My new outlet: riding

Riding is my new thing. It’s my chance at some time with friends, a carved out exercise plan, and an opportunity to push myself as an individual. It wasn’t something I ever planned on doing. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it.

I was a year plus into Quinten’s life and I needed something. I was struggling with doing random workout routines at night because they weren’t really fun. I didn’t have the desire to run on the treadmill. I knew I needed something that was consistent and a workout. I jumped in headfirst. I spent a lot of money on something that I wasn’t sure if I would actually like. By taking the steps to buy a bike, I made the commitment that I was going to do it even if I didn’t like it. Not a recommended way of doing things. Spoiler alert: it worked out. 🙂

I was a little nervous before my first ride. It had been 15 years since I’d been on a bike. I may be a little off on that, but I don’t think I’ve really ridden a bike since I was 15. But you know what they say about riding a bike. It all comes back. It took me two or three rides to fully feel comfortable on my new road bike.

I’m a little over a month in and I’m loving it. I love the way I feel after a morning ride. I love the way it’s kicking my body into shape. It’s nice to have friends along to chat with. I don’t have many opportunities for adult conversations with my friends, so it’s good for me. We’re slowly getting the miles in. Riding three-ish times a week and getting about 35 miles a week in. We’ve had some chilly mornings {we canceled our ride on July 2 because it was 48 degrees out!} and some wet and muddy rides. We mostly beat the heat since we ride at 5:30 am, but it was starting to get a little humid before that wet, cold snap hit.

I was on a solo morning ride when I hit 100 miles. In between some flooded waters that would later close half of our trail and make the other half a jigsaw puzzle of mud and water. It was a pretty great feeling watching my odometer turn 100! Other than the OCD side of me watching those numbers change to three-digits, it was a sense of accomplishment. I decided to do something before I physically knew what it would involve. Since starting, I’ve been pushing my body to go faster and longer.

We used the long weekend to push ourselves the furthest we’ve gone. My friends have been riding these trails for a few years, but I didn’t know what to expect. I knew where we were going, but didn’t know the trail. The hills were the biggest and longest I’ve had. It wasn’t easy. During all three hills I had to mentally push myself to keep going. I wanted to quit at least a couple of times. It was hard. But I pushed myself and I kept pedaling. I learned a few things about my bike and the way I ride it. Unfortunately, I learned them on the way back, when the hills were much smaller. I hope these changes make the next time a little better! I’ll be honest, I’m not really looking forward to it. I’m a little apprehensive because it wasn’t easy. And who wants to do something again when it’s not easy?! But I’m going to because the whole point is to push myself harder and farther than I’ve gone before. I’m not a quitter and not doing something well the first time is an awful excuse for not trying again. Plus, this long ride pushed my miles to 152 and I love watching those miles climb!