Today I learned: Don't bonk and Do wear sunscreen
I ventured out for what is my longest ride to date. My mission was to get a good long training ride in preparation for my upcoming metric century. I didn't care so much what the mileage was, but more that I spent 3 hours in the saddle with pedals turning. And I accomplished that over the course of 35 miles.
I've never done endurance sports til now, so it's interesting to have so much time alone in my head. 3 hours of riding is a very different beast then 15 minutes of Crossfit (and I love them both for that). I've gotten a little frustrated with myself my last few rides, so I decided I needed a different mind set for this one, than something dawned on me. I've spent many hours on a bike in the course of my life. But only in the last couple months have I been on a road bike. Maybe I'm the only one that feels this way, but too me I feel like I am learning to ride all over again. The bike responds to differently (and more dramatically) than a mountain bike and that has been intimidating. So today instead of watching speed, cadence, and distance I road what felt safe and comfortable and practice things like getting my water bottle and looking back to check traffic. I didn't push myself to go fast, I just let myself get cozy with my bike. It was the ride I've needed for awhile, and the mentality I need to maintain for a while longer while I keep learning.
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| I love riding if only so I can justify snacking on these delicious vanilla Honey Stinger waffles. |
Unfortunately I shorted myself on fuel (snacks) and bonked in the last few miles before the house. I made it home, but I thought I was going to be sick when I got home. That was icky and no fun. But a banana, gatorade, protein shake, and a nap and I'm feeling much better.
Endurance is a whole new beast, and I will not let it intimidate me. I just need more snacks and some sunblock, then the world is mine!
