competitive SOs...(long)

[teigyr]

Catriona, you are like me! I warm up slowly and my times are always negative split. And good for you for keeping it real. The poor co-worker though. That sounds like a, um, what's his name? Radio guy. Tom Leykis I think. He always thinks that womens motivations are to do with hosing over their menfolk. It's difficult to believe that men actually believe that though I guess there are women who believe what Cosmo tells them.

Now back to the original thread

[Miranda]

OK, I'm been reading this thread on and off here, and I'm glad I waited to post until some of this other stuff came along...

Owlie... bottom line is that you are the one riding / using the stuff, do what makes you happy. To be blunt, having the b@lls to do that and break away from some of the almost cult like rituals of cycling shows a lot of strength... perhaps part of which some cycling guys I know in particular (maybe your SO included) wish they could do--without getting hazed by the 'club of political correct' peeps.

OK, now jme of some things to think about in your decisions on part of what your SO is advising you...

MTB spd pedals vs. traditional road pedals...

I had these to start with on my first road bike (came stock). Shimano spd w/multi-directional release cleats (easier to get outta than single release imo). They were easier to learn, but not good for the long haul. One reason I have a Morton's neuroma nerve tumor in the bottom of my foot is from using this pedal system...

The contact patch on a mtb pedal is small = puts more pressure dead center in the ball of the foot. In general in mtb, your feet are not in the pedals the length of time as they are in road cycling. The mtb shoes have treads to walk, and some with toe spikes for a reason... because it's anticipated that you will be off your bike part of the ride for various reasons, thus = the ball of your foot gets a break from that pressure. The nature of road cyling in general is that you are not taking your feet on and off the pedals that much = a lot of constant contact (particularly as you increase your distance).

With that, I sought out the widest (evenly distributes the pressure) platform road pedal I could find w/the least amount of release tension I felt comfortable getting out of (Look Keo Elle) PLUS the stiffest (not meant to flex for walking like mtb shoes) full carbon soled proper fitting shoe I could find (woman's Mavic Xena). Twas not cheap. But, the physical and financial pain (medical bills etc.) it cost me to figure out the source of part of my pain was not either. JMH(humble)O--FWIW.

Team Kits...

Ha! Your SO sounds like my guy buddy. Which part of it was him sincerely helping to educate me in his own way he knew, and part was a bit of jealousy of gear.

I used to think I couldn't wear a kit because I didn't ride for the team, and omg what would people think (cuz my guy buddy told me so)... gheez, no more.

I own one. It's the Team Terry kit. New colors for 2009 matched my new road bike ride. Other than not riding for Terry, or one of their bikes--simply because the geometry did not work well for me, I happen to use or support everything advertised on the jersey (&my saddle is a Terry). So, that one I have. People don't like it... then, omg don't blind yourself at my hideousness, arrggghh look away lol.

Just take in what he has to say... but remember it's your ride in the end. Good Luck!