Training Season

The training has begun. I am committed. I’m going to do it. It’s overwhelming, but I think it’s possible. At least, I hope it is possible. I keep reminding myself of what the “Little Engine That Could” said, “I think I can, I think I can.” It worked for him, and hopefully, it’ll work for me because I recently signed up to participate in the MS 150 ride on April 30 – May 1, 2011. It’s a 2-day event where cyclists ride 75 miles a day for a grand total of 150 miles. Yikes!

It’s scary, but it’s also invigorating. I love a challenge, and it will be a huge accomplishment if I’m able to complete it. To date, my longest ride has been 33 miles, so I have a long road ahead of me if I want to ride 150 miles in two days. Thus, the reason for the training. I need to be on my bike daily to improve my strength, speed, and stamina. The only problem is that it is the middle of winter, and I happen to be a complete wimp in cold weather. If it’s under 50 degrees outside or if it’s raining, I’m not going out on my bike.

One of my Christmas presents solved the problem for me. I received a CycleOps trainer which lets me cycle indoors on my road bike. I love it; the trainer is fantastic! I simply set my bike on the trainer, and it comes very close to simulating an authentic road-like experience because of the progressive resistance that it offers. When the weather warms up and I want to ride outdoors, I simply take the bike off the trainer, switch out the back wheel, and I’m ready to go. Brilliant!

My Cannondale Women’s Synapse Carbon 4 with CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

I have been using the trainer for three days now, and so far, so good! I have a long way to go, but I’m excited about the trainer and the opportunity to participate in the ride. It will be fun to see how far I’m able to progress over the next four months. Stay tuned for more updates, and to learn more about the MS 150 or to sponsor my ride, click here .