Night Time Bike Ride - Lighting System

Since the time change two weeks ago I have had a few bike rides after dark. I enjoy running and biking after dark, primarily because it makes the familiar routes seem new. When I run I wear reflective clothing and a flashing light on my waist, but I usually eschew a headlamp. I like the challenge of finding the path.

For night time bike riding I think I have finally found the right light combination:

• 2 watt handlebar mounted light
• Knog frog light, white bulb, strapped to my helmet
• Knog frog light, red bulb, strapped to seat post
• Road ID Supernova, blue bulb, attached to back of jacket

In addition I wear a reflective vest.

In a future post I will share my layering system to stay warm during a bike ride when the temps are well below freezing.

 

Happy Valentines Day!

I heart running because:

1. Running is good for my heart.

2. Running helps me look good for my sweetheart.

3. Running makes me feel good.

4. Running shows that I care.

5. Running while my son rides his bike helps strengthen our love.

6. Running lets me eat some chocolate every now and then.

Why do you love running?

Long Run aka Puddle Jumping

Our unseasonably warm winter continues. Although the roads are dry the melting snowbanks are leaving big puddles where the sidewalks cross the roads or where the sewer drains are still blocked with snow and ice. Thus yesterday's long run was regularly interrupted as I tried to navigate my way around puddles and my son tried to find his way around on his bike.

As an early season "long run" this was a relatively short run. I warmed up for about a mile to remove the lingering stiffness and soreness from Thursday and then tried to run a steady 5 miles at just over 8 minutes per mile. I felt good and was able to keep a steady pace except for the aforementioned puddle jumps.

Hat tip to my son. He has done back to back 6+ mile bike rides. I can't imagine there are many kids his age in central Wisconsin that are logging bike miles this early in the year.

Downward spikes show slow downs to run around the puddles. Long and wide spike is waiting for a traffic light

Cycling Rollers: Cross Training

Today is the first workout on my new training calendar from the coach.

I spent 30 minutes on my cycling rollers doing my best to not ride through the wall. Still not sure on how to adjust Garmin 305 to not have GPS on. I didn't really have 1400 feet of elevation gain in my basement.