28 Miles

I’m sure your well aware… I’m cycling for fitness, fun, and to reclaim my life.

Know what??  I am making progress!!  I’m certainly having fun and getting into the ‘competition with self’ aspect.  I may even ride in a local “challenge” event to see what that feels like… more on that later.

The thing that really has me stoked are distances.  I’ve made a couple of 28 mile rides now!!  The following is the most recent.

This is exciting to me considering that I posted this on July 30.  Less than a month ago, my long ride was 10 miles and now it is nearly three times that.  Perhaps it is too much but I dunno.  I still believe that getting my arms, wrists, and mind into shape has been much more of a challenge than my legs.

However; note the climb in the above Google Earth view.  I know… not much for most cyclists. For me – wowsers!  I must admit, that was only about HALF the hill.  I had to turn around.  I was at about the mid point of the ride as was somewhat afraid of wasting myself on that hill and then not being able to get back home.  It’s an excuse… what can I say.

The most significant challenge that I continue to have is with my back side.  It’s doing pretty well but it does pay a price on the 20+ mile rides.  I’ve tried a variety of things (baby powder, Vaseline, different cycling shorts, different saddle position) and finally admitted that my old, cheapo saddle had to go.  My bike is now sporting a brand new Terry Liberator Y saddle.  Yippee!  I have high hopes… er.. Rather, my behind has high hopes!

There is a bit of negative – well – at least I’m not viewing it as positive.  My weight loss has definitely stopped.  The scale hovers near 245 pounds every morning.  I’ve averaged 90 miles per week the last couple weeks and am on target for 100 miles this week.  I cannot imagine that is not REALLY helping my health.  I suppose I should do a post to show what I eat – it isn’t much.  I know… I’ve heard people say that as they are starting on their second quarter pounder.  That’s not me.  I’ve completely eliminated all sugars and soda, nearly all bread, and mostly eat fruit and vegetables.  Gotta spend some time researching this problem.