Thanks, Irongirl!
I decided to answer your other post to me on this thread, because the "just finished my first 10-mile ride" thread is so old.
You said, "I SURVIVED! I made the entire 17.5 mile loop. I won't tell you how long it took. I won't tell you that I stopped once and literally had a fit (I cried because I was tired and worried I wouldn't make it back to my car - I wasn't going to walk that bike back, that's for sure.) I won't tell you that I had to walk a couple of monster hills, either.
I will tell you that the cyclists who were out in force yesterday on the course are the most uplifting, supportive group I've ever seen. the chorus of "keep it up, you're doing great" was really helpful, as it was to hear "this is a really tough course" from the people who passed by asking if I was okay when I stopped (I responded that it was my first time on that course and I'm fairly new to cycling). I will also tell you that my padded shorts arrived on Friday - not a minute too soon... and that we managed to get the seat adjusted higher which completely eliminated my knee pain. I have one slightly irritated spot near the unmentionables and my left thumb is a little sore from shifting the gears but thankfully otherwise I am PAIN FREE.
The plan is to do a brick (the road course plus the 5k run course) every Sunday between now and the event. I do realize I'll have to get out more but this month's focus is my running, next month it's more about riding. But I really enjoyed the ride (when I wasnt crying, of course). You all may make a cyclist out of me yet 😄 "
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!
I remember my first 15-mile ride; it took me nearly 3 MONTHS to get to that -- so look how you just left me in the dust. WAY TO GO! [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/icon14.gif[/IMG]
It doesn't matter how long it takes, at first (though I do know you're doing a triathlon). Speed comes gradually as your body gets used to the exercise. I first started out at about 9 mph, and dying. Today I did 14 mph nearly the entire way, without trying; I was actually surprised when I looked and was going that speed, because a couple months ago, I averaged 12. I don't try to speed up, other than doing intervals. It just happens gradually, and it will for you, too. So just ride, Forrest, ride, lol.
You have no idea how glad I am that I'm not the only one who has ever cried from exhaustion and frustration during a bike ride. When I did my first 30-miler last week, I was in tears, or near them, for nearly the last 3 miles. It happens when we women push our bodies harder than we've ever pushed them before. And you're doing your first long ride on HILLS. Unbelievable. You're a rock star, lol.
And you're right. Most cyclists are the nicest, most supportive people. I'm very self-conscious when I ride, aware of what my body looks like in bike jerseys, and it's very obvious to anyone riding by that I'm out of shape and don't belong in the same category with the ones who are zooming by me. But I can't even count the number of encouraging comments I've received as they go by, and the 'thumbs up" signals. It's like they see you struggling, and they just want to help you to make to to the next fitness level so you can be healthier (and slimmer) like they are.
So keep up the awesome work! The important thing is to get in that saddle every day, if you can, even for a little while. Let the body get used to the feel of the seat and the motion of the legs. My first few rides, I wasn't comfortable almost at all. Today I'm pretty comfy on the bike for the first 60-90 minutes before the bottom and legs start complaining again. My plan is to get it used to riding for 2 hours a day until that's not a major physical burden, and then work on increasing speed and distance in that amount of time. I'll do that about every other day, and then swim and/or lift weights the off days. It make take me 2 years before I'm actually at the weight I'm aiming for.... but in 2 years, I'll be that much older whether I've gotten healthier or not, so who cares how long it takes?
I'm sitting here with a smile on my face, as proud of you as if you were my daughter, lol. If you could see me, you'd know I'm giving you a standing O.
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Sierra
