I am back in the saddle again! - Love Aerosmith!

[Lenusik]

I love this song!

Hello ladies!

I don’t even know how long it’s been since I logged into the chat last time. But this does not mean that I have not been riding. Here is my news.

As most of you know I had a baby girl on March 20th, so she is almost 8 months old now. You may think that I am crazy but I started riding 2 weeks after delivery. When I rode for the first time I made only 10 miles, although after 3 I though that I would die. While I was breastfeeding I felt very tired. However, slowly I started adding more time and more miles. It’s been hard to juggle family life, work, tennis and riding. My DH and I are switching days for riding. He takes Tuesdays and I take Thursdays with our group rides. He usually rides on Saturdays and I take Sundays. When my daughter Mia turned 6 months we started taking her in the trailer, which my DH usually pulls and I protect the back wheel. Mia loves our rides and does not mind any speed. Even with the trailer we go over 20 mph. I highly recommend Chariot brand to all parents!

Personal accomplishments:
1. I reach my pre-pregnancy weight very quickly. Now I am even below that. I am proud of my 113 lbs.
2. I ride 3 times a week. I am able to keep up with the fast group on the flats. I am still struggling with climbing but I am not the last one in the group. The group usually rides about 25 – 30 miles with an average speed of 20-22 mph, sometimes going up to 27-28. They take an average hill at 17-18 mph. I can produce 13-15. They are doing some short killer hills that are like a wall. Their goal is 3 times, I can handle them twice.
3. Riding alone is not as motivating but I do this anyway. Usually I ride about 30 miles with an average speed of 17-18 mph. But I have already done 50 miles and would like to get myself up to 70 before the end of the year.
4. I continue playing tennis. I take weekly lessons, participate in tournaments and play weekly league matches.
5. I am still managing to be a good mom and wife. My baby is very happy. She is healthy, tall and beautiful! Here are some pictures.

That’s all I have for now. Let me know what else you would like to know.

It is good to be back!

[mimitabby]

cute kid, welcome back.

[sundial]

Oh my goodness!! You've accomplished so much in such a short time--your baby being the greatest achievement. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your beautiful girl with us.

[Brandi]

Wow what a good looking family you have! And your right she looks tall! Congrates on everything! Keep in touch when you can.

[KnottedYet]

Everybody looks so good! And what a cutie!

[RoadRaven]

Yo!
Lenusik!
Great to see you back again

Having a child in your life is such a gift... I have child-less friends (as opposed to child-free who have made a choice) and I am thankful every day for my own children and glad I have been able to share the joy of them with my friends

Infants are such a treasure and so capable and competent despite all the boundaries we place on them

Enjoy your beautiful daughter, and it is super to hear you are riding again - and taking her along too

[HappyAnika]

Thanks for sharing! I needed the inspiration: 28 weeks and starting to feel like a beached whale. Your daughter is very cute.

[Lenusik]

HappyAnika! Congratulations and good luck! The more you move the better you'll feel. I guarantee you.