I Rode Outside!!!

Woo hoo!!!!

It was around 50 degrees and beautiful. I wore my hat and bundled up, but found I didn't need to--I got a little overheated and took off my sweatshirt about halfway through. I did wear my bike gloves instead of my regular gloves and at first wished that I had picked the warmer ones. Later, though, as I got warmed up, I was happy with my choice. Still, I'm going to add the warm ones to my list. It may be chilly in the mornings and maybe I'll want to have them and then switch.

I followed the 10 mile course I had used during my fall training, and found that it was somewhat easier than it was 6 months ago. That means that my indoor training was helpful!

I was curious to see how well I would do on the "100" hill. When I was in the triathlon, there was this big hill, and I really didn't think I would be able to make it. I told myself to count to 100 and that after that, if I wanted to get off the bike, I could. So I counted to 100, and when I was done, the hill had leveled out and I was able to stay on. It was a triumphant moment!

Anyway, when I mapped out the 10 mile course by my house, I discovered that there is also a big hill, and when I first encountered it, I decided to use the same strategy--count to 100 before you give yourself permission to get off the bike. I found that I got to the top of the hill around 65.

As I was working out in the fall, I kept hoping to lower that number, but I never could get under 60.

Well, this morning, I made it to the top by 54! Woo hoo!!!!! Yes, the indoor training really did help.

So now that I'm outside, my plan is to ride 10 miles Monday-Friday and then do a long ride on Saturdays...starting at 15 miles and then increasing 10% until I am riding 50 miles consistently. I will probably increase the daily ride, too--maybe to 12, 15, and eventually 20, but I'll stick with 10 for now.

I really need to get to the bike shop and get an odometer...that will make my route planning much easier. And when I go to the shop, I'm going to ask what to do about my hands/wrists. They hurt more than any other place on my body.

And I REALLY need a new bike. This old thing is on its last leg...