I RODE TEN MILES!!! (Tee hee!)

[Jiffer]

Riding ten miles is by no means a major accomplishment for most cyclists, but when you haven't been able to ride more than about 5 or so miles for a year due to health issues, it's a glorious day indeed when you feel strong enough to ride ten. ;)

I have done several centuries, including Heartbreak Hundred twice with over 8,000 feet of climbing. I have done three road races. To rejoice over ten miles is laughable, especially when my average pace was 12 mph! And yet, I am very much rejoicing and I'm so excited that I finally feel like I can begin to build my base and get fit again.

Heartbreak Hundred 2013, here I come! (Well, maybe 2014 . . . ;)

(If you're curious what my health issues are, read my post from a few days ago entitled "I'm BACK! (I think)".

[salsabike]

Not laughable and a great thing, Jiffer. Having had fibromyalgia change my life 20 years ago--and coming back from it--I have some acquaintance with this. Rejoice away and rock on!

[badgercat]

Congratulations!

[VeganBikeChick]

Nice!

[Catrin]

Very sweet, congratulations! I am so glad you are starting to feel better, yay for you!

[spokewench]

YAHOO! you are the back!!!!

[Owlie]

Excellent! Virtual high five!

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo! It's a great thing to be able to celebrate. Don't even THINK about belittling the distance.

[Grits]

Yay you!! Many people would have stayed on the couch and never even tried. Great job!

[hebe]

Congratulations! No belittling here, I recently cleared 10miles for the first time myself and I'm still very proud (no injuries, just newish). Well done, and enjoy your rides!

[azfiddle]

Jiffer, so happy to hear you're on the mend.

[Tri Girl]

Yay, Jiffer!!! 10 miles is a century when you've gone through all you have! Congrats!! :)

[Bike Writer]

Coming back from injury or illness 10 miles is something to boast about for sure! You go girl!

[Maye]

That is awesome!!

[Jiffer]

Thanks guys. :)

Now I'm cracking up because I can already see the beginnings of "cyclist tan" reappearing. It's not obvious at all, but since I can already see it and have hardly been out, that means it's going to get real obvious real quick. It's a double edged sword. I hate cyclist tan, but I do like what it represents. I'd rather be able to ride my bike and have cyclist tan than not be able to ride and not have it. ;)

My husband has the worst case of cyclist tan EVER. It's hilarious. SO dark on his legs and arms, but SO white where the jersey sleeve ends, and the shorts and socks. He's pretty ripped looking these days, but the cyclist tan kind of distracts! Oh well. ;)