Brick-a-brack: Yes, it's all about the brick workouts for me now. I'm convinced that if I can just get my sorry legs used to running off the bike, I might somehow be able to do more than just walk this half marathon at the Iron Star. So . . . I'm taking Steve's advice (banner moment here!) and doing a short run after every bike ride. It's rather hard to force myself to do that when my legs are tired from fighting a 20 mph headwind for 25 miles, but, hey . . . if it was easy, everybody would be doing triathlons.

So . . . yesterday, as I planned, I did my regular 22-mile loop on the bike. The headwind was rough, but I did manage to do a 2-3 mile run after the bike. It was really more of a jog, but at least I did it. In the evening, I went home, took the dogs out for a short romp, and then did another 2 mile run. Probably shouldn't have . . . my legs are tight and sore, but I keep thinking that eventually, my legs won't hurt anymore if I just keep at it.

Today: The plan is a short, easy spin on the bike followed by another short brick. I'm doing the 50-mile "Dam Loop" tomorrow morning on the Saturday ATC taco ride, so I don't want to blow out my legs today. Besides, I'm riding with a co-worker who is slower than I am. That's good for me . . . I don't want to do intense rides every time I go out. So . . . it'll probably be a 15-mile easy spin (a little more than half of my regular 22-mile route), followed by a 2-3 mile jog around Town Lake. Then, tomorrow morning will be "hammer-fest" on the taco ride.

Non-Training Stuff: Things continue to be great with the new digs. Just one thing I've learned from integrating my two dogs into life with Lisa's two cats: Dogs really will eat anything . . . and by "anything" I include both cat poop and cat barf. Reese is no longer allowed to lick me unless he gets a few drinks of water first. On the plus side, we've had a few days now with no temper tantrum shredding incidents from the boys. I don't know if it's because we've been careful to pick up all the stuff they could shred from the kitchen, or if it's because the evening walks are helping curb their anxiety. Either way, Lisa and I are both pleased.

On the home front, Lisa and I have taken a bit of a break from unpacking and finding space for my stuff. It's hard to do during the week, especially when Lisa has to worry about class and I have to get in some training. Tomorrow, I'm sure we'll get a few more things put away in the afternoon. Should be a relaxing evening on Saturday, though. Lisa's friend Becca will be in from Houston to go to a wedding in Salado. Since her husband works weekends, she invited Lisa to go with her. They'll be leaving at 4:30ish, so I'm on my own for the evening. I foresee a nice easy walk with the dogs followed by some prime time college football watching on the big screen!

Well . . . off to do some work. I'll have more updates later!