La Piscine Ferme!!

So after my "epic" ride on Sunday I felt like it was vital that I try to climb Alpe D'Huez on Monday to really know what it will feel like for La Marmotte. I did not like it. Plain and simple I suffered! I suffered, went home and worked and my legs continued to suffer...that deep throbbing, and pain that you feel when you know you have done something stupid. Let's just say this was not an "overnight recovery" sort of thing...

So, what is the best thing for you when you are sore and need a "recovery" day? To swim of course!! I even promised Wolfgang I would go to the pool! So Tuesday started off well...a VERY easy jog/run to warm the legs up and then off to the pool

Oh Wait...there is one problem...the pool that is supposed to be open is 10 km away, 8km of which is climbing at +10% (the local pool does not open till July 1st). But I REALLY, REALLY wanted to swim (sense the sarcasm...imagine the wrath of Wolfgang here...). So I got on my bike and rode my heavy legs to Vajauny, all the while my new bike making funny noises, creeking, groaning, and even dropped the chain....I think my bike wanted to go to the pool as much as I did!...we are getting along just fine!

But, I persisted, sweated, cursed and basically suffered the entire way up...and here is proof! +10%

And because I was so eager and excited to swim I pulled over to take a picture.....half-way up...

And this is the pool.

And this is the sign on the pools window stating that no loose fitting boxer shorts are allowed. Now I understand why Euro's always wear the speedos! However, what this sign does not describe is how the Pool is CLOSED.... I didnt' know whether to celebrate or cry....I was happy not to swim because we all know how much I love swimming, but miserable because my legs took another beating when they could have been at home resting! So I guess I am blessed and cursed from the swimming standpoint. Blessed by the fact that I have an excuse NOT to do what I don't really like, and cursed because I know how bad it is going to be when I actually get back into the water...it will not be pretty, but I am not going to worry about that right now!

All my concerns were washed away by this site..right outside of the pool. Does not get much better than this!

I went home and proceeded to cook up a storm to fuel myself for the rest of the week. It is really cool to have most of your training/stuff done by midday and work in the afternoon. Everybody on the other side of the world is sleeping while I am riding my bike, so I don't worry about emails/work till I get back. It takes a lot off the mind so that when I am training.

Anyhow, it is amazing how the body bounces back. After some good food and rest, I had an awesome run and climb up Alpe D'Huez today! It felt great! I am hoping for the same tomorrow. Friday it is supposed to rain, so I am going to take a deserved rest day from the bike!