So I almost died twice this weekend...

Apparently the universe is trying to tell me something.

Like stay far, far away from anything resembling training.

Friday I had a 5 hour ride on the schedule, and I was looking forward to a relaxing, beautiful ride along the North Shore. I had a new playlist to rock out to and a positive mental attitude as I hit the road. When I got my first flat five minutes into the ride, I didn't let it phase me. Monsoon rains and 30mph crosswinds? Bring it, mother nature! Unfortunately, my good mood did get interrupted by one tiny thing: a garbage can.

Since the residents of Oahu are oh-so-considerate, they often leave presents for us cyclists. Like garbage cans in the bike lane. Usually I have plenty of warning to dodge the offenders, but on Friday an unfortunate string of events led to my near demise. I came around a curve face to face with a garbage can. I looked to see if I could swing wide to avoid it, but there was a dump truck next to me. I thought I could brake in time. I had no idea I was in gravel. So, as I'm trying to brake my wheel slides out from under me. My body slams against the garbage can and I get launched into the road on the North Shore. I realize I'm lying in the middle of the pavement and find myself face to face with the grill of an SUV. Thankfully traffic stopped in time. I took a few minutes to assess the situation. My body was hurting but nothing was broken. First, I rinsed my wounds and plucked out gravel. Then, I spent a good amount of time checking out everything on my bike: frame, components, steering, wheels, brakes. Things seemed to be fine, so I decided to continue. Although I was a bit sore I was able to ride for another 3 hours, until a second flat left me stranded three miles from my car. I checked my watch. Due to my accident, I lost a lot of time and was behind schedule. I had 45 minutes until I had to meet a student. I was three miles from my car with an un-rideable bike, a 20 minute ride from my house, and a 20 minute ride to my meeting place. I started to panic. So here I am, bleeding, sprinting up a hill in full cycling gear and pushing my bike. I must have made a lot of people laugh. Thankfully a car stopped and offered me a lift to my car (he was a local cyclist). I sped home, had Tara make me a smoothie while I had the world's fastest shower, and then quickly bandaged my wounds and was out the door. Miraculously I made it just in time.

Saturday my workout was derailed by a closed pool and flood warnings. I pushed my workout until later in the day and was able to get in a swim and a decent tempo bike ride. My planned run did not happen as any type of running resulted in searing pain from my bruised hip. But I burned more calories chasing around a two year old that night while Tara and I babysat for some friends.

Sunday I planned to do a 6 hour HURT loop. When I left the house, the weather indicated very light rain all day. At the start of the trail I have to cross a stream, and when I crossed initially it was up to my knees. Definitely not ideal, but doable. As I started to climb out of Nuuanu the rain picked up. Once I got to the top it was pouring. I kept running when suddenly I thought "THE STREAM!". The past two days have had flash flood warnings on Oahu. As the rain turned the the trail into minor streams I realized the main stream was growing and growing. And that meant I had to move fast if I wanted to get back home. I started running as fast as my hip would allow back down the mountain. As I got closer to the bottom everything was one giant stream. I started to panic. What if I couldn't make it across? Who would I call for help? I kept thinking how I didn't want to call the fire department because then I would be *that person* in the local paper whom everyone made fun of. More than just my safety was on the line; my dignity was on the line too! When I finally got to the stream I quickly said a prayer and braced myself. The water was rushing and it was up to my waist, but I felt I could safely make it across. I kept my center of gravity low and slowly made my way across, holding onto boulders for support. Not the smartest move, but better than the alternative.

Thank goodness next week is rest week.