Made my peace...

During all that time I wasn't able to ride, I realized something: I'm never going to be fast. I'm one of those people who can pick something between 12-16 miles an hour and go... all day, provided adequate hydration and sugar and salt intake. I walk a mile faster than I run one. Changing the bike is really not going to do much for me, in the final analysis. There's not a whole lot out there, by the looks of it. Why should I pay for aerodynamics when I'm not going fast enough to get the benefits? (I should note that I lack a balanced sample: BF's a sprinter, his mom's the same way.)

This sort of removes me from anything competitive, which is fine, as I wasn't exactly planning on doing any. It does make enjoying rides with Mr. Speed Demon harder, but that doesn't matter, as I think we've taken a grand total of about 5 rides together. I've put aside bike improvements or a new bike for the time being, though I'm thinking I'm sticking with the "endurance" geometry of, say, an Avail or Synapse rather than one that is more focused on speed.

And while my graduation present to myself was going to be new wheels, I decided on something that might be a better long-term investment: an indoor trainer. :)

And a question: for those who are overwhelmingly type I when it comes to muscle fibers, what do you do to improve in other areas?

That's a good realization to come to. I'm like you- I can go all day at a "slow" pace (some would call), but I'm happy and my bike is happy- and that's all that matters. Speed is overrated anyway. ;)

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Originally Posted by Owlie

During all that time I wasn't able to ride, I realized something: I'm never going to be fast.

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It's interesting that as we go through cycling seasons our priorities change. I am a trekker at heart and I would just as soon ride on a mixture of pavement and trails rather than all asphalt, all the time. You had the opportunity to step away from cycling for awhile and look at it with a fresh perspective and now you will begin yet another season with perhaps a more enjoyable ride. :)

I'm the same. I came to terms with realizing I have some lung capacity issues (due to various health history things) that i have improved a great deal, but I will always be far behind everyone else on the bike. Now I don't worry about it anymore. I ride and enjoy my biking at my own pace, and try to get lots of exercise to keep as healthy as I can. :)

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Originally Posted by Owlie

I walk a mile faster than I run one.

And a question: for those who are overwhelmingly type I when it comes to muscle fibers, what do you do to improve in other areas?

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Ok, I chuckled to myself when I read that - I am by no means "fast" when it comes to running - if you can call it that when I do it.....my husband is a good 6 inches taller than me, and I jog only slightly faster than he walks. Though, I can jog for a longer period of time than he can, so he can't keep up with me in the long run. It's funny because when I'm by myself, I "feel" like I'm going pretty quick - then when he's with me, the truth is shown!!!!

I am moderate on a bicycle, though - far faster than my hubby and he hates that. :D

But I love being outside, and for me, it's not about the speed at which I go. I'm training for my first triathlon this year, and I'm just doing it for myself, to prove to ME that I CAN do it - no matter how long it takes me to finish a race. Just to show the power and potential that my body has is enough for me.

My endurance level on a bike is great, and we've got a couple long rides planned for this season (I did a few myself last year - this year the DH is in). I just wanted to do something different - for me.

As I age rather ungracefully, I find slower is so much better, or I seem to enjoy riding simply for the sake of riding, I don't have any ulterior goals as I did for so many years when I was racing. That had its own high and was quite compelling, but this feels more true to me.
I feel like Winnie the Pooh smelling things and noticing things, and, gosh, smiling... rather than being totally focused on the bike computer, HRM, and my rpm's.
Really, letting go of the need to be fast can be totally liberating!

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Originally Posted by lunacycles

As I age rather ungracefully..

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Really, luna you can't be ungraceful in aging when you still bike often.

Based on what we've said so far, this would be so motivating for women cyclists who race. :D

Ok, forgive me. I'm just playing devil's advocate. :) But there is a point to know oneself well and just enjoy the ride.

I too am a moderately slow biker. I have been working hard for several years to improve my speed by biking more and pushing myself but the improvement is very slow. Recently I have been doing jogging intervals on the cross ramp or treadmill at the gym. I have finally gotten to the point where I can consistently hit 16 mph for long rides or sometimes even 17 if I have any tail winds. The difference is that I am not wiped out at 16 after 60 -75 miles and I can do more if I have to.

I think the jogging intervals are probably helping, but I now have shin splints so its a mixed blessing. Having lost another 10 pounds and 3 % body fat probably helps as well as well as being in better shape. But all other variables aside, slow twitch muscles cannot transform themselves into fast twitch muscles, although training can improve strength and reaction of fast twitch muscles.

It really doesn't matter as long as you can get on the bike and enjoy yourself however ahd wherever and whenever you ride.
marni