Nancy,

Thanks for the nice reply. I live in Phoenix and it is REALLy hot here. I just had to adjust to the heat. If I go early enough it is still around 88 - 90 F. Elevation here varies quite a bit. We have a lot of so-called rolly-pollies. If I get out in the afternoon when it is 110F outside, I am bonk in 5 miles and will not be able to go faster than 14 mph. But I don't want to take these days in consideration. I just want to work harder and go faster. I realize that I will never be faster than some other riders who I know, but it does not mean that I will not push myself.
Thanks again.