It's almost like I'm a real cyclist again! :)

[Jiffer]

As some of you know, I was sidelined from the bike over a year ago due to health problems (adrenal fatigue, hypothyroid, candida, low hormones). If I rode at all I was reduced to 30 minutes at a super easy pace. Just lollygaggin. My nutritionist then said to ride at 135-140 heart rate, but after doing that for a few rides, my symptoms seemed to worsen, so I'd go back to not even using an HR monitor and just lollygaggin.

Well, lately my health has improved a little (still a work in progress) and I've discovered that 120-130 is a good HR for me. I ride on the flattest rode there is around here and have been adding a little more mileage each week. Today I rode 20 miles. Sweet!

What's more, I got to finally ride with my bestest riding buddy (and best friend). She set her Garmin to see my HR and pulled, never going above 130 HR and we got a 14.3 average pace. SWEET! (Totally slow compared to our old rides, but fast for me these days! )

So 20 miles, drafting my best bud with a 14.3 average . . . almost makes me feel like a real cyclist again!!!

[redrhodie]

That's excellent, Jiffer! I can imagine how frustrating this has been for you. You're doing great.

[malkin]

Glad you found what feels good, Jiffer!

[ZenBiker]

Congrats! Wishing you many more good rides in the days ahead.

[salsabike]

[Catrin]

Yayyyy Jiffer!

[Bike Writer]

So very happy for you Jiffer! It is incredibly difficult to be sidelined and have a willing spirit and non cooperating flesh. Here's to better days for you and improved health

[Miranda]

Jiffer, that's awesome!

Oh I know what you mean. I've not been my usual cycling self for a while either with some medical issues. It's frustrating. Trying to work that out here lately.

But I think in a way a person is a cyclists regardless when you have a passion that burns inside you for what you do.

Here's to continued happy riding.

[Tri Girl]

YAY!!!
You're getting there, Jiffer. Hang in there and keep us updated! SO happy for you!!!

[Jiffer]

But I think in a way a person is a cyclists regardless when you have a passion that burns inside you for what you do.

I agree. I FEEL like so much more than it seems like I AM . . . if that makes any sense. Of course I'm a cyclist, even when I ride only five miles, but it sure doesn't feel like a respectable distance for someone riding the kind of bike I'm riding! Haha!

When some cyclist passes me I want to shout out, "I used to go that fast! I used to ride that far! I used to climb that crazy climb! And I will again some day, too! . . . And, by the way, I'm not riding this slow cause I'm a lazy wimp. I'm riding this slow cause my body gets mad at me when I go any faster."

But I AM enjoying getting out and getting some base miles in finally. My week day rides are up to 10+ miles now, which is about what I did when I started riding. Those, plus my ever growing weekend long ride definitely make me feel more and more like my old self. Whenever I get frustrated that I have to go slower, I remind myself that I'm building my base and that's a big deal.