{race report} Playtri Festival Sprint Triathlon

{race report} Playtri Festival Sprint Triathlon

6.04.2013

I can't believe this race marked my 5th triathlon in exactly one year. My how far I've come...

C and I planned on doing this race for awhile but we signed up super last minute. I did this same race one year ago and it was my first ever triathlon. I loved being able to do the same race again and really see how far I've come.

I hadn't really trained for this race at all. May was insane for us and I just didn't feel motivated. In fact, before this race, I hadn't ridden my bike in 1 month, since the last race we did at the beginning of May. But I figured I'd be able to get through it just fine.

And what would a race be without a little drama...somehow the alarm wasn't set Saturday night. That means when we finally woke up at 7:00am, transition had already been closed for 15 minutes. In a state of panic, we shoved waffles in our mouths and decided to head out to the race and beg the officials to let us in.

Well, it worked. After a quick reprimanding, we were allowed into transition to rack our bikes and get set up. Nothing like a hectic morning to get your heart rate going before a race.

Our waves didn't go off until after 8:00am so in the end we had time to get ourselves together. However, those waffles did not have enough time to digest, which proved to be a bit of an issue for both of us.

This race, miraculously, was wetsuit legal. I know, insane that the water temp was below 78 degrees in Dallas, in June. I love my wetsuit because it makes me feel fast and I'm super buoyant in it.

When it was time for my wave, I felt really good jumping in the water. I was able to keep my heart rate down before the start which was a huge change from last year. The horn went off and I started swimming with ease. Before I knew it, I was climbing the stairs out of the water. Supa fast.

I breezed through transition and was off on my bike. I figured since I hadn't been on my bike in a month that I would be struggling. I pushed myself to take advantage of every downhill and tried to tackle the hills as best I could. I was shocked to see that I averaged 16 mph which is over a full mph faster than all my previous races. Improvement!!

Heading out on the run, my legs were definitely feeling a little weird. After about a half a mile, I felt much better and started to get into a groove. About half of the run was shaded which was really nice. I also dumped a few cups of water on myself. I held a good pace but was a little disappointed to see the the run course measured short. Oh well.

Overall, it was a great race. I beat my previous year's time by over 10 minutes and the bike part was 3 miles longer than last year, that's a major improvement! It's also good to know that I don't lose that much fitness in 1 month :)

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{race report} TexasMan Sprint Triathlon

{race report} TexasMan Sprint Triathlon

5.24.2013

It absolutely makes sense to sign up to do a race the morning before you leave on a transcontinental flight to London. Naturally. 

But honestly, it wasn't that crazy. Our flight to London wasn't until 6:45pm and all we had to do was sit on a plane. So it made complete sense. 

Overall, this was a really fun race. The water was a little chilly and the bike course was a little windy, but hey, we can't all be perfect. This race also has a bit of a funny ending...for me. 

We hit some serious traffic on the way out to the race which made for an anxious morning. Luckily, we weren't the only ones so they held transition open a while longer to accommodate all the latecomers. After frantically setting up my transition area and making the necessary bathroom stop, it was time to head down to the beach. C did the Olympic distance and started over a full hour before I went off. 

SWIM

This swim was an easy 500 meters. The trickiest part was the chill of the water which easily takes your breath away when you dive in. This race was also a beach start, my first. I loved the beach start aspect because I hate having to jump in the water and expend all that energy treading water. Even though I wore a wetsuit, I still struggled to quickly acclimate to the chilly temps. But in the end, I think the cold water made me swim faster because I had a good swim time (for me) of 13:09. 

wetsuits, y'all. so sexy.

T1

It was quite a long jog up the beach and through the parking lot to my bike rack. My feet were numb which made running across the very rocky pavement, a little less painful. Cold fingers and toes doesn't make for an easy transition though. I definitely took a little too much time getting myself situated. Oh well. 

BIKE

I got new shoes and pedals literally a day before this race so I was a little nervous about jumping on my bike. But once I was on, I felt good. It was slightly chilly as I headed out onto the course but I knew I'd warm up quickly. The course was an out and back along the shoulder of a road that had a lot of chip seal on it. That was sort of frustrating because there wasn't a lot of room to pass or maneuver in the shoulder. We also had SERIOUS headwinds on the way out which made every hill feel like a mountain. I think I averaged 10 mph on the way out. Sad. But as soon as I turned around, I felt like I was flying. All that wind was finally behind me and helped push me along for the 8 miles back to transition. I was hoping that would really help me average a faster pace but alas, it didn't. I ended up completing the 16 miles in about an hour. 

T2

My toes were a bit numb which always makes putting on your sneakers a little tricky. But once I got my laces tied, I was off. 

RUN

My toes tingled for about half of the run. Sort of annoying because it was slightly painful but I just tried to focus on my breathing. I felt really good on the run and was holding a 9:30/min mile pace which felt easy (go me!). Then all of a sudden, I saw the finish line and was impressed with how awesome I was feeling. I sprinted to the finish and couldn't wait to tell C how hard I'd pushed myself. My run splits were going to be so good....

....but here comes the funny part. As I rounded the corner to the finish, I noticed that my watch said I had another half mile to run. So when I crossed the finish line, I told C that the run course must have been really short. HA! Wishful thinking. I somehow managed to miss a turn during the run and totally cut it short. Ugh. Idiot. But at that point, there was nothing to be done. Technically, I ran a 30 min or so 5K, but my official time shows me running a 26min 5K. The day I actually run 8:30/min miles will be a miracle. 

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back on track.

back on track.

10.18.2012

Now that triathlon season is over for me, it’s time to focus on training for theDallas Half Marathon (Dec 9th)! This will be my first half marathon (of many, hopefully!) and I’m really pumped.

There was a time when I couldn’t run a 5K. There was a time when just running the whole thing seemed impossible. Like during these two 5Ks…





But miraculously, I’ve come to really look forward to running…

After a long weekend in Austin, I was ready to get back on track. My body was ACHING to run on Monday. I headed out to the trail after work for a quick 30 minute training pace run. It. felt. amazing. Honestly, it was probably the best run of my life. I can’t really explain it. I just felt the need to run. I set my watch and took off, the next time I looked at my watch, I was 10 minutes from being done! That has NEVER happened to me before. I’m one of those people who checks her watch every 30 second to check my pace and heart rate. But this time, I just zoned out and ran. I may have experienced my first runner’s high!

Tuesday’s workout was an easy swim. Even though I’m training for a half marathon, my coach is incorporating lots of cross training into my schedule to avoid injury and have “active recovery”.

The strange thing is, I used to dread when my schedule said “RUN”. Now, it’s what I love the most. My body craves a good run. However, I do appreciate the fact that my schedule is always varied and that I can mix up the weeks with swimming and biking. I’m prone to shin splints and very tight calves so it’s nice to be able to rest my legs but still get a cardio workout.

Wednesday was weights. At 6am. Ouch. It was hard. I wouldn’t consider myself to be very strong and my muscles were shaking within the first 15 minutes. Today (Thursday), my whole body is aching (even my head). Muscles I didn’t even know I had are screaming at me. Sitting down is a workout and forget the stairs in my parking garage. I’m taking the elevator.

But the pain feels good. I know I’m working hard. My body is rebelling but it will get stronger. I can’t wait to do weights again and see an improvement in my strength.

But for now, I’m popping Aleve like candy and plan on becoming best friends with the foam roller tonight. Cheers to achy muscles!

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let's make this personal.

let's make this personal.

10.11.2012

Today, I’m swallowing my pride.

Have you noticed I don’t post times with my race recaps? I never talk about how fast I ran during training runs. I don’t talk about swim splits or average mph on the bike. Me and the clock, we don’t get along.

I should probably back up here and say that I’ve only done a handful of races. I’m in no position to complain about my results. I just started this whole endurance training thing. But I’m competitive. I train and train and train and train and then I race. For me, I need the end goal of racing. I love the thrill of knowing I’ve worked so hard to be there. I like waking up early for a run or ride with the purpose of getting faster for my race.

I expect to see results. Fast. Like yesterday. If I could run 10/min miles on Saturday then I should be able to run 9/min miles by next Monday right?

No, wrong. I know that’s wrong. But every time I look at results from a race, I compare. I stare, dwell, fume, plot over those results. I look at the other people in my age group and wonder if I’d just tried harder, swam more, sucked it up a little more, could I have beat them? Things get personal. I become spiteful.



Me and last place are really bonding these days. We’re getting to know each other really well.

For awhile, this was discouraging. I know, it should be fuel the for fire. But it wasn’t. I just made excuses. I told myself I’d never be “fast”. I should have probably stuck with golf. Who was I kidding? Endurance sports obviously weren’t my thing.

But when someone finds out I raced a triathlon, do you know what they say? “Holy crap that’s amazing! I could never do that! Wow! That’s so impressive! You’re so awesome!”

They don’t ask how fast I went. They don’t care what place I came in. They are nothing but kind and supportive.

I’m my own worst enemy. I’m competitive. I want results. I don’t want to be in a relationship with last place anymore. So, we’re breaking up. It’s going to be a bad one. It’s going to hurt a lot, this break-up. There will be tears and sweat and possibly blood. But I’m over it. We’re done.

So, here’s to second to last place. I’m coming for ya.

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{race report} US Open Sprint Triathlon

{race report} US Open Sprint Triathlon

10.09.2012

Let’s just set the scene here for a second. Overcast skies. 48 degrees. Slightly windy. 2000 racers. Hilliest transitions. Even hillier bike/run course. Did I mention it was 48 degrees?

Ok so picture that scene. Got it? I’ll get started now.

C and I arrived at the race around 6:15am. It was pitch black and freezing cold. C was wearing about 4 layers. Cold. C (aka my pit crew) checked my bike and put air in my ties. I gathered all my things and headed to transition.

I basically had to undress to get body marked since I was wearing about 3 layers. After that, I climbed a never ending hill to my transition area. It was a three tiered parking lot and you better bet I was on the highest, most furthest away tier.

After getting all my gear laid out, I helped sweet Becca (we were 1083 and 1084!!!) get her things together. Then we gathered up our wet suits, goggles caps and BodyGlide and headed into the hotel to defrost.

While inside with my team (taking pictures and joking about how crazy we were for racing in this weather), I managed to work myself into a mini panic attack that might have involved a tear or two. I honestly don’t know what happened. I managed to psych myself out to the point where I thought I might actually throw up. It was bad. C has no idea what to do with me when I’m like that. It wasn’t pretty.

Once I managed to calm down, get my wet suit on and get a hug from C, things started looking up. I almost forgot that it was 48 degrees outside.

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so about that race in nine days.

so about that race in nine days.

9.27.2012

My race is next Sunday. That’s 9 days away. Why do these things always sneak up on me? It’s like I train, and train, and train and then BAM! out of now where, it’s race day.



Let’s not pretend like I’m some triathlon expert here, this is only my third race…and it’s just a sprint triathlon. But after two very different races, I think I’ve learned some pretty great things about preparing for race day.

> Start hydrating. Obviously you can’t hydrate your body in one day so I’ve found, that for me at least, I need to start thinking about how much water I’m drinking at least a week in advance. Especially when it’s hot hot hot.

> Figure out what I’m going to wear. I’ve still yet to find the perfect racing outfit but I’ll live. It’s not like I’m doing an Ironman or anything. For this race, I’m planning on wearing my Lululemon Velo Vixen Short in Black which I’ve already tested out in the water. I’ll probably wear my Blue Seventy tri tank as well.

> Decide if I’ll wear my hair in a ponytail or french braid. Ok, this is obviously ridiculous but I can’t STAND having my hair bothering me in a race. There’s no time to be fixing/worrying about your hair! And mine at that weird length where it’s just short enough to be a pain. So yea. Part of my routine is figuring out what the heck to do with my hair.

> Focus my training. This isn’t really something I think much about - I try to just follow whatever schedule my coach gives me. The best part of having a coach is not having to think!

> Mentally psych myself up. I’m still a newbie in the triathlon world so I still get nervous about “surviving” the race. I’m always slightly scared I’ll drown, pass out, crash, hyperventilate…you know, the really common stuff. Let’s all be realistic here, I’m not going to win. I’m probably not going to place (unless there are only 3 girls in my age group…) so I should really just be having run.

> Pick out some yummy gels. I like to try new ones all the time. Sometimes I get a chance to try them before a race, sometimes I don’t. I like to live on the edge.

Are there specific things you do to prepare for a race? Are some of them silly? Superstitions? Lucky hair ties? Weird things you eat for fuel? Share them with me! I’d love to hear all your tips and tricks!

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finding my nemo.

finding my nemo.

8.15.2012

I’d like to argue that the #1 barrier to entry in the triathlon world is swimming. Hopefully, for many of us, running and biking are second nature even if you’ve never raced in either event. You can successfully get from point A to point B by either biking on your sweet, turquoise cruiser bike (with basket) or running in flip flops from the couch to the freezer to get a scoop of ice cream between commercial breaks. Hey, we’re all friends here, I’m not judging. Good. So we’ve established that most folks can run and bike somewhat successfully.



Swimming, however, seems to baffle most folks. While the pool doesn’t prove to be as much of an issue, it’s certainly open water swimming that has most people shying away from triathlons. Sharks, murky waters, slimy lake bottoms, fish, amoebas, temperature, waves, tides…all reasons I’ve heard for avoiding open water swimming. I know this because, well…I was one of those people. My main issue being the disgusting, squishy, slimy, muddy bottoms of the Texas lakes. I managed to get over it. Mainly because you should be swimming…not walking around in the lake. Henceforth, you can minimize contact with the bottom of the lake…if you get really good at swimming.

And herein lies the point of this post: my need to get better at swimming. As with most of my “events” in triathlon, I pretty much have 1 speed: get to the end, quickly and without dying. This worked pretty well for me in the beginning but it pretty much always insured a last place finish. If your “training speed” is the same as your “racing speed”, you’re most likely not going to win…unless everyone else in your age group drowns - your chances drastically increase at that point.

Last night, I tackled my lack of speed in the swim. An endless pool, as it turns out, is a magical thing. You can set the “speed” and therefore, force yourself to swim at that pace. In the course of an hour, I managed to strengthen my kick, increase my arm turnover, and breathe more efficiently. (Disclaimer: I have a kick-butt coach.) I was swimming a whole MINUTE faster on my 100 meter pace than I normally do, proving that I can, in fact, vary my speed (now that I’ve learned how).

I’m looking forward to testing out my new-found swimming skillz this weekend at our Open Water swim workout. Sorry Brendan, but I don’t think I’ll need to be drafting off of you anymore.

Just keep swimming…just keep swimming…just keep swimming…

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{triathlon training} weeks 5 & 6

{triathlon training} weeks 5 & 6

5.20.2012

Sunday (5/6) - Extra Credit Swim — C and I hit the SMU Outdoor pool to swim some laps Sunday afternoon. It was a little more challenging because the pool is 50m instead of 25 but I think that made for a better workout.

Monday - Optional Club (Bike/run) — I couldn’t make the club workout last night so I conducted my own workout of a 30 minute interval bike (1 min hard, 4 min easy) and a 30 min run. It was SUPER windy because I storm was blowing through so I struggled a little bit but overall I felt really good. I ran with music this time and I think that really helped (thanks needtobreathe!). I’m also recovering a lot faster which I think is a sign that I’m getting stronger!



Tuesday - Group Swim — I was literally sitting in the parking lot, debating turning around and going back home. I just wasn’t feeling that hot and it was chilly (around 73 degrees) so I wasn’t really feeling like jumping in a cold pool. BUT! Alas, I went so as not to disappoint my group, C and myself. And…as usual, after the workout was over, I was glad I went.

Wednesday - 30 min Bike followed by 30 min Run — This week has been a scheduling nightmare since we’re leaving town on Friday but C and I managed to squeeze in a 30 min run. We wrapped it up with dinner at Company Cafe on our way home. Then I promptly ate a burger smothered in goat cheese…oh and fries. Pretty much cancels out the workout.

Thursday - Group Track

Friday - OFF — UMASS to see my baby sister graduate!!

Monday (5/14) - 45 min easy jog — C and I hit the trail to tackle the longest run on my schedule so far. We kicked that run’s butt! And you know what….it. felt. good. yes. success.

Tuesday - Group Swim — I’m starting to feel really good about the swim. I might have a false sense of security swimming in a pool but I guess the truth will come out on race day.

Wednesday - 1 hour moderate bike — Last day of youth group with my sweet girls so I didn’t make my ride. Maybe I’ll make it up on Friday…

Thursday - Group Track — This was the hardest track workout to date. We probably ran the most miles with the least amount of recovery time…not to mention it was HOT. Blazing hot. But somehow I managed to make it through…

Friday - Off

Saturday - Transition Clinic — We learned all about how to set up for transitions and different strategies for being comfortable and efficient. It was really helpful and also made the impending race date more real. I was also able to spend a little time at the center talking to one of the coaches about nutrition and race day fuel. I can’t believe the race is only 2 weeks away!

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{triathlon training} week 4

{triathlon training} week 4

5.04.2012

This week training felt pretty low key. Having Wednesday off was a nice treat and I fully enjoyed it by eating pizza at youth group with my sweet girls. The afternoons are getting hot, hot, hot! So I might have to start adjusting my schedule to work out in the mornings. For the month of May, we have more brick workouts (back to back sets like biking then running). I’m looking forward to learning more about triathlon strategy, nutrition and what to expect in my first race.

As of today, 30 days to race day!

Monday - 30 min weights — I don’t know that I’m getting any stronger but I’m completing the workout.

Tuesday - Group Swim — So the swim’s are getting increasingly better. Not to mention, the pool was significantly warmer and therefore made for a much more bearable workout. We swam a continuous 300 yards and while it was tough, I was able to complete it. I think I need to do more than just the weekly swims if I’m going to be strong enough to complete 500 meters…in open water…with no pool wall to hang on to.

Wednesday - OFF!

Thursday - Group Track — For the 30 minutes I was able to attend (due to a very important celebratory dinner for a friend), track actually felt good this week. I was definitely feeling more encouraged after last weeks disastrous track workout. But man it is HOT out there with the direct sun just baking off the track. 93 degrees in early May pretty much sucks.

Friday - 30 min bike followed by 15 min run — Looking forward to getting this in tonight!

Saturday - Group Bike

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{triathlon training} week 3

{triathlon training} week 3

4.27.2012

So week three is coming to an end. As of today, its 37 days until race day. Training is still fun but this week had a few hiccups which is definitely discouraging. Hoping week 4 goes a little better.

Monday - 1hr weights — This time I hit up the C’s gym instead which was deserted and I had a much easier time completing the workout. I added in a few moves of my own to strengthen my core. I also have to admit that I cheated a little and really only did about 30 minutes. Win some, lose some.

Tuesday - Group Swim — We’re now swimming at our usual location (not SMU) and it’s an outdoor pool. C assured me that it was heated and the swim was actually quiet pleasant outside, under the sunset. However, the heater was NOT in effect that night and we. were. freezing. It was probably 73 degrees. Most pools people are in the mid 80s…so we’re talking 10 degrees colder. In fact, I slept in a long sleeve shirt and long pants because I STILL wasn’t warm at 11pm. But the swim itself went well. I definitely feel like my swim fitness is getting better.

Wednesday - 1hr bike — Let’s just say the 30 minutes I did complete didn’t go so well…

Thursday - Group Track — This is the first group track workout where I had to walk. It was hot (90 degrees) and the air was stale. It definitely made for a tough workout and I was struggling. These kinds of workouts are a bit discouraging but everyone says I will adjust to the heat…let’s hope I adjust soon.

Friday - 1hr bike — I’m hoping it’s not as hot today so I’ll be able to get in an enjoyable ride after work.

Saturday - Club Bike/Run — Another club workout with the pros…hopefully I can survive this one!

Sunday - Off! YAY!

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{triathlon training} week 2

{triathlon training} week 2

4.20.2012

Sunday - Off! (Recovering from Saturday’s insane workout…)

Monday - 30 min weights — I don’t belong to a gym. However, The Village (apt complex where I live) does have a “Country Club” with a “gym”. This so called “gym” serves maybe 10-15 different properties! Do you know how many people that is?! And the “gym” is all of 500 sq ft. But, I don’t own any dumb bells or other gym equipment so I didn’t really have a choice when I saw weights on the schedule. So, with my list of exercises to accomplish, I headed for the “gym”. Struggle city. I could barely find a spare piece of floor space to do the exercises. I managed several squats, lunges and calf raises and then attempted to tackle the rest all the while dodging over zealous “muscle men” who thought they were all that. I’m going to have to find another solution for future weights workouts…

Tuesday - Group Swim — The group swim was another success this week. It was tougher than last week as we did more continuous distance but I feel like I’m getting better…which is really all that matters right? I found out that I can swim 100m in 2:10 which I feel pretty good with. Not let’s just hope I can do that 5 times….and actually complete the 500m without drowning.

Wednesday - 45 min Bike (moderate pace) — I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this ride seeing as how I was already feeling the affects of the weights and swim (see Wednesday’s post) but I diligently loaded my bike onto my Mini and headed out the the lake. The ride felt good and I was comfortable keeping up a 15-16 mph pace for about 7 miles (excluding the warm-up).

Thursday - Group Track — I hate running. And guess what, this time at track, I still hated running. But it was a good workout. David gave me the “best pacer” award because I successfully completed 4 back to back 400m in exactly 2:28 minutes. I’m hoping each week to see some improvement and hopefully be able to sustain a 9-9:30 min mile for the entire 5k.

Friday - OFF!! — Thank goodness because I’m due for a break.

Saturday - Group Bike

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{triathlon training} week 1

{triathlon training} week 1

4.13.2012

Week 1 of training is almost complete! We have a REALLY intense workout tomorrow morning which involved an open water swim, a bike andddd a run! Not entirely sure I’ll still be standing after that.

Here’s a look at how I did this week:

Monday - 30 min run (pshhh easy)

Tuesday - Group Swim — I was nervous for this but I think it went really well! As long as I can work on pacing and practice in open water this weekend, I think the swim will be ok. I think I can swim 25 meters in about 35 seconds (at a moderate pace).

Wednesday - 30 min bike (another pshhh easy…with my new pink bar tape!!)

Thursday - Group Track — Running is my LEAST favorite part of the triathlon. I was nervous for the track workout because I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to keep up. We run at 3 paces 80% (a sustainable 5k pace), 90% (a sustainable 2 mile pace), 100% (a sustainable 1-2 lap pace). Yesterday, I was coming in around 2:19 - 2:22 for an 80% pace. I even managed to complete a 400m in 1:54!! Sometimes I surprise myself…

Friday - OFF!

Saturday - The death workout…

51 days left!

The coaches with Playtri have been awesome and they are very encouraging. Thankfully though I’ll have C with me tomorrow at this insane workout…you know…just in case I die. He’s my emergency contact anyway…

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in which I sign up for a triathlon, whoa.

in which I sign up for a triathlon, whoa.

3.27.2012

I did something crazy. It might be a bad idea. I might not be able to accomplish it. I’m scared, nervous, excited, overwhelmed…but encouraged. I know that I have lots of people to support me…I think. With their help, I hope I can do it.





I did it. I registered for a Sprint Triathlon. Well, I registered for the training program. Did you get that? A triathlon. 500m swim. Oh and then just a 12 mile bike…and wait, yes, a 5k. Individually, I’m confident that I could complete all those things. String them together…that’s a whole other story. On April 9th training with Playtri’s Group Training Program starts. I’ll have some kind of workout 6 days a week…usually 2-3 coached workouts a week. They are promising success…but they haven’t seen me run yet.

Everybody has goals. They aren’t supposed to be easy. For once, just once, I would actually like to finish something I start. I have a great network of encouraging friends (and a supportive boyfriend) who have been in my position at some point. I just need to finish the race. That’s it. Cross the line and try not to die. That’s going to be a pretty sweet feeling. Even better, both C and his dad will be participating in this triathlon on June 3rd! So fun! Hopefully we’ll all get a little time to watch each other in action.

And so, training begins. 10 weeks of discipline. Eating right. Drinking water. Building endurance. Perfecting my freestyle. Climbing hills on my bike. Finding strength for the run (the hardest part in my opinion). Making friends. Getting in shape. Accomplishing a goal. Crossing the 1st item off my bucket list.

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cycling?

cycling?

2.22.2012

hey guys, remember that time I told you that I was saving up to buy a bike? Then remember how I didn’t even ride it? Yea, so then I got a puppy for 24 hours (did I temporarily lose my mind?) and sold the bike to pay for the puppy. Not one of my finest moments…I’ll admit.

But see, C is very athletic, triathlons and all. I can’t keep up with him when we’re running so we shifted our focus to biking! I figured I was ready to give this whole bike riding thing another go. So, over the past few months, we did out research and test road a plethora (love that word) of bikes. My obvious first priority was color. C was looking for technical specifications. I’m very lucky to have his knowledgeable advice. We finally settled on a bike but then hemmed and hawed over whether cycling was right for me. Let’s be honest here people, we know how I feel about…exercise. But, I figured this would be something I would have for a long time and something that C and I could do together!

Last night, I took the plunge and purchased the bike (and helmet and pedals and shoes and gloves…oh and those AWFUL spandex diapers otherwise known as cycling shorts…gross). Now I know this is NOT a sport about fashion, but come on, can’t they make these “shorts” a little more flattering, but that seat is so dang uncomfortable…so I’m sure I’ll be happy I have these spandex diapers.

After I practiced “clipping in” on the trainer, I was measured and fit for the bike. And to my surprise, I was actually told that I looked athletic and that I looked great on the bike! Yay me! Maybe this is my calling?

C and I have plans to hit the road on Saturday and take on White Rock Lake. Please say a little prayer that I don’t crash!

PS. Why does EVERYONE look so dorky in a helmet?

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