First Big Ride

I hopped on my bike this morning and set out on my first biking adventure, a ride to my sister's house and back. She lives about 10 miles away in a different city. A nice distance, fairly flat ride with a few rolling hills along the river. I was pretty sure I could ride the 10 miles because I do spin 1-2 times a week. Then I figured I would evaluate how I felt and either ride home or at worse have someone take me home.

Rich and I got in an argument this morning, to be honest we've been fighting a lot lately. I'm not going to go into our personal business here but I will say, I left the house very angry. I straped on my helmet, grabbed a bottle of water and left. I forgot my sunglasses at home, not a smart thing to do when your planning on riding any sort of distance.

It's a beautiful day, perfect for a bike ride. Sunny and warm, but not too warm and a little breezy. To get to my sister's I had to ride a long highway 108 for about 4 miles. While most of the route is flat, the distance along the highway has some rolling hills as it's next to the river. There is very little shoulder on the road and at one point no shoulder on the way to my sisters. A little intimidating for my first time out. I made it to my sister's house in a little more than 45 minutes. She and the kids were outside and seemed very surprised that I made the ride. Relaxed a little, got a drink of water (I lost my water bottle on the dangerous part of the highway and didn't think it was worth getting in the road to retrieve it) and ate a protein bar. Then I rode back home. I had enough energy that I knew I could easily make the ride back, I was tired but not as bad as I thought I would be.

The route was nice. It made me appreciate the beauty of where I live and to be honest, I've never thought this area was that beautiful before. But today it was gorgeous. I wish I had a camera to take pictures. On the ride I seen several cyclists, mostly going the opposite direction. But on the way back two were going the same direction as me and even talked to me a bit and gave me pointers. So cool. He said I got a really good deal on my bike and that my gear seemed perfect for my skill level. That was reassuring. Things that I can improve upon is my riding technique, looking out a greater distance as I ride (will get better in time I'm sure and with glasses) , I'd like a new seat or some sort of padding (my bum hurts), biking clothes including shoes (in time) and a water bottle that fits better. Today I just lost a bottled water, I don't have an actual water bottle for my bike, but I'd like to get one.

I asked the other cyclist about my helmet, I just bought one off the shelf from Target. I don't know if there really is a difference between that and one at a bike store, or if there were features I should have looked for. He said, not to worry about it so much as long as if was comfortable and had good air flow, which it does. Specialty helmets come lighter but he said that isn't always a good thing for a new-bie who might fall down a lot. Good to know!

Anyways, I'm back home feeling very accomplished and I can't wait for my next big ride :)

Trying something new...

I've had a major sweet tooth. I rarely cheat on my diet - I'm consistent every day. Once in a while, I will reward myself with a skinny cow ice cream but that is a true treat. I've been getting headaches lately and feeling sluggish, which is one reason why I think I might not be consuming enough calories. So, yesterday I decided to have a sweet snack. I ended up having 2 skinny cow ice creams, swiss chocolate cake rolls (3). Today I had a nutter butter bar and a nutrilite energy bar. I'm sure I still did well with my calories but I do feel a little guilty. I shouldn't but I do. For some reason, my hamstrings are super sore today. Not really sure what I did to get them sore - but man I did not feel like working out tonight and really had to force myself to go. Funny thing is I lift heavy weights all week and rarely get sore... weekends I relax. Yesterday I pulled weeds for about an hour (it's the only semi-strenuous thing I can recall doing) and my hamstrings hurt like no one's business!


I had a good workout, cardio kickboxing tonight plus weights with Rich. Chaz one of the trainers taught me a new exercise (new to me anyway). I was waiting on a machine and 3 or so guys were hoarding it. Chaz was walking around bored and we got to talking. He showed me something I could do instead. I laid my shoulders on to a exercise ball with my knees bent out and feet at a 90 degree angle - keeping my core tight and flat as possible. While holding dumbells (20lbs each arm) I moved my arms in and out (like a butterfly) with my elbows bent at a 90 degree angle. It was a challenge! I did 3 sets, I not only worked my chest/pecs but my core and increased my balance! It's nice to get tips every once in a while. Here is something I found online to help out with a visual.

Normally, I shy away from the dumbell exercises but I'm getting more comfortable with my body, with the gym and it's not so bad to try something new. Chaz was even surprised by how strong I am and complimented me. Progress comes in so many forms! Felt good :)

Tip

I was checking out bodybuidling.com and came across this goal planning page . I thought it gave a lot of good information and tips to reach YOUR goals. Check it out.