One month out...and other random thoughts

I don't exactly know how it happened, but summer appeared in Philadelphia the past couple of days. We literally went from the season of "shit weather" to the well known (I seriously hesitate to use the word "love" to describe this) heat and humidity which is Philadelphia in the summer. Happy days are here again.... so long as one can get up early enough to beat said heat and humidity for training.
I was lucky enough to beat the humidity at least the other day on my first ride after suffering an ankle/Achilles sprain a month ago.
The way the sun felt on my skin, the sweat pouring out of my body...the smell of blooming flowers and trees, nice riders on the SRT (even ended up riding with a gentleman for about 10 miles, super nice guy, made me pick it up a notch. very thankful)...helping a family who had two small kids crash into each other (they were fine, just in a little shock)...the desire to keep riding instead of stopping... how much further can I REALLY go?? Well, it turned out to be 45 miles. I haven't felt that fantastic in awhile (damn ankle injury).
To me, there's nothing like setting out on a ride (or run) with no time limit, no mileage goal... just the goal to ride the best I can for however long that lasts. If I feel great, I keep going, if I feel like shit, probably best to call it a day. This day, Tuesday, I just kept going.
And what helped me keep going? My new favorite energy bar... Vega Sport Endurance Bar.

Plant based, gluten, dairy and soy free! So nice to finally have vegan options to choose. Now, if races would provide vegan options for the post-race food (veg broth, red pie instead of pizza with cheese, anything without cheese and dairy really).
So, one month from today is the Philadelphia Triathlon, now a part of the TriRock Series. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather (no rain the night before or day off, if only because I do not want this race to turn into a duathlon), and, that my Achilles heals well enough that I will actually be able to at least jog the run portion.. that part is still up in the air.

Stay tuned... and inspire me. I welcome all tips, ideas, comments, words of encouragement, etc. I'm training on my own, it can be tough sometimes to find that motivation. I rarely ask people for help, but with such an undertaking and still the goal of a half-Ironman in mind.... I reach out.

And, I would be remiss if I did not send my thoughts and prayers to those in Oklahoma.

And, to Mary Rascon... much love. Lee's love will live on...

Peace,
-Megan