I'm sort of an ambitious person. At least in the sense of physical fitness. I have found that I always need a challenge, I always need something to work for, and not in the easy "I want to look better in a bathing-suit kind-of way." No, I need a challenge, I need something to work for. So, this past semester I decided that I wanted to take up cycling.
Now, this isn't a totally new concept for me, my main workout throughout college has been riding the stationary bike in the gym. But my competitive nature crept through and just riding the bike wasn't enough, I needed to be riding it for a reason, a purpose. I then decided to do some research and concluded that I didn't just want to ride, I wanted to race, and not just any race, I wanted to do a 100 mile race (called a century ride).
I had a slight problem however, or a few problems- at the time I decided I wanted to do this century ride it was the middle of the winter in Omaha (meaning a good foot of snow on the ground) which actually wasn't that big as my next problem: I didn't own a bike. But, nonetheless I decided that this should be my goal for the year- finish a century ride. So I started training, riding the little stationary bike and I slowly got more and more excited because for the first time since I had to stop playing basketball I had found something that I genuinely enjoyed doing.
And then finals happened, and I got out of my routine, working out got put on hold as I tried to complete my then current goal (to finish the year strong), which I did! (2 B+ and 1 A!!) but then I came home and sumer started and I found that I didn't really enjoy the stationary bike anymore. Perhaps because I no longer had notes to study and pass the time as I rode, but whatever the reason I found myself avoiding the bike, or even the gym altogether so I wouldn't have to sit there and ride. Then I got to talking with my mom, and we decided that this century was something that we really wanted to do, and if we were going to get serious about it we needed some road bikes. So we went our local bike store, took the plunge, and got serious.
So for the past 2ish weeks my life has consisted of early evening bike rides and LOTS of sleeping (who knew 20 miles could make you so tired!) Nonetheless I am slowly getting there, learning little by little everything I need to survive my first century (I already have stories!).
In short, since I don't have nursing school to talk about for the next 3 months, I figured I would switch over to my adventures (and failures) of cycling. Tomorrow I am waking up bright and early to try and go 25 miles (and still be breathing when I'm done) so ready or not, here I go!
And here's a lovely picture of me trying to figure out clip-less pedals (excuse the hair)
--this was after I fell over after FINALLY clipping both feet in
