Steve challenged us to a fast-paced pace line tonight. I thought he was nuts at the 22 mph speed, but knew I’d fall off the back no matter what speed, so I let him challenge the rest of the group. Sure enough! I fell off at the one block incline from the intersection I don’t like. Even though I was moving at a good clip, there was no keeping that group in sight at that pace. I let them go and Pete let me push myself without killing myself.
We got to “the hill” and I was determined to make it up tonight. The first time, I got part way up, suddenly felt like I wasn’t moving, had no momentum, and was going to topple if I didn’t unclip. So, right in front of Pete, I pretty much gave up and jumped off the bike. I’ve got to figure out how to save something to give it a kick when I feel that lack of momentum to keep me moving. The constant momentum, no matter how slow, will keep me moving up the hill. I don’t have any plans to go up any mountains that would be so steep as to roll me backwards despite my legs powering the pedals forward. So, I walked to the top, caught my breath and decided to try it again.
I take off around the block to attempt “the hill” again. This time Vicki and I pause to catch our breath just before the bottom of the hill. I probably should watch my heart rate rather than say “I’m catching my breath”, but I didn’t and when Vicki was ready, I headed up the hill a short distance behind her. I got distracted by a rider passing me on her second (probably her third) time up and then Laura passing me and doing switch-backs next to me. I pretty much jumped off of the bike at that point as I don’t like climbing a hill in the vicinity of Laura’s switchbacks. Shamefully, I walk up the hill and hope no one is watching from the top. But, I only cheat myself, so I admit to walking.
Meanwhile, Pete is practically doing circles around me as he continues going around the block and up the hill. I should mention that he doesn’t stop at the top to catch his breath, or drop his heart rate either. Show off! Actually, I think he’d just challenged himself to six climbs and was determined to do it and leave me to my own devices to get up “the hill”. To be honest, Thursday nights are good for that as I have the opportunity to ask Steve and JD for coaching and tips that may click for me, or get a different perspective on my ailments or challenges.
Third try, and probably my last as the others are nearing their “six climbs” Steve challenged at the beginning of the night. I countered with “that’s once each!” but the others took him seriously. So much for pedaling smarter, not harder! This time around, I think I’m ready, I turn the bend, start my climb… and suddenly, I know that I’m out of gas and it’s not going to happen. I decide to attempt a “do over” and turn around in the driveway and go back to the bottom. After all, one of the other girls did it tonight! I circle back around, but know that I have less momentum to get me started.
Just then, a road runner runs out in front of me across the road. I stop to avoid him and proceed to watch him across the road. He plays in the driveway until he finally meanders off through the gate and out of sight. By this time, I’ve lost count of how many other bikes have passed me and not one noticed the road runner. I take a deep breath and figure it’s now or never. I start pedaling and shifting. I pedal and shift. I shift, shift, shift, pedal harder. Just then, I cross the line in the road that has been my barrier. I shift again and pedal some more. I’m making it. I keep on pedaling and now I can see the group gathering at the intersection at the top of “the hill”. I pedal and grunt as the group starts to cheer me on. I’m beginning to smile through the pain and I made it to the top! With a triumphant yell and a cheer from the gals, I role in to the rendez-vous point (having attempted "the hill" three times to their six) huffing and puffing, but excitedly jumping up and down as much as one can while still on the bike!
Steve immediately congratulates me and then starts questioning me about what was different this time. I confess to the road runner and stopping to watch it play in the driveway. He points out that I watched the bird until I was no longer distracted and was able to focus on “the hill”. Good point! Now I know what I need to keep in mind next week to get up “the hill” all three times!
Goals
Today's Miles: 12
Total Miles Achieved: 745.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
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