First ever half century!
07-26-20, 11:05 AM
#1
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First ever half century!
Well, have not done a lot of cycling this year. Working from home, so no commuting mileage, and my attitude towards making an effort to do, well, anything beyond what I have to do, has been 'I should....' (but don't)
Lately, though, have been getting in a few rides a week, and generally longer / slower rides.
With a heat wave coming in, I managed to do two things that pushed my comfort zone: Get out on the bike in the early morning, and complete my first ever, 50+ mile ride; a true half century. 51.9 miles, to be precise, in a leisurely 4:15. Not going to break any records, and that's fine by me.
I turned 60 this year, and the best I've ever done before was under 40 miles; 37 miles I think. But I have been trying to apply the philosophy "No such thing as too far, just not enough time" to heart, and focus on being comfortable in the saddle, ignoring how fast I go, and focusing on the journey. Oh, and hydration; I took two water bottles with hydration tablets, and refilled twice; and ate protein bars along the way.
Yes, I am sore as heck, but no cramps, no sunburn. It's going to be too hot to ride the next few days, and I know I need to do some recovery, so will try to get out for a few walks.
I am hoping to use the satisfaction I feel at accomplishing something I've wanted to do for some time, and use it in other areas of my life. If I can do this, then maybe I can make some other long overdue changes.
Lately, though, have been getting in a few rides a week, and generally longer / slower rides.
With a heat wave coming in, I managed to do two things that pushed my comfort zone: Get out on the bike in the early morning, and complete my first ever, 50+ mile ride; a true half century. 51.9 miles, to be precise, in a leisurely 4:15. Not going to break any records, and that's fine by me.
I turned 60 this year, and the best I've ever done before was under 40 miles; 37 miles I think. But I have been trying to apply the philosophy "No such thing as too far, just not enough time" to heart, and focus on being comfortable in the saddle, ignoring how fast I go, and focusing on the journey. Oh, and hydration; I took two water bottles with hydration tablets, and refilled twice; and ate protein bars along the way.
Yes, I am sore as heck, but no cramps, no sunburn. It's going to be too hot to ride the next few days, and I know I need to do some recovery, so will try to get out for a few walks.
I am hoping to use the satisfaction I feel at accomplishing something I've wanted to do for some time, and use it in other areas of my life. If I can do this, then maybe I can make some other long overdue changes.
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07-26-20, 01:01 PM
#3
I'm good to go!
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Yes, congrat's.
Recovery doesn't mean to stay off the bike though. Do some easy rides at least. Otherwise your body will think that was a once in a lifetime event and it won't adjust.
Recovery doesn't mean to stay off the bike though. Do some easy rides at least. Otherwise your body will think that was a once in a lifetime event and it won't adjust.
07-26-20, 01:24 PM
#4
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Oh agree! But with near 100F temps tomorrow, going to have get creative. Hmm, could break out the winter trainer, and turn on the AC.
07-26-20, 01:40 PM
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Awesome.
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07-27-20, 12:05 PM
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Oh, no, don't do that! Hop on the bike at the crack of dawn and you can probably get three hours of riding in before it gets too hot. Your body is thinking about adjusting to that distance -- give it 30-40 gentle miles to remind it you like to ride!
07-27-20, 12:40 PM
#7
Mother Nature's Son
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Awesome, good for you. I love riding early in the morning before the sun gets higher and intense, and little traffic. This time of year I get out by 7am at the very latest, prefer by 6, and get back home by 10am at the latest, usually more like 8:30 to 9. Try following that up the next morning with an easy paced 10 to 12 miler. It will ease some of the soreness and maybe help you mentally commit to riding.
07-27-20, 05:27 PM
#8
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Congratulations. I have only recently broken the 40 mile barrier myself. It was sunny and got up to 98℉, but I picked a route that had lots an lots of shade, and I just took my own sweet time getting there and back, over a period of 4½ hours. My hope, as a 50+ myself, is to ride a 50+ on my Birthday.
07-28-20, 05:36 AM
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I also love doing my riding in the early morning cool air. In the last few years of employment I kept setting my clock back to keep ahead of traffic. "I'd rather drive to work at 70mph than 30mph." I settled on a 4:40am alarm so I'd be at my desk by 6:00. And I'm a morning person anyway so no worries.
Now that I'm unemployable (retired) I keep thinking 'if, all those years, I could get up that early for work then I can certainly get up that early for play'. I monitor the time for sunrise and civil dawn and schedule so I'm pushing off at civil drawn - light enough to ride and nice and cool. Safer too these days. Few people out. I also mostly ride MUPs which are mostly shaded and no cars. Lovely.
Now that I'm unemployable (retired) I keep thinking 'if, all those years, I could get up that early for work then I can certainly get up that early for play'. I monitor the time for sunrise and civil dawn and schedule so I'm pushing off at civil drawn - light enough to ride and nice and cool. Safer too these days. Few people out. I also mostly ride MUPs which are mostly shaded and no cars. Lovely.
07-28-20, 06:38 AM
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.............With a heat wave coming in, I managed to do two things that pushed my comfort zone: Get out on the bike in the early morning, and complete my first ever, 50+ mile ride; a true half century. 51.9 miles, to be precise, in a leisurely 4:15. Not going to break any records, and that's fine by me.................
I turned 60 this year..........................
.................I am hoping to use the satisfaction I feel at accomplishing something I've wanted to do for some time, and use it in other areas of my life. If I can do this, then maybe I can make some other long overdue changes.
I turned 60 this year..........................
.................I am hoping to use the satisfaction I feel at accomplishing something I've wanted to do for some time, and use it in other areas of my life. If I can do this, then maybe I can make some other long overdue changes.
first bold -- great age to start increasing efforts
second bold -- definitely build on your satisfaction and self-inspirational achievement
07-28-20, 07:01 AM
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go, Go, GO!
07-31-20, 08:47 AM
#12
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Thanks for all the words of encouragement, and good advice. Took a few days to get my next ride in, and planning on another good ride this weekend. Having achieved a milestone, it's time to focus on some other weak spots. Like flexibility, and core strength.
08-06-20, 04:07 AM
#13
Let's do a Century
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If you need some route ideas I’m sure Jim from Boston would be happy to assist.
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