Reaching goals

[Starfish]

OK, PW...I have to say, I want very much to be inspired by your tales of never having won anything...being the slow and steady one...I can relate to that.

But, then I read in your report the kinds of speeds you kept up for 30 miles at the beginning, etc...and although I know you didn't keep that up...those speeds sound like you are capable of being quite fast.

I know it might all be relative...sounds like you are a fairly high caliber rider, riding with very fast athletes.

But...it sounds like you are pretty darn fast, too!

I love the idea of someday doing the kind of ride you just did...but I have to admit, the possibility sounds pretty remote to me, for me. Help me out! What's your background...where did you start, etc.

[Pedal Wench]

Starfish, really, I'm not a zippy rider. I've been training really, really hard for this race, but my average speeds on training rides is usually around 16, occasionally 16.5, but never 17mph. This course is VERY flat. Pancake flat. Which helps because I'm really bad at climbing.

I started riding about 4 years ago, and just gravitated toward longer rides. Exactly two years ago I did a time trial -- all out for 10 miles, with an average of 17mph. I came in last. Did one more road race. I came in last. I do lots of centuries. I often come in last.

The benefits of being in a group cannot be denied. And, I think the addition of intervals to my training -- and sticking to a structured training program really helped. I can't wait for the summer rides to start. I'll let you know for sure that I'm still the slowest on the weekly women's ride.

[Starfish]

Hey PW, thanks for the reply. It sounds like you have been working very hard! It is really fun to read about your exploits...keep the reports coming!