We are on day two of no power or running water thanks to the "derecho" that came through on Friday night knocking down trees and powerlines everywhere. Our county has been told to expect to be back on the grid within the next three days. In the meantime, no electricity means no running water either since we are on a well. The picture above is a tree I drove under, ducking as I did! The picture below is one of many sets of lines down on our main road into town, a road I often bike on.
The house has become our storage unit and the kids and I are sleeping at my mother-in-law's house or friend's houses in town and Robert stayed home with the dog. Our swim club is without power and closed so my swim workouts will move to open water. Coach Jim is in the same situation and coming into town to find Internet and keep tabs on all his athletes.
No excuses....just do what you have to. Yesterday I still got my first 10+ mile run in since February. You don't need electricity to run! This morning, I came home to get the bike and head out on a long (50 mile) ride but did not start early enough to beat the heat. With no body-temp-lowering shower option at the house afterward, the cool concrete of the garage was the next best thing -- right there by the chainsaw and gas can, yes, it is a glamorous life! Trixie thought it was a good idea and joined me.
Heading out, I was a little concerned about road debris and although I saw SO many downed trees and power lines, most things were at least pushed off the road. My Clif bar and 2nd Surge Gel were not enough nutrition, so I kept my eyes out for wineberries that grow wild around here and are just about at their delicious peak. Twice I stopped and ate my fill!
Despite this being a super-weird week, training wise it was pretty hefty - 13 total hours:
- 3:05 swim (4x)
- 5:15 bike (3x - 98 miles total)
- 2:28 run (3x - 19 miles total)
- 2:15 gym (2x)
Thanks to Bryan Walsh of sponsor
Solar Connexion for storing a bunch of my freezer stuff since his solar arrays and battery bank allow he and his family to function pretty normally even with the power company down. They still have hot and cold running (well) water, A/C, freezer, refrigerator, Internet, etc. (see
recent video of his house) For anyone thinking of solar....do it! I suspect power disruptions will only become more common and widespread. We need to work toward energy independence through
efficiency,
conservation, and
renewable energy options like solar. After this experience, you'd better believe I will be.....
End.soapbox.