Quote Originally Posted by Miranda View Post
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.