Finally did it, but my body didn't appreciate it

[NoNo]

For months I've had all the good intentions in the world to bike to work. For various reasons, mainly concern over a certain stretch of road, I never did it. At the very least I started taking the train to work, so I was polluting a lot less. This week my friend came to my desk and said "There's a bike in the stock room, looks like a women's one." Couldn't think of anyone that would be biking in, but the next day he came back and told me who it was: the tiny 60 year-old woman upstairs Worse yet, I knew she had to bike the very area I had been avoiding Well that did it, there were no more excuses!

Packed up the bag last night, filled the tires, made sure I had everything I needed. This morning I woke up, ate a little granola and got on my way. It normally takes me a little time to warm up, but today it didn't happen. I noticed this the one other time I got up super early to ride. I was much slower than normal, but I plugged along. I also noticed my heart rate was about 20BPM higher than normal. Does this happen to anyone else? Any idea what it can be from or what I can do to help? Again, I noticed that on the other early morning ride.

It really was a perfect morning, and overall I feel pretty good. A few things I have to work on: 1) the backpack I have just isn't going to work, or I need to plan better. It started to feel heavy, and I certainly noticed the extra weight going up the hills. I had clothes, my pump, and a pair of shoes, but my shoulders were tired. 2) I think I need a new frame pump, as I seem to be missing a piece of mine, the little thumb lock on the head of the Road Morph.

Even if I ride in a few days and take the train the rest of the time, it'll be nice. Looking back, I don't know why I waited so long, it was a great ride. We'll see how I feel riding home in Friday afternoon shoreline traffic

[Melalvai]

Super! How long is your commute?
The backpack can be solved in a couple ways. 1) your shoulders and back will grow accustomed to the weight as you build muscle. or 2) get a rack.

[NoNo]

It was just over 9 miles, which I can do easily. I just never felt "on" during the ride this morning, like my body didn't have the energy it needed. I have a Dolce Elite, and there are no braze ons for a rack, and it has a carbon seat post, so I can't do one of those racks. This is foremost my road bike, so I don't necessarilly want to start adding stuff to it that I won't need during my regular rides. I just can't fathom lugging my mountain bike and it's 30+ lbs, or I'd attach some racks to that. Until I find a nice beater bike, this is my best option.

I've started lifting again, so hopefully my shoulders will get stronger. I can probably adjust the straps so that it's higher on my back, too. Aside from that, my legs were pretty tired and as I said, my heart rate was a bit high. What do you guys eat before you ride? I have to have something in me, or I crash completely.

[Tri Girl]

Yay- you did it! Glad the little lady was your motivation to get you out the door (for me- that's all it takes is a little: ooh, she did it, I can do it, too).
I hope your ride home goes well. Let us know.

What about leaving a couple pairs of shoes at work, and bring a few days worth of clothes with you when you ride the train- you wouldn't need to put much in there. Just a thought (although you may not have storage space at work for your clothes and shoes).

[NoNo]

That's exactly what I was thinking. A little preparation (which I'm terrible at) will probably help a lot. I have to drive in next Tuesday, so I'll have to bring some clothes with me then.

SCORE! Today is bring your kid to work day and there's a whole bunch of muffins and fruit in the conference room! Nothing like gaining back those calories

[tulip]

A backpack will really fatigue me, so I always use panniers on a rack. Why carry the extra weight when your bike can carry it for you? Plus, when the load is on the bike and not on your back, the center of gravity is lower and the bike is easier to control.

Good for you for biking in. I hope you continue. It gets downright fun and addictive.

[sfa]

I love it that a 60 year old was your motivation for riding to work! I was driving my route home last week and passed one of the professors on his bike presumably on his way home too. He's got to be at least 60--full white beard and everything.

I hate riding with a backpack, no matter how small and ergonomically designed, so I'm a fan of my rack and panniers. I'm the same way with being sluggish in the mornings and really shaky after a workout in the morning that wouldn't bother me any other time of the day. Eating a mix of protein and carbs and washing it down with a lot of water in advance helps a bit, as does stopping and stretching really well after about five minutes. But mostly I think it's just the way my body works so I don't worry about it too much. You could ask the 60 y.o. how she does it!

Sarah

[lovelylibrarian]

A backpack will really fatigue me, so I always use panniers on a rack. Why carry the extra weight when your bike can carry it for you? Plus, when the load is on the bike and not on your back, the center of gravity is lower and the bike is easier to control.

I was so happy when I put a rack on my bike and got rid of the backpack. I would make my back all hot and sweaty.

Great job on commuting.