I'm New :-)

[athena]

Hi,

I'm new here and just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a senior in college (pursuing a B.S. in psychology) and love both school and sports.

I've been active in sports as long as I can remember. I competed internationally in sport taekwondo for several years, until I shattered the right side of my pelvis at age 16. I switched sports after that Ran a marathon last November, at the age of 18, but my time wasn't too great. I'm hoping to improve on my time this year once I get the okay to start running again.

For the time being, I'm trying to get more seriously into cycling. I've signed up for a double century this summer and have many more rides in mind that I would like to try. I am currently doing 40-50 miles most weekends, but hoping to commute down to school (15 miles each way) this summer.

I just got a new road bike today (2007 Marin Portofina) and can't wait to get on the trail with it I'm hoping to gradually build my mileage up, although it will probably be challenging for me, as I'm not very good at being patient!

I think that's all I have to say for now. This seems like a really helpful and friendly forum I'm excited to get to know you guys better and hope I don't bug you too much with my "newbie" questions!

[Tuckervill]

Ouch! You shattered your pelvis doing taekwondo?

Double century! You're kinda ambitious, ain't ya? lol.

Welcome to the forum!

Karen

[short cut sally]

Welcome to the board..wish you luck on the double century, you are more energetic than I am..but it seems like you are getting in some good mileage on the weekends, which will help you. There is lots to learn here.

[rij73]

Welcome! You sound ambitious! At your age, though, all things are possible.

Enjoy the new bike! We love to see bike pictures here, so if you feel inclined, post some so we can all ooh and ahh.

[mimitabby]

welcome to TE, we all want to know how you shattered your pelvis.

We'd like to see a photo of you and your new bike too.

[MM_QFC!]

Welcome to TE! Yes, you'll find lots of cycling wisdom and support here. I'm guessing that the STP is in your future, since you posted about a dbl-century and you're in the Seattle area, right? Good for you and congrats on your new bike too. If you're already riding 40/50 miles on weekends, you've got a great base to build your mileage in order to enjoy your event ride.

While we had to cancel the Skagit Valley ride on Sat (snow on the tulips!), watch for other ride notices in the Northwest section as there are a lot of experienced riders in the area and here on TE too.
Tailwinds!
Mary

[athena]

Wow, thanks for all the wonderful replies

I do realize that I can be a little overambitious sometimes and I need to remember to keep that in mind when starting with cycling. I'm so excited to take my bike out on the trails this weekend. I'm going to try to keep it reasonable though; nothing too long or intense yet

I'm afraid the actual story behind the "shattered pelvis" isn't as exciting as it may sound It was mainly a combination of poor bone density, overexercising, and bad luck. During some of the drills, my training partner missed the chest protector and ended up instead kicking me straight on my hip bone. It hurt a lot, but I kept up with practice and even ran a 10k that weekend. Went to the doctor right after the 10k and x-ray showed multiple fractures on the right side of my pelvis, as a result of the impact of the kick.

I'm currently sidelined from a different injury (partial rupture of the patellar tendon), but I'm dealing with this one better, I think. If it hadn't been for my knee injury, I might not have gotten as interested in cycling, as I am now. I'm really hoping it will be good cross-training, even when I'm able to run again

[athena]

Oh, I guess I forgot a few things

I'm hoping to get some new pictures up this weekend of my bike I don't have my camera with me at school, right now, but will definitely get some pictures of it up soon!

And I am training for the STP. I'm crossing my fingers for nice weather and really excited to try it. I'm concerned I might be a little behind in training, but hoping I'll be okay if I take it slow (I'm planning on taking two days).

I'm excited to hear that there are lots of riders in the area. I'm usually biking on the Burke-Gilman / Sammamish River Trail... but hoping to find the I-90 trail this weekend

[NbyNW]

Welcome! If you're in the northwest perhaps our paths will cross . . . good luck with the STP training!

[athena]

I had my first ride on my new bike today It was AMAZING!!!!

I ended up doing just over 100k today (about 62 miles, if my math is right). It was so awesome. I think my average speed was around 20 mph, but that's just a rough estimate based on how long it took me to get from one destination to the next. I was loving the new speed of my bike and probably got a little carried away. Once I realized how fast I could go, I didn't want to slow down. My lungs were actually burning in the beginning, which was such a good feeling. I'm not too sore now, but definitely tired.

I feel like I'm really going to like this cycling business

[rij73]

I had my first ride on my new bike today It was AMAZING!!!!

I ended up doing just over 100k today (about 62 miles, if my math is right). It was so awesome. I think my average speed was around 20 mph, but that's just a rough estimate based on how long it took me to get from one destination to the next. I was loving the new speed of my bike and probably got a little carried away. Once I realized how fast I could go, I didn't want to slow down. My lungs were actually burning in the beginning, which was such a good feeling. I'm not too sore now, but definitely tired.

I feel like I'm really going to like this cycling business

Wow! That's a huge first ride. Very exciting... Enjoy that bike!

[Jen-Jen]

Hello and welcome to the TE. As you can see by my post I too am still new, so like you I have questions as well. These ladies really know their biz and will help you, if you ask.

Go luck and welcome once again.

[sundial]

I ended up doing just over 100k today (about 62 miles, if my math is right). It was so awesome. I think my average speed was around 20.... mph

Ahh, to be young again.

Hi Athena! Welcome aboard and glad you are enjoying your new bike. I'm eagerly awaiting pics of your new ride.

[F8th637]

Ahh, to be young again.

Pfft. . . I'm pretty young now and there's no way I could do what she did at that speed.

[HillSlugger]

Pfft. . . I'm pretty young now and there's no way I could do what she did at that speed.

Ahh, to be young and really fit and athletic!