First metric century

[TexasKate]

Dang it, Deb - I did the 45 miles in Austin last weekend as well! Wish I'd known you were there so we could've met. I was riding alone and it was pretty lonely - especially after seeing all those other teams arrive! This was my first LIVESTRONG ride and I had no idea what I was doing lol - things will be different next year, that's for sure! We're thinking of starting a team - Team Spin Cycle!

I'm glad you finished and did well. I managed to finish, but it was HARD. We don't have hills like that where I live and they definitely took their toll on me. I'll know how to train much better for next year. I want to try the Outlaw Trails 100 up in Round Rock next year as well.

Congratulations on finishing and good luck with training for your next event!

TK

[Aggie_Ama]

I want to try the Outlaw Trails 100 up in Round Rock next year as well.

Don't need to worry about hills on the Outlaw. East of 35= pancake flat prarie land. All you got to worry about on the Outlaw is wind.

[DebTX]

It would've been fun to meet you - I don't know many cyclists here (and I'm dying to find some women to ride with who are true beginners, like me!) The hills are tough in Dripping Springs - they killed me last year. It was a bit better this year, at least I rode them, even if my cadence dropped.

My husband is a 2 year survivor and we ride with a large group called Cyclists Combatting Cancer (www.ridetolive.org) You're welcome to join up with us next year if you'd like

Deb

[arielmoon]

I used the same strategy training for my century. Like Indysteel said, sometimes you just cant work up to the distance in a training rides but if you are fit and consistent you can do it!!

[DebTX]

I'm happy to say I made it through the 62 miles!

I did great for the first 45 (having done that distance twice before in charity rides). I really enjoyed the riding and the scenery. There were some hills on the route, but like Amanda had said, they weren't as tough as the LiveStrong Challenge hills two weeks ago. I'm still horribly slow on hills, and I hope after another season or two I'll get stronger at riding them. It was on the hills that everyone just zoomed by me (depressing!)

The tough part for me hit right around mile 50. I took a good break at the 54 mile rest stop (where I was actually near tears) and chatted with a few nice women who diverted my attention for awhile and it helped a lot. I got back on the bike, and the last 10 were easy.

One more "life adventure" I can check off my list. Sometimes, though, I wonder why I put my fat, old body through this...

I feel like I should wear a jersey at these events that says, "I'm not an athlete but I play one on my bike".

Thanks for your support everyone - and for all the good advice that always pours out of the women at TE!

[redrhodie]

Congratulations, Deb! Yes, you are too an athlete! Nice job!

[bikerchic]

Awesome Deb!

I still remember my first........fun times!