AMGEN tour of California

I did another 10 mile long run today; I decided I needed a change of scenery so I returned to a course I haven't run in months. The good news is they've finished the paving project and the road for the most part is fantastic for running. The bad news is that because the recently built McMansion City opened a new access road that terminates on my running course, the traffic is terrible. I had a really slow run with a few walk breaks due to the heat; I got out the door really early and it still got too hot for me. This is what happens here sometimes in September, we have a mini heat wave before our fall weather starts. And yes, we do have seasons here in California, they're just very subtle.

I'm really excited about Lance Armstrong returning to cycling. He's going to compete in the AMGEN tour of California and one leg of the race terminates in Paso Robles, about an hour north of my home! And-they will have time trials in Solvang, about an hour or so south of me! I could see both if I wanted to! The AMGEN tour is a big deal. It's a Tour de France style cycling race encompassing 800 miles of racing from town to town. All the worlds top cyclist compete, and the cool thing is the local cyclists know where to go to see the competitors actually on the road. It's a great way to see them racing without having to deal with the crowds in town. I have a friend who volunteers every year as a course worker, and he has the best inside tips for where to go to see the cyclists.

So I know what I'll be doing on February 19 and 20-I already have it on my calendar!