Thanks so much to my pal, Karen, for taking us out on a preview of the IronGirl Atlanta bike course today. The race is happening in just a mere three weeks.Yay and oh, no!
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| Karen, SBM and Kim heading out! |
This was my first day back in the saddle since broke-foot-a-palooza 2012. The air was cool and I felt so alive, just being back on the bike!
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| Karen and Kim! |
Even though the bike was painful and exhausting and I have a long road ahead, I loved being back on the bike.
A few observations:
- While I felt great getting on the move and back onto my bike, I felt (and to my horror, also looked) like a giant stuffed sausage. Time to put down the food (again and always…sigh.) Not only for aesthetic purposes do I need to lose weight… but there were some mean climbs on this course, and three weeks until the race…. if I could peel off, say… 1000 pounds, that would make the climbs easier.
- This was actually my first ride with a “group” that did not include the Expert. While I can say that I was probably holding the group significantly down, it felt great to spend an early morning riding with some fabulous ladies. Next week: Mountain Goat is coming too! Woot!
- We rode about 20 miles, and while it was difficult, I am proud to say that it is true: I have not “lost it all” with the broken foot. Because the beginner triathlete in me could only do 8 miles on the first outing. So… there’s something there.
- Seriously, the last climb on this course (around Mile 13) was crazy. Crazy. I was sucking wind like a freight train, and Constance (my Garmin) didn’t even register my heart rate… I think it was too high for the watch.
I am looking forward to the race. Even though I will be walking the 5k (doctor’s orders), I am going to be so thrilled to have the energy of a race again. It’s all about the climb, baby. At least that’s what Miley Cyrus says… and we all know she’s a genius.
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| Thanks, Karen! 🙂 |
Have a great week! Oh, and on the drive out… I couldn’t help but LOVE this!
LOL the name of the pizza place didn't even register with me at the time. HILARIOUS. At little lunch spot for triathletes.
Enjoyed riding today! You did not hold the group back AT ALL… You did awesome as if you never missed any time at all. I have seen more than a few people tip over (clipped in of course) or just flat out walk up a couple of those hills so be proud 🙂
Those hills are killer! You will be amazed at how many people are walking up them during the race.
Great first ride back!
Totally not related – but I was doing the La Jolla Half Marathon today, and I spied a SBM t-shirt ahead of me in the starting corral!! It was a 6 degrees of separation moment, although the crowd of runners prevented me from getting over to her to chat. BUT – still a totally cool moment which made me feel less alone in a sea of strangers. 🙂
Ha! That pizza place is perfect in context.
Thanks for this descriptive post! The Irongirl Atlanta will be my very first triathlon, and I'm riding the course this Sunday because I am more than a bit nervous about those hills.I had seen Karen's invitation to the ride on our Tough Chik blog and was sad I couldn't make it this past week! It would have been fun to meet you ladies! Again, thanks so much for the post! I will highlight mile 13 on my map…I just hope I can get clipped out IF I have to WALK it! 🙂