My first triathlon this year is on Sunday. I'm freaking out. I'm worried about everything from the water temperature, to what to wear, to what to eat the morning of the race. Ugh. I do this to myself all the time. I get freaked out.
In thinking about WHY I get freaked out, I started to wonder if it's just a part of my normal process in getting ready for a race. I used to freak out over 5K's, then I freaked out over half marathons. Now I can run both of those distances without the freak out ever happening.
I am very new to the whole world of triathlons. So I freak out. Yes, I am nervous and excited. But maybe the nerves and excitement actually serve a purpose in my pre-race routine.
Because of the freak out, I've been googling how to handle cold water swims. This gave me some valuable tips that I will be implementing on Sunday. So without the freak out, I never would have thought to wear 2 swim caps. Genius! (It probably won't make a hill of beans of difference but mentally I'm ready to handle those chilly water temps with my 2 caps!)
Because of the freak out, I've talked to several people who have given me encouragement that I am farther along in my training than I think I am. So without the freak out, I never would have gained that confidence.
Because of the freak out, I got in the pool for the first time in a couple weeks. (Yes, I'm a slacker) So without the freak out, I would never have pushed myself to overcome the minor obstacles that stood between me and the pool yesterday. I really needed to get in the pool and work out some kinks with my swimming.
So while I am a nervous wreck this week, I believe that I am actually benefitting from the freak out. As with the other races like the 5Ks and half marathons, as I get more comfortable doing the triathlons, the freak outs will reduce and eventually go away since they will no longer serve a purpose. (I hope there are no English majors reading this because that was quite the run-on sentence...and I'm not editing it!)
I am truly looking at Sunday's triathlon as a learning experience. I have a lot more training to do before the Olympic distance tri on June 2nd. So this weekend will be about enjoying the time with Colleen and just finishing the race. Anything else that happens is a bonus!
Read along with my blog as I discuss weight, schedule and life challenges as I try to get my triathlon training back on track. I will also discuss what I've learned along the way and what new goals I'm setting for myself.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Weekend Wrap-up
This weekend was packed...start to finish...and I'm exhausted. But it was a really good weekend, so I'm happy to take some time and share with my friends.
Saturday morning, I met the CCR running group at Lake Elkhorn. I was concerned that the schedule called for us to run 7-9 miles. I could probably handle the 7, but I am not in any shape to be running 9 miles right now! So I was relieved when Meghan said she was only going 5 miles because she had Ben in the stroller. That was perfect for me! The group was small because so many of the members were running either Iron Girl or the Nike Half Marathon.
Now let me take a slight detour in my thought...Saturday morning was also the Ocean City Half Marathon. My very first Half Marathon was the OC Half in 2010. I have run or volunteered for that race every year since then. This is the first time I'm not there. Of course my thoughts were in OC all day.
Back to the things that I DID do this weekend...so Meghan and I chatted and ran. We saw lots of turtles hanging out on logs in the lake. It was a nice, easy pace and I really enjoyed the run. It was exactly what I needed.
I rushed home and showered, then took Ryann to Frederick to get her hair done, go to the florist to pick up the boutineer, and get home to meet the make up artist. Yes, it was Ryann's prom. Here is my pretty girl:
Sunday I got up and drove to Crofton to ride with Daryl and his friends from the Bike Doctor. It was a 33 mile ride with some hills but nothing like I experienced when I rode the Columbia course. I realized that my endurance is really lacking. The last 10 miles were a bit of a struggle for me. Of course I didn't admit that to my fellow riders! All in all I think that I did well. Considering that I'm missing my cycling class on Tuesday, this ride was really important.
After riding, I drove home, showered and drove up to Bel Air for a benefit concert in honor of my friend Mindy who is battling cancer.
Mindy is beautiful, even without much hair! (I don't know the guy in the photo with her, so sorry for not identifying him.) After leaving the benefit concert, I drove to my parents' house for Sunday Dinner. I'm now home and exhausted.
One week until the Nanticoke Triathlon!
Saturday morning, I met the CCR running group at Lake Elkhorn. I was concerned that the schedule called for us to run 7-9 miles. I could probably handle the 7, but I am not in any shape to be running 9 miles right now! So I was relieved when Meghan said she was only going 5 miles because she had Ben in the stroller. That was perfect for me! The group was small because so many of the members were running either Iron Girl or the Nike Half Marathon.
Now let me take a slight detour in my thought...Saturday morning was also the Ocean City Half Marathon. My very first Half Marathon was the OC Half in 2010. I have run or volunteered for that race every year since then. This is the first time I'm not there. Of course my thoughts were in OC all day.
I rushed home and showered, then took Ryann to Frederick to get her hair done, go to the florist to pick up the boutineer, and get home to meet the make up artist. Yes, it was Ryann's prom. Here is my pretty girl:
After riding, I drove home, showered and drove up to Bel Air for a benefit concert in honor of my friend Mindy who is battling cancer.
One week until the Nanticoke Triathlon!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Just Keep Spinning
Outdoor cycling classes have been a ton of fun. Well, some more fun than others. I haven't written much about my cycling recently so I'm going to give an overview of the last 3 weeks.
The first week we split into our groups and my group did hill repeats. The hill that John chose for us to repeat is called Lawyer's Hill and is a long, steep hill rumored to be 1 mile long. I didn't look at my computer to see if it was actually a mile but I know that it was a long, difficult climb. The hill went up steeply, turned to the right, leveled off slightly, then a steep incline again, then turned to the left, then more incline to the top. The ride up was really hard but the leveled off part gave me just enough of a break to be able to make the 2nd half of the hill. My bigger challenge was going down the hill. The first time down, I was white-knuckled on the brakes. I was going 23 MPH and terrified. The turns in the road, combined with some rough patches, made for a very scary downhill. By the third time up the hill, I felt like I was going to throw up and my legs were pretty much jello...but I made it! I wasn't the last one in my group to make it up the hill, but I was pretty close to being last. Hills are a humbling experience.
The second week we split into different groups, and my group rode "the rollers". We rode into Patapsco State Park and there are some rolling hills along the stretch of road. So we were practicing spinning at a cadence of 90 and shifting our gears to get maximum power. I had a blast and was one of the fastest in my group. (Not too competitive...haha) I did learn a lot from one of the instructors, Maddie, as she rode next to me for awhile. She helped me immensely with being on top of my shifting. That has always been one of my weaknesses. After the rollers, we rode up Lawyer's Hill. Having done repeats on it the week before, I knew exactly what to expect. I did much better this week, although it was still really hard.
Last night we all rode together. We did a warm-up ride, then did time trials. It was so much fun!!! Basically, John had us start in inverse order - the slowest went first and the fastest went last. The goal was to keep anyone from passing you while passing as many people as possible. I started twoards the back with maybe 6 or 7 behind me. We only rode for 2.5 miles so there wasn't a ton of time to catch people. The first 2 times I caught everyone except the lead rider. The last one wasn't started the same way, so I actually started following the 3 fastest people. My goal for that one was just to keep up with the speedy group. By the end of the last one, I was maybe a 1/4 mile behind them, which I considered to be a huge success!
Overall, I am still struggling with hills. I am getting better and the smaller hills aren't quite as daunting as they once were. I am still terrified of Lawyer's Hill, but I am getting a lot more comfortable on the downhills. The great thing about this class is the level of detail that the instructors provide. They are all extremely knowledgeable and really try to give individual attention despite the size of the class. I'm so glad that I took these outdoor classes!!!
The first week we split into our groups and my group did hill repeats. The hill that John chose for us to repeat is called Lawyer's Hill and is a long, steep hill rumored to be 1 mile long. I didn't look at my computer to see if it was actually a mile but I know that it was a long, difficult climb. The hill went up steeply, turned to the right, leveled off slightly, then a steep incline again, then turned to the left, then more incline to the top. The ride up was really hard but the leveled off part gave me just enough of a break to be able to make the 2nd half of the hill. My bigger challenge was going down the hill. The first time down, I was white-knuckled on the brakes. I was going 23 MPH and terrified. The turns in the road, combined with some rough patches, made for a very scary downhill. By the third time up the hill, I felt like I was going to throw up and my legs were pretty much jello...but I made it! I wasn't the last one in my group to make it up the hill, but I was pretty close to being last. Hills are a humbling experience.
The second week we split into different groups, and my group rode "the rollers". We rode into Patapsco State Park and there are some rolling hills along the stretch of road. So we were practicing spinning at a cadence of 90 and shifting our gears to get maximum power. I had a blast and was one of the fastest in my group. (Not too competitive...haha) I did learn a lot from one of the instructors, Maddie, as she rode next to me for awhile. She helped me immensely with being on top of my shifting. That has always been one of my weaknesses. After the rollers, we rode up Lawyer's Hill. Having done repeats on it the week before, I knew exactly what to expect. I did much better this week, although it was still really hard.
Last night we all rode together. We did a warm-up ride, then did time trials. It was so much fun!!! Basically, John had us start in inverse order - the slowest went first and the fastest went last. The goal was to keep anyone from passing you while passing as many people as possible. I started twoards the back with maybe 6 or 7 behind me. We only rode for 2.5 miles so there wasn't a ton of time to catch people. The first 2 times I caught everyone except the lead rider. The last one wasn't started the same way, so I actually started following the 3 fastest people. My goal for that one was just to keep up with the speedy group. By the end of the last one, I was maybe a 1/4 mile behind them, which I considered to be a huge success!
Overall, I am still struggling with hills. I am getting better and the smaller hills aren't quite as daunting as they once were. I am still terrified of Lawyer's Hill, but I am getting a lot more comfortable on the downhills. The great thing about this class is the level of detail that the instructors provide. They are all extremely knowledgeable and really try to give individual attention despite the size of the class. I'm so glad that I took these outdoor classes!!!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Clyde's 10K Race Recap
So that the cowards who bombed the Boston Marathon don't win, I'm going to keep going with my normal life. But prayers are still with those injured and with the families who lost loved ones.
On Sunday I ran the Clyde's 10K. Based on the fact that I have not run 6 miles in a LONG time, I was concerned about just completing the 6.2 miles. At several points, I considered not going.
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling extremely nervous. It was like I hadn't ever run a race before! I was a mess. I was supposed to meet Heather at 7:45 for an 8:15 start time. I hopped in my car and headed out. I took the back roads thinking that I would be able to sneak in the back way of the mall and avoid any potential road closures. About half way there, I realized that I had forgotten my race bib.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????????? Who forgets their race bib? Total rookie mistake. I called Heather as I frantically turned around and headed home. I told her to go to the start line and I would try to meet her before the race but that I didn't think I would make it.
I drove just a little over the speed limit. :)
I made it back to downtown Columbia by 8 am. I called Heather as I jogged from my car over to the lakefront. I found her in line for the porta-potties. YAY! I jumped in line with her and had plenty of time to use the porta-potty then go over to the start line. We also met up with Kate, ErinM and Christina. YAY CCR running friends!
At the start line, we discussed our race strategy. Only Erin was looking for a fast race, so we let her find her way towards the front and the rest of us agreed to just jog. I realized that I was not wearing my watch. UGH! Another rookie mistake. But I decided that it was a good thing not to have my watch...after all, I just wanted to finish the race, right?
It was a beautiful running day. The weather was great, light breezes, sunny day. I was in a great mood after all the craziness of trying to get there on time. After about a mile into the run, Christina started walking. Kate said that she would wait for her. Heather and I made sure they were OK then we went on ahead. It has been a long time since Heather and I have run together so we had a lot of catching up to do. We chatted for several miles as we ran.
Before the race, everyone had been telling us about how hard Rt. 108 was going to be. There's a very long hill that we had to run up. So right before that hill, Heather and I stopped for a water/fuel stop. As we ran up the hill, we passed a ton of people. At the top of the hill, we looked at each other and said "that was it?" While the hill was long, it was not particularly steep. I felt like the hills on the Baltimore Half Marathon course were harder than that one.
So after successfully running up the dreaded 108 hill, we had a huge level of confidence. We entered the neighborhood and picked up the pace slightly. We still chatted easily, so the pace was not extremely taxing on either one of us.
As we crossed the finish line, we had smiles on our faces. I have no idea what our time was. We did not finish in under an hour, but it didn't matter. We had a great run...I proved to myself that I could still run 6.2 miles without having to walk...and we conquered the 108 hill.
The afterparty was a disappointment. The runners who got there before us were taking boxes of cookies and cartons of strawberries. By the time we got there, that was all gone. All I really wanted was a bottle of gatorade, which I got. Here is a picture of us post-race...left to right...me, Kate, Erin and Heather.
What a great day! I should take this casual approach to races more often. It was so much fun!
On Sunday I ran the Clyde's 10K. Based on the fact that I have not run 6 miles in a LONG time, I was concerned about just completing the 6.2 miles. At several points, I considered not going.
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling extremely nervous. It was like I hadn't ever run a race before! I was a mess. I was supposed to meet Heather at 7:45 for an 8:15 start time. I hopped in my car and headed out. I took the back roads thinking that I would be able to sneak in the back way of the mall and avoid any potential road closures. About half way there, I realized that I had forgotten my race bib.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????????? Who forgets their race bib? Total rookie mistake. I called Heather as I frantically turned around and headed home. I told her to go to the start line and I would try to meet her before the race but that I didn't think I would make it.
I drove just a little over the speed limit. :)
I made it back to downtown Columbia by 8 am. I called Heather as I jogged from my car over to the lakefront. I found her in line for the porta-potties. YAY! I jumped in line with her and had plenty of time to use the porta-potty then go over to the start line. We also met up with Kate, ErinM and Christina. YAY CCR running friends!
At the start line, we discussed our race strategy. Only Erin was looking for a fast race, so we let her find her way towards the front and the rest of us agreed to just jog. I realized that I was not wearing my watch. UGH! Another rookie mistake. But I decided that it was a good thing not to have my watch...after all, I just wanted to finish the race, right?
It was a beautiful running day. The weather was great, light breezes, sunny day. I was in a great mood after all the craziness of trying to get there on time. After about a mile into the run, Christina started walking. Kate said that she would wait for her. Heather and I made sure they were OK then we went on ahead. It has been a long time since Heather and I have run together so we had a lot of catching up to do. We chatted for several miles as we ran.
Before the race, everyone had been telling us about how hard Rt. 108 was going to be. There's a very long hill that we had to run up. So right before that hill, Heather and I stopped for a water/fuel stop. As we ran up the hill, we passed a ton of people. At the top of the hill, we looked at each other and said "that was it?" While the hill was long, it was not particularly steep. I felt like the hills on the Baltimore Half Marathon course were harder than that one.
So after successfully running up the dreaded 108 hill, we had a huge level of confidence. We entered the neighborhood and picked up the pace slightly. We still chatted easily, so the pace was not extremely taxing on either one of us.
As we crossed the finish line, we had smiles on our faces. I have no idea what our time was. We did not finish in under an hour, but it didn't matter. We had a great run...I proved to myself that I could still run 6.2 miles without having to walk...and we conquered the 108 hill.
The afterparty was a disappointment. The runners who got there before us were taking boxes of cookies and cartons of strawberries. By the time we got there, that was all gone. All I really wanted was a bottle of gatorade, which I got. Here is a picture of us post-race...left to right...me, Kate, Erin and Heather.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Boston
I have several blog entries that have been swirling around in my head. I've had some good success lately in my athletic endeavors that I'd like to share with you. But that will have to wait for another day.
Today was the Boston Marathon and unfortunately someone used this event to orchestrate a catastrophy. I am having a hard time putting together words to describe how I'm feeling, so please forgive me if this blog entry is rambling. I feel like this is my only outlet for my emotions right now.
I just heard via Twitter that an 8 year old was one of the fatalities. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that child was there to see their mommy or daddy cross the finish line. I can't comprehend this. What kind of evil is behind this?
But in the midst of the chaos, I've also heard reports of runners finishing the marathon and going straight to the hospital to donate blood. The human spirit is alive and well! There is good in the midst of evil.
I have said that I will probably never do a full marathon. I have several challenges - my knees being the biggest - that prevent me from accomplishing this feat. I have a huge respect for the marathon and those who have completed it. That finish line represents so many things that are deeply personal to each runner. There is a reason why you see people cry when they finish a marathon. It's a very emotional experience, and is the culmination of months and years of training and sacrifice.
There are family members who stand at that finish line to see their loved ones complete this test of human strength. I could have never imagined that a finish line would be scene of such horror and tragedy. Runners, spectators, volunteers and officials are among the injured and killed. We are only now getting pieces of the story.
I am a runner. I am proud to say that. I am proud of my accomplishments. I am proud of the people in my life who also call themselves runners. I am proud of the support that my friends and family give me in my pursuit of these goals. I am proud of the runners who qualified for Boston. I am proud of those who finished today, and those who didn't. I am proud of the first responders who, by all accounts, were amazing in their response to the blasts.
I am proud of what the Boston Marathon has always stood for and what it will represent from now on. Boston was a tragedy and my heart is heavy for the lives lost and so many who were injured. My thoughts are with everyone watching as this story unfolds. We are all changed by events like this. But I know runners...we will not stop running...and Boston will still be held up as the ultimate marathon.
My thoughts and prayers are in Boston tonight.
Today was the Boston Marathon and unfortunately someone used this event to orchestrate a catastrophy. I am having a hard time putting together words to describe how I'm feeling, so please forgive me if this blog entry is rambling. I feel like this is my only outlet for my emotions right now.
I just heard via Twitter that an 8 year old was one of the fatalities. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that child was there to see their mommy or daddy cross the finish line. I can't comprehend this. What kind of evil is behind this?
But in the midst of the chaos, I've also heard reports of runners finishing the marathon and going straight to the hospital to donate blood. The human spirit is alive and well! There is good in the midst of evil.
I have said that I will probably never do a full marathon. I have several challenges - my knees being the biggest - that prevent me from accomplishing this feat. I have a huge respect for the marathon and those who have completed it. That finish line represents so many things that are deeply personal to each runner. There is a reason why you see people cry when they finish a marathon. It's a very emotional experience, and is the culmination of months and years of training and sacrifice.
There are family members who stand at that finish line to see their loved ones complete this test of human strength. I could have never imagined that a finish line would be scene of such horror and tragedy. Runners, spectators, volunteers and officials are among the injured and killed. We are only now getting pieces of the story.
I am a runner. I am proud to say that. I am proud of my accomplishments. I am proud of the people in my life who also call themselves runners. I am proud of the support that my friends and family give me in my pursuit of these goals. I am proud of the runners who qualified for Boston. I am proud of those who finished today, and those who didn't. I am proud of the first responders who, by all accounts, were amazing in their response to the blasts.
I am proud of what the Boston Marathon has always stood for and what it will represent from now on. Boston was a tragedy and my heart is heavy for the lives lost and so many who were injured. My thoughts are with everyone watching as this story unfolds. We are all changed by events like this. But I know runners...we will not stop running...and Boston will still be held up as the ultimate marathon.
My thoughts and prayers are in Boston tonight.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Ponytails Don't Bounce on the Bike
I am having a bit of an identity crisis recently. You may have noticed that I haven't been posting very often. Well, there's a few reasons for that. First of all is my overwhelming laziness. Second, well...how should I put this...I don't feel much like a runner anymore.
My ponytail hasn't been bouncing much lately. I did run today and it felt awkward and difficult. It was a beautiful day and my head decided that I should get out there and run. My body had other ideas after about a mile. My ankles hurt, my legs felt sluggish and my heart just wasn't in it...so I headed back home. Maybe I just need to get out there and run more. I've been off my schedule for running.
And then there's the bike. Yes, the bike. I am falling in love with my bike. It's so pretty but it's capable of really cool things! Let me tell you a little story about why I'm falling in love with my bike...
Tuesdays have always been my cycling class. Since January we've been riding inside a warehouse on indoor trainers. This past Tuesday was our first cycling class outside. Even though it's April, Tuesday was a COLD and windy day. I was very nervous as I drove into the parking lot where we were meeting. I'd never ridden on these roads and I didn't see anyone that I recognized. Luckily Abby showed up shortly after I did...so at least I knew one person! Then right as we were about to take off, Emily showed up. 2 people!
So I figured I would hang out mid-pack and see how it went. I knew that the main purpose for that day's ride was for John and the other instructors to evaluate us and divide us into 3 groups: A for the best riders, B for the middle group and C for the beginners and slower cyclists. I was expecting to be in the B group...although the competitive side of me really wanted to be in the A group.
We rode a 2.5 mile out and back as a warm up. During this warm up, I realized quickly that I don't belong in the middle of the pack. I was passing people without much effort. I found my comfort spot in position 6 or 7. So after the warm up, John made us "do a little hill" as he said with an evil laugh. Then he clarified and said it's a steady climb with a steep incline right at the top. He said that the hill would really show us where we were in our abilities.
Because of a newbie pedal mistake, I again started this ride in mid-pack and again passed several people right away. John advised me to switch to the small ring, which I did immediately. I had no idea what I was in for, and if the expert says to be in the small ring, I'm going to listen even though I much prefer the big ring. About half way up the hill, my legs were on fire, but I was determined to keep going. 3/4 of the way up, I was convinced that I was going to have to get off and walk. Then something amazing happened...I glanced up and saw that there were only 3 people in front of me! Holy cow...really? That gave me the jolt I needed to make it up the steepest part. I was so happy to reach the top of that hill!!!
So at this point, my confidence was at an all time high. I just reached the top of this enormous hill with only 3 people in front of me! I wasn't going fast but I was going at a steady pace. Woo hoo! A Group here I come!!
We rode for another few miles struggling to get our breathing back under control and give our legs a rest. We stopped and waited for the entire group to gather. John said that he was really impressed with our pace and our hill work. He said it was going to be harder than he thought to divide up the group. He put the C Group together and had them work with one of the other instructors for the remaining time. The rest of us he said were going to race back. Now you're talking my language John!!!
So we took off...again I was mid-pack...I have to get better about starting closer to the front. Anyway, I passed everyone and found myself in 6th place. Emily and I were jockeying for position the entire ride back. With about a half mile left, I dropped it into a harder gear and smashed the pedals and went all out. I flew by her and passed one other person before getting to the finish. That was fun!
So after everyone finished the race, it was decision time. John had to split us up into the A Group and the B Group. We were standing on the side of the road, and not everyone was lined up where they finished the race. So I was about 10 or 11 back, about a half bike length in front of Emily. John basically said everyone in front of me and Emily were the A Group and everyone from Emily back was the B Group. It was unclear which group he intended me to join, so I looked at him about to ask. Before I could speak he said, "Oh Karen...you're in the A Group". YIPPEEEEE!!!
Now here's why this story is relevant to falling in love with my bike...I have always been a mediocre runner, but on the bike I'm GOOD. I can compete with myself in running and try to better my previous times, which I have enjoyed doing for the past few years. But on the bike, I feel a whole new level of competition. I can actually keep up with the "good" cyclists now. I love the feeling that I'm good at something. So I think that my ponytail is going to be riding a bit more often than it bounces.
My ponytail hasn't been bouncing much lately. I did run today and it felt awkward and difficult. It was a beautiful day and my head decided that I should get out there and run. My body had other ideas after about a mile. My ankles hurt, my legs felt sluggish and my heart just wasn't in it...so I headed back home. Maybe I just need to get out there and run more. I've been off my schedule for running.
And then there's the bike. Yes, the bike. I am falling in love with my bike. It's so pretty but it's capable of really cool things! Let me tell you a little story about why I'm falling in love with my bike...
Tuesdays have always been my cycling class. Since January we've been riding inside a warehouse on indoor trainers. This past Tuesday was our first cycling class outside. Even though it's April, Tuesday was a COLD and windy day. I was very nervous as I drove into the parking lot where we were meeting. I'd never ridden on these roads and I didn't see anyone that I recognized. Luckily Abby showed up shortly after I did...so at least I knew one person! Then right as we were about to take off, Emily showed up. 2 people!
So I figured I would hang out mid-pack and see how it went. I knew that the main purpose for that day's ride was for John and the other instructors to evaluate us and divide us into 3 groups: A for the best riders, B for the middle group and C for the beginners and slower cyclists. I was expecting to be in the B group...although the competitive side of me really wanted to be in the A group.
We rode a 2.5 mile out and back as a warm up. During this warm up, I realized quickly that I don't belong in the middle of the pack. I was passing people without much effort. I found my comfort spot in position 6 or 7. So after the warm up, John made us "do a little hill" as he said with an evil laugh. Then he clarified and said it's a steady climb with a steep incline right at the top. He said that the hill would really show us where we were in our abilities.
Because of a newbie pedal mistake, I again started this ride in mid-pack and again passed several people right away. John advised me to switch to the small ring, which I did immediately. I had no idea what I was in for, and if the expert says to be in the small ring, I'm going to listen even though I much prefer the big ring. About half way up the hill, my legs were on fire, but I was determined to keep going. 3/4 of the way up, I was convinced that I was going to have to get off and walk. Then something amazing happened...I glanced up and saw that there were only 3 people in front of me! Holy cow...really? That gave me the jolt I needed to make it up the steepest part. I was so happy to reach the top of that hill!!!
So at this point, my confidence was at an all time high. I just reached the top of this enormous hill with only 3 people in front of me! I wasn't going fast but I was going at a steady pace. Woo hoo! A Group here I come!!
We rode for another few miles struggling to get our breathing back under control and give our legs a rest. We stopped and waited for the entire group to gather. John said that he was really impressed with our pace and our hill work. He said it was going to be harder than he thought to divide up the group. He put the C Group together and had them work with one of the other instructors for the remaining time. The rest of us he said were going to race back. Now you're talking my language John!!!
So we took off...again I was mid-pack...I have to get better about starting closer to the front. Anyway, I passed everyone and found myself in 6th place. Emily and I were jockeying for position the entire ride back. With about a half mile left, I dropped it into a harder gear and smashed the pedals and went all out. I flew by her and passed one other person before getting to the finish. That was fun!
So after everyone finished the race, it was decision time. John had to split us up into the A Group and the B Group. We were standing on the side of the road, and not everyone was lined up where they finished the race. So I was about 10 or 11 back, about a half bike length in front of Emily. John basically said everyone in front of me and Emily were the A Group and everyone from Emily back was the B Group. It was unclear which group he intended me to join, so I looked at him about to ask. Before I could speak he said, "Oh Karen...you're in the A Group". YIPPEEEEE!!!
Now here's why this story is relevant to falling in love with my bike...I have always been a mediocre runner, but on the bike I'm GOOD. I can compete with myself in running and try to better my previous times, which I have enjoyed doing for the past few years. But on the bike, I feel a whole new level of competition. I can actually keep up with the "good" cyclists now. I love the feeling that I'm good at something. So I think that my ponytail is going to be riding a bit more often than it bounces.
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