Over the past year I've lost 65 lbs, dropped several pants sizes, began regularly visiting the gym and have completed a few 5k races. I had my sites set on a half marathon until my doctor informed me that I more than likely wouldn't be successful at that and would probably result in needing ankle surgery if I continued. So perhaps training for this ride and the weight loss that will follow might increase my chances of meeting that half marathon goal. And also help me get to my triathlon goals.
So today, was day one of my training. Originally I wanted to restore my dad's bike and use it but my aunt who used to ride informed me it didn't have enough gears and my mother said it would probably take a small fortune to make it road worthy. So I've been researching bikes and hope to get one this weekend. There is only one riding group in the area I've found and they are so far advanced from me I call them the Tour de France wanna be's. There is a bike maintenance class at a local bike shop the 2nd Wednesday of each month that I plan on attending as well...after all a girl has to know how to fix her bike out in the middle of no where. And I've discovered a few nifty accessories that I foresee in the near future...lady bug bike bell anyone? You know there is an app for everything and I need to make a decision on an app to help gauge distance and speed and a dear friend sent me a spreadsheet one of their neurotic co-workers keeps to chart distances that I have converted for my use. 143 days until go time. Ready, set, go.
I plan on riding in the gym 3-4 times a week during the winter and try for both days on the weekend actually hitting the streets. I still need to map out a good 5-7 mile course to start off with. I know, not far but everyone has to start somewhere. There is a spin class on Wednesdays at the gym by work. I thought this would be a good starting point. I used to take spin 2 times a week several years ago and figured with my fitness progression as of late it would be challenging but not life threatening. Boy was I wrong. The instructor has got to be a former drill instructor who is currently probably 3-5 months pregnant. This lady kicked my butt. There was about 10 people in the class. She kept yelling out these encouraging remarks: "this isn't my workout this is yours are you satisfied with it?" And "you can fake out your neighbor but I've been doing this 20 years I can spot someone who's half assing it." I wanted to yell out look lady my goal is just to finish this class not set any records. But nonetheless I kept at it and even gave in and worked even harder during her rants. So well that at one point when I checked my heart rate it was at 190. When the drill Sargent let us off the bikes to do some ab work, I not only couldn't walk to get a mat (a coworker kindly brought me one) I felt the immediate need to throw up. I haven't felt this way since high school swim practice. However, I was bound and determined to not throw up let alone do it in public. You all will be happy to know I successfully completed the remainder of the class and kept all my stomach contents securely stowed in my stomach.
After class I asked Drill Sargent for some pointers and if she knew of any beginner groups. I also told her about my goal of the MS 150, which surprisingly she didn't laugh in my face, or have any awkward facial responses. She told me that she thought it was definitely obtainable I just had to get some "saddle" time and I'd be okay. I had a good window to work at this. I did however have to sit on the floor while talking to her to avoid succumbing to the black spots that were creeping in my vision. We set some goals for class and off I went to hopefully make it to my car without any incident.
I am very excited. I think that it will be a challenge and will be way way harder than I think it will be. I honestly think this might be the craziest hair-brained idea I've had. And like I informed my naysayer father in law tonight, that hey even if I only finish the first day of the race this year before needing a full body cast to get home...that at least it was more than I would have completed sitting on the couch and I'd have a starting place for the following year. So cheers! My butt is already sore but here is to this journey. Lets ride to Austin!!
~Amanda
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