So proud of myself

[staceysue]

I have never been athletic or good at sports. The only two sports I've discovered I'm even average at are XC skiing and cycling. So - I am so pleasantly surprised and [I]proud[I] of myself for the improvements I've been making! I'm especially proud that I'm doing it at 40!

Today I discovered a whole set of muscles I wasn't using - or a new way of using them or something. I was able to sprint at over 20mph on a stretch of road I haven't ridden over 15mph on before by tilting my pelvis at a different angle and putting more of my body into it.

Also, I decided to start running. I've never been a runner. On St. Patricks Day I tried it for the first time in years and tore my plantaris muscle (my first "age-related injury" as people under 40 rarely tear it). It was a heck of a tear - it made a loud noise and got black and blue and everything. I went back out 9 days ago and tried it again, just jogging and walking for a mile. I was sore for 4 days. (Which didn't make any sense to me because I can cycle over 60 miles and not get sore but whatever) Two days ago I went out again and jog/walked the same mile and have not had any soreness!

I feel so . . . . . I don't know . . . . athletic or something! Like . . . . "ROAR!"

[marni]

go you! The reason you are sore after running is that it is a considered a weight bearing muscle and uses more muscles than biking which is not considered a weight bearing exercise.

I am trying to start running as well as cross training for biking. Although I can do jogging intervals on the elliptical or treadmill, I'm finding the transition to outdoor very slow so like you I am doing one minute walk run intervals. Sadie the corgie who comes with me as I combine this with her daily walk, is not amused.

marni

[TriMom217]

WTG SS!! It does get easier, I promise. Not having run myself in over 3 years, I bought some new running shoes and plan on taking them for a spin tomorrow. I hope it comes back as easy as biking and swimming did.

[Bike Chick]

You go, girl!!! You will be doing triathlons next!!

I'm new to running too, StacySue, and I'm almost 52. Just ran my first half-marathon and it was a hoot. I'm planning the next one.

I think the ladies here on TE give me the inspiration and support to try new things and encouragement to stick with it. Thanks everyone!!

[TrekTheKaty]

I don't consider myself athletic either, just pig-headed! Everyone should run a marathon once--it was a life changing experience Now I know I can do ANYTHING I set my mind too!

[staceysue]

Triathlons would be so cool . . . . . but how on earth could I learn to swim faster without a coach? The only swimming I ever do is on an occasional camping trip - out to the ropes and back.

I love this forum. I can't believe how many women there re on here who don't start until later in life.

Is it possible for a middlel-aged woman who was not athletic for most of her life to get to the point where she actually wins races?