New training group

Yesterday I trained with a new group, Amy Bennett's "Camp Bennett." I'll be joining them for Mountain Man training, but that doesn't start until the 31st. Since I could use all the workouts I can get, she's letting me tag along with her current group. What she didn't mention is the current group is training for Honu, a Half-Ironman, and that race is in two weeks so these people are at their peak. Imagine an Oxen standing amidst a herd of Gazelles and the Gazelles suddenly take off, leaving the Oxen lumbering in their wake. Yes, I'm the Oxen. Every one of these people are covered in muscles and have no body fat. Even the girls! I was waaaay out of my league.

Still, they're a really nice group a people, and thankfully the workout was set up such that no one <cough>me<cough> got left behind. It was a timed run of 50 minutes where you do as many loops as you can in that time. The loop had some rolling hills, which I really needed, and it's good shifting practice as well. I think I got in four loops (with one potty break).

The workout was on the Marine Base, which I've never really had the chance to explore. We went past the airfield and did a loop near there. The problem for me was that I kept getting distracted. The place is GORGEOUS. Seriously, this has to be some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Everywhere I looked I saw mountains and oceans. The sun was setting behind the mountain and the sky was turning shades of orange and pink which was being reflected in the water. Just stunning.

As if this wasn't enough of a distraction, an airplane pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings, and not far from that was a helicopter practicing pickup/drop-off maneuvers. I really just wanted to stop and watch. How cool! As it was I kept catching myself slowing down as I lost focus and looked around at the happenings and scenery. Still, what a fantastic place for a bike ride.