The Official Website of Ultra Athlete Shanna Armstrong

200k Brevet

What is a brevet ride?  a really long ride with a bunch of cool people.   Today i finished a 200 k.  Most of my buddies went on to do a 400k.   I had no desire to do the 400k.   I was afraid i would show up and have to ride half the ride by myself like i usually do.   My buddies always shoot for the longest distance and i shoot for the 200ks and 300ks.  i got lucky since some of them are getting ready for a big race next weekend.   My buddy Mark Medcalf was only doing the 200k.  This meant i would get to ride with him all day.   It really made my day.  i want to stay on someones wheel all day if possible.   The ride was in East Texas in a town called Canton.   Last night i drove up to Canton after giving massages and we finished the ride in 7 hours and 8 minutes.   There were only 4 of us that did this and it was a really good time considering the course.  i was glad to be done.  i am riding strong considering i have only been on the bike a few times this year.

For the fist time in a long time i can actually say that i am feeling healthy.   Since i have my house i cook all the time now and eat lots of red meat.  i am always anemic when i go to the doc but now i dont think i am.   My training with my personal training on my core and back for firefighting have really helped me out.   My neck and back felt pretty darn good.   the stress in my life is better.    I loved my gramps and enjoyed taking care of him but the last two years when he was going downhill almost killed me.   It seemed like i was crying almost every day.  

I am surrounded by lots of good freinds and loving my move to Fort Worth.   i took almost 2.5 months of practically not doing hardly any real training and i think it is going to pay off.   This was the longest break i ever took but it was much needed moving into my new house and getting settled.  i am busy with school and odd jobs but i am happy.   I love being with my doggies every night and not traveling for a change.   Lots of good things have been happening and it is starting to show in my training.

Swimming-i did not have a chance to write about my swim workouts this past week but they hvae been amazing.   On Tuesday we did a set of 200’s.  i glanced at the clock and noticed that i imight have done one on the 2:48 without trying to hard.    I instantly got thrilled and then the coach gave us a set doing 200’s on the 2:50 interval.  i figured i would miss some of them but i made all 6 of them.   My swimming is coming back as well.   I dont think i have swam a 200 in less then 3 minutes in teh past 5 years.  Thursdays workout was kick butt as well.

Lubbock-tomorrow i fly into Lubbock to set some of my corporate wellness girls up with a new trainer.    I will see my family and study for my midterms next week.   I am really looking forward to it.   I hope i am not to warn out.   I will be running 18 miles and giving some massages before i get on the plane.   Cant wait.