Beth and Yanti's 2010 Manatees--Closed (Page 26)

dinabean - 2010-03-21 9:20 AM Nice, Lyn!  51 miles is awesome!

So, I have to admit something.  Bike scares me.  Spin classes are a total crutch.  When I started taking them back in November, I didn't own a bike yet and was also just trying to build some bike endurance.  And, I like taking them, even if it's only once a week.  But despite yesterday, Bike is my weakest discipline -- I generally only bike once a week, at the spin class, and that's it.  My actual bike only has about 60 miles total on it (with my longest IRL ride being 7 miles).  How do I get past this and start putting more road time into my schedule? 

I am afraid to ride with others, and I think that's where the problem lies -- I like spin because I can ride "with" people and not worry about keeping up with them, but just ride my ride.  But for longer bike rides, is it really safe to go out by yourself?  And if not, how do I find people who will tolerate my slowness? I think I proved to myself yesterday that I will be able to handle the 12 mile bike leg, but I do need to just get on my bike more.  I can ride a decent 7 mile route in my neighborhood, but it is way too dangerous to leave my neighborhood by bike -- areas where there are long routes for riding must be accessed by car, and I don't have a decent car carrier for my bike yet.  I guess that's the next purchase.

Sorry to ramble -- I am just still so nervous about making a fool of myself in this race.  I've put in so much work, for sure, but I am still so slow at everything that it is hard not to get discouraged.  That, and I seem to have gained back 5 pounds since the day I gleefully announced that I finally hit the -20 mark. Yes, AFTER riding for 4 hours yesterday.  Ugh.

tinkerbeth - 2010-03-20 6:05 PM Art - great job on getting the bike outside!  it was a beautiful day for it!  how did it feel, i imagine you were a bit nervous to start.

tinkerbeth - 2010-03-21 11:33 AM

Dineen - i can tell you that you are not alone in your fears and uncertainties, many many of us have experienced similar feelings - it's great that you've been able to put your finger on what's bothering you  - that's the first step to conquering it

a couple of thoughts -

as far as whether or not it's safe to go for a long ride on your own - to me, it depends on where you are riding - if there's a safe trail that has lots of activity - walkers, runners, and other cyclists - i think it's safe to ride on your own - just make sure you have your id and a cell phone tucked away in your bike bag.  if you're riding on the open roads, it's better to be riding with someone

is there a local tri or cycling group you could look into?  i belonged to one in omaha that had weekly rides and the ride was split up into groups based on pace, that seemed to work fairly well

is there a chance that there might be some folks in your spin club that would be your pace?

also, it's not absolutely necessary that you are at the same speed to ride with someone - i was lucky enough to find a couple of folks to ride with who were definitely faster than me - we just agreed up front that we would start out together and end together, after the first few miles of chatting and going at my pace - they would take off at their pace, they really didn't seem to mind and enjoyed having some company for the first section of the ride and their cool down - if you can find someone like that it's great because it can also help improve your speed - i know i pushed myself a little harder whenever i road with them

as far as making a fool of yourself at the race, we have all experienced that - my fear was the run, what i found was that the community was extremely supportive and encouraging - there isn't a focus on what people might be doing wrong or could do better, but a focus on - the positive - you are doing it!

it's natural to be nervous, but try and focus on just having fun with it

just my 2 cents fwiw

dinabean - 2010-03-24 7:24 AM Oh, oh, oh!  I forgot to tell you guys!  The other day I was looking out my window at work, and low and behold, guess what I spotted??  MANATEES!  A pair of really cute manatees swimming Tampa Bay, about 30 feet from my building.  They were adorable.  Made me think of you all!

1stTimeTri - 2010-03-23 9:04 PM Hey, hey, Tinky, Yanti, and Rebecca!

dinabean - 2010-03-24 10:24 AM Oh, oh, oh!  I forgot to tell you guys!  The other day I was looking out my window at work, and low and behold, guess what I spotted??  MANATEES!  A pair of really cute manatees swimming Tampa Bay, about 30 feet from my building.  They were adorable.  Made me think of you all!

Silver Bullet - 2010-03-25 6:32 PM It is CLEARLY a sign. 

Silver Bullet - 2010-03-27 4:07 AM I gotta run.

No really, I've basically been training for an aquabike. I gotta get some run time in.

Other than that, stuff's pretty good. I'm back on the training wagon. Hope all is well with you guys!

MANATEE LUV

lmscozz - 2010-03-25 11:36 PM

Manatees are sending their manatee love to you!

I only started riding about 2 years ago when I started this whole crazy tri thing. I was able to get out on the roads, mostly by myself at first and sometimes I'll ride in a group. It can be tricky in a group. I'd suggest to stay back and not get caught up in a peleton or anything. Sounds like you'll have a friend to help you out. Remember to hydrate well and get some electrolytes into you, too, especially in that Florida sun. Enjoy. I remember the strawberry festival from when I used to live back there. I thought the freeze ruined some though. HOpefully not too many.

I'm in taper mode for the 70.3 on Saturday. It's the Ironman Oceanside 70.3 and there are so many people in this race. It's a little weird not doing so much this last week and recovering for the race.It's my second HIM so I at least know somewhat to expect. Sweet dreams manatees.

 

 

 

 

 

TriAya - 2010-03-26 4:19 PM

I think that is the cutest thing I have seen since Beth and I met in New York in September. Well, that was basically the same thing

The thing about whatever discipline you're trying to get more of in ... do whatever you can, when you can. Bag a 30-minute run for a 10-minute run in a heartbeat, because it all really does add up. If you can't get into running shoes but you can take a brisk walk for 10-15 minutes, do it.

I've done a 30-minute run in Birkenstocks, jeans, and no sports bra. I can't remember why, but there must have been a good reason.

you are so ready Lynn!

the Manatees will be cheering you on!!

ladylucky - 2010-03-28 12:00 AM

I'm thinking of you too today Lynn. The best of luck from me too.