Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

All Caught Up

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On the return leg of a post-work ride, another cyclist rode up beside me at a light. I gave my customary “hey,” thereby acknowledging his existence and fishing for a read on how gun-ho he would be when the light changed to green. Much to my surprise, the response was “Hi Julie.” I immediately recognized his voice to be that of Mark, a dear friend and ex-boss. Mark commutes to work 4 times each week — 30 miles in each direction. As intimidating as that is, I really wanted to get caught up on the goings on in his life.

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When the light shone green, he took off and I, seizing the moment. I kicked it into high gear and peddled madly so as to stay with him. Chatting as we went, we kept the quick pace as light after light signaled us to keep going. The streak of green lights was jaw-dropping long and my legs were starting to feel the confirmatory burn that signals a killer workout. It was awesome.

 

When we were all done catching up on life and business, we snapped the all-important photo, and went our separate ways. Still caught up in the moment, I rode off feeling all-inspired, and purposely passed my turn for a few more miles of steep hills — just because.

Just keep going, going, going…

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It’s great to have company when you’re out on the road for extended periods of time. Today, I was fortunate to have Bill along for the ride.

Happy to be Out of the Saddle after 55 miles

You wouldn’t know it, but Bill is 77 years young. He rides 3-4 times a week with his bike club and my mom. I hope, when I am his age, that I am still going, and going, and going like Bill seems to be.

Bill and I had an awesome 55 mile ride rolling up and down through the hills and past reservoir after reservoir after reservoir.

 

Sunday ride

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When you’re riding with stronger cyclists, you have a tendency to fall behind from time to time. This was the case on this week’s long ride. Peddling as hard and fast as I could, I tapped my body for all it had. When I was in lead, I felt strong, but as soon as the stronger riders moved in front I my self-evaluation and cycling self-esteem dropped severely. “I suck” was the only message to be heard. Nine miles into a 50 mile ride, “I suck” is NOT the message that needs to be playing in one’s head.

I found a way of changed it up by telling myself that I was out for a ride by myself. Soon after, I was feeling okay again. For a while anyway.

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take the long way home

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Things have warmed up considerably in my neck of the woods. Like the sun loving goddess I am, I’m soaking it up with a lot of time outdoors. Oh, I’m also drinking plenty of water.

Yesterday, having ridden my bike to work again, I was “forced” to ride home in 90+ degree weather. Oh yeah, twist my arm. Not only did I take the long way home but I took on a few extra miles and hills just for fun. I had to; they’ve been taunting me for days. “Come on, Julie. Make the long way home just a bit longer. Come on.”

So I go for it. I turn right right, stop at the side of the road to text my altered route to a friend, and go for it. In no time, my heart is pumping faster than ever, my legs are screaming, I’m huffing and puffing and feeling worse for the wear. And the sun blazes down on me. It’s awesome!

By the time I roll into the driveway, I’ve logged 31 miles for the day (20 of it coming home). I’m completely spent but mildly invigorated. I plop myself down in a chair our front and enjoy the moment.

 

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