Just call me Speedy Gonzalez!!!

I can't believe how behind I am in blogging!!! but it is all for a very good reason... I'm in training! Shortly, after signing up for the Danskin Triathalon a sign at the Northshore YMCA magically appeared. Try a Sprint Triathlon( or TST). Hmm? The class offered clinics on running, bike maintenance, nutrition, as well as group workouts. So what did I do? I signed up of course!

Well, this course has been PHENOMENAL!! The coaches and volunteers are amazing and oh so inspirational. I have had an amazing time, that is until I did my first bike ride two weeks ago, when we had our first Bike workout. Now, they told us not to go out and buy a new bike, just use what you have or borrow from a friend. Well, I didn't have a bike that as up to the challenge, so I borrowed one from my parents. It was a beautiful men's mountain bike. I adjusted the seat and thought I was ready to go. I even did a few test rides. That was all until I "really" went riding, all 16 miles of it. i was in trouble... BIG TIME. The majority of the group was on road bikes, and they cruised with easy and grace. I on the other hand was DYING!!!! I struggled with every peddle. My rear was aching and half of my right hand was numb. I could not understand why people biked for exercise let alone recreation!!! I ended the ride in near tears. I was the last one to arrive back to our cars by a long shot. I was really second guessing this whole triathlon decision. What had I gotten myself into!!!!

So the next week was filled with some tears (okay, a lot of tears), a bunch of research, support from my hubby, and a lot of prayers. What came out of all that was a NEW BIKE!!!! I got a Specialized Dolce 9 speed from Gregg's Cycle.




Not only was it pretty (It is isn't it?), it was super light, and made for a women's smaller frame. Derek, the sales guy took so much time and effort fitting me but also explaining to me what he was looking at in a good fit and how all the bike components worked. (Can I just mention that I brought the bike back to the store less then an hour after I got it, scared I had broken it. Turns our it was a rookie mistake with shifting). So along with the new bike, I sucked in my pride and got those padded bike shorts that I use to make fun over other people wearing and some padded ridding gloves. I was good to go, wasn't I? I prayed I was.

The following week I did a few long "test" rides, 12 miles on Tuesday and 14 miles (broken in to two legs) on Wednesday. But was I ready to ride with the "big boys" at our Saturday ride? I don't think I could take coming in dead last again.

But I sucked up my ego and showed up for our Saturday ride.

Now, I could easily write about what happened, but I am instead going to repost a blog from one of our volunteer riders, Peter, who brought me to tears ready his post this morning.

Here's Peter's Blog.

Todays ride was with the Y Tri group. Only 2 of the folks in the group showed up along with another “leader” and myself. One of the gals that showed up was an “accomplished” cyclist. In other words, cycling was certainly her strong point. She brought her husband along for a little workout. They’ve done lots of cycling before and were great to have along! Another gal had just recently purchased a new road bike and had very little time on it. Our previous group ride she was there with a Mens full suspension MTB. Now, please don’t get me wrong. Any bike is a good bike as long as your biking its a good thing! I could CARE LESS what you’re riding! But, I knew that if there was any means for her to get on a bike that suited her better, it would be a MUCH better experience for her.

So, we headed south from the park towards Marymoore at a leisurely pace. Just wanted to make sure we stayed together and it was a comfortable Zone 1-2 ride. Nothing fancy. We hit the turnaround point, paused for a little Q&A, a few sips of H2O and we were off again.

As we were headed back from Marymoore, Ryan was leading, the gal with the new bike was 2nd and I was pulling up the rear. Jill (the “accomplished cyclist” had gone on ahead with her husband. So the 3 of us were cruising along at a decent clip, and all of a sudden I hear this “HEY! Can we go FASTER!” (notice it wasn’t a question but more of a statement).

I laughed so hard I almost crashed into on coming traffic!

I have had many a “break through” rides, however, this is the first “break through” ride I’ve been apart of. I felt this overwhelming sense of joy and glee come across. I only hope that my friends have had a small glimpse of the same feeling that I had today when they were with me on a “break through” ride.

Christina - You freakin rocked it today! You kicked ARSE! Good for you! I’m honored that I got to be a part of your ride today. Thank you for empowering me to be there with you.

And, you know what she said at the end…”OK! Who’s ready for a 5K?”


NO! THANK YOU, PETER. Both my heart and ego needed that and yes, I was serious about that 5K. I had so much fun I think I am going to hit the trails again today. DANG! Biking is addicting!