donate to the Red Cross

Marathon Sports

FIND MISSING PEOPLE

Mayor's Hotline - Call (617) 635-4500

Google Person Finder - http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions/

American Red Cross "Safe And Well" - http://www.redcross.org/find-help/contact-family/register-safe-listing

TIPS

If you have any information about this attack, please use the TIPS hotline - 1-800-494-TIPS

DONATE

And we are imploring all those who have the means to donate to the American Red Cross. Give money, or wait a week and give blood, it all helps.

So i have knocked out the Specialised and Cannondale. I have found that i like the more expensive end of my income bracket (quel surprise) with the Focus and Giant Defy 1.

That leaves the option of the slightly lower spec Focus SL 3.0 with it's 105 groupset but a less pleasant colour scheme of black and lime green piping or

the Giant Defy 2 with it's Tiagra groupset and a more acceptable silver scheme.

Interested to know what the pod think.

So i have knocked out the Specialised and Cannondale. I have found that i like the more expensive end of my income bracket (quel surprise) with the Focus and Giant Defy 1.

That leaves the option of the slightly lower spec Focus SL 3.0 with it's 105 groupset but a less pleasant colour scheme of black and lime green piping or

the Giant Defy 2 with it's Tiagra groupset and a more acceptable silver scheme.

Interested to know what the pod think.

So i have knocked out the Specialised and Cannondale. I have found that i like the more expensive end of my income bracket (quel surprise) with the Focus and Giant Defy 1.

That leaves the option of the slightly lower spec Focus SL 3.0 with it's 105 groupset but a less pleasant colour scheme of black and lime green piping or

the Giant Defy 2 with it's Tiagra groupset and a more acceptable silver scheme.

Interested to know what the pod think.

Come on Stacey!  That makes way too much sense!

So today at my track session, I ran a mile in 7:46.  I was like, whoa, that's fast.  Then I thought, holy SHIZZZ, that was Salty's SLOWEST split over the course of running 26.2 miles!!!!! Seriously, holy crap. 

PS - my point isn't to compare performances, but to think how that felt and then think of doing it or faster for an entire marathon blew my freakin' mind.  So, my point is that Salty is a ROCK STAR.

So today at my track session, I ran a mile in 7:46.  I was like, whoa, that's fast.  Then I thought, holy SHIZZZ, that was Salty's SLOWEST split over the course of running 26.2 miles!!!!! Seriously, holy crap. 

PS - my point isn't to compare performances, but to think how that felt and then think of doing it or faster for an entire marathon blew my freakin' mind.  So, my point is that Salty is a ROCK STAR.

So firstly as part of the MaccaX group I got some stickers for my bike....

So i have knocked out the Specialised and Cannondale. I have found that i like the more expensive end of my income bracket (quel surprise) with the Focus and Giant Defy 1.

That leaves the option of the slightly lower spec Focus SL 3.0 with it's 105 groupset but a less pleasant colour scheme of black and lime green piping or

the Giant Defy 2 with it's Tiagra groupset and a more acceptable silver scheme.

Interested to know what the pod think.

OMG - did he really have a sticker made just for you?  That's too funny.  

Beautiful day here today.  Got my run in this AM.  My mom asked me to let her dog out for her this afternoon--I usually stop by on my way home from work, but since it was so nice, I came home and rode my bike the 10km over to her place.  So now, it is time for Bike Handling 100 (I am not experienced enough for 101 yet!).

I have realized that I don't spend a ton of time in the drops because I am not confident in my ability to get on the brakes in the drops.  So, should I be able to?  Or should you only be hitting the brakes from the hoods? 

And when, exactly, should my hands be where?  Are you on the hoods when you climb and the drops when you descend?  Are there hard and fast rules?  Or whatever is comfy and fast?

Not a question, but holy, does my ability to hold my line every get lost over the winter!  The trainer just keeps going in a straight line...