The Boston Marathon is a great motivator to go for a run. So I ran four miles on the treadmill. I'm still recovering from my injury, but I've run a few 3 milers on the treadmill without any apparent harm. And I have a half-marathon coming up at the end of July that I need to start training for. Man, I'm out of shape. And too heavy. Hoping that the pounds will melt off as I increase my activity.
The Wildflower ride is this weekend and I'm signed up for the 50 miler. Not to be confused with the triathlon of the same name, this ride is sponsored by the San Luis Bicycle Club and it sells out fast. I've wanted to participate ever since I learned of it, and this seemed like the year to do it. Of course, that was before my hip injury. I've done a few spinning classes, but haven't been on the road in a year. There are a lot of excuses, but really I was just afraid. The country roads don't have shoulders, so I was afraid of cars. And afraid of the clipless pedals--they're hard to get out of. Or so I thought.
With the Wildflower ride approaching, I figured I'd better get on my bike and see if I can ride at all or else sell my ticket. I signed up with two friends and thought we would ride together, but now I don't think I can keep up with them. I guess I can ride till we get to the lunch stop and then ask SD to pick me up. I'm familiar with part of the route and it will be really pretty. The picture above is Shell Creek Road, where the best flowers are.
This afternoon I tackled my fear and went for a ride by myself. It was great! I rode on the highway, which has a nice wide shoulder that makes for a great bike lane. The wind picks up in the afternoon, so I rode into the wind for the first 5 miles and then turned around and rode with the wind at my back. There were some small inclines, nothing above 3% grade and I handled them without too much concern. With the wind behind me, I was really flying. At one hill with a -3% grade, I was going over 30 miles an hour. That was fun!
I don't know what's in store for me this weekend, but it was great to be on my bike. My confidence is restored and I have hope for this weekend and also for my marathon in October.
10 comments:
Good luck with your ride! :)
Have fun this weekend!
Hope your injury heals fast! How fun this weekend! You will do great! I love the pics by the way!
That's a really great photo!
Been thinking about you. I'm glad to hear you're getting back with the training. :) I wish I could run Chicago with you. :)
GREAT Photo!
Congrats on getting out for that solo ride.
You'll do fine at Wildflower. Just have fun and enjoy yourself.
Talk to you soon!
I'm so glad you had a great bike ride! It always takes that first time on the road to get the confidence back. I hope you heal quickly and you enjoy your ride.
GREAT to hear you got out for a ride! I too used to be afraid to ride alone for the same reasons but the only way to get over them was to keep putting myself out there.
Hope your Wildflower ride went well last weekend!!
PS - very cool photo!!
Welcome back to blogland. I hope your injury will heal fast so .. we can run together in Italy as we did last time. Thanks for the mail, I will let you know very soon.
I enjoyed the update. I hope things are continuing to improve for you.
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