i love new toys!

i've discovered that the amount of gear you need for a triathlon is both exciting and overwhelming. i am trying to be frugal (since postdocs aren't made of money!) and only upgrade to those things i really feel like i need.

saturday, i found something that i really needed: aero bars. i have spend the last few weeks coveting other people's aero bars, and finally decided i had to have them. after quick stop at the local bike shop, i excitedly started to mount them on my bike. after about three minutes of fumbling, i got discouraged and realized that:

1. i actually needed to read the directions.
2. it was going to take more than five minutes.
3. my complete lack of mechanical ability was once again going to kick me in the butt.

but, thanks to a very patient husband and Sam Adams, i regrouped and started over.

45 minutes later, i put down my allen wreches, stepped back from my bicycle and grinned. the aero bars looked AWESOME! after a quick ride up and down the block, i made some final adjustments and then suited up for a training ride. i hit the capital city bike trail and 30 miles later, i was still grinning from how much i love the aero bars.

verdict on the bars: worth every penny!!

but...i find myself wondering if the 30 miles passed quickly because i was excited for a new toy, or if i really feel that much stronger on the bike. i guess we'll see how i feel tomorrow during brick #3.