The club Trainer Tours started last night. This is where members gather twice a week at a local church, bring their bikes and trainers or rollers, and sweat together for an hour. It never ceases to amaze me of some of these peoples physical ability and speed. You can't really tell on the open road like you can while they're on rollers or trainer.
I really had a great time. Started sweating bullets within 10 minutes of warmups. I felt so out of shape during this one. We had reps of sitting and standing which I need so much more work. About 35 minutes into the 45 minute workout, I developed cramping in my left calf and then my right which caused me to back off the intensity of bit.
Can't wait to get back out tomorrow and do it again though! It's amazing how good I feel these days, breathing easy. No smoke filled lungs for me any more. Very happy I quit tobacco.
Showing posts with label bicycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bicycle. Show all posts
03 December, 2008
18 June, 2008
These are the last hours I will be
under 50 years of age. I was born June 19, 1958. I don't know the exact date but started smoking cigarettes in the summer of 1972. I was an addict well before that night at the skating rink. Almost every adult in my family smoked tobacco. I never got sick. I just wanted another one. I quit tobacco July 23, 2007. I spent 35 years polluting my body. I am so thankful I found Chantix. I knew that I couldn't just stop smoking. I needed to make a life-style change commitment. Not for a week, month, short-term. Life-time, life-style change. Get depressed? Move! Work it out of the system. We need laughter, ambition, goals. Get up and do something!
I haven't taken any type of pain reliever for months. I was taking an Aleve at least 3 times a week last summer. I can't remember when I felt this good, alive, eager to do something more. I have taken advantage of an opportunity. I hope I can live the next 35 years, become a role model, do good things and live a healthy life.
This is not an EASY thing to do. If it was easy it wouldn't be worth the trouble. Any thing worth having is hard work. I've made sure that I have breakfast at least 5 of 7 days a week. Typically it's oatmeal about 7:30 during the work week. By 10, I'm having hunger pangs. I am always hungry. Just need to eat several small meals during the day. Apple or yogurt around 10:30, go to lunch at 11:30. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. A banana and protein bar before my ride, some small snack driving home. Beer is my downfall! I need to work on my abs! My tummy bounces off of my thighs while pedaling down in the drops. I hate that! So, I have a way to go before I achieve some of my goals.
Diva sent me a note and called me a jock. Thanks love, but I don't think so. I watch these guys that race and I am in awe. I'd love to smash my legs on those pedals that hard and fast. I just try to chase them as long and hard as I can most days. There are times I just lay back, not often.
Odd, but I'll be happy to wake up in the morning, watch the sun come up and know that it's gonna be a great day!
I haven't taken any type of pain reliever for months. I was taking an Aleve at least 3 times a week last summer. I can't remember when I felt this good, alive, eager to do something more. I have taken advantage of an opportunity. I hope I can live the next 35 years, become a role model, do good things and live a healthy life.
This is not an EASY thing to do. If it was easy it wouldn't be worth the trouble. Any thing worth having is hard work. I've made sure that I have breakfast at least 5 of 7 days a week. Typically it's oatmeal about 7:30 during the work week. By 10, I'm having hunger pangs. I am always hungry. Just need to eat several small meals during the day. Apple or yogurt around 10:30, go to lunch at 11:30. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. A banana and protein bar before my ride, some small snack driving home. Beer is my downfall! I need to work on my abs! My tummy bounces off of my thighs while pedaling down in the drops. I hate that! So, I have a way to go before I achieve some of my goals.
Diva sent me a note and called me a jock. Thanks love, but I don't think so. I watch these guys that race and I am in awe. I'd love to smash my legs on those pedals that hard and fast. I just try to chase them as long and hard as I can most days. There are times I just lay back, not often.
Odd, but I'll be happy to wake up in the morning, watch the sun come up and know that it's gonna be a great day!
03 May, 2008
Wheeling into the night - Thursday night
Club ride from Hogan's fountain - 7:00 pm start - must have lights for the return. This ride normally goes Broadway, but Thursday was the Pegasus Parade and many road closures. Took Breckinridge to Third Street and out to Iroquois, came back to Broadway which was still closed to traffic, but they let us in.
First time I was the only female on the ride. Kept hearing that they go slow and won't drop anyone, typically 12 - 15 mph. Yeah, uh huh. Course I wanted to pull my weight and so worked to stay with front group. I was doing okay until 3 traffic signals from the park. They were staying between 18 and 20 at least all the way to the park and then back.
I think I burned too much trying to keep up. The hill at Iroquois was tough. I made it, though was huffing and puffing the whole way. Never did drop to my granny gear though. The way back down was so cool and breezy. We came out of the park and I was in front, booking. Damn computer stopped working so I couldn't keep up with mph, total mileage, nothing. Stayed up front until 3rd and Eastern Pkwy. They dropped me at the light. Tommy and I rode back together. Ran into the front group at Barret and stayed together until Shells where I had cold beer waiting. 25 miles on a warm, humid evening with the guys. It was a fun time. I was tuckered out. I slept so soundly, the cats didn't even wake me.
I have a long way to go, but felt good about my progress to date. Just want to get stronger and faster. I'd really like to fly down those roads and streets. A girl can dream :-)
First time I was the only female on the ride. Kept hearing that they go slow and won't drop anyone, typically 12 - 15 mph. Yeah, uh huh. Course I wanted to pull my weight and so worked to stay with front group. I was doing okay until 3 traffic signals from the park. They were staying between 18 and 20 at least all the way to the park and then back.
I think I burned too much trying to keep up. The hill at Iroquois was tough. I made it, though was huffing and puffing the whole way. Never did drop to my granny gear though. The way back down was so cool and breezy. We came out of the park and I was in front, booking. Damn computer stopped working so I couldn't keep up with mph, total mileage, nothing. Stayed up front until 3rd and Eastern Pkwy. They dropped me at the light. Tommy and I rode back together. Ran into the front group at Barret and stayed together until Shells where I had cold beer waiting. 25 miles on a warm, humid evening with the guys. It was a fun time. I was tuckered out. I slept so soundly, the cats didn't even wake me.
I have a long way to go, but felt good about my progress to date. Just want to get stronger and faster. I'd really like to fly down those roads and streets. A girl can dream :-)
27 April, 2008
Maybe a few days off the bike is what I needed
Well, I did the 2:00 Heine Brother's ride today. Last time out was Wednesday. I won't count yesterday's 5+ miles, too disappointing. The Grandview hill was easiest to date. And that's after I fell on River Road and buggered my left elbow and knee and turned my right hood inwards. Geez! how embarrassing. I was dumb, worried more about the car behind me and not paying attention to the bike in front. My front tire hit his rear. Rear always wins!
I won't go so far as to say that Grandview was easy. But so much better than all the times before. Hope I've moved my knee enough that it doesn't get stiff overnight. I want to do the recovery ride after work tomorrow.
I won't go so far as to say that Grandview was easy. But so much better than all the times before. Hope I've moved my knee enough that it doesn't get stiff overnight. I want to do the recovery ride after work tomorrow.
06 April, 2008
What a fantastic day
I've been looking forward to this since Thursday, when Olivia first mentioned the 2:00 Heine Bros. ride. There's been nary a cloud, save a wisp or two, during my ride. The day started clear and sunny, but very crisp. Had a leisurely morning sipping coffee, enjoying a good warm bowl of oatmeal, wrapping up a thing or two here and there.
It was funny driving to the ride. My though processes anyway. I've always been outgoing and willing to meet and talk to anyone. I decided early on that this was the only way I was going to experience new things and grow my world. But I'm driving to the ride and I get butterflies in my stomach. I did this driving to my first Trainer Tour, too. It's different for me, walking into a situation solo as opposed to having a buddy with me. I started to get a little paranoid. I wonder if people will take up a conversation or just say Hello back and move on?
I arrive at the parking lot, which is almost 1/2 full already, about 25 minutes before 2:00. As I'm getting my gear together, I'm looking around the lot to see if I recognise anyone from the Trainer Tour. Ya know, people with helmets on look different than without a helmet on. :-) I see the ride captain with her paperwork on the next aisle of cars. I walk over and ask, are you Connie? She was so friendly and helpful. She asked about my skill-level, speed, and experience and which length I was going to ride. I definitely came for the longer one. She said that A.B. would be great to ride with. She then went over and said something to him and he waved me over. He recognized me from the Trainer Tour. Even said I was a strong spinner. Then I saw one of the girls from work and we chatted. She introduced me or pointed out several of her YahYah sisters. I realised that I was silly for being paranoid.
We started out at a nice pace with about 10 in our group. For the most part we stayed around 17mph. Got a little faster in places and slower in others. Hit a number of yellow lights and then at least as many if not more red lights. As we changed places in the rotation, I would say Hi and introduce myself. It's funny, I usually gave people a short time as opportunity for them to initiate. Most don't feel comfortable in that role I assume. But everyone was friendly and pleasant once I broke the ice. We got to River Road and somehow I was in front of most of the ones I'd been riding with. Instead, I was with about 4 guys. We were going at a nice clip, about 19 mph and then cranked it up. I stayed with them a very short distance, but just still don't have the lung power. A.B. caught up to me enough that I could hear him talking to me. Said, don't try to stay with those guys, you'll wear yourself out. So, about 5 or 6 of us stayed together and kept that 17 mph pace. He kept asking if I got my wind back. Then as we approached the turn off of River Road he said I might want to drop my pace. We were approaching a hill that doesn't look too bad at all, but it's a long one with a low grade and can be deceiving. Oh yeah, tough is what it was. I was glad I stayed with A.B. 'cause if I'd try to keep a 20 mph pace and then hit that hill, I don't know if I could've done it without a stop. (That would be embarrassing as hell).
At one point a lady named Bernice heard me breathing behind her and asked if I was alright. I told her as long as she could here me breathing all was fine. If she couldn't hear me anymore then there'd be a problem. It was tremendous fun. Spoke to numerous cyclists. Many were asking how I did once we got back to the parking lot. I said that A.B. took care of me, he was my babysitter. Now, A.B. is over 70 and in great shape. Someone said that Bernice is approaching that age, too. I believe she had already ridden the chat & nibble which was around 60 miles. Several had. Then did the 25 mile ride, which is really only around 22. I also have decided I have a long way to go before I am happy with my ability. I want to get stronger and faster. I want to average over 20 mph. I'd love to get to a point where I might be competitive. We'll see. One day at a time.
I'm looking forward to the next one. I'll miss my skirt ride tomorrow, but think I might ride at lunch instead. My oldest said I could sleep on her couch tomorrow night, which should be good. It's going to be an interesting week. But the weather channel says we are in for some more sunny days in the low 70s. I say, Bring 'Em On!
It was funny driving to the ride. My though processes anyway. I've always been outgoing and willing to meet and talk to anyone. I decided early on that this was the only way I was going to experience new things and grow my world. But I'm driving to the ride and I get butterflies in my stomach. I did this driving to my first Trainer Tour, too. It's different for me, walking into a situation solo as opposed to having a buddy with me. I started to get a little paranoid. I wonder if people will take up a conversation or just say Hello back and move on?
I arrive at the parking lot, which is almost 1/2 full already, about 25 minutes before 2:00. As I'm getting my gear together, I'm looking around the lot to see if I recognise anyone from the Trainer Tour. Ya know, people with helmets on look different than without a helmet on. :-) I see the ride captain with her paperwork on the next aisle of cars. I walk over and ask, are you Connie? She was so friendly and helpful. She asked about my skill-level, speed, and experience and which length I was going to ride. I definitely came for the longer one. She said that A.B. would be great to ride with. She then went over and said something to him and he waved me over. He recognized me from the Trainer Tour. Even said I was a strong spinner. Then I saw one of the girls from work and we chatted. She introduced me or pointed out several of her YahYah sisters. I realised that I was silly for being paranoid.
We started out at a nice pace with about 10 in our group. For the most part we stayed around 17mph. Got a little faster in places and slower in others. Hit a number of yellow lights and then at least as many if not more red lights. As we changed places in the rotation, I would say Hi and introduce myself. It's funny, I usually gave people a short time as opportunity for them to initiate. Most don't feel comfortable in that role I assume. But everyone was friendly and pleasant once I broke the ice. We got to River Road and somehow I was in front of most of the ones I'd been riding with. Instead, I was with about 4 guys. We were going at a nice clip, about 19 mph and then cranked it up. I stayed with them a very short distance, but just still don't have the lung power. A.B. caught up to me enough that I could hear him talking to me. Said, don't try to stay with those guys, you'll wear yourself out. So, about 5 or 6 of us stayed together and kept that 17 mph pace. He kept asking if I got my wind back. Then as we approached the turn off of River Road he said I might want to drop my pace. We were approaching a hill that doesn't look too bad at all, but it's a long one with a low grade and can be deceiving. Oh yeah, tough is what it was. I was glad I stayed with A.B. 'cause if I'd try to keep a 20 mph pace and then hit that hill, I don't know if I could've done it without a stop. (That would be embarrassing as hell).
At one point a lady named Bernice heard me breathing behind her and asked if I was alright. I told her as long as she could here me breathing all was fine. If she couldn't hear me anymore then there'd be a problem. It was tremendous fun. Spoke to numerous cyclists. Many were asking how I did once we got back to the parking lot. I said that A.B. took care of me, he was my babysitter. Now, A.B. is over 70 and in great shape. Someone said that Bernice is approaching that age, too. I believe she had already ridden the chat & nibble which was around 60 miles. Several had. Then did the 25 mile ride, which is really only around 22. I also have decided I have a long way to go before I am happy with my ability. I want to get stronger and faster. I want to average over 20 mph. I'd love to get to a point where I might be competitive. We'll see. One day at a time.
I'm looking forward to the next one. I'll miss my skirt ride tomorrow, but think I might ride at lunch instead. My oldest said I could sleep on her couch tomorrow night, which should be good. It's going to be an interesting week. But the weather channel says we are in for some more sunny days in the low 70s. I say, Bring 'Em On!
25 March, 2008
Girls ride
A friend sent me an email late Sunday evening from a yahoogroup. Ok, first I thought it was odd because he sent this from PurpleRides, group about women cycling. I'm still not sure why he joined this group, but I have to say that I'm glad he did and that he shared the information with me.
A younger cyclist has put together a ride for Monday evenings for women. She's planning to group people based on ability and interest/goals. About a dozen women showed for the "Meet and greet". Not everyone brought their bikes with them and so we only had about 8 that rode. We did a couple of small loops around the soccer fields and tennis courts, then rode 2 loops around Seneca and Cherokee parks. It was a lot of fun getting to know some new women that enjoy riding. I need to learn to ride with groups. Having spent most of my riding by myself it is nice to have someone to talk and ride with. Niki complimented me on not being too shy to get close to other cyclists. She said that we should be comfortable enough to place our hand on another's shoulder, arms stretched. Yeah, I like my hands on the bars still, but have no problem nudging in behind or riding in two's.
I think the most difficult part for me was riding the hills while starting behind others. Maybe I've developed bad habits, or just have a different way and need to learn a new method. I prefer to get a nice cadence going in a good gear before hitting the hill. It's easier for me to maintain a good cadence in this way. If I start out slow, I just go that much slower the further up the hill I go, making it more and more difficult to get to the crest. A lot of this is stamina and maybe I need to do some weight training for my legs.
We finished the first lap around both parks and decided to continue on and do a second. The temps were in the low 40s and I started out worrying about the cool weather. But standing outside waiting for everyone meet and then chatting for a short while, I think this helped my lungs acclimate to the cooler temps. My lungs had no wheezing issues during the ride. This is not to say that I didn't have times where I was breathing fairly heavily. I was! especially on those hills. I pulled another DUH Sherri. We were coming up to a stop sign and I only unclipped one shoe. Lost my balance and went Kerplunk on my left side. Buggered my knee up very nicely. :-) Oh well, I'm sure this will be very small compared to other injuries I manage to have in the future.
Next week plans are to ride to Iroquois from Cycler's Cafe. Should be about 2 hours worth of riding, What better way to spend a Monday evening?
A younger cyclist has put together a ride for Monday evenings for women. She's planning to group people based on ability and interest/goals. About a dozen women showed for the "Meet and greet". Not everyone brought their bikes with them and so we only had about 8 that rode. We did a couple of small loops around the soccer fields and tennis courts, then rode 2 loops around Seneca and Cherokee parks. It was a lot of fun getting to know some new women that enjoy riding. I need to learn to ride with groups. Having spent most of my riding by myself it is nice to have someone to talk and ride with. Niki complimented me on not being too shy to get close to other cyclists. She said that we should be comfortable enough to place our hand on another's shoulder, arms stretched. Yeah, I like my hands on the bars still, but have no problem nudging in behind or riding in two's.
I think the most difficult part for me was riding the hills while starting behind others. Maybe I've developed bad habits, or just have a different way and need to learn a new method. I prefer to get a nice cadence going in a good gear before hitting the hill. It's easier for me to maintain a good cadence in this way. If I start out slow, I just go that much slower the further up the hill I go, making it more and more difficult to get to the crest. A lot of this is stamina and maybe I need to do some weight training for my legs.
We finished the first lap around both parks and decided to continue on and do a second. The temps were in the low 40s and I started out worrying about the cool weather. But standing outside waiting for everyone meet and then chatting for a short while, I think this helped my lungs acclimate to the cooler temps. My lungs had no wheezing issues during the ride. This is not to say that I didn't have times where I was breathing fairly heavily. I was! especially on those hills. I pulled another DUH Sherri. We were coming up to a stop sign and I only unclipped one shoe. Lost my balance and went Kerplunk on my left side. Buggered my knee up very nicely. :-) Oh well, I'm sure this will be very small compared to other injuries I manage to have in the future.
Next week plans are to ride to Iroquois from Cycler's Cafe. Should be about 2 hours worth of riding, What better way to spend a Monday evening?
11 December, 2007
We were blessed with a beautiful day!
Now, there's something not quite right about having a 72F day on December 11. But Mother Nature smiled on us and that is exactly what we had today. The sun came out, though we still had clouds, those rays of light were glorious hitting my skin and eyes.
I've been trying to be very focussed on my new bike, on the trainer, and put down 60 minutes a day for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This is after spending quite some time at 25 minutes, building to 30, 35, and finally 45 on Friday last week. I plan to stick with a minimum of 60 going forward, unless something prevents it. I look forward to this time. It's all mine. I can think or not. Mostly I get lost in the ride, is that meditation?
Today, I came home right after lunch, thinking I would put an hour on the open road. I was so excited! I've only been outdoors once and that was just the subdivision. Put the first 2.6 miles behind me and was feeling great. Turned back and found a 12 - 15 mph head wind in my face. Geez, it was difficult! I worked through the gears and found a comfortable place for the flat spots. As I began to come to the end of the second 2.6 I started to think I was just gonna head home. But thought I didn't want to quit yet. I hadn't been out that long and the day was so nice. I took Dawson Hill to the big bend and back for another 3 miles. Now the wind was blowing across me from side to side instead of at my face or back. I've never had the wind blow me around on a bike like that before! It was a bit scary! Like driving a high profile vehicle. Difference being, I didn't have any protection around me. :-)
I wasn't happy about the speed or how difficult it seemed. But, I had only gotten 4 hours sleep last night and ate a bologna sandwich for dinner. Don't think that was enough rest or fuel to have a great performance.
I think I'm hooked on this. When I finish a ride or a run (that's been too long now), I completely relish the burn I have in my legs. It feels so invigorating. Think that's the endorphin buzz that athletes get addicted to. You know what? I'm thrilled at being addicted to a naturally produced substance by my body. It's so much better than tobacco and nicotine.
We get rain for the next few days, so I'm sure we won't get much sunshine. That's okay, I know it'll be back soon and I had a wonderful time in it today!
I've been trying to be very focussed on my new bike, on the trainer, and put down 60 minutes a day for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This is after spending quite some time at 25 minutes, building to 30, 35, and finally 45 on Friday last week. I plan to stick with a minimum of 60 going forward, unless something prevents it. I look forward to this time. It's all mine. I can think or not. Mostly I get lost in the ride, is that meditation?
Today, I came home right after lunch, thinking I would put an hour on the open road. I was so excited! I've only been outdoors once and that was just the subdivision. Put the first 2.6 miles behind me and was feeling great. Turned back and found a 12 - 15 mph head wind in my face. Geez, it was difficult! I worked through the gears and found a comfortable place for the flat spots. As I began to come to the end of the second 2.6 I started to think I was just gonna head home. But thought I didn't want to quit yet. I hadn't been out that long and the day was so nice. I took Dawson Hill to the big bend and back for another 3 miles. Now the wind was blowing across me from side to side instead of at my face or back. I've never had the wind blow me around on a bike like that before! It was a bit scary! Like driving a high profile vehicle. Difference being, I didn't have any protection around me. :-)
I wasn't happy about the speed or how difficult it seemed. But, I had only gotten 4 hours sleep last night and ate a bologna sandwich for dinner. Don't think that was enough rest or fuel to have a great performance.
I think I'm hooked on this. When I finish a ride or a run (that's been too long now), I completely relish the burn I have in my legs. It feels so invigorating. Think that's the endorphin buzz that athletes get addicted to. You know what? I'm thrilled at being addicted to a naturally produced substance by my body. It's so much better than tobacco and nicotine.
We get rain for the next few days, so I'm sure we won't get much sunshine. That's okay, I know it'll be back soon and I had a wonderful time in it today!
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