OK, so some of you know that a few weeks ago I went to the Catskills with DH and my new (first) road bike to do some riding. Well, I didn't even report back, cause I was so disappointed with myself. I wound up barely riding at all on that trip. I was just too slow and miserable going up all the hills, and with my new clipless pedals and everything, I was just a nervous wreck.

When we got back, I spent lots of time in the park, doing my fitness laps, but also doing some bike handling exercises and working on standing while going uphill now and then to just spread out the work over my body.

So, this weekend we went to Connecticut to stay with DH's family and do some rural road riding. I just have to say that I did so much better than I thought was possible. I really feel like I overcame a big hurdle. Everywhere we went, I just pushed the evil thoughts ("this is too hard", "I'm going to fall") out of my head, and just kept going.

I rode 18 miles on Saturday, and 15 on Sunday. I tackled and conquered some hills that I wouldn't have thought possible. The toughest one was 8.5% for half a mile. The hill I do daily in the park is 3.8% for .4 miles, so it was a big step up for me.

Best thing is... today when I went to the park, I believe it was the first time on my road bike I wasn't nervous. I just happily got into my gear and shoes and everything, grabbed my bike, and took off! I rode well and was much less tired on the hill.

Thanks for reading this far... I just wanted to share my joy with folks who can relate! DH is proud of me, but I know he has no idea how really big this is for me. I've never been good at something physical in my whole life. I was always the nerdy kid and never quite grew out of it. Until now!