The Venetian weather has been magnificent so far and we have basked in above average temperatures under sun kissed blue skies. Even better news is that the forecast is like this for the week ahead.
Yesterday I acquainted myself with the local roads running 12km in just on an hour which wasn't too bad for a fat lad like me. This morning I awoke to sunlit skies and headed out once more but this time in the opposite direction.
The Italians have kept there religious side and many were heading to Church when I went out for a run. It was great to see families all dressed up with 3 generations walking together to share their belief in the Spring sunshine.
I plodded off with no garmin to help me judge my speed as for some reason my GPS had switched off and it wasn't giving me any readings other than time. So today I decided to run out 40 minutes before turning to complete an 80 minute run. It was superb. I ran along the banks of the canal loving every second. I said Bonjourno to everyone I passed, they ignored me except for one other runner who I had said morning to instead of bonjourno and they responded probably more in surprise than anything else.
Apart from the fishing competitions and the number of large bike groups I saw the run was unremarkable but enjoyable. I always enjoy heading out and hoping that I'll find my way back!
We set off and went up to Mestre, the next largest town in the area. It was lovely and the town centre was full of earnest men having earnest conversations. This felt very appropriate as it was my brother in law, Earnest's, birthday - Happy Birthday Ernie! They are a serious nation and I love they way the town centre's are a kids playground with everyone very relaxed and seemingly at ease with other - didn't feel like Dunfermline town centre today!
So after a wander around the local town, I decided to borrow the hotel bike. It's no carbon, shimano clad dream machine more a basic sit up and beg type Captain Mannering run about. The seat was too low but I didn't want to ask for a spanner in case I caused huge offence so I set off.
It was a single speed, maroon ladies bike and despite the poor set up and riding position I wound it up to the fastest speed I could. I followed the route of this mornings run with my hands in the nest time trialling position I could muster. I was flying along and I loved it, I passed bike after bike, granted most were being ridden by elderly ladies who I whooshed past with apparent ease.
I'm sure when Lance said it's not about the bike it was these moments he craved - or maybe not! I was loving being out when I spied in the distance a road bike with a brightly clad lycra wearing biker ahead. That was all I needed, I was off like a tortoise chasing a sloth - i gained on the fully kitted out biker before flying past on the last bend before the lights. I was in heaven and I couldn't help but remember Corporal Jones shouting 'they don't like it up em' as I cruised to a halt at the lights. My day was complete - not only was I one of the few cyclists out in short sleeves and a tee shirt but the single speed was flying along overtaking fully loaded road bikes!
All too soon I turned for home and made it back to the hotel in one piece. To date the drivers have been very courteous and left plenty of room when I've been running or on the bike.
Danielle had spent the afternoon chilling out but I was ready for something else so I headed down to the rear garden of the hotel and did a circuit session for an hour. It was fab working out in the sunshine and I loved most of the workout but by the time I started it with a longish run and a TT bike in the bank I felt tired. But I planned to do a circuit session so that's what I did,
I must have looked a bit of a twit but I didn't care and just did it. One hour later, drenched in sweat I went off for a shower,
The holiday has been brilliant so far but I think I'll need the launderette soon as I'm running out of sport's kit!
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