I’ve been a bit uncomfortable on some of my longer rides recently and felt the need to stop and attempt to adjust the padding on my shorts (capris). Unfortunately, most adjustments have not been very successful as these shorts actually have the padding in a liner. I’m no longer sure why anyone would want pants/shorts with a liner for the padding. You don’t wear underwear with padded shorts as the edge of the underwear is a potential for chaffing. What’s the difference with the built-in liner?
On short rides, there isn’t much of a difference. On the longer rides (I’m qualifying “longer rides” as 25 miles plus, or multiple days of riding in a row) it begins to make a difference. I’ve been researching the padding and shorts in plus sizes. I don’t honestly expect to be able to walk into any bike store and find a pair of shorts, with adequate padding, in my size. Face it. My size is not a fast moving product, or frequently requested item, from a bike shop. I get it. So, I figure I’ll do my research, find the right product and then ask my local bike shop contact to get it for me.
In researching, I discovered Shebeest designed a new chamois just for their plus size line of clothing. I read all the technology explanations behind the new chamois and I’m sold! I ask J.D. if they have these new shorts in. After all, they did have the new plus size Shebeest jerseys in stock. Sadly, the shorts have not arrived yet.
I can’t wait for the shorts to arrive. I need new ones with more padding, and stat! Rather than driving all around town to every Shebeest dealer, I decided to save the gas and order online. I discover Team Estrogen. They actually have a plus size category for shopping on their site, so I decide they get my business. Plus, they’re from Hillsboro, OR so I’ll support the “home team”. I order my shorts, and two different pairs of low profile socks. Hopefully these will help me to avoid (or at least minimize) the sock tan line so I don’t look silly wearing my sandals to work.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 277.1
Financial Investment: $972.39
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Pushing Myself
We picked up Dad for the Woman Hollering Creek ride this morning. He decided to ride his upright bike this time so he could get up the hills. Four miles in to the ride, I announce my butt is numb already. Pete is a little concerned about what that means for our 27 mile route today. I’m not feeling like I have the energy for this ride today either and start to wonder myself.
As I’m riding along, a bug hits my sunglasses. Wow! Sure glad I wear these sunglasses when I ride, that would have hurt! As I attack and keep powering my way up the first hill, I accidentally shift two gears at once. Oops! That’ll sure ruin your cadence. I make it up the hill, although Dad passed me on the hill, and we keep on moving.
Then, we hit a road construction sign and fresh gravel. Ick! I have wide mountain bike tires and they just grab the gravel. The bikes are squirrely in this stuff and we each find our own pace and just keep moving. It is hard going. I’m exhausted and call break time. I decide to have some Gu in hopes that it’ll kick some energy into me. Dad decides to try to make friends with one of the horses watching us, but the horse seems interested in the people, but scared of the bike. We keep on trudging through the gravel and finally get through.
I’m starting to think about asking where the point is that I can turn and make this a shorter ride, while at the same time avoiding the killer hills at the end of the route. I manage to think about it long enough, that I know I’m now past the point and I might as well buck-up and finish the whole route we set out to do!
After a big hill and a good section of the “false flat” (which by the way, I’m not sure how I thought it was flat last time we were out here, it’s clearly inclines) I declare another break time. Dad is up ahead, but he doubles back and finds a post in the shade to lean against as he sits in the grass. He’s decided he has a ten mile butt and twenty mile knees. Neither is good for a 27 mile route. More Gu and Gatorade, and a good hanky break and I’m ready to go again.
We roll right past the 20 mile shade where Dad quit last time. I’m matching Pete’s pace and we’re moving right along. I really like it when I’m able to pace him. I call it “keeping up with him”, but he says he’s “able to keep me in a pace line”. As I’m enjoy this trucking along section, I know the hills loom ahead. I wonder where I’m going to find the energy to get up those hills, but I know if I can, the downhill at then end is worth it.
Pete pulls into the Shell station again for another shade break. We get to this section of the route late enough in the morning that the black top and lack of trees sure makes this last road a brutally hot one. I know I couldn’t make it up the hills if I didn’t first cool off in the shade. Cooled off and ready for the air conditioning of the truck, we head out. I take the lead with Pete protecting my rear from the traffic. I call out the obstacles and the cars approaching from side roads and Pete takes care of the rest. Slow and steady, I make it up. I even pass Dad as he jumps off and starts walking up one of the hills.
We get to the top and I say “where’s the stupid stadium?” Seeing the stadium is the sign that you’ve crested the last hill and you’re almost back to the car. Pete waits a beat as the road bends in front of us and the stadium comes into view from behind a tree branch. It was a moment out of a movie. I cheer and send Pete, the speed demon, ahead for the downhill. I let gravity work and enjoy the downhill seeing 35.4 mph on my bike computer. I pedal the last distance into the parking lot and get off the bike thrilled, but exhausted. Somehow I made it. I think I’ll say this ride is thanks to the powers of Gu.
Goals
Today's Miles: 27
Total Miles Achieved: 277.1
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
As I’m riding along, a bug hits my sunglasses. Wow! Sure glad I wear these sunglasses when I ride, that would have hurt! As I attack and keep powering my way up the first hill, I accidentally shift two gears at once. Oops! That’ll sure ruin your cadence. I make it up the hill, although Dad passed me on the hill, and we keep on moving.
Then, we hit a road construction sign and fresh gravel. Ick! I have wide mountain bike tires and they just grab the gravel. The bikes are squirrely in this stuff and we each find our own pace and just keep moving. It is hard going. I’m exhausted and call break time. I decide to have some Gu in hopes that it’ll kick some energy into me. Dad decides to try to make friends with one of the horses watching us, but the horse seems interested in the people, but scared of the bike. We keep on trudging through the gravel and finally get through.
I’m starting to think about asking where the point is that I can turn and make this a shorter ride, while at the same time avoiding the killer hills at the end of the route. I manage to think about it long enough, that I know I’m now past the point and I might as well buck-up and finish the whole route we set out to do!
After a big hill and a good section of the “false flat” (which by the way, I’m not sure how I thought it was flat last time we were out here, it’s clearly inclines) I declare another break time. Dad is up ahead, but he doubles back and finds a post in the shade to lean against as he sits in the grass. He’s decided he has a ten mile butt and twenty mile knees. Neither is good for a 27 mile route. More Gu and Gatorade, and a good hanky break and I’m ready to go again.
We roll right past the 20 mile shade where Dad quit last time. I’m matching Pete’s pace and we’re moving right along. I really like it when I’m able to pace him. I call it “keeping up with him”, but he says he’s “able to keep me in a pace line”. As I’m enjoy this trucking along section, I know the hills loom ahead. I wonder where I’m going to find the energy to get up those hills, but I know if I can, the downhill at then end is worth it.
Pete pulls into the Shell station again for another shade break. We get to this section of the route late enough in the morning that the black top and lack of trees sure makes this last road a brutally hot one. I know I couldn’t make it up the hills if I didn’t first cool off in the shade. Cooled off and ready for the air conditioning of the truck, we head out. I take the lead with Pete protecting my rear from the traffic. I call out the obstacles and the cars approaching from side roads and Pete takes care of the rest. Slow and steady, I make it up. I even pass Dad as he jumps off and starts walking up one of the hills.
We get to the top and I say “where’s the stupid stadium?” Seeing the stadium is the sign that you’ve crested the last hill and you’re almost back to the car. Pete waits a beat as the road bends in front of us and the stadium comes into view from behind a tree branch. It was a moment out of a movie. I cheer and send Pete, the speed demon, ahead for the downhill. I let gravity work and enjoy the downhill seeing 35.4 mph on my bike computer. I pedal the last distance into the parking lot and get off the bike thrilled, but exhausted. Somehow I made it. I think I’ll say this ride is thanks to the powers of Gu.
Goals
Today's Miles: 27
Total Miles Achieved: 277.1
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Breaking 30 Miles!
Today was the monthly “stay together” ride for the San Antonio Wheelmen. There was quite the crowd this month! It sounds like crowds begin to form over the summer as training gets into full swing for the MS 150 (to be known as Bike MS this year). This is my attempt at the ride I failed miserably a month ago. I’ve been mentally preparing for this ride all week. Pete and I agreed to do the “wheelmen thing” when we arrive at the parking lot so we aren’t surprised by the route again. This means that we arrive, park, go sign in, grab a map and highlight the route off of the master from the leader’s car, then get ourselves and our bikes ready.
I’m ready for this ride. I know the route (assuming they go “our way” this time). I’m more confident in my biking. J.D., who has become my second coach, is going to be riding sweep, and she already knows I’m a novice and still slow. I just have to keep pedaling and I can do it.
We’re at a new start location due to the construction in this small town. I’m surprised when a co-worker pulls in and parks next to us. I’m constantly amazed by the people I learn are fellow cyclists! The parking lot filled up fast. There are almost 30 people for the stay together ride, plus everyone doing the longer distances at their faster speeds! Thankfully, today we’re doing the standard route that Pete and I have done a number of times. This should help with part of my mental game in the section of the route in this area that I don’t know.
We head out and I’m doing a good job of pacing Pete. We seem to be holding a steady 13 mph and I feel like I’m really moving! We make a turn and there’s some confusion on if we’re waiting for the ones behind me, or if the group is to keep on moving, so Cliff asks Pete to head up to the front and lead the route. Meanwhile I stop and just as I get off my bike for a quick break, Cliff says we’re heading out. Now I’m behind and being a slow cyclist, there’s no catching up! So I pedal along at my pace knowing that J.D. and one other cyclist are behind me.
Eventually, Pete doubles back and he and I ride together again. He’s in time to coach me on a hill. He mentioned this hill last night, so I have an idea of what to expect. He helps me through some of the shifting, but I struggle to get into the small ring again. I don’t give up though and I just keep on pedaling in the smallest gear my bike will let me use. I get passed by the other cyclist, but I make it up the hill on two wheels on my first attempt! I’m psyched!
We turn off the highway and have now regrouped with the stay-together group, but they’re ready to move on. *sigh!* I need a chance to catch my breath. Pete, J.D. and the other cyclist tell me to take my time and wait for me. We’re off again and the four of us seem to be moving at about the same pace. That is, until the next hill. Pete hangs back with me and I just keep on going.
Eventually, we get to the gas station that is the 1/3 way point and we regroup. Thankfully, we’re in the shade. I’m enjoying the break and feel like I’m doing well. When the group is ready to head out, I am too. I think I’ll work on keeping up with the group from the beginning this time. However, we hit the access road and my legs are locked. They do not want to go around and we have a bit of a headwind.
I downshift and try to keep moving. I am moving, but the group is moving faster. They also have the advantage of the group breaking through the wind together and I’m going it alone. Oh well. I manage to almost catch up with the group as we go up and over the overpass. Pedal as I may, I cannot keep up with the group and fall off the back again. I’m determined though, so we just keep on moving and enjoy the scenery as we go.
The group regroups (or waits for me) at the same church Pete and I rested at once before. Part of the group wants more mileage, so they decide at what point they’re going to break off for more. J.D. will lead the others in to the parking lot and Pete will sweep to make sure no one (truth be told, me) gets left behind. Once again, I manage to keep up with the group, even over the overpass, until we hit the two hills. By the time I crest the first hill, I can only see three cyclists in front of us. At the cresting of the second hill, we’re alone, left in the dust, again. Oh well. I managed to make it up these two hills and I know that I did it better than I did last time, so I’m happy with that. I’m working on catching my breath and lowering my heart rate more quickly too.
We make it back to the parking lot and I look down at my computer to see we’ve gone 28.7 miles. I loop around the parking lot once as people cheer and welcome me in. One guy says, “you made it back just as it’s getting hot out.” I smile and say “no kidding” then should out to Pete “I need another mile!” and I head out into the neighborhood. He follows me and we wander around until the mileage is enough that I’ll break 30 before I end the ride.
I pushed myself today, and I feel good about it. I stopped when I knew that I needed to and didn’t worry about the others being upset at my slow speed. In all, we were stopped for a mere 22 minutes and I pedaled for 2 hours and 45 minutes. That’s not much of a break for a 30 mile ride, for me at least! I’ll get there though. Actually, I am there now! Even with today's struggles, I averaged 10.9 mph for the ride.
Goals
Today's Miles: 30.1
Total Miles Achieved: 250.1
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
I’m ready for this ride. I know the route (assuming they go “our way” this time). I’m more confident in my biking. J.D., who has become my second coach, is going to be riding sweep, and she already knows I’m a novice and still slow. I just have to keep pedaling and I can do it.
We’re at a new start location due to the construction in this small town. I’m surprised when a co-worker pulls in and parks next to us. I’m constantly amazed by the people I learn are fellow cyclists! The parking lot filled up fast. There are almost 30 people for the stay together ride, plus everyone doing the longer distances at their faster speeds! Thankfully, today we’re doing the standard route that Pete and I have done a number of times. This should help with part of my mental game in the section of the route in this area that I don’t know.
We head out and I’m doing a good job of pacing Pete. We seem to be holding a steady 13 mph and I feel like I’m really moving! We make a turn and there’s some confusion on if we’re waiting for the ones behind me, or if the group is to keep on moving, so Cliff asks Pete to head up to the front and lead the route. Meanwhile I stop and just as I get off my bike for a quick break, Cliff says we’re heading out. Now I’m behind and being a slow cyclist, there’s no catching up! So I pedal along at my pace knowing that J.D. and one other cyclist are behind me.
Eventually, Pete doubles back and he and I ride together again. He’s in time to coach me on a hill. He mentioned this hill last night, so I have an idea of what to expect. He helps me through some of the shifting, but I struggle to get into the small ring again. I don’t give up though and I just keep on pedaling in the smallest gear my bike will let me use. I get passed by the other cyclist, but I make it up the hill on two wheels on my first attempt! I’m psyched!
We turn off the highway and have now regrouped with the stay-together group, but they’re ready to move on. *sigh!* I need a chance to catch my breath. Pete, J.D. and the other cyclist tell me to take my time and wait for me. We’re off again and the four of us seem to be moving at about the same pace. That is, until the next hill. Pete hangs back with me and I just keep on going.
Eventually, we get to the gas station that is the 1/3 way point and we regroup. Thankfully, we’re in the shade. I’m enjoying the break and feel like I’m doing well. When the group is ready to head out, I am too. I think I’ll work on keeping up with the group from the beginning this time. However, we hit the access road and my legs are locked. They do not want to go around and we have a bit of a headwind.
I downshift and try to keep moving. I am moving, but the group is moving faster. They also have the advantage of the group breaking through the wind together and I’m going it alone. Oh well. I manage to almost catch up with the group as we go up and over the overpass. Pedal as I may, I cannot keep up with the group and fall off the back again. I’m determined though, so we just keep on moving and enjoy the scenery as we go.
The group regroups (or waits for me) at the same church Pete and I rested at once before. Part of the group wants more mileage, so they decide at what point they’re going to break off for more. J.D. will lead the others in to the parking lot and Pete will sweep to make sure no one (truth be told, me) gets left behind. Once again, I manage to keep up with the group, even over the overpass, until we hit the two hills. By the time I crest the first hill, I can only see three cyclists in front of us. At the cresting of the second hill, we’re alone, left in the dust, again. Oh well. I managed to make it up these two hills and I know that I did it better than I did last time, so I’m happy with that. I’m working on catching my breath and lowering my heart rate more quickly too.
We make it back to the parking lot and I look down at my computer to see we’ve gone 28.7 miles. I loop around the parking lot once as people cheer and welcome me in. One guy says, “you made it back just as it’s getting hot out.” I smile and say “no kidding” then should out to Pete “I need another mile!” and I head out into the neighborhood. He follows me and we wander around until the mileage is enough that I’ll break 30 before I end the ride.
I pushed myself today, and I feel good about it. I stopped when I knew that I needed to and didn’t worry about the others being upset at my slow speed. In all, we were stopped for a mere 22 minutes and I pedaled for 2 hours and 45 minutes. That’s not much of a break for a 30 mile ride, for me at least! I’ll get there though. Actually, I am there now! Even with today's struggles, I averaged 10.9 mph for the ride.
Goals
Today's Miles: 30.1
Total Miles Achieved: 250.1
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday Weigh-in
After the scale battle this week, you wouldn't think I'd actually weigh-in today, but I did. However, I didn't manage to remember to do so before I had my cereal. So, after my cereal, but before my shower I did my weigh-in.
Wednesday night, and again last night after my ride, I weighed-in to try out the new scale. Both weights came in at a gain of five pounds since I started this whole thing. Thrilling! Isn't it? Yes, I know "muscle weighs more than fat". Trust me when I tell you at this stage of the game, and when you really want to be showing even a fraction of a benefit from all of your efforts, this does not matter! I don't care. I need to see some sort of payoff for my efforts.
Well, the big girl panties are now on (thanks Trinity!) and I'll work at it a bit longer before crying defeat again. Notice I'm not giving you any exact amount of time. I'm sneaky that way. Please keep on asking me, and keep on working on me. If you won't let me give up, I won't and I'll keep going.
Anyway, you wanted to know about the numbers. Well, I don't quite understand it, but overnight I've gone from gaining five pounds to now a loss of 0.2 pounds. I'm not really sure how to record that! The way I figure it's a net loss of 0.2 pounds since I started. I know our bodies fluctuate throughout the day, but I'm amazed! I said I would be weighing myself on Friday and Monday mornings, so I will continue to do so and that is the weight number we'll use. Maybe I should work on staying off the scale except for those two times a week. And the obsession with using the scale is exactly why I hate having one and having it so conveniently placed. Stay tuned for Monday's weigh-in after the longer rides this weekend.
Goals
Today's Miles: 9.6
Total Miles Achieved: 220
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
Wednesday night, and again last night after my ride, I weighed-in to try out the new scale. Both weights came in at a gain of five pounds since I started this whole thing. Thrilling! Isn't it? Yes, I know "muscle weighs more than fat". Trust me when I tell you at this stage of the game, and when you really want to be showing even a fraction of a benefit from all of your efforts, this does not matter! I don't care. I need to see some sort of payoff for my efforts.
Well, the big girl panties are now on (thanks Trinity!) and I'll work at it a bit longer before crying defeat again. Notice I'm not giving you any exact amount of time. I'm sneaky that way. Please keep on asking me, and keep on working on me. If you won't let me give up, I won't and I'll keep going.
Anyway, you wanted to know about the numbers. Well, I don't quite understand it, but overnight I've gone from gaining five pounds to now a loss of 0.2 pounds. I'm not really sure how to record that! The way I figure it's a net loss of 0.2 pounds since I started. I know our bodies fluctuate throughout the day, but I'm amazed! I said I would be weighing myself on Friday and Monday mornings, so I will continue to do so and that is the weight number we'll use. Maybe I should work on staying off the scale except for those two times a week. And the obsession with using the scale is exactly why I hate having one and having it so conveniently placed. Stay tuned for Monday's weigh-in after the longer rides this weekend.
Goals
Today's Miles: 9.6
Total Miles Achieved: 220
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: -0.2
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Putting on my Big Girl Panties
It's Thursday, so tonight was the women only ride. We had a great turn out about a dozen women again. I was glad to see all four of the new riders from last week were back again. Tonight's session started with a discussion on nutrition and replacing electrolytes. Having not been on some long rides, this isn't something I've really paid any attention to. Now I'm beginning to do longer rides and with some of the rides being at night in the 95-100 temperatures, it's super important. There's been some days where I'm just exhausted at work, feel sluggish, and just can't hardly seem to keep moving. Apparently, this is because of what I've done to my body with the exercise and not been replacing electrolytes, or refueling appropriately. I know you're shocked that my nutritional knowledge is not all there. Honestly, I thought as long as I didn't dehydrate myself, ate healthy and reasonable portion, and was exercising regularly, I shouldn't be so tired. Now I know. Today I tied the Jelly Belly electrolyte beans. They taste good, but I don't know that tonight's ride was long enough to really notice the effects. I'll give them another shot this weekend.
The ride this evening was more of a routine ride. It was comfortable and that was nice. I lead the slow group on the short route and that made me feel like I was finally able to give something back to the other cyclists who have been giving me so much. People asked if Pete would be joining us, but he went to poker instead. I had to chuckle at the women asking for him at the women only ride. We split into the die-hards who did more miles and another loop of hills and the smart ones. I went with the smart ones and had an interesting discussion on women's bike shorts, butt butter and general "girl down below" question and answer session. It was very informative and helpful.
J.D. taught me how to use my big ring to pedal downhills so I have more momentum to power me up the hills. It seemed to work for me, so I'll continue to work on that this weekend. I had a brief conversation with a gal who has been riding for a year and a half and lost 46 pounds so far. Proof that I just have to keep on pedaling. On our way back, we passed a group of runners stretching and preparing to begin their ride. One gal shouted out "where were you an hour ago? I could have used a lift!" I quickly responded with, "sorry, but I'm already carrying around enough weight," and slapped my hip. The runners all laughed and someone said "Good for you! Keep on pedaling!" Amazing how far you can come in a day and what a little attitude adjustment will do for you. Somewhere in the last 20 hours, or so, I've managed to put on my big girl panties.
Goals
Today's Miles: 9.6
Total Miles Achieved: 220
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: +5.0
The ride this evening was more of a routine ride. It was comfortable and that was nice. I lead the slow group on the short route and that made me feel like I was finally able to give something back to the other cyclists who have been giving me so much. People asked if Pete would be joining us, but he went to poker instead. I had to chuckle at the women asking for him at the women only ride. We split into the die-hards who did more miles and another loop of hills and the smart ones. I went with the smart ones and had an interesting discussion on women's bike shorts, butt butter and general "girl down below" question and answer session. It was very informative and helpful.
J.D. taught me how to use my big ring to pedal downhills so I have more momentum to power me up the hills. It seemed to work for me, so I'll continue to work on that this weekend. I had a brief conversation with a gal who has been riding for a year and a half and lost 46 pounds so far. Proof that I just have to keep on pedaling. On our way back, we passed a group of runners stretching and preparing to begin their ride. One gal shouted out "where were you an hour ago? I could have used a lift!" I quickly responded with, "sorry, but I'm already carrying around enough weight," and slapped my hip. The runners all laughed and someone said "Good for you! Keep on pedaling!" Amazing how far you can come in a day and what a little attitude adjustment will do for you. Somewhere in the last 20 hours, or so, I've managed to put on my big girl panties.
Goals
Today's Miles: 9.6
Total Miles Achieved: 220
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: +5.0
New Scale
In running my errands last night, I had the joyous task of purchasing a new scale. I'd hoped the Weight Watchers one I've heard good things about would miraculously replace the old one, but that old scale just kept giving me inaccurate readings instead. While at Target, I picked up a new scale. In looking at all of the different scales, I decided to spend a little extra money to get the scale that calculates your BMI and measures your body hydration level. It has four memories, so multiple people can use it without entering their information every time. Great!
Tonight I decide to take it out of the box and learn how to use it. Then when it's time to weigh-in on Friday, I don't have to figure it out early in the morning. I take it out of the box, review the Quick Start guide and think I have it figured out, so I jump on. I get a weight, but then it errors out. Hmm... I must be doing something wrong. I go to read the full manual (okay, search for what I needed, but at least I was going to read part of it.) Pete has been reading the manual. He says he thinks he has it figured out, so he goes in the bathroom to try. After entering his information and a series of beeps he walks out. It worked. *sigh!* Figures!
We go into the bathroom together and he shows me how it works. He entered my information and stored it. He shows me how to switch between people and what to expect. My information is up, so I step on. He tactfully walks out of the bathroom. I get a weight and it displays for two seconds. Then the scale begins it's calculation of my BMI. Error again! I walk out and pick up the book this time to look up the error code. And there it is in black and white:
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Tonight I decide to take it out of the box and learn how to use it. Then when it's time to weigh-in on Friday, I don't have to figure it out early in the morning. I take it out of the box, review the Quick Start guide and think I have it figured out, so I jump on. I get a weight, but then it errors out. Hmm... I must be doing something wrong. I go to read the full manual (okay, search for what I needed, but at least I was going to read part of it.) Pete has been reading the manual. He says he thinks he has it figured out, so he goes in the bathroom to try. After entering his information and a series of beeps he walks out. It worked. *sigh!* Figures!We go into the bathroom together and he shows me how it works. He entered my information and stored it. He shows me how to switch between people and what to expect. My information is up, so I step on. He tactfully walks out of the bathroom. I get a weight and it displays for two seconds. Then the scale begins it's calculation of my BMI. Error again! I walk out and pick up the book this time to look up the error code. And there it is in black and white:
Err 3: BMI calculation is out of range
Thanks! That's what I needed to motivate me. Can't even calculate! I toss the book in frustration and pick up the box and wrappers to clean up my mess. I'm not surprised, but I'm fighting back tears. I've been working so hard and now this scale that I spent money on and even spent the extra cash for the BMI calculation tells me I haven't lost one pound. I've technically gained five and I'm out of range for BMI. Great! Now what? I know I'm overweight. I truly didn't need to spend money to have a scale tell me this. I'm working on it. Isn't that worth something? Don't I get some sort of credit?
For the first time I'm honestly motivated more than I've ever been before to get the weight off and keep it off. Don't get me wrong, I've wanted to for a long time. And I've done it the wrong way once and found it all again. I'm actually enjoying the activity of being out there on the bike. I'm enjoying the socialization with other riders and meeting new people. I enjoy the feeling I get when I'm cheered on by other riders. But what's the point? What's it all for if I'm just out there shaking my fat butt on a bike and not even losing a pound? I don't look good in my bike clothes. I know I don't look good on a bike. Trust me, the helmet isn't exactly an eye-catcher. The red face and constant sweating (not to mention what you smell like after a ride) isn't exactly attractive either. I enjoy spending the time with Pete. I enjoy the scenery. I worry that I'm holding Pete back from the training he needs. He doesn't get to ride as fast, to get his heart rate up, and he's riding shorter distances because I can't do 50-70 miles yet. If he wasn't sticking with me, he'd be getting a better workout and more trainning for his ride.
But what is it all for? Why am I doing this? Am I being selfish and hurting Pete in the process? Should I quit trying to push myself and just be the support I know I can be? If it's really to just be part of the great biking community, I can be the "ultimate cyclist's girlfriend". I can take photos, cheer, pass out water, create breakpoints, run pick-ups, etc. That's my nature. It's what I'm good at, and I enjoy it too, maybe even to a fault, but I like helping and taking care of others. If I can do that by passing out water, having cookies, taking photos, and cheering that's easy for me. This getting my fat butt on the bike and pedaling 20+ miles is a challenge for me. It's not easy. I have to admit my weaknesses to myself, to Pete, to others I may be riding with. I may have to thumb a lift, or ask for a pick-up. I may have to get help with a flat, or other bike repair. I cannot be self-sufficient and confident on a bike, at least not yet, and I have a long way to go before I can.
What happens if I spend the next three months continuing to train and I don't drop a pound? What happens if I pedal to the beach and my only success is raising a lot of money? And honestly, that wouldn't be a bad thing (but I'm having a personal moment here.) Yes, I know the thing about muscle weighs more than fat, but come on! At some point, you should honestly drop at least one pound. The math is there (not that I'm good at it.) If I'm burning more calories than I take in, I should start to show some weight loss. But what happens if I don't? Is it the end of the world? What then? Am I a failure at that point? Trust me, the self-talk is horrible! I know that and I try to stop it, but at some point, it just breaks through and there is no stopping it.
The media talks about how "obese" this country is. I hate that word. It's like we made "fat" a bad word and now "obese" is supposed to be the politcally correct word. It just sounds mean. It's such a qualifier. And every time they say "obese" on the news you see video of fat people in clothing that doesn't fit right, but all of their heads are cut off. How is that supposed to make us feel okay about being selected for the obese discussion on the nightly news. "I'm too heavy for them to show my face on t.v." Good grief! I know it's so as to not embarass people, or because they didn't get permission to use their image. Come on! We know we're heavy. We know we need to do something about it. It's about finding the motivation and the drive to do it. Having the support to do so and to stick with it. Quit calling us out and treating us like we're second-class citizens. We're people too. We have feelings. Trust me. It hurts and we cry. But this is another topic for more in-depth discussion another day.
A couple of big hugs and a some talking through it with Pete, I finally fall asleep. I don't know that things are much better today, but I do know I will only stay on that scale to see the weight tomorrow. I don't have the answers to all of my other questions. I don't know if I'll be alone at the end of all of this, but at this point, I'm still determined to go for it. I made the commitment for October. I'll keep pushing through until then. At that point, I'll have to re-evaluate. My next doctor's appointment is in October, so we'll see what the medical opinion is then too. For now, I'll pedal on through the uncertainty.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No Shows
Today was my first experience of going to a ride and being the only one to show up. Apparently there is a group that bikes from Bullis Park on Blanco every Tuesday night at 7:00. I was excited about trying a new route and I liked the idea of a little bit later start time to try to let the temperature drop a little bit.
This week the task of getting my bike to the ride was a bit of a challenge. With some care reverse engineering of time tables and creative car swapping, we figured out how Pete could be on time for his meeting and I could get me and my bike to the park on time and somehow change into bike clothes. Of course, it involved me leaving the office in time and driving across town for a vehicle swap and back, but it worked. I was thrilled that even though I sat in traffic, I was still at the park by 6:35. Not too bad.
I decided not to unload my bike until someone else showed. I sat and waited. There was a bit of a breeze, so with the windows down, I didn't swelter in the car. I watched a group appear for a soccer match. Parents and kids arrived to play on the really cool playground equipment. Someone got a flat tire and pulled into the parking lot to change it. But, no one ever showed for the ride.
Now I'm not normally one to require others to do something. However, I don't know the route. I'm improving, but I'm not an experienced cyclist yet. The wind may be blowing more than this light breeze I feel and could be a grueling headwind to return to the park. So, I decide not to try to ride the area on my own.
I tried to come up with an option of where I could get at least a brief ride in on my own and came up short. I did have a list of errands to do on the way home, so I put my cover-up shirt on over my bike jersey and headed off to run my errands and call it a night. I'll give it a shot next time.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
This week the task of getting my bike to the ride was a bit of a challenge. With some care reverse engineering of time tables and creative car swapping, we figured out how Pete could be on time for his meeting and I could get me and my bike to the park on time and somehow change into bike clothes. Of course, it involved me leaving the office in time and driving across town for a vehicle swap and back, but it worked. I was thrilled that even though I sat in traffic, I was still at the park by 6:35. Not too bad.
I decided not to unload my bike until someone else showed. I sat and waited. There was a bit of a breeze, so with the windows down, I didn't swelter in the car. I watched a group appear for a soccer match. Parents and kids arrived to play on the really cool playground equipment. Someone got a flat tire and pulled into the parking lot to change it. But, no one ever showed for the ride.
Now I'm not normally one to require others to do something. However, I don't know the route. I'm improving, but I'm not an experienced cyclist yet. The wind may be blowing more than this light breeze I feel and could be a grueling headwind to return to the park. So, I decide not to try to ride the area on my own.
I tried to come up with an option of where I could get at least a brief ride in on my own and came up short. I did have a list of errands to do on the way home, so I put my cover-up shirt on over my bike jersey and headed off to run my errands and call it a night. I'll give it a shot next time.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Old Injuries Flare Up
Since my college days when I worked at Eddie Bauer, I've had carpal tunnel syndrome. I've been able to manage it with magnets or braces now and then. If it gets really bad, I'll stay off of the computer for two or three days and it's fine. I may not have the pain again for months or even a year after a good break from computer work. Yes, I use a natural keyboard (most of the time.) I make sure my mouse doesn't have a scroll, but rather a joystick type piece, and have a low profile mouse for my British (a.k.a. small size) hands.
Riding the bike I've begun to notice my wrist pain now and then. I've been wearing a brace at work (when I'm on the computer the most) and paying attention to my wrist so it doesn't get too bad. Unfortunately, when I ride and get tired, I tend to lean on my hands. This means that my wrists take a lot of my weight while I ride and they feel the force of all of the bumps I hit with the bike. I notice when I do it, so I work on sitting up more, pulling more of my weight off my hands, and will even declare a break time if I need to really shake out my hands because they're getting numb.
Last week, I spent a day on the laptop as I worked from home. Not the best posture, sitting on the couch with my feet up and the laptop literally on my lap. Plus the square laptop keyboard! So, I know my carpal tunnel is swollen and have been bracing it and babying it a bit to get the swelling to go down. I even managed to stay off of the computer, except for a couple brief reference searches, for the weekend. Sunday's long ride seems to have aggravated my wrist though.
It's only my right wrist, and I blame that all on ten-key (order entry) and mouse work (graphic design). Sunday afternoon I iced my wrist for a bit and that seemed to help. Monday I was still a bit weak in the wrist. Something as simple as zipping a zipper is a challenge if there isn't one of those zipper pulls attached to the head of the zipper. It doesn't look like anything is wrong. I can grasp things, but when it comes to lifting anything with weight to it, or putting pressure on something, I feel like I'm accomplishing the task, but I come up short. For example, I was washing my hands in the bathroom and went to push down on the soap dispenser. No soap. Now these things do break a lot here at work, but it was working Friday, so I try again. Nothing. I cross-over and push with my left hand. Boom! Soap squirts out! Ok, I'm a weakling. I struggled through lunch to hold my fork to eat all of my salad. I actually switched to my left hand to pick up the big pieces of broccoli.
Now it's time to do some research and determine if it's just carpal tunnel. Is it a poor fit in my bike and might improve when I get a road bike? I don't know. I can't afford to take a week off of my bike training to give my wrist the rest it is accustomed to getting when irritated. It may be time to finally consider the carpal tunnel surgery. That realization means I'm not young anymore as my reason for not getting the surgery before was that I was too young to do so. You can only have the surgery once and you can still get it again if you don't watch your activities.
The simplest tasks are causing me to struggle this week. I can't drink my liter bottle of water with my right hand. By the way, I had no idea this was something I always do right handed! The combination of brushing my teeth and then brushing my hair today meant there was no strength left for a barrette, and don't even consider doing any make-up. Truly putting my day solution on my face after the brushing was a challenge. I even over flowed a water bottle this morning because when I tried to close the water jug, it simply slid on the counter.
I'm open to tips. I'm starting my research to see what my options may be. I don't have time for the surgery before the ride in October. I can't take the six weeks off of riding to heal. I'm working on some core exercises to strengthen my core so I won't lean on my hands as much. Where does this leave me? I don't know exactly. I'm definitely going to be paying attention to it and trying heal before it gets worse.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0 (core exercise done Monday morning instead)
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Riding the bike I've begun to notice my wrist pain now and then. I've been wearing a brace at work (when I'm on the computer the most) and paying attention to my wrist so it doesn't get too bad. Unfortunately, when I ride and get tired, I tend to lean on my hands. This means that my wrists take a lot of my weight while I ride and they feel the force of all of the bumps I hit with the bike. I notice when I do it, so I work on sitting up more, pulling more of my weight off my hands, and will even declare a break time if I need to really shake out my hands because they're getting numb.
Last week, I spent a day on the laptop as I worked from home. Not the best posture, sitting on the couch with my feet up and the laptop literally on my lap. Plus the square laptop keyboard! So, I know my carpal tunnel is swollen and have been bracing it and babying it a bit to get the swelling to go down. I even managed to stay off of the computer, except for a couple brief reference searches, for the weekend. Sunday's long ride seems to have aggravated my wrist though.
It's only my right wrist, and I blame that all on ten-key (order entry) and mouse work (graphic design). Sunday afternoon I iced my wrist for a bit and that seemed to help. Monday I was still a bit weak in the wrist. Something as simple as zipping a zipper is a challenge if there isn't one of those zipper pulls attached to the head of the zipper. It doesn't look like anything is wrong. I can grasp things, but when it comes to lifting anything with weight to it, or putting pressure on something, I feel like I'm accomplishing the task, but I come up short. For example, I was washing my hands in the bathroom and went to push down on the soap dispenser. No soap. Now these things do break a lot here at work, but it was working Friday, so I try again. Nothing. I cross-over and push with my left hand. Boom! Soap squirts out! Ok, I'm a weakling. I struggled through lunch to hold my fork to eat all of my salad. I actually switched to my left hand to pick up the big pieces of broccoli.
Now it's time to do some research and determine if it's just carpal tunnel. Is it a poor fit in my bike and might improve when I get a road bike? I don't know. I can't afford to take a week off of my bike training to give my wrist the rest it is accustomed to getting when irritated. It may be time to finally consider the carpal tunnel surgery. That realization means I'm not young anymore as my reason for not getting the surgery before was that I was too young to do so. You can only have the surgery once and you can still get it again if you don't watch your activities.
The simplest tasks are causing me to struggle this week. I can't drink my liter bottle of water with my right hand. By the way, I had no idea this was something I always do right handed! The combination of brushing my teeth and then brushing my hair today meant there was no strength left for a barrette, and don't even consider doing any make-up. Truly putting my day solution on my face after the brushing was a challenge. I even over flowed a water bottle this morning because when I tried to close the water jug, it simply slid on the counter.
I'm open to tips. I'm starting my research to see what my options may be. I don't have time for the surgery before the ride in October. I can't take the six weeks off of riding to heal. I'm working on some core exercises to strengthen my core so I won't lean on my hands as much. Where does this leave me? I don't know exactly. I'm definitely going to be paying attention to it and trying heal before it gets worse.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0 (core exercise done Monday morning instead)
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sunday, June 22, 2008
New Route = More Miles
After a two-day break from riding, it was time to get back on the bike. I woke hungry this morning, and it's my own fault. I went to bed last night without dinner because I had a large lunch and wasn't hungry. After packing our gear, bikes, and beverages, we had a few minutes, so we sat down for quick bowl of cereal. We grabbed a couple bananas, frappuccinos, and orange juice for the road.
This week, Dad said he'd like to go biking with us on Sunday. Pete and I picked up Dad and headed for the Woman Hollering Creek route. This is a new route for me. It's not far from the Cibolo route we've been riding regularly, so I'm not too worried about the route. Still flat(ish). Still out in the country. Same road surfaces. Minimal traffic. Pete enjoys the route, so I'm looking forward to it.
Pete and I have our routine down and are usually geared and ready to go at the same time. The three of us head out. We barely roll out of the parking lot, I begin to get adjusted into position on the saddle, and we head up a hill. It's not much of a hill, but when you're not yet in your groove, it slows you down. We cross over the highway with a couple of other riders and begin to get into the flow. I'm pedaling along when I hear a man say, "On your left." I don't recognize the voice, so I look over and it's a rider in a Velo Valero jersey. We exchange some quick pleasantries and he's on his way.
The further I pedal, the more I'm feeling the effects of my larger-than-usual breakfast. I thought I was going to have to stop at some point to leave some of it behind. I manage to drink more water instead and keep on pedaling. I share the thrilling discovery with Pete and he's not concerned. Sure enough, not much further and I've forgotten about it. This much exercise sure helps you to digest quickly. That, or my body was hunting for energy and found it.
There is a low-water crossing about a quarter of a way along the route. Pete had told me about it and then coached me through it again as we approached. As luck would have it, just as we begin the downhill portion of the narrow, low-water crossing a car approaches from behind. Thankfully, the car seems to know the road and hangs back, so I enjoy the downhill. Once I'm across the bridge I have a view of the road ahead and the uphill. I take off on my attack of the hill. Pete crests the hill and turns right, I can see the road is clear, so I signal the car by and wave my appreciation as he passes. We pull off and wait for Dad, on his recumbent bike, to get up the hill.
As I pedal along, I find myself enjoying the scenery a bit more. Is it because it's a new route to me? Is it because I'm improving at cycling? Is it because there are no trees (also no shade) to block the wind or the view? I'm not sure, but I'm enjoying the ride. Pete and I stop at the top of the hills to wait for Dad. He walks up some of them, as it's faster to walk the hill than ride a recumbent up a hill. Sometimes he takes a break with us at the top and other times he asks directions as he keeps on rolling by.
We stop after 14 miles and Pete tells me I need to eat something to replenish my electrolytes. I'm not hungry and I still feel full, but he has a point. My options are Gu or Clif bar. I cannot imagine eating a whole Clif bar right now, so I opt to try Gu for the first time. It was like sucking on an individual packet of icing. Talk about needing a water chaser! If I wasn't thirsty before I ate the Gu, I sure needed water afterward. Dad rolls by, we finish our Gu, and we're back on our way.
The road bends, and now we have a head wind. I don't know how much of a head wind it was today, but I sure didn't like it. Does that make me a wuss of a rider? Maybe. Ask me if I care! I found myself using my low "hill climbing" gears in an effort to struggle along the flat roads bucking the wind. Ugh!
Then the fun begins. We approach a hill and it does not look fun. Pete is too far ahead of me to offer any pointers, or words of wisdom about the looming hill. I start the self-talk to cheer myself on, but that devil on the other shoulder is whispering too. So, I decide to go for the "let's make a deal" tactic. The hill appears to be broken into three sections. There are two clear lines where the asphalt color changes. I decide I cannot slow down my attack until I get to the first line. I take the challenge a step further and decide I cannot shift into the small ring until the second line. Before I know it, I've hit the first line and I'm still working on my deals. So I decide to adjust and keep on the attack until the second line. "This hill isn't as bad as it appeared." But I look up and Pete is now out of sight. "Just keep on pedaling. Slow and steady will get you up the hill." I realize I'm going to run out of gears if I don't get into the small ring. But, the bike doesn't want to go there. I try sweet talking and that doesn't work. So, I down shift and the bike jumps to the small ring! I quickly up shift and probably only missed a beat or two in my cadence as I make my way up the hill. Finally at the top, I'm so excited that I didn't stop, handled the shifting issue, and realized that just because the hill looks bad, doesn't mean it's really all that bad.
I've discovered at some point on today's ride that I need to use the shoes and pedals to their fullest potential. After I attack a hill and I'm trying to maintain my cadence, I focus on pulling up on the pedals rather than forcing my feet down struggling to get the wheels to go around. Not only does this give the bottoms of my feet a break, but it changes the muscles I'm using in my legs and feels a bit energizing. I also notice when I do this that my cadence increases three to five rpms. I'll take it!
We turn the corner and I'm ready for a flat ride with a crosswind. This flat is a bit of a struggle though. I pedal up the little incline and think it'll get better at the top of that. No such luck! Now I've lost sight of Pete and we're entering a "town". I'm beginning to feel the burn, the heat of the sun, and my butt isn't very happy. I see an intersection ahead, a stop sign warning sign, and I'm hoping Pete stopped at the intersection. As I approach, I don't see him. Then I glance right through the empty lot and there he is under a tree just beyond the intersection. Yay! Shade and break time!
I jump off the bike and begin to get feeling back in my butt. I have to adjust the liner of my pants. It is definitely time to get some appropriately padded shorts rather than these capri pants with padded liner. I'll have to fix that this week, I think. I look at the bike computer and we've gone 20 miles. Oddly, I'm not tired. I don't like the sun, but otherwise, I'm feeling good about the ride. My hands are a bit numb, especially my right, so I stretch and shake a bit trying to get the blood flowing again. This only happens on the bike (so far) when I'm really tired and leaning on my hands. With the "false flat" we just finished, I'm not surprised that I was leaning on my hands.
Dad catches up and gets off the bike and lays in the grass. He is done! He says he's too hot and his knees hurt. He's been walking up some of the hills. He figures it'll take him just as long to pedal with us back to the truck as it will for us to pedal and come pick him up with the truck. So, we leave Dad to a nap in the shade and head out.
Pete sticks close and I try to work on maintaining a pace with him. It doesn't work as much as I would like it to. I suppose the end of the ride when you're tired is the wrong time to work on pushing yourself like this. We approach I-10 and I see an opportunity for a shade break. We pull over and hop off the bike one more time. After a brief break, and rolling hill coaching, I'm ready to finish this route.
We roll out and Pete agrees to stick to my wheel as I make my way, at my pace, up the rolling hills. I should mention these are big rolling hills, not the little rollers I've been conquering during the week. This is the busiest road we ride on for this route, so not only am I dealing with hills, but now there's traffic too. Pete coaches me along and it keeps me moving. I'm not worried about cars approaching from behind as he'll warn me if I'm too wide. The shoulder is full of gravel, and sometimes it's necessary to cross the white line. Slow and steady, I keep on moving. I enjoy the brief downhills and try to use the energy to help me attack the next uphill. Pete had told me as soon as you see the stadium, the uphills are over. What he hadn't said (or I hadn't remembered) was as soon as you see the stadium, you have a large downhill. Pete let out a cheer and I grinned and let the good times roll. I've been watching my cadence and speed (rather than distance) all day and I keep glancing down at my speed. No cars are passing me now, but I'm not speeding either. I brake a bit as I can see a break in the fence, but don't know if there is a blind driveway approaching. I maxed out on the hill at 30.1 mph!
A brief uphill and a turn, we pedal into the parking lot and I've made it! I'm so excited. I'm tired, but I'm thrilled. Pete parks his bike and runs over to give me a huge hug! It was the best finish I've had yet. I was celebrating. Pete was celebrating and proud of me. I'm amazed that I outlasted Dad. He's completed a 15o mile bike ride (on the recumbent) and is clearly in better shape than I. I'm glad that he knew his limit and wasn't too proud to say so. There is a lot of celebrating as we load up the bikes and I revel in the fact that I have just biked 26 miles in one day!
Goals
Today's Miles: 26.7
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
This week, Dad said he'd like to go biking with us on Sunday. Pete and I picked up Dad and headed for the Woman Hollering Creek route. This is a new route for me. It's not far from the Cibolo route we've been riding regularly, so I'm not too worried about the route. Still flat(ish). Still out in the country. Same road surfaces. Minimal traffic. Pete enjoys the route, so I'm looking forward to it.
Pete and I have our routine down and are usually geared and ready to go at the same time. The three of us head out. We barely roll out of the parking lot, I begin to get adjusted into position on the saddle, and we head up a hill. It's not much of a hill, but when you're not yet in your groove, it slows you down. We cross over the highway with a couple of other riders and begin to get into the flow. I'm pedaling along when I hear a man say, "On your left." I don't recognize the voice, so I look over and it's a rider in a Velo Valero jersey. We exchange some quick pleasantries and he's on his way.
The further I pedal, the more I'm feeling the effects of my larger-than-usual breakfast. I thought I was going to have to stop at some point to leave some of it behind. I manage to drink more water instead and keep on pedaling. I share the thrilling discovery with Pete and he's not concerned. Sure enough, not much further and I've forgotten about it. This much exercise sure helps you to digest quickly. That, or my body was hunting for energy and found it.
There is a low-water crossing about a quarter of a way along the route. Pete had told me about it and then coached me through it again as we approached. As luck would have it, just as we begin the downhill portion of the narrow, low-water crossing a car approaches from behind. Thankfully, the car seems to know the road and hangs back, so I enjoy the downhill. Once I'm across the bridge I have a view of the road ahead and the uphill. I take off on my attack of the hill. Pete crests the hill and turns right, I can see the road is clear, so I signal the car by and wave my appreciation as he passes. We pull off and wait for Dad, on his recumbent bike, to get up the hill.
As I pedal along, I find myself enjoying the scenery a bit more. Is it because it's a new route to me? Is it because I'm improving at cycling? Is it because there are no trees (also no shade) to block the wind or the view? I'm not sure, but I'm enjoying the ride. Pete and I stop at the top of the hills to wait for Dad. He walks up some of them, as it's faster to walk the hill than ride a recumbent up a hill. Sometimes he takes a break with us at the top and other times he asks directions as he keeps on rolling by.
We stop after 14 miles and Pete tells me I need to eat something to replenish my electrolytes. I'm not hungry and I still feel full, but he has a point. My options are Gu or Clif bar. I cannot imagine eating a whole Clif bar right now, so I opt to try Gu for the first time. It was like sucking on an individual packet of icing. Talk about needing a water chaser! If I wasn't thirsty before I ate the Gu, I sure needed water afterward. Dad rolls by, we finish our Gu, and we're back on our way.
The road bends, and now we have a head wind. I don't know how much of a head wind it was today, but I sure didn't like it. Does that make me a wuss of a rider? Maybe. Ask me if I care! I found myself using my low "hill climbing" gears in an effort to struggle along the flat roads bucking the wind. Ugh!
Then the fun begins. We approach a hill and it does not look fun. Pete is too far ahead of me to offer any pointers, or words of wisdom about the looming hill. I start the self-talk to cheer myself on, but that devil on the other shoulder is whispering too. So, I decide to go for the "let's make a deal" tactic. The hill appears to be broken into three sections. There are two clear lines where the asphalt color changes. I decide I cannot slow down my attack until I get to the first line. I take the challenge a step further and decide I cannot shift into the small ring until the second line. Before I know it, I've hit the first line and I'm still working on my deals. So I decide to adjust and keep on the attack until the second line. "This hill isn't as bad as it appeared." But I look up and Pete is now out of sight. "Just keep on pedaling. Slow and steady will get you up the hill." I realize I'm going to run out of gears if I don't get into the small ring. But, the bike doesn't want to go there. I try sweet talking and that doesn't work. So, I down shift and the bike jumps to the small ring! I quickly up shift and probably only missed a beat or two in my cadence as I make my way up the hill. Finally at the top, I'm so excited that I didn't stop, handled the shifting issue, and realized that just because the hill looks bad, doesn't mean it's really all that bad.
I've discovered at some point on today's ride that I need to use the shoes and pedals to their fullest potential. After I attack a hill and I'm trying to maintain my cadence, I focus on pulling up on the pedals rather than forcing my feet down struggling to get the wheels to go around. Not only does this give the bottoms of my feet a break, but it changes the muscles I'm using in my legs and feels a bit energizing. I also notice when I do this that my cadence increases three to five rpms. I'll take it!
We turn the corner and I'm ready for a flat ride with a crosswind. This flat is a bit of a struggle though. I pedal up the little incline and think it'll get better at the top of that. No such luck! Now I've lost sight of Pete and we're entering a "town". I'm beginning to feel the burn, the heat of the sun, and my butt isn't very happy. I see an intersection ahead, a stop sign warning sign, and I'm hoping Pete stopped at the intersection. As I approach, I don't see him. Then I glance right through the empty lot and there he is under a tree just beyond the intersection. Yay! Shade and break time!
I jump off the bike and begin to get feeling back in my butt. I have to adjust the liner of my pants. It is definitely time to get some appropriately padded shorts rather than these capri pants with padded liner. I'll have to fix that this week, I think. I look at the bike computer and we've gone 20 miles. Oddly, I'm not tired. I don't like the sun, but otherwise, I'm feeling good about the ride. My hands are a bit numb, especially my right, so I stretch and shake a bit trying to get the blood flowing again. This only happens on the bike (so far) when I'm really tired and leaning on my hands. With the "false flat" we just finished, I'm not surprised that I was leaning on my hands.
Dad catches up and gets off the bike and lays in the grass. He is done! He says he's too hot and his knees hurt. He's been walking up some of the hills. He figures it'll take him just as long to pedal with us back to the truck as it will for us to pedal and come pick him up with the truck. So, we leave Dad to a nap in the shade and head out.
Pete sticks close and I try to work on maintaining a pace with him. It doesn't work as much as I would like it to. I suppose the end of the ride when you're tired is the wrong time to work on pushing yourself like this. We approach I-10 and I see an opportunity for a shade break. We pull over and hop off the bike one more time. After a brief break, and rolling hill coaching, I'm ready to finish this route.
We roll out and Pete agrees to stick to my wheel as I make my way, at my pace, up the rolling hills. I should mention these are big rolling hills, not the little rollers I've been conquering during the week. This is the busiest road we ride on for this route, so not only am I dealing with hills, but now there's traffic too. Pete coaches me along and it keeps me moving. I'm not worried about cars approaching from behind as he'll warn me if I'm too wide. The shoulder is full of gravel, and sometimes it's necessary to cross the white line. Slow and steady, I keep on moving. I enjoy the brief downhills and try to use the energy to help me attack the next uphill. Pete had told me as soon as you see the stadium, the uphills are over. What he hadn't said (or I hadn't remembered) was as soon as you see the stadium, you have a large downhill. Pete let out a cheer and I grinned and let the good times roll. I've been watching my cadence and speed (rather than distance) all day and I keep glancing down at my speed. No cars are passing me now, but I'm not speeding either. I brake a bit as I can see a break in the fence, but don't know if there is a blind driveway approaching. I maxed out on the hill at 30.1 mph!
A brief uphill and a turn, we pedal into the parking lot and I've made it! I'm so excited. I'm tired, but I'm thrilled. Pete parks his bike and runs over to give me a huge hug! It was the best finish I've had yet. I was celebrating. Pete was celebrating and proud of me. I'm amazed that I outlasted Dad. He's completed a 15o mile bike ride (on the recumbent) and is clearly in better shape than I. I'm glad that he knew his limit and wasn't too proud to say so. There is a lot of celebrating as we load up the bikes and I revel in the fact that I have just biked 26 miles in one day!
Goals
Today's Miles: 26.7
Total Miles Achieved: 210.4
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Learning and Shopping
After trying out the Trek bike last weekend, I've been doing some research on bikes. I leave the technical stuff to Pete. (Big surprise there!) He does the best he can to simplify it and help me understand the benefit, or the difference between bikes. Pete mentioned Terry bikes to me. Their web site is a bit frustrating, but if you can find where you want to be, there is some good information on there. They actually have a video on designing a woman's bike for a shorter woman and the challenges that comes with that. It all makes sense when you think about it, but it's a lot more geometry than I usually like to think about. It shows me how much work they've put into designing a good bike for a shorter woman though.
While doing my online research, I decided to finally research plus size padded shorts. What better company to start with than with the company that made my summer jersey? Would you believe they have recently launched their plus size clothing. They actually did research into the different body shape for a plus size woman and how that would adjust the padding in the shorts. Shebeest took it a step further and developed a special chamois elastic fabric for the plus size clothing.
According to the Terry Bikes web site, there is one store in Texas that carries their bikes. Since we were going to Houston this weekend, we figured it was a perfect opportunity to take a look at the bikes in person. Pete looked up stores in the Houston area that carry Shebeest and mapped out our route for Saturday.
Our first stop, after a healthy Jamba Juice breakfast, is REI. I'm familiar with the chain from Seattle, and I don't have high hopes of them carrying plus size cycling shorts, but it's worth a check. No luck in the shorts, but they did have a great variety of Camelbaks. It gave me an opportunity to try on the 3 liter size in a woman's fit. It really is more comfortable on my back than Pete's (which I've been stealing this week.)
The next stop is an older store front and mom 'n pop type shop. I figured they would not have the plus size line either, but we were here, so it was worth looking. The guy was helpful and pointed me towards the right racks and directed me to the fitting room if I needed it. He actually had the shorts I was looking for in stock. On top of that, he had my size shorts in stock in the Trek line of shorts too. The Trek shorts were half the price, and the padding looked thin and poorly constructed. I'm not skimping on the shorts! The Shebeest shorts, he only had the one size and I wasn't sure if it really was the right fit, or not. The padding seemed awfully far forward, and when you're sitting on your butt, I'm not sure the padding was positioned correctly on me, which could mean I need a different size.
Onward, we are now on our way to the Terry bike dealer. When we arrive at the address, we're in the middle of an industrial park and there is no sign for the store. Around back, we see two small trucks/vans with the store name on them. We realize this is probably a regional warehouse for the chain and not a retail store. After a brief lunch break, we head to one of the stores and are told they can get a Terry bike for us, but they don't stock any. Well shoot! The whole point was to see one in person, stand over it, and maybe even go for a test ride. I'm not ordering a bike to be delivered to Houston.
Our final stop is another local shop, but seems to be well-known in the Bike MS community. It could have something to do with their store being across the street from the main start location for the Houston event. The guy who offered to help us was great and knew exactly what I wanted. He acknowledged that it's a popular line and their stock is low on Shebeest right now. He went in the back and sadly they were out, but an order had just been placed and was expected within the next two weeks.
That was it for our shopping excursion in Houston. Shopped the morning away and we were headed home without test riding a bike and without any shorts. Of course, now it occurs to me, I got my jersey at Bike World, but I never even looked at their shorts. They may have them in stock, if not, they can order them for me too. I completely forgot about it because I did all my research online. Hmm... maybe I'll have them order the Camelbak too.
Now I have to decide if it's worth the trial order of Terry bike, or if I should stick with a Trek bike that I've tried. Think I'll go for another test ride of the Trek bike first, at least.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 183.7
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
While doing my online research, I decided to finally research plus size padded shorts. What better company to start with than with the company that made my summer jersey? Would you believe they have recently launched their plus size clothing. They actually did research into the different body shape for a plus size woman and how that would adjust the padding in the shorts. Shebeest took it a step further and developed a special chamois elastic fabric for the plus size clothing.
According to the Terry Bikes web site, there is one store in Texas that carries their bikes. Since we were going to Houston this weekend, we figured it was a perfect opportunity to take a look at the bikes in person. Pete looked up stores in the Houston area that carry Shebeest and mapped out our route for Saturday.
Our first stop, after a healthy Jamba Juice breakfast, is REI. I'm familiar with the chain from Seattle, and I don't have high hopes of them carrying plus size cycling shorts, but it's worth a check. No luck in the shorts, but they did have a great variety of Camelbaks. It gave me an opportunity to try on the 3 liter size in a woman's fit. It really is more comfortable on my back than Pete's (which I've been stealing this week.)
The next stop is an older store front and mom 'n pop type shop. I figured they would not have the plus size line either, but we were here, so it was worth looking. The guy was helpful and pointed me towards the right racks and directed me to the fitting room if I needed it. He actually had the shorts I was looking for in stock. On top of that, he had my size shorts in stock in the Trek line of shorts too. The Trek shorts were half the price, and the padding looked thin and poorly constructed. I'm not skimping on the shorts! The Shebeest shorts, he only had the one size and I wasn't sure if it really was the right fit, or not. The padding seemed awfully far forward, and when you're sitting on your butt, I'm not sure the padding was positioned correctly on me, which could mean I need a different size.
Onward, we are now on our way to the Terry bike dealer. When we arrive at the address, we're in the middle of an industrial park and there is no sign for the store. Around back, we see two small trucks/vans with the store name on them. We realize this is probably a regional warehouse for the chain and not a retail store. After a brief lunch break, we head to one of the stores and are told they can get a Terry bike for us, but they don't stock any. Well shoot! The whole point was to see one in person, stand over it, and maybe even go for a test ride. I'm not ordering a bike to be delivered to Houston.
Our final stop is another local shop, but seems to be well-known in the Bike MS community. It could have something to do with their store being across the street from the main start location for the Houston event. The guy who offered to help us was great and knew exactly what I wanted. He acknowledged that it's a popular line and their stock is low on Shebeest right now. He went in the back and sadly they were out, but an order had just been placed and was expected within the next two weeks.
That was it for our shopping excursion in Houston. Shopped the morning away and we were headed home without test riding a bike and without any shorts. Of course, now it occurs to me, I got my jersey at Bike World, but I never even looked at their shorts. They may have them in stock, if not, they can order them for me too. I completely forgot about it because I did all my research online. Hmm... maybe I'll have them order the Camelbak too.
Now I have to decide if it's worth the trial order of Terry bike, or if I should stick with a Trek bike that I've tried. Think I'll go for another test ride of the Trek bike first, at least.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 183.7
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Thursday, June 19, 2008
High from a Great Ride!
Tonight was the women only ride from Bike World. Pete and I headed to Bike World where we found a large group of women assembling for the ride. He decides to head out on his ride, but promises to meet me at the bottom of my hill to cheer me up. As we get ready for the ride, we gab (as women do) and I learn some of these women haven't been out before. Some have never ridden with J.D., some haven't been out yet this season, some have only been out a couple times, and some are brand new to shoes and clips. Of course, there are some experienced riders too. As we share some quick tips, I'm excited that I may learn something from other new riders, and I may have some random tip to share with them.
After a quick pre-ride briefing, review of communication terms and hand signals, we head out. As a group ride goes, we quickly break into two groups based on our speed. I'm surprised to discover that I'm keeping up with the more experienced group. Wow! We get to the intersection where the experienced riders go for a few more miles and a quicker speed. I hear J.D. approaching and announcing to the newer riders the approach of a right turn. So I turn right. Phew! Then I realize I'm now leading the newer riders. How did I become the leader of the pack? I'm not complaining, but I'm surprised.
J.D. hollers at me to wait at the next stop sign. It's still a ways up there, but I know that she wants a regroup. I arrive and we all begin to regroup. It's even a quick opportunity for some more socializing. Then I hear a man's voice say "keep on rolling." He can't be talking to us, this is the women only ride. Wrong! I had seen Sam as we passed him a ways back, but he was going in the opposite direction. I didn't realize that once he found J.D. among us that he hooked up with us and was helping to coach the group. So, we head out, a bit jumbled and some struggling with their shoes and pedals, but we're off.
We come to the rolling hills and I'm ready! I know how to attack these and although it's HOT, I'm determined to kick butt on these hills. First hill approaches, I attack and my cadence goes to 110. I shift twice and I'm at the top of the hill. Piece of cake! Next hill, same thing. Next hill, I'm passing people up the hill. Now for the last, and biggest hill of this series. It's more of a challenge, a few shifts later and I'm up. Sam approaches and is cheering from behind. As he passes me, he says, "Way to go! All the way up that hill and in the middle ring! That's amazing!" I smile a Cheshire grin and think, "Really? Someone would use the small ring on that hill?" Whoa! Where did that come from? Am I beginning to think hills are not as much of a challenge as they once were? Truth be told, I don't recall ever using the small ring on that hill, but maybe that makes the hill that much easier for me.
We pass Pete and I give a big wave. I'm having a blast tonight. Forget the fact that it's 101 out. This is fun. Oh wait, the hill is coming. We make our way toward my hill and I start working on my self-talk and getting my plan of attack. Just as I approach the stop sign, Pete is behind me checking my shifting plan. We turn the corner. The hill is looming in front of me. There is a mess of women cyclists at the base of the hill almost swarming. J.D. is telling them to turn left. What? This means we don't go up my hill. I'm relieved, yet disappointed. J.D. points out that she never takes new riders up that hill. So last week's leader truly didn't know where she was going. I've conquered a hill J.D. doesn't think new riders should be on! I'm okay with that.
At the big hill (which was the second big hill on Tuesday) Pete is behind me cheering me on. The others have pulled away from me, but I'm making it up. Pete cheers me to the top and then won't let me shift until I catch my breath. I'm ready for a break and some Gatorade. The group is waiting at the intersection and cheers me on as I get to the intersection. Whew! Tough work, but it is rewarding!
Vicki and I chat a little as we ride along. A couple of the new girls and I exchange short sentences here and there. We'd be a much more talkative bunch if we were all in shape. We head back and somewhere along the way, I became the slow one in the group. That's okay. I made it back and had a great ride. I am truly on a high from tonight's ride. J.D. tells Pete he's welcome to join us anytime. I took advantage of being around some more experienced women riders and talked to them about their saddles. From J.D.'s point-of-view, I'm looking at getting the correct saddle too. Good news! I like it when I do my research, think I've picked out what I want, and then an expert tells me I'm right.
I'm really glad Pete convinced me to start going on this ride. It may only be ten miles, but it can be more when I'm ready. Honestly though, I get so much more from this ride by talking to the other women. It's not about the miles. It's a little bit about the achievement. But, mostly, it's about the friendships, support, sharing, and learning that we all do at these rides!
Goals
Today's Miles: 9.5
Total Miles Achieved: 183.7
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
After a quick pre-ride briefing, review of communication terms and hand signals, we head out. As a group ride goes, we quickly break into two groups based on our speed. I'm surprised to discover that I'm keeping up with the more experienced group. Wow! We get to the intersection where the experienced riders go for a few more miles and a quicker speed. I hear J.D. approaching and announcing to the newer riders the approach of a right turn. So I turn right. Phew! Then I realize I'm now leading the newer riders. How did I become the leader of the pack? I'm not complaining, but I'm surprised.
J.D. hollers at me to wait at the next stop sign. It's still a ways up there, but I know that she wants a regroup. I arrive and we all begin to regroup. It's even a quick opportunity for some more socializing. Then I hear a man's voice say "keep on rolling." He can't be talking to us, this is the women only ride. Wrong! I had seen Sam as we passed him a ways back, but he was going in the opposite direction. I didn't realize that once he found J.D. among us that he hooked up with us and was helping to coach the group. So, we head out, a bit jumbled and some struggling with their shoes and pedals, but we're off.
We come to the rolling hills and I'm ready! I know how to attack these and although it's HOT, I'm determined to kick butt on these hills. First hill approaches, I attack and my cadence goes to 110. I shift twice and I'm at the top of the hill. Piece of cake! Next hill, same thing. Next hill, I'm passing people up the hill. Now for the last, and biggest hill of this series. It's more of a challenge, a few shifts later and I'm up. Sam approaches and is cheering from behind. As he passes me, he says, "Way to go! All the way up that hill and in the middle ring! That's amazing!" I smile a Cheshire grin and think, "Really? Someone would use the small ring on that hill?" Whoa! Where did that come from? Am I beginning to think hills are not as much of a challenge as they once were? Truth be told, I don't recall ever using the small ring on that hill, but maybe that makes the hill that much easier for me.
We pass Pete and I give a big wave. I'm having a blast tonight. Forget the fact that it's 101 out. This is fun. Oh wait, the hill is coming. We make our way toward my hill and I start working on my self-talk and getting my plan of attack. Just as I approach the stop sign, Pete is behind me checking my shifting plan. We turn the corner. The hill is looming in front of me. There is a mess of women cyclists at the base of the hill almost swarming. J.D. is telling them to turn left. What? This means we don't go up my hill. I'm relieved, yet disappointed. J.D. points out that she never takes new riders up that hill. So last week's leader truly didn't know where she was going. I've conquered a hill J.D. doesn't think new riders should be on! I'm okay with that.
At the big hill (which was the second big hill on Tuesday) Pete is behind me cheering me on. The others have pulled away from me, but I'm making it up. Pete cheers me to the top and then won't let me shift until I catch my breath. I'm ready for a break and some Gatorade. The group is waiting at the intersection and cheers me on as I get to the intersection. Whew! Tough work, but it is rewarding!
Vicki and I chat a little as we ride along. A couple of the new girls and I exchange short sentences here and there. We'd be a much more talkative bunch if we were all in shape. We head back and somewhere along the way, I became the slow one in the group. That's okay. I made it back and had a great ride. I am truly on a high from tonight's ride. J.D. tells Pete he's welcome to join us anytime. I took advantage of being around some more experienced women riders and talked to them about their saddles. From J.D.'s point-of-view, I'm looking at getting the correct saddle too. Good news! I like it when I do my research, think I've picked out what I want, and then an expert tells me I'm right.
I'm really glad Pete convinced me to start going on this ride. It may only be ten miles, but it can be more when I'm ready. Honestly though, I get so much more from this ride by talking to the other women. It's not about the miles. It's a little bit about the achievement. But, mostly, it's about the friendships, support, sharing, and learning that we all do at these rides!
Goals
Today's Miles: 9.5
Total Miles Achieved: 183.7
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Gear Repairs
Pete and I decided not to go out on the roads today, but rather to spend some time focusing on fixing the gears and shifting struggles I've been experiencing. Pete puts the bike on the trainer and sets about making adjustments. I won't explain it all because he did it and I don't really understand it. Adjustments done, I climb on the bike and begin testing the shifting. No problems! What a great bike mechanic I've found!
Pete turns on the t.v. and an episode of CSI for me and I begin pedaling. I tell you, without that t.v. in there, I'd be so bored on the trainer! I pedal for about 25 minutes which is five miles. I go to get off the bike and find I'm stretching for the floor. I forgot how much taller the bike feels on the trainer. My legs are tired still from yesterday and even this short ride tonight. I didn't learn from yesterday, apparently, and try to pull my leg through the bike again. This time I have the thong on my bike (a piece of fabric to protect the bike from your sweat while on a trainer that runs from the handle bars to the seat post of the bike.) The thong is higher than the top tube of my bike. Hmm... I should have swung my leg over the seat. But now I'm committed so I try to get my leg through and manage to get my cleat stuck in thong. I start to sway and hop around on my left foot trying to keep my balance. If I fall to the left, I'm going to land on the rollers and that can't be a good landing. I hop around, but manage to only delay the fall, maybe soften it a little and maybe get myself into a position where I can fall in between the rollers. Crash! I sit there thinking "Well that was dumb. The landing could have been worse on these rollers. How am I going to get myself out of this one? I hope the trainer survived this." Pete comes running. So much for hiding my silly fall in the house. "What happened?" I relay the story and can't help but chuckle at the silliness of the whole thing. He rights the back and helps me up. Boy do I feel dumb. Oh well, part of the learning process for this biking thing.
I switch to the exercises Pete found in Bicycle magazine last year. The exercises helped him with his position on the bike, so I'm hoping if I start these too, I'll benefit as well. Some of the exercise require one of those yoga balancing balls. Some of the exercise are simply ones I remember from grade school P.E. Some of the exercises say to do ten reps. "Only ten? Simple," I think. Ha! I hit five and can feel the burn, so I push through to ten. Then I try some where I'm laying on the floor and have to lift off the ground and hold. The picture shows these people in perfect form with lots of space between the back or hips and the floor. Those models must be a size zero! I learn that my hips are so wide I feel like I've lifted as high as I can off the floor and there's hardly any room between me and the floor. Oh well, at least I'm doing something about it now.
Goals
Today's Miles: 5
Total Miles Achieved: 174.2
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0 *We've discovered our scale is worthless. You can weigh yourself three times in two minutes and fluctuate over five pounds. Hopefully, I'll begin to see changes here when we get a new scale.
Pete turns on the t.v. and an episode of CSI for me and I begin pedaling. I tell you, without that t.v. in there, I'd be so bored on the trainer! I pedal for about 25 minutes which is five miles. I go to get off the bike and find I'm stretching for the floor. I forgot how much taller the bike feels on the trainer. My legs are tired still from yesterday and even this short ride tonight. I didn't learn from yesterday, apparently, and try to pull my leg through the bike again. This time I have the thong on my bike (a piece of fabric to protect the bike from your sweat while on a trainer that runs from the handle bars to the seat post of the bike.) The thong is higher than the top tube of my bike. Hmm... I should have swung my leg over the seat. But now I'm committed so I try to get my leg through and manage to get my cleat stuck in thong. I start to sway and hop around on my left foot trying to keep my balance. If I fall to the left, I'm going to land on the rollers and that can't be a good landing. I hop around, but manage to only delay the fall, maybe soften it a little and maybe get myself into a position where I can fall in between the rollers. Crash! I sit there thinking "Well that was dumb. The landing could have been worse on these rollers. How am I going to get myself out of this one? I hope the trainer survived this." Pete comes running. So much for hiding my silly fall in the house. "What happened?" I relay the story and can't help but chuckle at the silliness of the whole thing. He rights the back and helps me up. Boy do I feel dumb. Oh well, part of the learning process for this biking thing.
I switch to the exercises Pete found in Bicycle magazine last year. The exercises helped him with his position on the bike, so I'm hoping if I start these too, I'll benefit as well. Some of the exercise require one of those yoga balancing balls. Some of the exercise are simply ones I remember from grade school P.E. Some of the exercises say to do ten reps. "Only ten? Simple," I think. Ha! I hit five and can feel the burn, so I push through to ten. Then I try some where I'm laying on the floor and have to lift off the ground and hold. The picture shows these people in perfect form with lots of space between the back or hips and the floor. Those models must be a size zero! I learn that my hips are so wide I feel like I've lifted as high as I can off the floor and there's hardly any room between me and the floor. Oh well, at least I'm doing something about it now.
Goals
Today's Miles: 5
Total Miles Achieved: 174.2
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0 *We've discovered our scale is worthless. You can weigh yourself three times in two minutes and fluctuate over five pounds. Hopefully, I'll begin to see changes here when we get a new scale.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Conquering the Hill
Today Pete and I headed to Bike World to ride the 10 mile loop I do on Thursdays with the women only group. My goal was to conquer the hill that has stopped me twice (once with a chain coming off and once with hill climbing exhaustion.) My thought was if I conquer it on my own, I'll be able to conquer it on Thursday with the women's group.
To get to the hill, I have to ride the first five miles of the loop. The ride is uneventful. When I get to the rolling hills section of the ride, I try a new hill attack technique. Pete mentioned it to me on Sunday, but I wasn't ready to try it. The funny thing is I didn't even think about it today, I just did it and boy did it make a difference! I got through the rolling hills with minimal effort. Would you believe I was smiling when I got to the end of the rolling hills? Heading down the last hill, I just sat up and relaxed. I switched my bike computer to show me my speed. As I neared the bottom of the hill, I looked down and I was going 27.6 mph! I look up and behind the 30 mph sign is a cop. I'm bummed! The thought of getting pulled over for speeding on my bike would be a proud moment. Not that I really want to pay for a speeding ticket, but it sure seems like a bragging right "I got pulled over for speeding on my bike!" I'll have to work on that.
The fun is over and it's now time to attack my hill. One of the challenges of this hill is that it is immediately after a stop sign where you have to turn right so you don't have much of an opportunity to get a run at the hill. As I turn the corner, there is a mom and baby deer on the shoulder. I want to watch, but have to attack the hill. So, I start up the hill. I get half way up the hill and cannot go any further, I ran out of gears and cannot switch to the small ring. I stopped and catch my breath in frustration. Disappointed, I decide to take another run at it, so I turn around and go further down the road so I get more of a run to attack the hill. I'm pedaling with all of my might and once again, I get stopped at the same spot part way up the hill. Ugh! I look around and realize there is literally a line in the asphalt that seems to be the spot I cannot get passed.
After catching my breath, we head back down the hill for a third attack. This time, we manually shift my bike into the small ring. I stop and watch the baby deer for a little bit and try to catch my breath and calm down so I can get up the hill. The deer finally went over the fence and I decide it's time to attack. I take off and pedal with all my might. I near the line and just keep on pedaling. I pass the line! As I'm starting to think I'm out of breath and can't make it, Pete starts cheering me on. I hear, "You're passed your line. You can do it. Just keep on pedaling. Slow and steady you'll get there. Don't push it, just keep on pedaling." Any wonder that I made it to the top of that hill? How can you not with a cheerleader like that. We stop at the intersection and I try to catch my breath as I celebrate!
We continue on and I huff and puff up the next little incline. Truly, this hill would not be a struggle for me if I wasn't already out of breathe by the time I get to it. This is the incline where I turned around last Thursday because my knee couldn't handle another incline. We get to the top and I'm surprised, there is another hill similar to the one I just conquered. I say, "Amazing what you forget about a ride." We pedal on and I very slowly get up the hill. Pete coaches me through the hill and continues the coaching as I crest the hill. "Keep pedaling, don't shift until you've caught your breath. Slow and steady is the way to go."
I claim it's shade break time and we stop in a shaded driveway. My legs are so tired, I don't think I can swing my leg over my seat, so I try to pull it through the bike. My cleat gets stuck and I pull the bike over, but I remain standing. So much for being done with scratching up my bike! After a lengthy break, I'm rested and ready to finish the ride.
We're making our way back to the truck at Bike World and my butt feels an uncomfortable spot. I stand on the bike and try to adjust. None of that works. I stop at a stop sign to adjust, but can't seem to fix the problem as my shorts have a liner, so pulling on the shorts doesn't get to the layer with the issue. This means I'll have to do some inappropriate adjustments, but another cyclist has just come to the intersection, so I move on. As luck would have it, there's a jogger at the next intersection. So, I decide to buck up. We are almost there and I can suffer through until we get to the truck.
We get back and I'm excited that I conquered my hill! I could not have done it without Pete. He is amazing! He has so much patience for me and my struggles. He knows when to coach me, when to cheer me on, and when to give me the break that I need. There is just no end to the support and love that he shows me, especially on the road. That's not easy to do. I know I can't do it as I am out of breath so often. I feel so loved. I hope he knows how appreciative I am of his love and support in everything we do!
Goals
Today's Miles: 10.2
Total Miles Achieved: 169.2
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
To get to the hill, I have to ride the first five miles of the loop. The ride is uneventful. When I get to the rolling hills section of the ride, I try a new hill attack technique. Pete mentioned it to me on Sunday, but I wasn't ready to try it. The funny thing is I didn't even think about it today, I just did it and boy did it make a difference! I got through the rolling hills with minimal effort. Would you believe I was smiling when I got to the end of the rolling hills? Heading down the last hill, I just sat up and relaxed. I switched my bike computer to show me my speed. As I neared the bottom of the hill, I looked down and I was going 27.6 mph! I look up and behind the 30 mph sign is a cop. I'm bummed! The thought of getting pulled over for speeding on my bike would be a proud moment. Not that I really want to pay for a speeding ticket, but it sure seems like a bragging right "I got pulled over for speeding on my bike!" I'll have to work on that.
The fun is over and it's now time to attack my hill. One of the challenges of this hill is that it is immediately after a stop sign where you have to turn right so you don't have much of an opportunity to get a run at the hill. As I turn the corner, there is a mom and baby deer on the shoulder. I want to watch, but have to attack the hill. So, I start up the hill. I get half way up the hill and cannot go any further, I ran out of gears and cannot switch to the small ring. I stopped and catch my breath in frustration. Disappointed, I decide to take another run at it, so I turn around and go further down the road so I get more of a run to attack the hill. I'm pedaling with all of my might and once again, I get stopped at the same spot part way up the hill. Ugh! I look around and realize there is literally a line in the asphalt that seems to be the spot I cannot get passed.
After catching my breath, we head back down the hill for a third attack. This time, we manually shift my bike into the small ring. I stop and watch the baby deer for a little bit and try to catch my breath and calm down so I can get up the hill. The deer finally went over the fence and I decide it's time to attack. I take off and pedal with all my might. I near the line and just keep on pedaling. I pass the line! As I'm starting to think I'm out of breath and can't make it, Pete starts cheering me on. I hear, "You're passed your line. You can do it. Just keep on pedaling. Slow and steady you'll get there. Don't push it, just keep on pedaling." Any wonder that I made it to the top of that hill? How can you not with a cheerleader like that. We stop at the intersection and I try to catch my breath as I celebrate!
We continue on and I huff and puff up the next little incline. Truly, this hill would not be a struggle for me if I wasn't already out of breathe by the time I get to it. This is the incline where I turned around last Thursday because my knee couldn't handle another incline. We get to the top and I'm surprised, there is another hill similar to the one I just conquered. I say, "Amazing what you forget about a ride." We pedal on and I very slowly get up the hill. Pete coaches me through the hill and continues the coaching as I crest the hill. "Keep pedaling, don't shift until you've caught your breath. Slow and steady is the way to go."
I claim it's shade break time and we stop in a shaded driveway. My legs are so tired, I don't think I can swing my leg over my seat, so I try to pull it through the bike. My cleat gets stuck and I pull the bike over, but I remain standing. So much for being done with scratching up my bike! After a lengthy break, I'm rested and ready to finish the ride.
We're making our way back to the truck at Bike World and my butt feels an uncomfortable spot. I stand on the bike and try to adjust. None of that works. I stop at a stop sign to adjust, but can't seem to fix the problem as my shorts have a liner, so pulling on the shorts doesn't get to the layer with the issue. This means I'll have to do some inappropriate adjustments, but another cyclist has just come to the intersection, so I move on. As luck would have it, there's a jogger at the next intersection. So, I decide to buck up. We are almost there and I can suffer through until we get to the truck.
We get back and I'm excited that I conquered my hill! I could not have done it without Pete. He is amazing! He has so much patience for me and my struggles. He knows when to coach me, when to cheer me on, and when to give me the break that I need. There is just no end to the support and love that he shows me, especially on the road. That's not easy to do. I know I can't do it as I am out of breath so often. I feel so loved. I hope he knows how appreciative I am of his love and support in everything we do!
Goals
Today's Miles: 10.2
Total Miles Achieved: 169.2
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Going the Distance
Last night I was feeling like I truly need to begin working the hills. I feel like it's finally time to begin training the hills. Pete originally recommended Saturday distance training and Sunday hill training. I think it's time to set a training schedule and stick to it. I told him the route I wanted to do. He was willing, but trying to make sure I was ready. He said "it's 800 feet of climbing." My honest response was "I don't really know what that means." I know what the words mean, but I don't know what that translates to in ease/challenge of the ride.
On the way home from the grocery store last night, I asked Pete to drive the route so I could see the route again. I remembered one big hill once you make the turn. Well, that one big is is one loonnnggg hill. Then there really are lots of little hills that just don't end. There's construction causing a one-lane bridge with a signal that a bike won't trigger. I was convinced. "Let's go for distance on the flat route tomorrow," I suggest. Okay, so I was finally giving in and taking him up on his suggestion, but don't tell anyone.
Because the weather has been 95-100 every day, we had to shift the Sunday group ride time to an earlier start. With the heat, you just have to be off the road before it gets too hot. No one was able to make the shift to join us, so Pete and I head out on our own. We got to Cibolo and set wheels down by 8. It was quickly clear to me that I just did not have the energy for the ride today. I'm anxiously awaiting for caffeine to kick in, or something, but it isn't there. As we ride, I tell Pete that I need to take it slower today. My legs aren't there for a higher cadence or a higher speed.
We stop for a break and I celebrate how well I managed to stop just six inches behind Pete. As I celebrate, I forget to set my foot down, so I'm stopped and the bike starts to lean to the right. My first reaction is to put my right foot out, but it's still clipped in, so I pull the bike to the right. Then the water in the camelbak sloshes to the right and I end up diving with the bike onto the ground. I can't do anything but laugh. Pete turns around with a "what happened?" and a confused look. All I can do is shrug and stay "I stopped so well right behind you." Apparently, no more celebrating while I'm on the bike still.
Back on the road, we are headed toward the speedway. My gears seem to be chattering a lot and I can't make an adjustment to quiet them down. I mention the talking to Pete and he pulls behind me to look. Then I hear "when you can, pull over and get off." Oops! Something is wrong. Sure enough, my latest fall (okay... dive) bent the shifting mechanism on the bike. And I wonder why I'm having shifting problems with the gears lately! Time to stop falling. Sheesh! Quick roadside adjustment and we're back on the road. We pedal right on past the speedway and up and over the overpass. I get to the other side and I'm thrilled that I made it up the overpass, but very careful not to celebrate.
Further down the road Pete signals that straight is the 27 mile loop or to the right is the 20 mile loop. I quickly respond, "20 mile!!!" I'd love to do the distance, but I don't have energy today, so figure I'm already pushing it to break 20. We turn the corner and wham! we have a headwind. There went any speed that I had. The longer I pedal, the more my cadence is all over the board too. I finally ask when we get to turn and I'm told it's still a ways ahead. I say it's time for a break and am told to wait until we get to the church. I suppose....
We get to the church and pull into the parking lot. He was right. What a peaceful setting. There's an old cemetery which may be worth exploring one day and a quaint old schoolhouse across the street which now appears to be someone's private home. It is so quiet you can hear the turning of the wheels of some approaching cyclists. After a nice water break, we hit the road again. We ride by the local airport and tavern. Talk about being out in the country!
Finally, we get to turn so it's a side wind. Whew! That headwind can be brutal. Time to cross back over the highway. I start pedaling hard to get up the overpass and keep downshifting to maintain that cadence. Part way up I notice that I'm pedaling hard enough to actual upshift again. I'm thrilled! I made it over that overpass with flying colors!
Now we're on the stretch of road where there are two hills. I made it up both of these before. They were a challenge, but I did it, so I'm not too worried. Pete mentions a new approach for attacking hills and I say "it makes sense to me, but I'm not ready to try a new approach today." Would you know I made it up both of those hills! Maybe a little slow, but I kept on pedaling and got to the top. Yes, I was out of breath, but I made it!
The rest of the ride is part that I've ridden a lot, so it's pretty uneventful. There's an incline on one of the roads that I challenged myself to maintain my cadence on a couple times early in my training. Pete cheers me on that I can make it up the hill. Regular comedian he is on the bike! We make it back to the truck and would you know that I finally broke 20 miles in one ride! Yes, it was the slowest ride we've had. Cadence was inconsistent, but I managed to pedal my bike for 20 miles.
After the ride, Pete and I headed to Bike World. While Pete locked up the bikes, I headed into the store. Tom greets me and while we catch-up, I mention that I finally broke 20 miles today. Not only does he congratulate me, but the new guy, Gino, who we met yesterday comes over to pat me on the back and adds a big smile and cheer too. I tell you the support from the cycling community is just amazing! Tom commutes 30+ miles to work (one-way) every day on his bike. He thinks nothing of doing 100 mile joy ride on his days off and he's congratulating me for pedal my slowest to complete 20 miles. It's nice to hear and goes a long way!
This time I had Tom measure me for a bike. Pete brought in my pedals and I tried on two different bikes. I took both of them for a test drive and determined that the pilot was not for me. The stand-over of the bike is just too tall. I knew fit was going to be a challenge because I'm so short. True to form, it's not easy. Part of knowing the fit is right is that I'm not reaching too far for the handlebars. Now I wonder how I'm supposed to know what "too far" really is.
The first test drive was scary! I hadn't realized how much I truly have in front of me on my bike. In a road bike, there's not much between you and the road ahead. Every little move you make turns the bike. The shifting is different too. I like it, but I can see that it will take some getting used to. I have some research to do now, but it helps to have ridden a real road bike now.
Goals
Today's Miles: 20
Total Miles Achieved: 159
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
On the way home from the grocery store last night, I asked Pete to drive the route so I could see the route again. I remembered one big hill once you make the turn. Well, that one big is is one loonnnggg hill. Then there really are lots of little hills that just don't end. There's construction causing a one-lane bridge with a signal that a bike won't trigger. I was convinced. "Let's go for distance on the flat route tomorrow," I suggest. Okay, so I was finally giving in and taking him up on his suggestion, but don't tell anyone.
Because the weather has been 95-100 every day, we had to shift the Sunday group ride time to an earlier start. With the heat, you just have to be off the road before it gets too hot. No one was able to make the shift to join us, so Pete and I head out on our own. We got to Cibolo and set wheels down by 8. It was quickly clear to me that I just did not have the energy for the ride today. I'm anxiously awaiting for caffeine to kick in, or something, but it isn't there. As we ride, I tell Pete that I need to take it slower today. My legs aren't there for a higher cadence or a higher speed.
We stop for a break and I celebrate how well I managed to stop just six inches behind Pete. As I celebrate, I forget to set my foot down, so I'm stopped and the bike starts to lean to the right. My first reaction is to put my right foot out, but it's still clipped in, so I pull the bike to the right. Then the water in the camelbak sloshes to the right and I end up diving with the bike onto the ground. I can't do anything but laugh. Pete turns around with a "what happened?" and a confused look. All I can do is shrug and stay "I stopped so well right behind you." Apparently, no more celebrating while I'm on the bike still.
Back on the road, we are headed toward the speedway. My gears seem to be chattering a lot and I can't make an adjustment to quiet them down. I mention the talking to Pete and he pulls behind me to look. Then I hear "when you can, pull over and get off." Oops! Something is wrong. Sure enough, my latest fall (okay... dive) bent the shifting mechanism on the bike. And I wonder why I'm having shifting problems with the gears lately! Time to stop falling. Sheesh! Quick roadside adjustment and we're back on the road. We pedal right on past the speedway and up and over the overpass. I get to the other side and I'm thrilled that I made it up the overpass, but very careful not to celebrate.
Further down the road Pete signals that straight is the 27 mile loop or to the right is the 20 mile loop. I quickly respond, "20 mile!!!" I'd love to do the distance, but I don't have energy today, so figure I'm already pushing it to break 20. We turn the corner and wham! we have a headwind. There went any speed that I had. The longer I pedal, the more my cadence is all over the board too. I finally ask when we get to turn and I'm told it's still a ways ahead. I say it's time for a break and am told to wait until we get to the church. I suppose....
We get to the church and pull into the parking lot. He was right. What a peaceful setting. There's an old cemetery which may be worth exploring one day and a quaint old schoolhouse across the street which now appears to be someone's private home. It is so quiet you can hear the turning of the wheels of some approaching cyclists. After a nice water break, we hit the road again. We ride by the local airport and tavern. Talk about being out in the country!
Finally, we get to turn so it's a side wind. Whew! That headwind can be brutal. Time to cross back over the highway. I start pedaling hard to get up the overpass and keep downshifting to maintain that cadence. Part way up I notice that I'm pedaling hard enough to actual upshift again. I'm thrilled! I made it over that overpass with flying colors!
Now we're on the stretch of road where there are two hills. I made it up both of these before. They were a challenge, but I did it, so I'm not too worried. Pete mentions a new approach for attacking hills and I say "it makes sense to me, but I'm not ready to try a new approach today." Would you know I made it up both of those hills! Maybe a little slow, but I kept on pedaling and got to the top. Yes, I was out of breath, but I made it!
The rest of the ride is part that I've ridden a lot, so it's pretty uneventful. There's an incline on one of the roads that I challenged myself to maintain my cadence on a couple times early in my training. Pete cheers me on that I can make it up the hill. Regular comedian he is on the bike! We make it back to the truck and would you know that I finally broke 20 miles in one ride! Yes, it was the slowest ride we've had. Cadence was inconsistent, but I managed to pedal my bike for 20 miles.
After the ride, Pete and I headed to Bike World. While Pete locked up the bikes, I headed into the store. Tom greets me and while we catch-up, I mention that I finally broke 20 miles today. Not only does he congratulate me, but the new guy, Gino, who we met yesterday comes over to pat me on the back and adds a big smile and cheer too. I tell you the support from the cycling community is just amazing! Tom commutes 30+ miles to work (one-way) every day on his bike. He thinks nothing of doing 100 mile joy ride on his days off and he's congratulating me for pedal my slowest to complete 20 miles. It's nice to hear and goes a long way!
This time I had Tom measure me for a bike. Pete brought in my pedals and I tried on two different bikes. I took both of them for a test drive and determined that the pilot was not for me. The stand-over of the bike is just too tall. I knew fit was going to be a challenge because I'm so short. True to form, it's not easy. Part of knowing the fit is right is that I'm not reaching too far for the handlebars. Now I wonder how I'm supposed to know what "too far" really is.
The first test drive was scary! I hadn't realized how much I truly have in front of me on my bike. In a road bike, there's not much between you and the road ahead. Every little move you make turns the bike. The shifting is different too. I like it, but I can see that it will take some getting used to. I have some research to do now, but it helps to have ridden a real road bike now.
Goals
Today's Miles: 20
Total Miles Achieved: 159
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Corpus Harbor Bridge Dry Run
The MS Society invited Pete and I to join a small group of riders for a test ride of the Corpus Harbor Bridge. In the past, the ride ended at the Texas State Aquarium. This means the cyclists ride from the last break point at Portland High School, onto the causeway, across a rise for the small boats to pass under, then under the freeway to the aquarium. This year, the plan has shifted with the finish line being moved to Whataburger Field which happens to be across the Corpus Harbor Bridge from the aquarium. This new finish will allow for a better experience at the finish line. Providing more parking, more space for finish line festivities, more room for the people to come and cheer us on across the finish line.
Unfortunately, the appearance of the bridge has a lot of people worried about the finish line moving. The bridge is tall enough for ships to cross under. That means it's high. In some test drives with the bike computers in the car, we captured numbers (slope, height, etc.) and it doesn't seem to be as bad as it appears. Easily said by the girl who is still learning the hills. The point in the ride was to gather the data from a bike and get some true impressions from cyclists of all levels.
We carpooled down to Corpus Christi in a few full-size vans. We arrived at Portland High School where we prepped our bikes, adjusted our gear, and had a pre-ride briefing. Then we headed out. I was mentally prepared to be the slowest and weakest rider of the ride. I know that most of the riders invited have been cycling a lot longer than I have. I know that I have been off the bike for over a week. I know that I haven't ridden ten miles without a break before. I know that hills still challenge me. I know that I'm new to my shoes/clips/pedals. This ride is a mental thing for me though. The opportunity to cross the bridge now, know that I can do it, and ride with that knowledge in October will be huge!
We head out and I'm doing fine. I clipped in without a challenge and begin following the group. We start to settle in to our respective paces, and I start to get passed. No surprise there. I stop pointing out road debris when I think I'm the last cyclist. Then I suddenly have two cyclists on my left (who did not announce their passing approach) and I feel bad that I wasn't signaling. A quick glance back and I see that the van is now behind me and I really am the last cyclist now.
We get onto the highway and begin the long straight-away along the causeway. With Pete setting the pace, I'm keeping up a steady cadence. I try to take in the scenery and enjoy a bit of the ocean view. There is bird life and activity all around. People are in waders out fishing. It's really turned out to be a beautiful day for a ride, and the wind was not nearly as bad as I had been expecting. Six miles into the ride, my butt is beginning to talk to me. Yes, that's a little early if I'm going to ride 90 miles in one day. I realize that I need to adjust before I go totally numb. I may have waited a bit too long to adjust because now when I do, it's only worse. Oh well, just have to keep on pedaling.
I roll in to the gathering point where we were scheduled to regroup before heading up and over the bridge and announce "the turtle is here!" I get a few laughs and we take a moment for ice towels, water break and another briefing on the bridge. One of the cops approaches me and says "I don't think you'll make it. " Thankfully Pete steps in and says something. I go back to paying attention to the briefing. The nerve! Who does this guy think he is? He's not going to get to single the turtles out in October. Oh well, I try to forget it and put it behind me for the last leg of the ride.
We head out. I told Pete to go on his own pace up the bridge to get the data. I know Tony is behind me in the van and I'll be fine. I know what I need to do and I know I can stop and walk if I need to. The bridge is looming ahead and I start telling myself it's not as bad as it looks. I decide to focus on my cadence and not keep looking ahead. It's worked before. Sure enough, I'm making progress and maintaining a good cadence. I downshift as I need to and I'm still moving. I know that I'm going to need the small ring and decide it's time to shift to that and then use those gears. I do so and am feeling like I can make it no matter how slow I go. Then I downshift and nothing happens. Then the bike shifts two stops, and comes back. I don't really know what gear I'm in anymore. I try to stabilize with one more click and again a lot of clunking and back and forth. This means I've now lost my cadence and I'm a bit concerned about dropping a chain, or having a slow speed fall with all of the traffic around me. I decide to jump off the bike and start walking the hill. Wow! I never knew how hard it could be to walk up a hill. With bike shoes and cleats on, you're already walking on your toes, then with the incline of the hill, my calves were getting quite the workout.
Tony pulls up to check on me and offers that I can walk in the middle of the lane. I'm still slipping pretty bad there and pause to get some air. He pulls up again and offers a pick-up. I look ahead of me where I see that the other walking cyclist has been getting further ahead (she's in mountain bike shoes which gives her traction on the road.) I take him up on the offer. He jumps out of the van, throws my bike in the back and I climb in (not an easy task in bike shoes). I don't get to enjoy the downhill side of the bridge. I also don't get to test the sharp turn at the end of the bridge as we exit toward Whataburger field. Tony turns the corner and drops me off so I can ride the final stretch to the finish line. This is the plan for the ride in October for those who opt not to pedal the bridge, they can take a SAG van over the bridge, but still ride across the finish line.
I roll into the parking lot where everyone has gathered. The other cyclists start cheering. I do my usual off bike gathering of gear and people start approaching me asking me how I did. I admitted to "cheating" over the bridge, but I did it. Lisa and Tony are thrilled at my experience and Lisa says I got them the most important feedback of all: mechanical problems, walking challenges, newbie input, and SAG pick-up/drop-off. Okay, I'll buy that. I didn't pedal the whole thing, but I still feel a sense of accomplishment. For that, I'm happy.
We fill out our surveys and enjoy our lunch. The group piles back into the vans and we begin the trek back to San Antonio. It was a good ride and I'm glad I did it. I hope my input is valuable to the Society and other riders. I know the ride today will help me in October.
The walking did shred my cleats, so it was time to go get replacement cleats. We headed over to Bike World after our return to San Antonio. Drew replaced my cleats for me and adjusted the cleat on my right shoe by 3 mm. I felt like I wanted my foot rotated slightly when I sat on the bike for the longer stretch. We'll see how that works on my rides this week.
Goals
Today's Miles: 8.9
Total Miles Achieved: 139
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Unfortunately, the appearance of the bridge has a lot of people worried about the finish line moving. The bridge is tall enough for ships to cross under. That means it's high. In some test drives with the bike computers in the car, we captured numbers (slope, height, etc.) and it doesn't seem to be as bad as it appears. Easily said by the girl who is still learning the hills. The point in the ride was to gather the data from a bike and get some true impressions from cyclists of all levels.
We carpooled down to Corpus Christi in a few full-size vans. We arrived at Portland High School where we prepped our bikes, adjusted our gear, and had a pre-ride briefing. Then we headed out. I was mentally prepared to be the slowest and weakest rider of the ride. I know that most of the riders invited have been cycling a lot longer than I have. I know that I have been off the bike for over a week. I know that I haven't ridden ten miles without a break before. I know that hills still challenge me. I know that I'm new to my shoes/clips/pedals. This ride is a mental thing for me though. The opportunity to cross the bridge now, know that I can do it, and ride with that knowledge in October will be huge!We head out and I'm doing fine. I clipped in without a challenge and begin following the group. We start to settle in to our respective paces, and I start to get passed. No surprise there. I stop pointing out road debris when I think I'm the last cyclist. Then I suddenly have two cyclists on my left (who did not announce their passing approach) and I feel bad that I wasn't signaling. A quick glance back and I see that the van is now behind me and I really am the last cyclist now.
We get onto the highway and begin the long straight-away along the causeway. With Pete setting the pace, I'm keeping up a steady cadence. I try to take in the scenery and enjoy a bit of the ocean view. There is bird life and activity all around. People are in waders out fishing. It's really turned out to be a beautiful day for a ride, and the wind was not nearly as bad as I had been expecting. Six miles into the ride, my butt is beginning to talk to me. Yes, that's a little early if I'm going to ride 90 miles in one day. I realize that I need to adjust before I go totally numb. I may have waited a bit too long to adjust because now when I do, it's only worse. Oh well, just have to keep on pedaling.
I roll in to the gathering point where we were scheduled to regroup before heading up and over the bridge and announce "the turtle is here!" I get a few laughs and we take a moment for ice towels, water break and another briefing on the bridge. One of the cops approaches me and says "I don't think you'll make it. " Thankfully Pete steps in and says something. I go back to paying attention to the briefing. The nerve! Who does this guy think he is? He's not going to get to single the turtles out in October. Oh well, I try to forget it and put it behind me for the last leg of the ride.
We head out. I told Pete to go on his own pace up the bridge to get the data. I know Tony is behind me in the van and I'll be fine. I know what I need to do and I know I can stop and walk if I need to. The bridge is looming ahead and I start telling myself it's not as bad as it looks. I decide to focus on my cadence and not keep looking ahead. It's worked before. Sure enough, I'm making progress and maintaining a good cadence. I downshift as I need to and I'm still moving. I know that I'm going to need the small ring and decide it's time to shift to that and then use those gears. I do so and am feeling like I can make it no matter how slow I go. Then I downshift and nothing happens. Then the bike shifts two stops, and comes back. I don't really know what gear I'm in anymore. I try to stabilize with one more click and again a lot of clunking and back and forth. This means I've now lost my cadence and I'm a bit concerned about dropping a chain, or having a slow speed fall with all of the traffic around me. I decide to jump off the bike and start walking the hill. Wow! I never knew how hard it could be to walk up a hill. With bike shoes and cleats on, you're already walking on your toes, then with the incline of the hill, my calves were getting quite the workout.
Tony pulls up to check on me and offers that I can walk in the middle of the lane. I'm still slipping pretty bad there and pause to get some air. He pulls up again and offers a pick-up. I look ahead of me where I see that the other walking cyclist has been getting further ahead (she's in mountain bike shoes which gives her traction on the road.) I take him up on the offer. He jumps out of the van, throws my bike in the back and I climb in (not an easy task in bike shoes). I don't get to enjoy the downhill side of the bridge. I also don't get to test the sharp turn at the end of the bridge as we exit toward Whataburger field. Tony turns the corner and drops me off so I can ride the final stretch to the finish line. This is the plan for the ride in October for those who opt not to pedal the bridge, they can take a SAG van over the bridge, but still ride across the finish line.
I roll into the parking lot where everyone has gathered. The other cyclists start cheering. I do my usual off bike gathering of gear and people start approaching me asking me how I did. I admitted to "cheating" over the bridge, but I did it. Lisa and Tony are thrilled at my experience and Lisa says I got them the most important feedback of all: mechanical problems, walking challenges, newbie input, and SAG pick-up/drop-off. Okay, I'll buy that. I didn't pedal the whole thing, but I still feel a sense of accomplishment. For that, I'm happy.
We fill out our surveys and enjoy our lunch. The group piles back into the vans and we begin the trek back to San Antonio. It was a good ride and I'm glad I did it. I hope my input is valuable to the Society and other riders. I know the ride today will help me in October.
The walking did shred my cleats, so it was time to go get replacement cleats. We headed over to Bike World after our return to San Antonio. Drew replaced my cleats for me and adjusted the cleat on my right shoe by 3 mm. I felt like I wanted my foot rotated slightly when I sat on the bike for the longer stretch. We'll see how that works on my rides this week.
Goals
Today's Miles: 8.9
Total Miles Achieved: 139
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0
Thursday, June 12, 2008
They Say Everyone Has Bad Rides
I've been told by multiple parties that everyone has their off days that cause a bad ride. Apparently, Murphy was with me today. In reviewing the ride, I've yet to come up with the "what was wrong" answer that made tonight's ride so rough. Best solution I can find is that is was just one thing after another, I finally broke, it became physical, and all-in-all it was a bad ride.
Allow me to start at the beginning. We just returned from vacation, so I haven't been on the bike for over a week. Today's ride was the women-only 10 mile ride, so I figured that was a good way to ease back into my routine. I decided to ignore the fact that it was 98 degrees out and just be sure to drink lots of water during the day, on the ride, and on the drive home. The ride leader had emailed that she wouldn't be able to make it this week, but a substitute leader would be there. Pete decided he would come too and if the ride happened, he'd ride a different route in the neighborhood. If the ride didn't happen, he and I could ride it anyway.
We ended up with a substitute leader who was unfamiliar with the route and leading a beginner's group. There were two other women there. Pete hung back to wait for Sierra who was running late, so it was a small group. The four of us headed out down the access road. A truck decided to sneak out of a driveway between the second and third cyclist, so the last two of us had to maneuver into the driveway around the truck. The gal in front of me made it, but I hit a divot in the lip of the driveway and went down. I rebounded quickly and was back on my way without pausing or thinking about what had just happened (and all of the cars around me who saw it!)
Our interim leader does not stop at all of the stop signs. If she sees it's clear, she keeps on pedaling through without confirming we all made it through the last intersection. We got to the shorter route option turn that I took last time, but I was told that was the wrong way. Then one of the more experienced riders coaches me about the next intersection because if we have to stop, the start through the turn can be a challenge. She wasn't kidding! We had to stop and the start was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. A block or two later, Pete and Sierra caught up with us.
This is the part of the route that is some rolling hills. The first time, it was a challenge, but I learned the value of rolling hills and how they can really give you some assistance and confidence on hills. I discovered that my bike was not shifting as smoothly as it should. Sierra and I paused for a moment at the spot of last ride's "break point" while the leader checked the map. When she was done, she took off and left us in the dust. I put my water bottle back and jumped back on.
Around the corner is the hill where I dropped my chain last time. I'm ready for it and am looking forward to making it up the hill this time. Pete is behind me cheering and coaching me on. He tells me to shift into the small ring. I try, and it won't go. I can't twist the shifter any further and the chain hasn't moved. Meanwhile, I'm losing speed going up the hill. I give up the shifting into the big wheel and downshift the other gears. Then I drop the chain, again! Over I go. Crap! I sit there for a moment taking in what happened and then stand up and brush myself off. Meanwhile, Pete fixed my chain for me.
I walk to the top of the hill and jump back on my bike. The downhill is a welcome break, not to mention the breeze on my hot and sweaty face. Then it's announced that the leader and I just blew past the turn. I'm pissed at this point because I've just lost my downhill momentum to get me up the next little incline on the missed turn street. I hang a u-turn and head up the street. My knee hurts with each down stroke. I'm mentally broken and can't get up this little "hill". Pete and I decide to double-back and meet the group back at the parking lot.
We slow it down and I'm trying to assess what has caused me so much trouble on this ride. I need a break, so I find a shaded driveway and stop. I'm emotionally drained! I'm ready to tell Pete to go get the truck, but instead of saying it, tears roll down my face. This little ride should not be so difficult. I stand there feeling like I'm going to loose my lunch, shaking all over and silent tear mixing with the sweat on my face. I'm a wreak, but I'm determined to finish the ride, yet I'm afraid to do so. I was trembling from head to toe. Each time I picked up one foot to clip in to the bike, I'd wobble so much on the other foot, I would have to get both feet on the ground again.
Pete asks if I want him to go get the truck. My response is "yes and no". Talk about sending mixed signals! Poor guy. I finally decide I'm going to try to get up the next little incline, but if I get to the top and there's another hill, I'm stopping and he can go get the truck. I manage to get back on the bike and up the incline. There is another "hill", but I have momentum and I'm ready to keep moving. I make it up that one and then there's a long, slow downhill. I enjoy every second of it! I'm beginning to tell myself I can make it. I have to slow down the speed and my cadence, but if I can just finish, I'll be happy at this point.
On the long straight part of the route, the bottoms of my feet are not happy. I'm tired, so I'm truly pushing down on every pedal stroke and my feet are going numb. I stop for another quick break. It doesn't take long, but I just needed to get off the pedals for a minute. I'm back on the bike and the final neighborhood turn is in sight! I'm determined and I'm making each stop a California stop if it's clear. I stopped for the last two to allow cars behind us to pass safely. Meanwhile, the ride leader has doubled back and is now riding the route on her own and waves on her way by.
We get back to the parking lot and I'm all smiles again. I know it was a rough ride! I'm glad I made it, but I'm sure struggling with what went wrong. Sierra is there and exhausted in the grass. All the other riders left. I'm not impressed, but oh well. Sierra is glad that it wasn't just her struggling with the heat. We both made it and I'm proud of us for that. I don't like the struggles I went through, but I guess it has to happen some time. Pete will work on my bike to fix the chain and shifting problems I'm having.
Goals
Today's Miles: 10.2
Total Miles Achieved: 130.1
Financial Investment: $840.16
Total Weight Loss: 0
Allow me to start at the beginning. We just returned from vacation, so I haven't been on the bike for over a week. Today's ride was the women-only 10 mile ride, so I figured that was a good way to ease back into my routine. I decided to ignore the fact that it was 98 degrees out and just be sure to drink lots of water during the day, on the ride, and on the drive home. The ride leader had emailed that she wouldn't be able to make it this week, but a substitute leader would be there. Pete decided he would come too and if the ride happened, he'd ride a different route in the neighborhood. If the ride didn't happen, he and I could ride it anyway.
We ended up with a substitute leader who was unfamiliar with the route and leading a beginner's group. There were two other women there. Pete hung back to wait for Sierra who was running late, so it was a small group. The four of us headed out down the access road. A truck decided to sneak out of a driveway between the second and third cyclist, so the last two of us had to maneuver into the driveway around the truck. The gal in front of me made it, but I hit a divot in the lip of the driveway and went down. I rebounded quickly and was back on my way without pausing or thinking about what had just happened (and all of the cars around me who saw it!)
Our interim leader does not stop at all of the stop signs. If she sees it's clear, she keeps on pedaling through without confirming we all made it through the last intersection. We got to the shorter route option turn that I took last time, but I was told that was the wrong way. Then one of the more experienced riders coaches me about the next intersection because if we have to stop, the start through the turn can be a challenge. She wasn't kidding! We had to stop and the start was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. A block or two later, Pete and Sierra caught up with us.
This is the part of the route that is some rolling hills. The first time, it was a challenge, but I learned the value of rolling hills and how they can really give you some assistance and confidence on hills. I discovered that my bike was not shifting as smoothly as it should. Sierra and I paused for a moment at the spot of last ride's "break point" while the leader checked the map. When she was done, she took off and left us in the dust. I put my water bottle back and jumped back on.
Around the corner is the hill where I dropped my chain last time. I'm ready for it and am looking forward to making it up the hill this time. Pete is behind me cheering and coaching me on. He tells me to shift into the small ring. I try, and it won't go. I can't twist the shifter any further and the chain hasn't moved. Meanwhile, I'm losing speed going up the hill. I give up the shifting into the big wheel and downshift the other gears. Then I drop the chain, again! Over I go. Crap! I sit there for a moment taking in what happened and then stand up and brush myself off. Meanwhile, Pete fixed my chain for me.
I walk to the top of the hill and jump back on my bike. The downhill is a welcome break, not to mention the breeze on my hot and sweaty face. Then it's announced that the leader and I just blew past the turn. I'm pissed at this point because I've just lost my downhill momentum to get me up the next little incline on the missed turn street. I hang a u-turn and head up the street. My knee hurts with each down stroke. I'm mentally broken and can't get up this little "hill". Pete and I decide to double-back and meet the group back at the parking lot.
We slow it down and I'm trying to assess what has caused me so much trouble on this ride. I need a break, so I find a shaded driveway and stop. I'm emotionally drained! I'm ready to tell Pete to go get the truck, but instead of saying it, tears roll down my face. This little ride should not be so difficult. I stand there feeling like I'm going to loose my lunch, shaking all over and silent tear mixing with the sweat on my face. I'm a wreak, but I'm determined to finish the ride, yet I'm afraid to do so. I was trembling from head to toe. Each time I picked up one foot to clip in to the bike, I'd wobble so much on the other foot, I would have to get both feet on the ground again.
Pete asks if I want him to go get the truck. My response is "yes and no". Talk about sending mixed signals! Poor guy. I finally decide I'm going to try to get up the next little incline, but if I get to the top and there's another hill, I'm stopping and he can go get the truck. I manage to get back on the bike and up the incline. There is another "hill", but I have momentum and I'm ready to keep moving. I make it up that one and then there's a long, slow downhill. I enjoy every second of it! I'm beginning to tell myself I can make it. I have to slow down the speed and my cadence, but if I can just finish, I'll be happy at this point.
On the long straight part of the route, the bottoms of my feet are not happy. I'm tired, so I'm truly pushing down on every pedal stroke and my feet are going numb. I stop for another quick break. It doesn't take long, but I just needed to get off the pedals for a minute. I'm back on the bike and the final neighborhood turn is in sight! I'm determined and I'm making each stop a California stop if it's clear. I stopped for the last two to allow cars behind us to pass safely. Meanwhile, the ride leader has doubled back and is now riding the route on her own and waves on her way by.
We get back to the parking lot and I'm all smiles again. I know it was a rough ride! I'm glad I made it, but I'm sure struggling with what went wrong. Sierra is there and exhausted in the grass. All the other riders left. I'm not impressed, but oh well. Sierra is glad that it wasn't just her struggling with the heat. We both made it and I'm proud of us for that. I don't like the struggles I went through, but I guess it has to happen some time. Pete will work on my bike to fix the chain and shifting problems I'm having.
Goals
Today's Miles: 10.2
Total Miles Achieved: 130.1
Financial Investment: $840.16
Total Weight Loss: 0
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