This morning was our last ocean swim – the ocean greeted us robustly! The winds today roared between 30-40 kph, with swells and waves and … etc. it was a challenge but rather fitting conditions for our last ocean swim in Lanzarote 
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.Our “treat” for the day was that post swim there was going to be a 5K run, rather than the compulsory 9K run (which my knees just can’t do). Since it was one of the rare opportunities that I can complete all 3 activities in the day, I went for it and ran with my mom. After the aquathon my knees and hips were killing me, so being conscious of our epic ride that is to come tomorrow, I ran at a snail’s pace. My mom kindly agreed to run with me at may painfully slow pace, so along we plotted…Honestly I can’t say much about today’s ride. My asthmatic lungs are pretty done with me training and the chest-rattling cough has taken hold of me. i am told is called the “epic cough.” My lungs hurt today from the time i got up in the morning — and my cough worsened throughout the day. I suspect the high winds whipping up dust doesn’t help much with that ;-/
The winds were tough to say the least — I did a lot of focusing on the person in front of me and trying to not get blown off of the ride. During the first part of the day, I saw spray painting across the bridge that read, “otro mundo es possible.” I later learned that this meant, another word is possible. However, at the time I thought I meant, “anything is possible,” which I must say was a really encouraging thought. this phrase became my mantra as we battled the winds heading to the north of the island. Because, truly anything you set your mind to becomes possible. Other than that, the first several hours were a blur of wind and trying to keep a straight line in tremendous cross winds!!
We did a QOM back up to Mirador del Rio, which was a real challenge. Not only were the winds bad, but the road surface was incredibly rough. I pushed as hard as I could. My powermeter claims I could have pushed harder, but my lungs, legs, and brain argued otherwise.We ended the day with yoga with Thomas, who runs a gorgeous little B&B in Tinajo (where my mom and I stayed for our first night on the island). It was wonderful to end the day stretching. I really neglect this when I don’t have someone leading me through a series of poses. To continue my muscle restoration, I had my 30 minutes with the massage therapist this evening. The night ended with a feast courtesy of Daz and Debs of TriSports. It is Wendy’s and Tara’s daughter’s birthdays today! So we had a delicious cake after dinner to continue stoking the fires for tomorrow’s ride