Back In the Saddle

After a failed attempt on Monday night where I only made it 1.75 miles before calling it quits, I jumped back on my newly upgraded bicycle today in an effort to pick up where I left off with a new gel seat, and a headlight. Granted, I didn’t really need the headlight this time around considering it was 2 in the afternoon when my journey began…Just thought I’d be informative on my enhancements.

Today was a fairly frustrating day in that the winds were blowing at over 16mph, and while I hit my highest miles per hour (7.7), I feel 3/4 of a mile short of my goal for the day. In reality, I’d like to make at least a half a mile progress every time I head out, but with those strong winds in my face for most of the trip today, I was far too exhausted to meet my goals; which was frustrating considering how otherwise beautiful it was outside today.

Following, as usual, are my stats on the day. Hopefully tomorrow will be less of an issue with the wind and I can meet my goal of four miles.

Stickin’ With It

So I’ve had a strong history of starting a workout regimen….And not finishing.

It’s one of the things about me that is really frustrating. I used to run; for a week. I started doing push-ups and crunches in the morning and at night; for half a week.

I don’t want to get too excited about this cycling thing because it’s only Day Two right now, but I really believe I’m gonna keep with this. The only thing that’s going to thwart my efforts is the weather, because once it gets really cold and snowy…Cycling probably won’t be the easiest thing in the world to continue staying active in.

With all that said, following are my BIM Active stats from tonight’s venture.

Looking at these graphics, a couple of things stick out at me. First is, I made it a whole mile further tonight than I did last night, while averaging the exact same MPH. Also, the first hour’s numbers are skewed because every time I got a 1/4 of a mile, my Blackberry would beep alerting me of where I was, which would in turn stop my music. This happened with my stored music, and with streaming radio. After the first mile, I decided to just go music-less, at which time I only stopped maybe one more time for the rest of the ride.

Another thing that yells at me is that each mile I went, my speed picked up while the elevation change (while, admittedly, not drastic) was more against me than in my favor. It appears I get stronger as I go…Or perhaps more anxious to finish haha.

Either way, I’m very pleased with my progress so far. I’m getting Kara’s bike fixed tomorrow at work and then she’ll be able join me…Who knows if that will help or be detrimental.

Riding Solo

Well, that was interesting first go-around.

Hitting on my post earlier today regarding my new-found interest in cycling, Kara and I set out this evening on our first two-wheel adventure! But it did not last long.

Three minutes into our journey, we realized the rear tire on Kara’s bike that we had just filled up…was flat. Not wanting to get in the way of my mission, she gracefully bowed out and encouraged me to take to the streets on my own. Braving the cold, breezy night, I completed my first of (hopefully) many peddling excursions.

Here are my stats for this first trip:

Okay, so maybe it wasn’t THAT cold, and yeah…Perhaps they’re not the most impressive stats in the world, but all that matters is I’m proud of it!

And exhausted.

As you can see by those graphics above, I started off slow, trying to get acclimated with my new old bike, and even with an elevation change in my favor, I still was a lot slower for the first mile than I was for the second mile and a half.

(Side Note: Stats are coming from a new App I downloaded today for my Blackberry Bold called BIM Active for free.)

I will continue this exercise as it was extremely uplifting and enjoyable…Even if I burn all over now. Hopefully I’ll show steady progression, and my cycling buddy will have her wheels ready to rock for the next time out!

Saddling up!

I’m lazy.

There, I said it. I got it off my chest, and it’s out there for the world to consume.

I am uncomfortable with the weight I’ve gained, and for years now, I’ve wanted to do something about it, but have never mustered up enough motivation aside from a few push-ups here and there that did nothing for me. Two days ago, however, I think that motivation came rolling into the front door.

Kara managed to get me a new old bike from her work. At the end of their season, the foreign employees go back home and cannot bring their bikes with them, so they get left for the savages. She clawed her way to this one, which she explained as being “the cream of the crop.”

Hello, motivation.

I went and purchased a gel seat cover from my place of work two nights ago, and now I have been reading up on how to get started. I wanted to bike to the closest grocery store to get laundry money, but realized five miles is a bit to far for me, considering I haven’t ridden a bike for at least 12 years. I really am excited to get this venture underway!

If anyone out there reading this who has more experience than I in the cycling world has any beginner’s tips for me, please do share. I can’t wait to hit the roads!