Smog, Fog, Sickness Blog

It was so wonderful to drive out of the smog and into the blue skies and sunshine of St. George. It was still only 50 degrees but that felt almost balmy after so many days with the temperature teetering around 20 degrees. I was so happy to see the sun and couldn't wait to get on my bike and go for a ride but when we finally got to St. George I wasn't feeling 100 percent.. and when I woke up Saturday morning, I wasn't feeling great at all. I was sure if I just got out in the fresh air on my bike, I would feel so much better so as soon as it started to warm up we headed towards Snow Canyon to go for a ride. It didn't take me long to realize that the fresh air wasn't going to magically cure me and halfway up the hill I was struggling... sweating, coughing and feeling REALLY tired but I was sure it was just because I hadn't been riding outside for awhile and I was just a little out of shape for the hills. Unfortunately, there were people in front of us and they were riding just a little slow so I decided we needed to pass them which was a HUGE mistake. Once we passed them the hills got steeper and I had to do everything in my power to stay ahead of them and feeling the way I did, my power was pretty limited. But, of course, try to stay ahead I did until the final climb, at which point two of the three people we had passed, passed me. Please note, the third person never did pass me.. just thought I would mention that. The ride back to the car was really nice and smooth and predominantly down hill so by the time we got back to the car, I was ready to go again. And, I was sure this time I would feel so much better. I did feel a little better because I wasn't racing anyone and we stopped and took pictures and just enjoyed the moment. However,contrary to my theory, the fresh air hadn't cured me and the 30 mile bike ride might have been a little too much for someone who was coming down with the flu. So the rest of the night I was tucked in bed with a high fever while John went from store to store for hot soup, a cold Diet Coke, and Nyquil. But after a very long night, I still managed to talk John into going on a short, flat bike ride Sunday afternoon before we headed home. I just wanted to breathe in some more fresh air before we had to drive back to the smog. Even though I felt pretty miserable for much of our getaway, I am still so happy we took a little reprieve from the smog. I would much rather feel miserable on a bike in the sunshine than on the couch in the smog.

Am I going anywhere?

I have a love / hate relationship with the treadmill. I love that I don't have to wear 3 layers to go for a short 4 mile run and I love that I don't have to breathe in carcinogens. Oh, and I love when I am DONE!! I hate the rest of it. For someone who loves running, it is amazing how much I dread getting on the treadmill for a short little run. Four miles seems like ten and watching every second and every step pass by before your eyes is very defeating. I don't know why every mile seems so much more difficult when you aren't actually going anywhere. It does make you feel a little sorry for hamsters. Why do people think they are enjoying themselves in their little cages running around and around in a circle? I do love running but I love running outside...in a forward direction until I get to a point where I have to turn around and run back to where I started, all this time enjoying the outdoor scenery. I guess you get to enjoy scenery in the gym...but it is all the scenery I try to avoid while running.... TVs, noise, and lots and lots of people. So as you can tell, I can't wait until the inversion is gone and the temperature is a little more pleasant. But until then, we are going to St. George. The sunshine and the clear skies are calling.. but most of all, a trail that leads somewhere seems very appealing.