First big ride, yipee!

[dinabean]

Sorry that this is a selfish post, but I am just so gushy that I actually did this and I wanted to share with folks who would understand.

Six months ago, I was a total couch potato. Some friends from college (also former couch potatoes) completed their first sprint triathlons and urged me to do the same -- they are traveling down to Florida to do my first race with me on May 9.

So in September, I started the couch to 5K running program. I took swim lessons. In November, I finally bought a bike -- not a road or a tri bike, just a Trek 7.3 (which I still think is the right bike for me). I also started doing spin classes in November, once a week.

I spent a lot of time on running and swimming, but not much on biking. Biking has scared me! Spin seemed a lot safer. In February, I went for a ride with my family, and did 11 miles total, of which 7 were off on my own at my own pace. That was the farthest I had ever gone (and I chickened out on using the clipless pedals).

Last weekend, I did a four hour "spin a thon" at our local Y to raise money. It was supposed to be a team thing, but I did all four hours myself. At the end, I just cried, I was so amazed that I actually did it.

So then some friends encouraged me to join them for a 38 mile group ride yesterday. I decided if I could spin 4 hours, I could hopefully handle 38 miles. And, I did! Not fast -- more because I stayed with the folks I was with, I really could have gone faster, based on my HR and how often I had to hit the breaks -- but I did it! It was so much fun as we ticked past the miles and my companions remarked "you've now ridden TWICE as far as you ever have before." THREE Times...FOUR times... It was amazing! Also, I sucked it up and used my clipless pedals, and that was awesome too (minor shin bruise at the first stop, but that was the worst of it -- by the end, I was a pro).

I DID IT! (and then I ran 3 miles today). I hardly recognize myself.

/end brag

[hid558]

very good for you, keep up the good work. Isn't it nice to notice how much we can acomplish.

[Jo-n-NY]

Great for you and give yourself a major pat on the back. It is so nice when we surprise ourselves. Anything is possible. Happy to hear you had fun also!!

~ JoAnn

[Jiffer]

Yaayyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! So excited for you! That is a totally great accomplishment to go from 11 miles to 38 AND to be clipping in. And the fact that you felt you could have gone faster is awesome.

Those milestone rides make riding so much fun. It's exhilarating to accomplish something you have never done before. There is so much more in you. Before you know it, you'll be doing your first century.

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!

[moderncyclista]

Good job! It's okay to be proud. Feels great doesn't it? Keep on riding and have fun!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Great job! I still remember my first 25 miler, it is HUGE! Think how many people can't fathom riding even a couple miles. Your confidence must be pretty good looking towards your race.

[Catrin]

It sounds like it was exciting, congratulations!

[PamNY]

Congratulations! Sounds like fun, and you should be proud!

Pam

[marni]

Yay for you and running and swimming as well. I am in awe. If you can't brag on yourself who will?
Go forth and conquor!
marni

[annielynn]

Amazing job! WTG Dina. You can always use this board for braggin. It makes you feel good and it makes us push a little harder. Keep it up and maybe one day we can meet up for a nice long ride!

[andtckrtoo]

Your post made me smile on a pretty hairy day, thank you! I sooo love your enthusiasm and joy! 38 miles is an incredible ride - feel proud and accomplished and everything else - and not just for the ride. Feel that way about getting up off the couch and running, swimming and spinning/cycling. So many people never dare and because they don't they miss so much. Feel proud that you are willing to dare. Ride On! (And run on and swim on!)

[ColoKate]

Congrats! I can't wait to be in your shoes and ride that far.

[bikermaze]

Congratulations! Continue to do better in the future. You can do it.

Its stories like these that inspire both incoming and current cyclists to keep on going with the sport/hobby/whatever you take cycling for.

But the fact you were accomplishing all of this alongside other sports makes it even better.

Good job!

[chicagogal]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I am sooo impressed. The jump in mileage is a huge accomplishment and you definitely deserve to be proud of yourself. It sounds like a fun ride, and you weren't even reaching your limit! Awesome!

4hours spinning. Ick :-)
I am a racer and ride all the time. In the winter in chicago, most of that riding is on a trainer in the basement of the LBS. Nonetheless, the longest indoor rides I ever do are just a little over 3hrs. And by the end of some of those "rides" I was very close to tears from the pain/suffering. I can't even imagine the mental (and physical) toughness it takes to survive 4hrs indoors!

You go girl!!!!!

[dinabean]

Thanks all!

Last weekend, I completed an IronGirl running race -- 15K! Hey, was slow, but I was NOT last, and I still did it. I got out there and moved my feet for over 9 miles! And then this past Wed., I did my first half mile open water swim in the bay. Wowza.

My first triathlon is May 9. I am very psyched. And grateful for the encouragement I've found here! You ladies rock!