My ride was excellent - not that I didn't have a sore tush and other parts, but it went well. The flat Long Island topography became boring, and I did wish I had arranged to ride with a group. The rolling hills at mile 95 which I had been dreading were lots of fun and a welcome relief from Flat Flat Flat. I feel pretty good afterwards. My asthma bothered me a bit after the ride, not during, which I attribute to the spring plants blooming. Now that I am back in the plant free zone of NYC i feel much better.

Absolutely no serious muscle aches, knee pains etc! I did a five mile recovery ride the day after and I think it really helped. Chamois butter really works too.

I learned a lot and now know what I need to prepare for my 111 hilly miles in August. I need to find a riding partner or group (will be easier at PanMass).

I also need to figure out about eating and drinking. Drank way too much in the first 25 miles and could only think about the next rest stop, where of course there was a huge bathroom line. Also made the mistake of eating peanut butter at the 50 mile rest stop and proceeded to burp peanut butter for the next 25 miles. Ugh! Time to look into nutrition powders etc.

My training plan is to finish the 2 weeks of lactate threshold workouts I have left, and then concentrate on hills for about 4 weeks. I also want to be sure and do my long abs routine 3 times a week. This week I am taking it easy - today is day off, then a spin class Wednesday and another day off. Maybe a little weights one day.

All the advice and encouragement from you guys made all the difference. Thanks so much