It started off with an hour of education. I learned about nutrition on the bike, proper clothing, and road safety. Sure I know most of this but I heard a few things I actually didn't know, or just haven't thought about for some time. The amazing thing is that these women leading the event are all volunteers, just there to help us learn! They are committed to being there every Saturday to lead us on rides and answer questions for us. There are a few different groups of riders. Majority of the women are training for the 100k, while about 30 of us are training for the 100-mile option. Women of all shapes, sizes and riding abilities showed up today. I witnessed the ride leaders offering loads of encouragement to the women that are just starting out. I was so impressed by this.
I talked a friend into doing this training with me. I never like doing stuff by myself. Who does, really? Why I always find these girls that are 20 years younger than me, I have no clue! Erin is the girlfriend of my store's master shop tech. And when I say "talked into", it really didn't take that much to do it. She was very positive about it from the very beginning. She's a little worried about some of the rides in the future, but I know she will be absolutely fine. Each week the rides will get longer and have more climbing. They're not taking us out for 80 miles of sustained climbing next week or anything crazy like that. We will build up to it.
Today's ride was 25 miles - a huge loop around Fremont. Besides going over freeway over-passes, there was maybe one big hill to climb. I *almost* made it up without stopping. I took off my clipless pedals recently, due to my foot surgery. Having to twist out of a pedal in a hurry might be difficult and/or painful. So, I have my old pedals with cages on and I do notice it was more difficult climbing. But, no big deal. I'm not complaining. Spin classes have helped me out, I could tell that. Especially since I hadn't been on my bike since June of last year! For the first ride, I am pleased with how I did and how I feel now.
I ran three times this past week. I'm taking it slow and easy but *loving* it none-the-less. Last weekend I ran at Garin with HSE Lori, her friend, and our dogs for about an hour. Then, twice this week I ran for 30 minutes in the neighborhood with Boomer. After each run I walked through the front door with a huge smile on my face. Running is, and always will be, my passion.
Wednesday I went skiing again. Keith and I went to Sierra-At-Tahoe for another free day (for me) of fun. This time there were 14 of us from my store. The snow was beyond amazing and I had the best day EVER! As I was skiing I found myself giggling at times and thinking, "what surgery?" My foot wasn't hurting me at all. Last week when we went to Alpine I had to quit after lunch but this time I just kept on going. We stayed on the mountain until 3:00. I'm still amazed and so happy with my recovery.
I've been moving every day, as I promised to do. How about you? How are you doing?
"MED2011" Accountability:
01/08 - Body Pump class, 1.25 mile walk, 2 mile walk
01/09 - 4.25 mile trail run
01/10 - Spin class, 2 mile walk, Body Pump class
01/11 - 2.80 mile run
01/12 - Ski 5 hours
01/13 - Body Pump class, 1 mile walk, "24SET" class
01/14 - 2.25 mile run
01/15 - 27 mile bike ride, 1.5 mile walk
Until later..............
11 comments:
I look forward to hearing about your princess training. Am doing my first 100K at the end of April and am not following a formal program but plan to just get as many hours in the saddle as I can between now and then! Good Luck and happy to hear your foot is doing so well :)
I haven't been on my bike in quite a while. It is such a good cross training exercising for running I should make sure I do it more often but 100miles? Wow!
I think our passes are also good for SIerra at Tahoe. It looks very nice. Maybe we will try it one of these days.
Glad to hear your foot is behaving.
Why you (and me too) find folks 20 yrs younger to do that stuff with is that it's hard to find training partners in their mid-forties because most folks our age are couch potatoes! We rock, though, if I do say so myself.
I've been moving every day, I promise. Just mostly yoga right now. But I've been working through my DVDs and know which ones are good workouts and which are slow and mostly stretching. I do the slow, stretching ones as a second workout and make sure to do the more strenuous invigorating ones every day.
I wish I lived closer, I would love to train for that race with you! The skiing looks awesome, how long does it take to get to Tahoe from where you are?
I love love love riding in big groups...no one gets left behind and it's just way more fun!
I look forward to your Princess Training stories :-)
I am doing Cinderella Challenge too!! I have been doing some rides with the Feather Pedals (part of the Valley Spokesman). I am really excited to do this ride - have you done it before?
Sounds like a great day on the slopes!
I can't emphasize enough the power of training with others. Especially if you are going out for a 3 hour ride or so. Really pays off to have a group.
same - same a lot of my friends are younger too! Glad to read your foot is no longer a bother, that is just amazing.
I'm moving everyday too thanks to you.
I keep seeing the 30 minutes of moving everyday challenge and think I should jump in and do it. This year got off to a rocky start with shoulder surgery for my hubby and snow storms. I felt lucky to get in the little running I did. Hopefully next week I can finally commit to this. We'll see.
YAY so glad you enjoyed the first day of training so much! I LOVE training with a group, you meet so many people and learn so much. I think this would be extra beneficial on the bike!!
I wish I was doing the Cinderella Challenge! Looks like a lot of fun! You're going to do awesome :)
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