We purchased new bikes when we relocated to LA but have hardly ridden them. I know cycling helps with running as I've seen what it's done for several of my friends. Biking has not been a favorite sport of mine as I find it hard to sit. Okay, it hurts my butt!! There, I've said it. With grit and determination, I decided I needed to go to spin class. At least, it would help even if I couldn't do the class as it should be done. I had tried this before and it was very difficult for me and I was embarrassed that after 2-3 classes I wasn't able to do it like the others. Glad these are stationary bikes cause I'd definitely be left behind!! Guess what I mean is that I had to sit off and on throughout. Friends of mine, Marsha and Diane, and another signed up to do The First Friday Slow Ride in Pensacola. I checked it out and saw where this group is organized to encourage first time riders. Children were invited and I really liked that no one would be left behind! We were in groups with a leader and a sweep; hence, no racing type ride. After talking with Marsha, I decided I would try it. I had wanted to do a ride for so long but, like class, was afraid I couldn't make it. I took my new bike out for a pre-ride, of sort, and it went fine. Check out what a real rider looks like, ha!
After 5 miles, I felt like I could handle this. After all, it just couldn't be much more if they are encouraging children, right?? Oh, did I say that it was a late afternoon ride? After meeting the others at Marsha's home, I was really getting excited. I accepted that even if I couldn't keep up with the fast ones I wouldn't be alone. We got there and got our bikes ready and donned our helmets. Okay...this is a first for me...a helmet. But I am glad that I purchased one because now I feel like I'm "dressed" for the sport.
Had to do a little carb loading before the ride. So we had a snack at The East Hill Yard. It was pretty, darn good...just couldn't eat for all the butterflies in my stomach, ha!
A pre-race photo before we suffer from "helmet-head". Paula, me, Marsha and Diane. Marsha saying "Go Tigers" while we were coached to say "Roll Tide"...lol.
Here are a few pics of the ride. We passed by the fairly new War Memorial and it was so touching. I want to return with Kent and walk through it, take pics and read the plaques. Funny story...we saw this because our leader made a wrong turn. This was one of the prettiest parts of the ride and I didn't mind. Also, it gave us more mileage...as a runner, that's always good, right? I fell in love with "riding". I can hardly wait until the next one in September. We all made a date! Unfortunately, Paula will be having knee surgery soon and probably won't make it. Get well, Paula!
And, yep, got to have our ride-along photographer's pic, Diane. Thanks!! This was so much fun. We continued to have fun afterward as we stopped for some refreshment before heading home. We got in 9 miles and I am very happy with that. And, guess what?? No butt pain!!! Yay...maybe I'm getting there...little by little.
I'm incorporating spin once a week into my regimen. Still not my favorite thing to do but not giving up on this; and since we go out of town here and there in the middle of the week, Wednesday class is missed some. Guess I say all of this to say that I haven't quit going. No, I'm not able to stay out of the saddle [like that?? I'm learning new slang...saddle, sweep] like the others but I'm still trying. Today I will go again even though I've missed the last TWO weeks; hope I don't have to start all over.
As I continue to workout 6 days a week as much as possible, I feel I'm getting stronger. On the downside, my weight continues to be the same or a little more!! VERY discouraging to say the least. After a doctor's visit yesterday, I'm changing my hrt again. It should help with weight as well as several other issues I've been experiencing. I think it will do fine...looking forward to next week to get this thing started!
Yesterday, I got in 11 miles on the treadmill in my trekking class. I can't see doing more than that and only 11 miles occasionally until I can get outside again and run. Ten miles can be done along with class. My running is continuing to get strong. I have NO idea how I will do on the road again but time will tell. At the time of this writing, I still can't do .25 mile outside so I continue to hit the TM. I have several races this fall and winter that I can hardly wait to do. I am excited about what my future holds. So for now, our goal is to go
Run 4 It [however we do it]
