Faster?

[jobob]

And now another question that just popped into my head: I'm not sure I've seen my "mountain goat idols" posting their speed info? Maybe you ladies avoid these discussions of "I go this fast" ???

Not a mountain goat idol by any means, but yes, I tend to avoid these discussions. I only posted on the other "how fast am I in relation to you?" thread to provide the link to our previous discussion in that regard, to caution all the new folks as to how discouraging and downright unpleasant this topic can become.

Those of you who regularly do climbs like Mimi's amazing ride last weekend: if 17-18 are "only" averages, do you have "miserable" average speeds too?

Um, not even close, and as maillotpois can attest, I have some mighty crummy days from time to time.

You're more than welcome to check out my journal on bikejournal.com (I'm jobob there as well) if you want to see what I'm talking about.

So reading through all these posts, I'm not sure if I'm encouraged, or discouraged.

That's why I avoid these discussions. Sure, it's an ego boost to some, but it can be very discouraging to others.

But that said, there are a lot of good stories and suggestions in this thread.

I'm really glad you're not discouraged, nafula. Give it time, be patient with yourself. You'll get stronger. Trust me.

For what it's worth, I do care about my own speed, but just in relation to me. That's why I keep a journal, to track my own progress. I'm really pleased with how my speed has improved over time. I've had to work at it, and I'm beginning to see the results. The reason why I'm caring about my speed at this point in time is that I'm training for a moderately hilly double century in October, and while I'm reasonably confident I can make the 18 hour cutoff time, I'd just as soon be able to finish it in less time than that.