Pain

This is to kick off a new series based on the theme of "You learn something new every day". I propose to end each day by sharing my something new with my faithful readers (whatever's left of them, since the blogging drought). Hopefully this modest goal will keep me writing for fun and keep you entertained.

To start, today I learned that my comfortable cycling pace is 21 km/hr. I also learned that it really hurts the ego to get passed at a slightly less comfortable 25 km/hr by a fat shirtless guy. It's just not fair to spend all that time and money to get myself to work in a healthy and environmentally friendly way, only to get passed 2 blocks into my ride home by a guy with a hairy back. No point in trying to pass him again, knowing I'm just going to get caught at the same traffic light 3 blocks ahead... a little awkward blowing past someone only to have to make small talk 10 seconds later until the light changes. It's painful, looking at a chubby man's butt crack for blocks and blocks. Needless to say, I didn't get close enough to draft him, although I'm sure he would have been a fabulous windbreak. Why couldn't I get passed by a firefighter out for a training ride in his bike shorts? Now there's motivation to ride a little faster...

And another thing I learned about riding at 21 km/hour - that's approximately the speed at which elite marathoners run. Yes, it's true - people run long distances as fast as I ride my bike. Even more shamefully, those guys who "racewalk" walk (or should I say "swish"?) far faster than I run. I suppose I should show more respect for a "sport" where the best participants cover 50 km in 2.5 hours, even if it does just look like a bunch of guys hurrying (thanks for that, Trev).

Ok, that's it for today... wait for tomorrow - I'll let you know what I learn.

*************

Funny kid conversation tonight:

Aimee (wailing at the injustices of the world - or the parental demand to bring in the recycling boxes) Nobody loves me!
Me: I love you...
Aimee: No you don't, you're just lying to me! Nobody loves me!
Me: I love you...
Aimee: Blah blah blah, that's all I hear. I can't even hear you lie to me!

... and so on for several minutes...

Can't wait for the hormones to kick in! Just can't wait!