What a man says, what a woman hears: Relationship landmines

@postaday72; #postaday2011.

My stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/72637869

After Japan’s earthquake and resultant tsunami, I was eager for a normal Saturday. I woke up a little early and got ready for a ride. Earlier this week my package from realcyclist.com showed up with three jerseys. Today I wore one that looks kinda retro ’70s, an orange and hot pink abstract on a white background. You’d be tempted to ask me about the in-flight movie.

So when John saw me in it, he demurred and said it wasn’t very slimming. To me that means he thinks I look fat in it. Then he said he liked it because I would be quite visible out on the road. You know, it’s nice to know that someone wants you to survive your ride and continue raising the family, heh. I could have thought that what he really meant was, “How could anyone miss you in that? You look as big as a Peterbuilt!”

This probably isn’t fair to John, but, I actually think I look OK in the jersey. I would be the first to offer that it probably looks like I have a belly bag when I’m riding, but it’s an actual belly. I call it my energy pack. Today I burned 715 calories on my ride. I wish I could subtract it from my energy pack!

Good ride today. I tried to conserve my energy going up the hills, but I can’t seem to keep my heart rate under 170 yet. Some day I will!

At least coming back down there’s the reward of flying down the hill, topping off at 40.7mph while descending Makapu’u. Felt good. But what really felt good was encountering groups of bicyclists going in the opposite direction with the hills that were behind me, before them. Been there, done that, not gloating, but so dang glad I killed the hills!

As I was leaving, I told John I was going to do the hills just once today. I thought he scoffed, but I think he was pleased that I no longer avoid them, I make them part of the drill. Today, 31.78 miles. Tomorrow? I plan on doing this ride again, but I’m going to continue on Lunalilo Home Road instead of turning up Kaumakani to go home, and head back out to Diamond Head. I’m interested in stepping up the mileage and seeing if I can do 50.

If you see me, smile and wave. I like that. Oh, and I’ll probably be in a black and red jersey! Yesterday, John sent me a tweet: