I haven't ridden since I got my new pedals over a week ago, and I haven't worked out either. I'm totally slacking off in my training. I was very excited to go riding today, and was scheduled for 9 miles. However, since I haven't ridden in a week, I only managed to get 4.3 miles ridden. My legs are KILLING me! I feel like I'm going backwards in my riding. I was up over 6 miles, and now I can barely finish 4. I was going to ride farther, but it had started to sprinkle, and I had my iPod shuffle on my bike, so decided to ride home rather than risk it getting wet.
Before I went out, I was very excited to ride with my new pedals and shoes, to finally clip in to the pedals and use the force and strength of my entire leg, not just my quads. Once I got outside with my bike, Ryan was holding the bike so I could learn how to attach my feet to the pedals. I got the hang of it, but I got really scared, so I didn't ride clipped in today. I still rode with my new shoes, but I just didn't clip in. I mostly used the back side of the pedals. The shoes did kinda clip in, so I got the basic idea. I also tried not to take my feet off the pedals or move my feet at all so I could get used to "being stuck" on the bike that way. I'm afraid of falling. I know it's going to happen at some point, but I don't like getting hurt. To be honest, I'm a baby and a complete wuss when it comes to injuries. I hate blood and I don't want to break anything. So I think that mentally it's going to take me a while to be comfortable with these new pedals, with being "stuck" to my bike while I ride. I'll get there I'm sure, but I'm scared and nervous about it.
On a more positive note, I actually pushed myself today! There was a hill that I'd gone up before, but only once (with Shelly). I was hurting really bad, but I kept thinking about what Shelly told me on another hill when we rode together... take one pedal stroke at a time. Count them in small groups. I did that, and I made it to the top! I was SO proud of myself! Hopefully, next time I'll be able to ride farther, and maybe even clip in for part of the ride. We'll see!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
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2 comments:
Don't be so hard on yourself. Quests like this are never a "constant progress" type of thing. Remember the old Sinatra song "That's Life"? ('That's what people say. You can be up in April, and down in May...')
You get out there, get a ride in, no matter how it feels, and bingo, you are back on a streak.
There are times of big improvement, and slight retreat, but remember, the trend is always positive.
Just be a little easier on yourself, you are doing great!
Hey again
You were my first comment, ever!
Thank you.
I'm from Colorado, but in Kansas there is an awesome cycling group raising money for, and awareness about, cancer.
Here is their web site:
http://www.sunflowerstoroses.org/
One of their riders (and former LAF Mentor) contacted me (and current LAF Mentor) recently.
Take care.
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