It's all over now

Sunday, July 26, 2009

I am done and can not do anymore. I was out for about 2 1/2 hours and rode for just over 3 hours to go 26 miles. My knees couldn't do anymore. I did not meet my personal goal of 150 miles for the weekend. I did manage to do 140 miles. I am still VERY proud of myself.

Today was tough on me. We did have some hills (not as bad as the ones on Friday). I got caught in the rain for awhile. The wind was blowing and I was getting cold. My knees just could not handle another 10 miles. I am surprised that my butt and legs don't feel too bad. That training must have helped.

It may sound crazy but I did have fun this weekend. I pushed myself to continue in difficult weather, up hills and through the miles. I have enjoyed this experience, but I do not see myself doing multiple day events in the future. This weekend has taken a lot out of me. It is not just the riding, but getting up at 4 in the morning everyday. I would not mind doing some single day events. I will enjoy getting back to just biking for fun and not training.

The Hero's Hurray at the end of the weekend was nice. We got to meet the kid we were riding for. He gave us all a metal and we got to take our picture with him. Many people saw me wearing my WAM bicycle jersey and thanked me for riding. No one cared that I did not ride the whole thing. No one even asked that.

This has been a wonderful experience and I will remember it always.

Day 2 is in the bag

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Well, I survived Day 2. Thunderstorms were going on at about 4:00 this morning. Luckily they stopped by 5am. The weather was iffy most of the morning. I got into the last stop before lunch and apparently I kept ahead of the next storm. I also was keeping pretty close to some of my team. They were usually getting ready to leave a break stop when I came in. During the next 10.5 miles to lunch I road in a steady rain for about 4 miles.

I also was talking to a guy named Al that has been participating in WAM for 22 years. Talking to him helped me forget about riding in the rain. I believe my angel sent him to help get me through those last 6 miles to lunch. I couldn't ride anymore. I at lunch and Eric brought me in. It wasn't a bad day overall. I was out for about 5 hours and I was on the bike for just under 4 hours to complete 54 miles. I'm feeling it in my legs tonight. I'll just have to see how tomorrow goes.

60 MILES

Friday, July 24, 2009

I made it through my first day of riding. I went 60 miles (which is 20 miles more than I have every gone before). I was gone for about 5 1/2 hours and I was actually riding for 4 hours 40 minutes. I am really proud of myself. I would have liked to go farther, but my knees just could not take the hills (or should I say mountains) anymore.

When everyone told me that today was full of hills, they were NOT exaggerating. The entire 100 mile route was full of hills. I did walk my bike up part of 3 hills. It was good to see that I wasn't the only one walking up some of those hills.

I also had a flat tire just before one of the break stops. I was at that stop for about 15 minutes to get it fixed.

Here and excited

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Well, I am all registered and ready to go. I have got everything set out for the morning and I have to wake up at 4:15am. It is after 9 pm right now and I know I should get to bed before too long. I hope that I can calm down enough to get to sleep.

I leave tomorrow

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Well I am all packed and ready to leave for Traverse City in the morning. I am getting a little nervous again but I am excited. I just pray that the weather decides to cooperate and not rain during the rides.

A different kind of exercise

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Well, I didn't do yoga, kickboxing, or go biking. Tonight I tried a new form of exercise. It is called 'Help Kim move stuff out of her old basement' :-) We spent a couple of hours moving stuff. It was a decent workout.

Tender legs

Sunday, July 19, 2009

I took today off from exercising. The only thing I did was walk around the Lennon car show a little. I sat in the shade visiting most of the day. It was very enjoyable. It is interesting that my legs feel so tender since I really did not do anything today. I am going to try to make it to yoga class tomorrow. I might bike 5 miles or so this week. I am looking forward to heading to Traverse City on Thursday. I just have to get packed now.

Keeping the legs stretched

Saturday, July 18, 2009

I went out and biked 6 miles to stretch my legs. I am getting excited for next weekend. I just hope the weather is good to us. I also went for about a 6 1/2 mile walk. The walk felt good, but it really made my legs a little tender.

Nice day!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

It was such a nice day for a ride. I really would have liked to take a nap outside in the hammock, but I needed to bike. (I also don't own a hammock). After about 45 minutes I made it home and had biked 10.2 miles. I felt really good. The yoga class I took last night helped me stretch my leg muscles and they really needed it.

What a nice ride.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

I had a really nice ride tonight. It was just a short ride around the neighborhood. I was gone for about 20 miles (5.4 miles). It was wonderful not to worry about going a long way. My legs weren't tight at all. Usually my legs are tight for the first 4-5 miles. My yoga class last night must have helped.

Maybe I will do ok in the WAM after all.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

I went out for my last long ride before WAM. I was headed straight into the wind. I had a hard time maintaining any kind of speed. I was struggling to go 12 mph. I took Juddville Road until it stopped at M-52 (18.7 miles from home). I only averaged 11.9 mph to that point.

On the way home I really gave it my all. I had the wind at my back and did not take it easy. I even got up to 20 mph on the flats at one point. I was gone a little over 3 hours, including my 3 rest stops. I managed to get my average speed up to 13.6 mph by the end of the trip. I rode 2 hours 55 minutes and did 40 miles! That's the furthest I have gone yet.

I felt pretty good when I was done. I think with the stops along the way to get energy bars, water and pee I will do ok in WAM. I am still a little nervous about the hills. I am not great on those and they take a lot out of me, but if I have to walk up some of the hills I will.

I do not need to worry about any more long days until WAM. I plan on doing half hour to an hour rides from now until WAM. I also want to get some yoga classes in. I need the stretching.

I just may survive WAM after all :-)

Since starting this blog November 21, 2008 I have ridden 1020 miles. I am very proud of myself.

Struggled but I did it.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I really did not feel motivated to bike today, but I made myself go out. I struggled with one thing or another almost the entire trip. My legs were tight the first 5 miles or so, then I could not get my hands in a comfortable position. I hit some wind on the way out and had the wind in my face or pushing on the side ALL the way home.

I almost walked my bike up the last big hill heading home, but I managed to get up it. When all was said and done, I bike for 2 hours 23 minutes (31.3 miles).

I am having a problem getting motivated to ride this week. It sounds like fun early in the day, but when I get home from work, I just want to eat dinner and go to sleep. Maybe I am just burned out on training. I just have to keep it together for two more weeks. Once I am at the event the scenery change and the energy of the people should snap me out of it. There won't be any worrying about training. I will just do what I can do each day.

PITIFUL

Monday, July 6, 2009

I really did not want to go riding at all today. I managed to get out on the bike and forced myself to do 5 miles. What a pitiful rider I was today :-(

Riding with someone

Sunday, July 5, 2009

A friend of mine came over to ride with me. I have never rode with anyone before and it was an experience. Since it was my route, I led the way. I was afraid that I would have a hard time getting up the first Pierson Road hill. I didn't want my friend to end up right behind me, so I put everything I had into it. I did really well and rode about 2 hours 15 minutes (30.3 miles). riding with someone really seemed to push me. I enjoyed it.

Happy 4th!!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

I went out to practice some climbing today. I was out for a little over an hour and biked 15.9 miles. I hit a few hills and did a new route. I went up one big hill and ended up finding a couple others I didn't know were there. I felt pretty good when I was done and my knee didn't hurt :-) I have less than 3 weeks before WAM and I'm getting a little nervous. I have taken on a great challenge for my first bike event.

Indoor training

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

It was about 8pm when I finally got a chance to go riding. It was cold and rainy and I wouldn't have enough time to ride before dark. I put the trainer tire on and rode indoors. It doesn't give me as much resistance as riding outdoors and of course there are no hills, but I can't coast indoors so I have to keep pedaling. I rode for an hour (15.5 miles).

W-I-N-D-Y

Monday, June 29, 2009

Went out for a ride after work and it was WINDY! I practiced come climbing on a few small hills and a few small speed drills. I was out for an hour and biked 13 miles. It wasn't my best time, but considering the wind and hills it wasn't too bad.

Just a stretch

Friday, June 26, 2009

I had to leave for up north today, so I didn't have time for a good ride but I wanted to do something. I went out for about a half hour and rode 7 1/2 miles. That gave me a nice stretch. It felt good once I got going, but I did have to deal with the devil on my shoulder trying to tell me to just skip the ride and watch TV.

Bike maintenance

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I took the night off and went to Assenmachers for a bicycle mantainence class. We learned how to remove the wheels and tires, how to clean and lube the chain and a bunch of other stuff. It was fun, but I could not get the tire back on the rim. At least the bike guy had a hard time with it too. I'll just have to practice.

Try out the knee

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

I cut out of work early so I could get on the bike. I went for almost 2 1/2 hours (31.7 miles). I was doing pretty good until the last half hour. My knee started to hurt. I washed my knee brace yesterday and it wasn't dry so I didn't wear it. I know that wasn't very smart. I'll have to pick up another brace.

Back on the road

Monday, June 22, 2009

Well, I was going to ride yesterday but I had a flat tire & no tube. I got it fixed after work today. I did learn one thing, I was not inflating my tire enough. It is amazing how much better the bike rides with the proper amount of air in the tires.

I rode for about an hour and did 13.9 miles. My knee (with the brace on) survive. After I came home I took the dogs for 1 1/2 mile walk.

'Oops'

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Well, I did an 'Oops' yesterday. I was at Cardio Kickboxing class last night and I went to do a jump front round kick. I must have over extended my left leg. I felt a 'pop' in my knee. It does not appear as though I torn anything. The doctor said to ice for a day or two and take it easy. I got a knee brace and just need to see how my knee feels in a couple of days. I'll see how I feel Sunday or Monday and go out on the bike.

Tough ride

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

It took everything I had to stay on the bike for an hour. I went 12.1 miles. I was tired, but I know it will all be worth it.

Still not sure what I was thinking

Monday, June, 15, 2009

I only had about 2 hours to bike today. I ended up biking for 1 hour 45 minutes (20 miles). My butt and legs wanted to know what the hell I was doing. After about 2 miles they were ok.

I wish I had been able to go farther. I was glad to finally get home though. I was riding into the wind all the way home. I'm still not sure what I was thinking in doing this 3 day event. I just need to remind myself to enjoy the experience.

Beautiful Day

After being sick for a week, then busy and bad weather, I finally got to go biking today. I was gone for about 3 hours (2 hours 40 minutes of which were on the bike) and rode 32 miles. The first 10 miles were a little hard, but I was surprised at how well I felt when I was done. My legs were not hurting, although they did feel a little weak for a few minutes after I got home.

Where is the Summer weather?

Another busy week. I did go to kickboxing on Wednesday and Vinyasa on Thursday. Today I wondered where the summer weather was. I got up at 7am to go biking. I had to put on pants and my cuddledud shirt. I did manage to bike 30 miles despite the cool wind in my face.

I took the dogs for a 1 1/2 mile walk. I am ready for a nap. I have a yoga thing tonight I still have to go to.

Easy going day

I went for a short bike ride this morning, 30 minutes (6.4 miles). I also went for a 6 mile walk with Kim this afternoon. I enjoyed taking today kind of easy.

YEAH!!!

30.1 miles in 2 hours 24 minutes! That's the furthest I have gone on the road at one time. I rode for an hour without stopping. I stopped for about 3-4 minutes. I rode another hour and stopped for about 15 minutes then finished the ride off.

Eric and I took the dogs for a 1-1/2 miles walk after dinner tonight.

Hills ok - Wind sucks

I went up Juddville Road again, but I went a bit further. It really didn't seem as bad as the first time. The hills were a bit easier this time. However, when I turned around to come home the wind was in my face. ALL THE WAY HOME!

It took me 45 minutes to go out 10 miles and 1 hour to come 10 miles back home. Wind sucks and makes it much harder to keep up speed.

I also did kickboxing Wednesday and Vinyasa Thursday.

I'm tired

Monday, May 18, 2009

I wish the weather would stop going from warm to cold to wet. I was sick again last week. It was a struggle to bike today after being off exercise for a week. I went through town and up Pierson Road toward (not all the way to) M-13 and then home. I was out for 54 minutes (11.4 miles). Traffic seem extra heavy today and I was getting tired.

:-)

Monday, May 11, 2009

I rode the bike for 1 hour 35 minutes (20.1 miles). That's the farthest I've road outside this year so far. I went on the other side of M-13 and took Juddville Road to Durand Road. It was a nice ride, but I have to admit I was getting a little bored. Some music would be nice.

Hills SUCK!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

I rode the bike through town and up to M-13 then headed toward the coffee shop. There are quite a few hills on that trip. I know it is necessary to practice on hills, but they still SUCK!

My total trip was 1 hour 10 minutes (13.4 miles). Then Eric and I took the dogs for our 1 1/2 mile walk. On a good note, my legs and butt did not hurt when I got off the bike.

How to fit in everything

Thursday, May 7, 2009

I am still trying to figure out how to fit everything I want to do in a 7 day week. Today I only had time to bike for a little bit. I rode for 25 minutes (5.1 miles), then I took the dogs for a 1 1/2 mile walk. I came home with just enough time to get my stuff and head out to Vinyasa class.

Great night of working out, but I need to figure out a schedule so I can get more bike time in.

Butt-Bike time

Thursday, April 30, 2009

I got on the bike when I got home tonight. It did not matter that it was raining. I needed to have some Butt-Bike time. I rode for an hour (11.4 miles) in the rain. Although my butt was a little tender by the time I got home, it felt fine within 5 minutes. I must be getting use to it.

I did go to yoga Tuesday night and kickboxing Wednesday. I leave for Virginia tomorrow until Tuesday. Hopefully I will at least get some walking in.

Wind & rain

Monday, April 27, 2009

I stuck to the neighborhood on the bike today. I knew it was going to rain but I did not know if we were going to have lightning. I did not want to be too far from the house. I rode for 1/2 hour (6 miles) and was heading into the wind for about half of it. It started to rain the last 10 minutes or so. riding in the wind was a challenge. I could not keep my speed up and my legs had a nice workout.

I also went to kickboxing class and I'm ready to go to bed.

Need a new route

Sunday, April 26, 2009

I went the downtown route on the bike again. It was a little easier. I need to find a different route though. It took me 1/2 hour to do the 6.5 miles. I could have gone faster this time except I had to keep slowing down to pass people walking.

Eric and I took the dogs for a 1 1/2 mile walk when I got home from the biking.

Better bike ride

I got up this morning and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't storming. I got on the bike and rode downtown and through the park. It took about 1/2 hour (6.5 miles). My speed isn't where I would like it to be, but I'll get there. I didn't do too bad on the small hills. I'll just keep pushing myself.

This Week

Friday, April 24, 2009

I have been getting back into the exercise groove this week.

Monday - kickboxing
Tuesday - yoga
Wednesday - kickboxing
Thursday - vinyasa

Today(Friday) - I went out on the bike for 1/2 hour (6.7 miles). I wasn't going for speed or distance. I wanted to ride 1/2 hour just to get my body (& butt) use to being on the bike for more than 10-15 minutes. It was hard for the first 10 minutes, but then my legs got use to it. My butt on the other hand is tender. Now I have to take the dogs for a 1 1/2 mile walk.

Getting back into it

Saturday, April 18, 2009

I only did 3 miles on the bike today. It's hard to get started again. I'm still recovering from tax season. I slept this afternoon for 2 1/2 hours but I must have needed it.

I did go to a 2 hour Yin Yoga class tonight. Poses are held for 3-10 minutes. It is to get into the connective tissue. It really is a challenge to hold a pose for that long of time. I'll keep trying to get back into my biking.

Starting over again?

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Over the past month and a half I have been up and down hills and around many turns. Now I want to do them on my bicycle. After not biking since March 5th I feel like I'm starting all over. I really haven't done much exercising since March 5th either.

I took the bike on the road today (3 miles). It was fun but hard. I then took the dogs for a 1 1/2 mile walk and went to Vinyasa class. I'm exhausted.

Kicking my own butt

Well I went to kickboxing Wednesday and had a great workout. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, so I went for a 1 1/2 mile walk with my husband and our two dogs.

Since yesterday was Thursday, I went to my Vinyasa class and loved it. It was hard but I felt great. I came home and biked for a half hour (11 miles). I really kicked my own butt. I felt GREAT!

Easy ride

Last night my hour on the bike (22 miles) seemed to go easy. The first half hour just flew by and the second half seemed almost as easy. I must be getting better at this.

I also walked (and jogged a little) on the treadmill for 30 minutes (2 miles). My right knee is still bothering me a little but I'll keep an eye on it.

TWO HOURS!

Well, I finally did it. I biked for two hours (43.6 miles). I biked for 1 hour 20 minutes straight, then I got off for a few minutes and stretched. I jumped right back on for another 40 minutes. It wasn't easy.

The first 1/2 hour was pretty normal and I didn't fidget too much. The second 1/2 hour I struggled quite a bit, but to my surprise the next 20 minutes were not too bad. After my little break the next 20 minutes or so I struggled a lot, but the last stretched went surprisingly smooth. I have a feeling that my rides will continue to have its ups and downs.

Pain is good

On Tuesday I went to bed early and didn't workout at all. Wednesday I went to kickboxing class. Yesterday, I biked for a 1/2 hour (11.1 miles) and then went to Vinyasa class. I had a kick butt upper body workout at class last night. My arms and shoulders are feeling it today. Pain is good when it's a good pain.

My butt hurts!

I went to yoga yesterday. It was difficult for me to concentrate, but I got through it. I biked for 1 1/2 hours tonight (31.7 miles). I'm glad that I broke pass the one hour mark. It was difficult and my butt hurts!

Still going....

I decided to take Wednesday off and get some sleep. I really needed it. I went to Vinyasa class Thursday night. I did better than I expected. My shoulder hurt a little when we started, but that quickly went away.

I did not make time last night to workout, but I should have. I did, however, force myself home and on the bike at 8:30 tonight. I biked for an hour (21.4 miles) and now I'm going to bed.

Endurance will come

I biked for a hour tonight (18.5 miles). I seem to be hitting a mental wall at the one hour mark. I keep reminding myself that it is more important that I just keep getting on the bike, the endurance will come. I also have to take into consideration that I am working out at night after being at the office for 9 plus hours. I'm just proud of myself every time I exercise.

Trainer Tire

I put my trainer tire & wheel on my bike tonight. I adjusted the cyclometer for the tire size. I think I did everything right. I bike for an hour (17 miles). I have a different tire, wheel,, and cassette. I am assuming that is what has affected my distance.

Naps are good

I went to yoga yesterday and had a nice workout. I really pushed myself to the limit. I came home and took a little nap after dinner (45 minutes). Then it was on the bike for an hour (15 miles). I don't know if I would have been able to bike an hour if I had not taken that nap.

Pretty good week

I rode the bike Friday night for a half hour (7.6 miles). I woke up Saturday and rode again before getting ready for work. Half hour (7.4 miles). It has been a pretty good week. I biked a total of 56.6 miles this week. I really feel like I'm getting back in the exercise groove. I had to force myself earlier this week to exercise. Now I'm craving it again.

I kicked butt tonight

I went to kickboxing last night and had a great workout. I went to Vinyasa (yoga) class tonight and then came home and rode the bike for 30 minutes (8.5 miles). What a great workout for me, but I'm sure going to feel it tomorrow.

A little off..

I had all intentions of doing 1 - 1 1/2 hours on the bike last night. After about 30 minutes I felt like my blood sugar went wacky. I felt light headed and weak. I did a total of 35 minutes (9 miles) and called it a night. I fell asleep about a 1/2 hour later.

I don't know what was wrong but I feel better today. Guess I was just a little off. Nothing new to those who know me :-)

---------------------------------------------

I had a nice ride tonight. I would have loved to ride outside. It was a beautiful day, but I didn't get home until dark. The bike isn't ready to go back outside yet anyway.

I rode for 1 hour (14.6 miles) tonight. It was much better than last night. I didn't feel light headed or weak.

Busy day = short workout

Well it was a very busy Sunday for me. I was only able to get on the bike for 35 minutes (9.5 miles). I hope to get at least an hour in tomorrow.

Feeling good, but sleepy

I felt pretty good riding tonight. I always have trouble with the first 15 minutes. My mind wanders on all the other things I could be doing (like sleeping). After awhile I get into it. I biked for an hour tonight (16 miles). I'm sleepy and I have to work tomorrow. Good Night.

The 'B' is back!

Biker that is....What were you thinking??? I'm finally done with my class and I'm ready to get back on track. I did go to kickboxing last Wednesday, but that was it for exercise.

Tonight I biked for 1 1/2 hours (23.2 miles). I'm ready to get my training going. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Still hanging in there with me?

Well I haven't done any exercise since last Tuesday. It has been killing me. I've been so busy. My class will be over in a week and I look forward to getting back to my exercise regimen.

I rode the bike tonight for 1 hour (15.3miles). I feel GREAT! I got to try out my new jersey shirt. It was very comfortable and seemed to keep the sweat off my skin. Just hang on for a little longer and I should be back on track.

Hang in there with me......

Tax season started last week and so did my 3 week college course. I'm doing what I can to get exercise in. The class requires a lot of my attention right now. I'm also working 50+ hours per week.

I went to yoga last Sunday and I biked tonight for an hour (15.5 miles). Just hang in there with me. My class will be done in two weeks then I'll be able to get back on my workout schedule.

Short workouts count

I managed to get up at 4:45am. I biked for a half hour (7.2 miles). I felt pretty good afterwards, but I wanted a nap about 10:30 this morning.

I didn't get home from work until after 6:00 (tax season is here). I ate some dinner and got back on that bike for another half hour (7.3 miles). I'm really tired now and I plan on going to sleep soon.

I also signed up to do Tour de Cure for diabetes in Brighton, MI on June 14th (62 miles long). What have I gotten myself into?

Easy day

Got up this morning and was still a little sore from Thursday. I decided to a take it a little easy today. I bike 20 minutes this morning 4.6 miles. I wanted to bike in the afternoon but I didn't get a chance. I still feel very good about the way the new year is starting.

Great start to the new year!

Happy New Year to all! I had a great day! I ordered my bike trainer tire & a few other things. I rode 1 hour 45 minutes (35.3 miles). It felt good. I really got a nice rhythm going. I wish I had the time and energy to do that every afternoon.

I also went to Vinyasa class (cardio yoga) tonight. It's a 75 minute class and it really gave me a nice workout and stretched my legs out. What a great start to the new year.