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Bought Allie one of those little computers and went for a trial run with it.
Top speed 19.2 mph
Average speed 9.5 mph
I know this is probably really slow to most of you who've been cycling for a long time but I'm quite pleased with myself. Looks like there's life in this old bird yet:p
Can only get better:D
Any cure for jelly legs though??????
Python,
Sounds all good to me. :) Those jelly legs will disappear with time and use. Congrats!
Hey Python:
You should be pleased with yourself....
You're doing just fine :D
Jennifer is correct -- those "jelly legs" will get much stronger with time.
ENJOY!
Peace & Love,
Denise
Well done Python
Remember, comparing yourself to others is interesting, but really the person you should be comparing yourself to is yourself.
All achievements are great achievements, all goals are worthy.
Like Bikingmom says, jelly legs will go - make sure you warm up, and keep getting out there and your body is a marvellous thing because it only takes days to adapt to the new demands you place on it.
Keep on telling us about your days out on the bike, we ARE interested and proud with you
:)
Right--what RoadRaven et al said.
Cure for jelly legs=T.I.T.S. (time in the saddle :D )
About that average speed on your cycling computer: I've realized that it's not the real average. Every time I slow down for a road crossing or to pass a pedestrian (or to tug at my shorts :rolleyes: ), that lowers my average speed. I try to watch the computer as I pedal and keep track of my sustained speed as I pedal long, steady stretches. I record the computer's average in my bikejournal.com entries, but I take it with a grain of salt.
So, that 9.5mph you mentioned might actually be a bit higher than you think :D
Even at 9.5 mph average, if I cycled into town instead of taking the car, it would take me 20 - 30 minutes or less as it's a 4 mile journey, downhill all the way. Overall, it would take me less time than taking the car with the volume of traffic and finding a parking space. Going home would be a hard slog though as some of the gradients are quite steep. Would definitely have to build up some stamina to do the town and back journey.
Sounds like an errand trip into town and back several times a week could be a GREAT way for you to build up your biking strength and skills! I live at the top of a VERY steep hill, and a half mile to town. I can't go anywhere on my bike without pedalling up that hill at the end (unless I drive my bike somewhere of course). In the beginning, I walked up the hill with my bike, i would get too out of breath and heart pounding. Now several months later, i pedal up almost every time (unless I'm coming back from a really exhausting long ride), knowing it makes me stronger each time I do it. I don't get very out of breath on that hill anymore, and my heart doesn't getting pounding uncomfortably either. I just am breathing deeply by the top- I concentrate on taking deep and regular breaths and relaxing while i'm climbing.
I enjoy jumping on my bike to zip into town for a quick errand, hill and all. My car just sits there not using nearly as much gas, and I'm getting into better shape.