Apr 29, 2012
This week came with a couple nice surprises. First, I changed up my schedule to a Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday ride and I found this might work out much better. Originally, I was worried about not being strong enough for my long ride on Saturday, so getting out Monday/Wednesday and then resting seemed like a good idea.
However, having a little extra rest after the long ride is probably a much better idea. Also, it gives me more time during the week to get stuff done. I like getting stuff done.
My second discovery was the corporate gym. It's a small gym, but, no one is there, really. At least not on Thursday. Since it was going to rain on Thursday, I took my workout gear to work and did about 9 miles on the stationary bike. Here is what I learned:
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
However, having a little extra rest after the long ride is probably a much better idea. Also, it gives me more time during the week to get stuff done. I like getting stuff done.
My second discovery was the corporate gym. It's a small gym, but, no one is there, really. At least not on Thursday. Since it was going to rain on Thursday, I took my workout gear to work and did about 9 miles on the stationary bike. Here is what I learned:
- I go faster on the stationary bike than in real life at 18mph.
- The stationary bike doesn't seem to be as hard as a real ride.
- My butt really hurts.
There is other equipment I can use, so, I am looking forward to getting a little stronger and maybe spending a day in the gym. Not like I have a relationship to work on or anything. Just the cats.
So, here is what I did this week.
Other Thoughts
I did have a friend tell me a century is easy, just get use to the bike and sitting on it for four to five hours.
At my current rate, it will actually take me over 6 hours, without breaks. Also, I am fighting a different battle with my adrenals that no one I ever met or know has ever had. I'm sort of learning as I go - even though I was told I should try yoga or maybe eating some combo of food.
Man, if it was that easy.
My method is simple:
- Listen to my body.
- Challenge my limitations.
- Take my medications/supplements.
- Learn to cope with crashes and neuropathy.
- Don't get mad.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Apr 22, 2012
I was suppose to be riding in the Girls with Gears (GWG) today, but, due to the rain, my bike buddy and I decided not to ride. Neither of us have ridden in the rain on our new road bikes and also, at least for me, the cold would probably result in a lot of hurts.
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Enjoy this picture of my cats!
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Enjoy this picture of my cats!
 |
| Purr |
I was suppose to be riding in the Girls with Gears (GWG) today, but, due to the rain, my bike buddy and I decided not to ride. Neither of us have ridden in the rain on our new road bikes and also, at least for me, the cold would probably result in a lot of hurts.
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I coulI was suppose to be riding in the Girls with Gears (GWG) today, but, due to the rain, my bike buddy and I decided not to ride. Neither of us have ridden in the rain on our new road bikes and also, at least for me, the cold would probably result in a lot of hurts.
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Enjoy this picture of my cats!
And I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Enjoy this picture of my cats!
|
| Purr |
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Apr 15, 2012
So, I didn't post last week on my century struggles because it was a bad week. I did try to go out for a long ride and due to some (ahem) biological issues, I had to turn back and scrap the day.
This week was much better. On my new bike, I have felt a boost of riding confidence because the amount of work I had been putting in on my mountain bike never seemed to get me anywhere - mileage wise. On my road bike, I am flying and really racking up the miles.
Additionally, a lot of the fear has subsided in my belly now that I am finding I can book the miles. The road bike was probably one of the best decisions I have made. Just to give some perspective, the worst decision I have made was testing out my mace while there was a head wind and successfully macing myself. Once I got feeling back in my face, I licked my arm to see if the mace lingers on the skin. Let me assure you, it does. Ouch!
However, here are my stats for this week - one short ride of 10 miles (!!!) and my 25 mile ride.
Saturday, I was totally looking forward to. It was perfect weather and I was able to keep my speed at 14mph for the entire ride - actually, I had a good stretch of 16mph. Then I had a good stretch of slowing down over rough terrain and to avoid other people out on the trail.
I did end up having some pain in my hip and the back of my knee. What can you do? Work through it. It happens. My legs felt good, worked and a little tired, but good.
Afterwards, I figured I would rest - until I was able to help a friend go shopping for items for her baby shower. I ended up getting home at 7pm. . .then went out for a drink with two other friends. It was a long but fun day and I am glad my body didn't collapse. I did take some medication this morning to help cope.
I should also point out I am also alert for stress - both for work, where I am going to be teaching for the first time and then because I met a great guy this week and I am hoping I didn't blow it and can get a second date. Putting yourself out there can be stressful and I need to be conscience of how my system is responding.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
 |
| Confidence returning after a ride |
This week was much better. On my new bike, I have felt a boost of riding confidence because the amount of work I had been putting in on my mountain bike never seemed to get me anywhere - mileage wise. On my road bike, I am flying and really racking up the miles.
Additionally, a lot of the fear has subsided in my belly now that I am finding I can book the miles. The road bike was probably one of the best decisions I have made. Just to give some perspective, the worst decision I have made was testing out my mace while there was a head wind and successfully macing myself. Once I got feeling back in my face, I licked my arm to see if the mace lingers on the skin. Let me assure you, it does. Ouch!
However, here are my stats for this week - one short ride of 10 miles (!!!) and my 25 mile ride.
Saturday, I was totally looking forward to. It was perfect weather and I was able to keep my speed at 14mph for the entire ride - actually, I had a good stretch of 16mph. Then I had a good stretch of slowing down over rough terrain and to avoid other people out on the trail.
I did end up having some pain in my hip and the back of my knee. What can you do? Work through it. It happens. My legs felt good, worked and a little tired, but good.
Afterwards, I figured I would rest - until I was able to help a friend go shopping for items for her baby shower. I ended up getting home at 7pm. . .then went out for a drink with two other friends. It was a long but fun day and I am glad my body didn't collapse. I did take some medication this morning to help cope.
I should also point out I am also alert for stress - both for work, where I am going to be teaching for the first time and then because I met a great guy this week and I am hoping I didn't blow it and can get a second date. Putting yourself out there can be stressful and I need to be conscience of how my system is responding.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Apr 1, 2012
25 weeks until century aweomeness!
Staring Down Fear
I spent a lot of posts explain my fear of my body breaking down. On Wednesday, I went to my doctor and told him about my century ride and training. He was all for it and approved me for everything. I am back on medication, mild dose of Hydrocortisone to support the low cortisol issue I have and I am on a new supplement - licorice extract. Licorice contains a chemical called glycerrhizinic acid which aids in a slower breakdown of cortisol. I am suppose to make sure I have the licorice and Hydrocortisone when I am riding to give me any needed boost during activity. Or, actually, any stress.
Ridin'!
Back to riding! I had a good week, I got out twice. I did this on purpose. I can't afford to be totally worn out at work, and work is an additional stress.
 |
| Pushing it a little more past my 6! |
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| This ride was cold, fun and easy! |
New Bike?
That's right. I went out on Sunday and talked to a guy about a new bike. Then my parents came out with me to check out new bikes. I test drove a lot of road bikes and the difference is beyond amazing. No wonder people look at my paltry mileage with doubt. On a road bike, I could easily be doing 10-15 miles.
I was surprised how little I felt on these bikes. Jazzy and I felt like we took up a lot of space. These bikes feel like narrow Arabians next to a Friesian or driving a two-door car next to a Hummer.
I test drove some $3,000 bikes and some $300 ones. If it was a road bike, it was smoother than Jazzy. I did really like this $2,000 Scattante bike and this $900 Specialized one. I think, I might go with the Specialized brand, but, I might need another test drive.
I feel like it's a good choice to get this bike and might as well get it now.
Rebellion
All the bike guys were excited to talk to us, especially when I told them I had no clue what I was doing and I was doing a century. I like help. . just, every now and then I hate it. All the bikers wrote down their bike club names and where they meet and how I should come out.
I don't want to join your bike club.
My Mom really wants me to join one.
I really do not. Why? Because, as I figure, I have had so little control over everything in my life and everything that has happened to me. While I enjoy my work, it's someone else telling me how to do things and when to do them. My body still does whatever it wants no matter what I do. I needed biking as a place where all the decisions are mine. When I ride, who I ride with, where I go, when I stop, when I push - it's me and the bike and the road. All the decisions and consequences are mine.
If I join a club - then it is meeting somewhere, riding together on someone else's route, looking out for someone else and keeping in line with everyone.
I just don't want that right now. Maybe someday. Just, not tight now.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
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