You have no idea how ecstatic I am that I biked to work! I’m excited for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is that my knees are healing! The physical therapy, the acupuncture, the personal training…whatever it is, it’s working. The second reason I’m excited is that this is the earliest I’ve ever tried riding to work. Usually I have to wait until May to give it a try due to weather.
I didn’t bike from home for my first commute this year. Last year I spent all winter going to spin class to keep up with my cycling fitness and it was pretty easy to get back on the bike come spring time. This winter I didn’t do that. Part of me regretted not taking any spin classes this winter, but part of me is glad I didn’t. I kind of burned out on cycling last year because of not having a break. I also got to spend this off-season focusing on strength training and fixing my weaknesses.
So Wednesday morning, Michael and I drove to Sellwood and rode in from there. It was a short ride, but long enough to make it “worth it”. It was an overcast, chilly morning but the weather promised afternoon sunshine. All I cared was that it was dry.
My legs felt pretty good. It was a longer ride than my short jaunt to the gym last weekend and I could tell the difference. While the route to work is relatively flat, my heart rate was pretty high. I just need to practice more.
It was so nice to bike with Michael, too. I’ll admit, it was kind of like having a security blanket with me. I was definitely nervous. I’m usually nervous at the start of the season. I guess it’s just that I fall out of practice and don’t feel as confident at the start. Everything went well–my knees were good, my bike was fine–so Michael and I bid farewell and he went over the Hawthorne Bridge to his office and I continued on to the Steel Bridge to go to mine.
Afternoon Ride
I was excited and nervous about my ride home but it went really really well. I definitely noticed that I was slightly out of cycling shape for the hills. I felt the burn in my thighs like I never used to!
That gives me a total of 11.51 miles! AWESOME! Total calories burned: 590! So so great for a first attempt.
I was famished by the time we got home. Michael grilled up burgers. I had smoked Gouda on mine with some avocado and spicy mustard. We also had some leftover potatoes so he sauteed them with a bunch of spices.
I devoured dinner and one glass of Cabernet and Michael and I had a mini marathon of the most recent Californication season. It was a great day of riding and a great night. The other bonus: I was NOT crippled the next day. My quads were slightly sore but nothing too bad. My knees felt good. I felt strong and healthy. I am so glad!
I have no idea when I’ll get the chance to ride again. The weather is turning ugly and the forecast doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon. I am so ready for summer. Who’s with me??
