Wind, Rain & Knees: 260 Kilometers

[maillotpois]

Wow - another great shot. You look like you're ready to be done with photos, though!. The bridge just looks amazing in the dark. I liked how this ride started you at 6 - I love starting in the dark.

I'm really impressed with your pace and with how far you got. It must have just killed you not to go on being so close, but I am sure with your knee it was absolutely the right decision.

[Veronica]

I'm actually not that bothered that I didn't finish. It was a huge jump in mileage and time in the saddle, so I'm happy with what I accomplished. And thrilled with my average speed up to Valley Ford. I think I've gotten stronger in spite of my shorter rides, or maybe because of them.

I'm no longer sure about starting DMD though. I'm going to see how the 200 K on Saturday goes. Davis has their 300K at the end of March and I'm going to give that a go. If my knee holds up okay on that, maybe DMD. But I've kind of resigned myself that this may not be my year. My mom and my older sister have knee issues that keep them from doing things. I don't want that to be my fate.

I learned that my Exte Ondo knickers don't wick as well as I would like for a long ride. Other than that I had no saddle issues, which surprised me. I think the longest I've been in the saddle since September was 5 hours or so.

Did my Yoga for Athletes this morning. That felt good! I've got conferences until 6 today and tomorrow - kind of ensures that I have a few recovery days.

V.

[SadieKate]

As usual, you have the most determination of anyone I know. Good job.

I don't understand. Why don't you go to a professional bike fitter? Someone who really specializes in it? The average family doc won't know anything and just assume it is overuse. Well, in this case, the bump in mileage didn't help, but you get these problems with low mileage too so. . . . . There are so many intricacies to cleat placement, pedal types, fit, etc. that I'd be off to one of them in a red-hot minute is I couldn't get the pain solved. What if it is just changing pedals?

[Veronica]

As usual, you have the most determination of anyone I know. Good job.

I don't understand. Why don't you go to a professional bike fitter?

Thanks mom! I do love you Sarah! Actually that's what Thom said I should do and not even bother mentioning it to the doc. I've just been putting it off until our finances got a little more stable.

I'll see if I can an appointment during spring break.

V.

[SadieKate]

Yeah, you know the nagging is only because I love you, too, and I'm a fellow knee-whiner.

Any prospects for Mr. Thom?

[Veronica]

Any prospects for Mr. Thom?

He's with the government and here to help. Sort of. IT consultant at the Federal Reserve. He started back in January. He likes it. The commute stinks, but otherwise it's good.

V.

[SadieKate]

Oh, that's right. I forgot about the guvmint job. Lot of stuff didn't sink in while I had my head buried in boxes.

Listen to Auntie Kim.

[aka_kim]

I must have jinxed your weather by even thinking it would be nice on Saturday . I have to learn to stop doing this since those weather gods are paying close attention.

Good job! And yes, do something about the knee - it's been almost six months already.