I first started riding a bike again, after a very long time mind you, and it was merely because I had a running injury and hated sitting inside while all my running buds hit the pavement. I borrowed my stepmom’s hybrid bike. It had a shark horn that sounded just like a horn that a clown uses.
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| Aw. So cute. |
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| Aw. So dorky. |
It wasn’t until 2010 that I started thinking about a triathlon. I got in the pool and realized my days of high school swimming had helped build a solid base. I also got more comfortable with the idea of riding a bike. Thanks shark horn!
I decided to buy a real bike in early 2010. I had great help in deciding what to purchase from my friend Casey. And while it took quite a lot of time to get used to the clipless pedals. I fell about a hundred times before I learned to take my foot out BEFORE I stopped. Side note: I fell just the other day in front of Meghan. Momentary brain lapse I suppose. It was super funny this time though.
This is the day I bought Dolly. I was so proud and so excited. We had some special times together and it was with sadness that we parted ways this weekend. As much as I wanted to keep her, I knew I wouldn’t be spending a lot of time with her and she needed to find a home where she’d be loved and taken out lots and lots. Goodbye, sweet Dolly.
I grew to love cycling while training for my first half IM. Ok, maybe not LOVE cycling, but definitely liking it. I think I disliked it because I definitely felt it was harder for me than swimming and running. My quads constantly burned with hard effort and keeping up with a group ride always left me frustrated. Granted, I got better the more I rode and a little less afraid each and every ride.
Enter Amanda. My new bike.
I know I said this before but a tri bike has made a world of difference for me. I watch new cyclists, like Meghan, who start out really strong on a bike. It took me a very long time to get up to the speeds I’m at now and while I think it’s solid, I think this bike has really helped. My cadence has jumped up exponentially and that constant quad burning is no longer constant. It could just be that the engine got better or it could be that the bike has made all the difference. I’m guessing it’s a little of both.
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| Eating on the bike is the best! |
All of that aside, it’s crazy to look back at where I was as a triathlete and where I’ve come. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come on the bike. I still get nervous before group rides and I prefer to ride on trails but I haven’t pulled a Houdini or cried on a ride in quite some time.
I am currently loving my bike. I’ve been riding more and wanting to ride more. The hard work has paid off and I look forward to putting in more hard work as 2014 looms. Amanda and I are going places. Here’s to the journey!
How do you feel about cycling? What made a difference for you?
Personally love cycling, as you know. I suck on the run but on a bike my weight doesn't matter as much. It's my equalizer.
Yes, you are a much different cyclist from just a year ago. I'll never forget our Century together (our 106 mile century)
OH yeah… My ass hurts!
I love reading your story of how you got starting into cycling and triathlon. I'm glad I have you to learn from. I think I just am lucky to have friends that I was able to look to and ask questions of when buying my bike and getting started. I know it has made a world of difference. Thanks for the mentions! And I have been loving cycling and am just working on shaking those post-fall nerves out of my brain. I refuse to let two pedals and a pair of shoes intimidate me out of something that I've come to enjoy so much.
I'm soooo interested, but equally as terrified. I need to go see what size bike I need so I can keep a better eye out for a used one or just buy the dang thing and then crash a whole lot… I guess my scarycat-ness keeps delaying me. 🙁
I love cycling but as I live in a city I wish it didn't feel so dangerous with all the other traffic. I sometime put the bike in the car and head out of town if I have time.
If it makes you feel any better, I fell why standing still on my bike two months ago into the grass. Laughed and told my friend Amy that I was officially christened into the 2013 season 🙂 I ride an all carbon road bike but am facinated to know if a tri bike would make a meaningful difference for me. Everyone says it is more comfortable over time. One of these days I might try to find out. Great job getting back at it. xo
I can't believe how long it has been since you got dolly! I remember reading your blog when I was working at the law office., you have come a long way!
I can totally relate to this! I bought my road bike earlier this year to start doing tri's. Slowly I started liking cycling more, but it defintitely takes time and I don't think I got into it quite as quick as others. My 70.3 is this weekend and I feel comfortable on the bike, but not overly confident. I just don't have that "go for it beast mode" yet on the bike like I think I have with running. That will come with experience and time I assume, and hope!
I love running but I'm a natural cyclist.
so proud of you and your big girl bike!
🙂
It's not the bike. It's the engine!
Funny how running injuries lead so many into triathlons. It happened to me last year and I'm still figuring out the right gearing and hill climbing on the bike.