Thank you, Kano and Oakleaf, for your replies!

"Active rest" is a phrase I've been hearing a lot. Does this mean that I would ride seven days a week but two of those seven would be easy spins/walking/pilates/etc?

Before this forum, I'd read Chris Carmichael's (according to my BF, he's the best coach ever) book, The Lance Armstrong Performance Program. Now, I don't plan on being Lance, but I thought the book had lots of great tips. So in the strength training chapter he says, "Strength training and cycling don't mix well when done concurrently. The best time to do strength training is during the late autumn and through winter-- when most cyclist cut back on their riding because of the weather." Would you say that this would be for gnarly pro riders who are putting in tons of miles?

Kano, running is my least favorite thing too. I wish that weren't the case. But a friend (who is a trainer) told me that running keeps your muscles long and lean while cycling... well, is going to give me man thighs. I'm already short and have thick thighs so I'm willing to try anything that'll lean 'em out. Hope it works! And Oakleaf, starting with a mile is such a better idea. thank you!