Last Updated on July 5, 2009 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
At some point between kids I had decided I was GOING to be a triathlete (never mind the fact that I can’t swim…) When my sister and brother in law (so fun I can call him that now!) were visiting almost two years ago, we went and looked at some fancy trek road bikes at a local bike shop. I rode one up and down the parking lot, fell in love, but realized as a broke college student /waitress /mom, there was no way I could afford the $1,000 price tag. So we got back in the car, drove straight to Target, and I purchased my bike: a Schwinn Hybrid that cost me $170 (it was on sale!), and that I proceeded to name “Schwinderlei Silva” (any other UFC fans reading this?).
2008 Myrtle Beach Marathon weekend Bike Rides
Holly, Jim, Me, and baby Kain (he’s in there!).I managed to finish (and not in last place, believe it or not! 113/150!)got my medal, and took Shwinderlei home. I parked him in the garage, where the poor thing sat for the next year and a half. I know this for sure, because when I took him out this week to dust (power wash) him off, both tires were flat and my race number was still secured to the bar, HA!
So anyway, fast forward to last night. I had a lot of energy, and Rich was home to watch the babies. I knew I needed to give the legs a day off from running sooo…I went for a bike ride! HELLO muscles I don’t use for running, nice of you to join us on this fitness quest! The ride went well, I took my time, enjoyed the neighborhood and my “mommy time alone”. But (you know I couldn’t TOTALLY relax) on some big empty speed bump free stretches, I pushed to see just how fast I could go. According to Garmin, my MAX speed was 16.5 mph (avg 11.9 mph). I’m talking as fast as my little feet would pedal I’m going 16.5 mph. It makes me wonder how in the universe professionals reach speeds of 55+mph. I guess hills. And good bikes. Oh, and that whole being a “professional” thing, that probably helps!
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Roselyn
I’m with you on the butt thing. Mine hurts today too. I’m such a weakling, I had to take Motrin! 😛
Kelly's runner
Heather,
That is one of the most important parts of cycling is the butt callous. The first few rides of each year can be so painful.
I love the cycling after a long run. Really helps my legs recover better.
Have fun on the bike and be careful out there.
Katie
Woot! I went for my first bike ride in a long time today too! My bike is as cool as yours, a hot pink mountain bike that likes to squeak at random times. I’m probably as sore as you too 😛
B.o.B.
Sorry your booty hurts. I used to get that when I went to spinning too. I’m sure I’ll have this same complaint if I ever get a bike. Hope you had a great 4th!
Jess
I haven’t ridden a bike in forever, but the butt pain is what I recall most from it.
jamie
Good for you getting out there for some mommy biking time. I’m another one over here working on my butt callous – rode 12 miles on Saturday. Ouch! 🙂
Running and living
A good (or better) bike makes a huge difference, along with experience. I got mine on sale with $600 and it took me over 2 month to get some decent speed. Regardless, biking make for great crosstraining! Ana-Maria
Holly
My sister did a ride on the day of Stage I of Le Tour de France! Way to honor the bike! Vive Le Tour!
ALLEZ HEATHER! (GO HEATHER!)
PS – The only way your going to get ride of that sore butt is “time on the saddle” – excellent cross training ya know!