Allie....As you will find on many threads here, to be efficient with your pedaling and get the most power out of every stroke, think of scraping mud off the bottoms of your feet. If you practice this technique, you will become a stronger rider and utilize those hamstrings as well!

Good going for your first metric. It will get easier as you practice going longer distances. Pretty soon you'll be talking about your first century, you know the "C" word!