Getting stronger!!

[Luna]

Well its me the Townie girl . I have made it up this bridge 3 times now and yesterday It was so much easier and I even had my bike in higher gear. First time up I had it so low I was not getting anywear. I love this!! So i rode 5 miles before the bridge hike and then 5 miles after. AHH got my ten in. Ill get ten on thursday and hopefully 10 on saturday! Im trying to keep 30 a week for now. That is all time will really allow right now.

[mimitabby]

You go girl!
I love to hear about progress, and I love your avatar too.

[li10up]

Good for you. Keep it up. Isn't this a wonderful sport?

[Grog]

Great job!

You should start logging your miles on http://www.bikejournal.com now!! And join the TE club on BikeJournal, of course!

[missymaya]

That's great! It feels really good when you realize that your accomplishing your goals and then some. Keep up the good work

[chickwhorips]

great job! keep up the good work!!!

[freelivez2]

Do any of you do strength training in the gym or at home like, swats, lunges free weights? I'm trying to find the right workout that helps me burn fat and gain muscle while still being able to push myself on the bike?

[lacyliz]

Great Job, Luna!

I just noticed that one of the hills I used to DREAD I can now get up OK- and the dread is turning into a feeling of a challenge - and I know how good that fells- so it's excellent!

Freelive, I use weights pretty regularly (2-3x per week) - esp. in the winter. I do leg presses, leg extensions and squats (for cycling). I also do 3-5 upper body weight training exercises and crunches. It all helps me with cycling - and somehow builds my self-confidence, too.

[Luna]

Lacyliz, Are your a friend of Bill W?

[RolliePollie]

Luna - just like you, I am excited every time I ride by how much better I feel and how much easier it gets! I've been riding only about 5 weeks myself. Although it seems like longer...and I don't know why I didn't try this out sooner! Today I rode 30 miles on the bike path and made it up the three hilly sections a lot easier than the last time I tried it. I can't believe that just 5 weeks ago I was dying after 5 miles. People told me that you'll be surprised by how quickly you build muscle and stamina from cycling. I'm really glad that this is turning out to be true! It's a great motivator to get out there and ride even more!

I think I am already addicted to cycling. I had to take my bike in for the free 30 day tune-up and I missed her! It was raining so I wouldn't have been able to ride anyway, but I didn't like having her away from me for two whole days.

[freelivez2]

That was my first day back on my bike from the winter and today I rode my season high of 12.5 miles in about 14 minutes. i had to ride indoors because it looked like the sky was gonna fall from the time I got off work till night fall, interesting how this works, eh? But I played around with many different resistances and I am very pleased with the progress I made today. I am very happy that the ab exercises were even enjoyable. except for the guys staring at me while doing them. geez, I don't workout to be stared at when I'm all sweaty but icky men....sorry for that sentence of a rant! I feel that I need to structure my weekly workout more instead of following my body and doing what it tells me???? then I can see at the end of the week how disciplined I was. Does this make sense? Also any tips on over coming a group ride that will peak my miles rode in a day. I would like to go riding with a group Saturday morning, but I'm afraid because the ride is longer than I have ever rode before? any tips, motivation, suggestions.....

[northstar]

Way to go! Doesn't it feel awesome?

My DH is a runner. He likes to bike with me sometimes, though. I always get a little twinge of satisfaction when I motor up a hill with him lagging behind me. It really does get much easier, even after a very short time.

It feels great to make such quick progress!

[Luna]

Total bummer today. I am supposed to ride 10 miles and my glutes and siatic hurt today and if I push and ride today I will be in pain anf have to go the the massage therapist or chiro. Does anyone else get lower back pain from biking? When I had my mountain bike, My back went out for 3 weeks.

[RoadRaven]

Take heart - not every day will feel fantastic, but over time you will see those steady gains...

As for back pain, I did get that and altering my position on the bike helped, as well as doing a few tummy crunches to strengthen abdominal muscles to help support the back.

Kia kaha... kia manawanui

[Grog]

Total bummer today. I am supposed to ride 10 miles and my glutes and siatic hurt today and if I push and ride today I will be in pain anf have to go the the massage therapist or chiro. Does anyone else get lower back pain from biking? When I had my mountain bike, My back went out for 3 weeks.

I would be tempted to accuse your bike fit for the back pain... I think I remember you have a Townie, no? I don't know how much you can adjust it but there is probably something to do about fit... Talk to your bike shop.