The seed was planted around the end of July…
So, there’s a group of us at church that are runners and cyclists who usually “talk “shop” (races, training, etc.) on Sunday mornings. It’s fun to check in and encourage one another each week – I know I look forward to it.
During one such conversation at the end of July, upon my sharing that I had increased my bicycling sessions, a friend said, “You should ride Foxy’s Fall Century with me in October!”
I don’t recall my specific reaction, but it was probably, “Pfffft!” or “Yeah Right” or something like that…though secretly, I was probably thinking to myself, “hmmmmm, could I ride 100 miles?”
Oh, and he added, “You’ve run a few marathons, you can do a century!” [I think fisherman call that “setting the hook.”]
Thus, the seed was planted.
If you’ve read more than one post on this blog, you know: I’m a runner and love it. A week from tomorrow, will be my second anniversary of running…I started and basically have not stopped since. Prior to September 2011, I was not athletic by any stretch of the imagination; but, with running, seem to have found my niche – something that I enjoy and am somewhat good at (especially when my biggest and main competition is myself!) Bicycling was something that I added to my running program to do something different (at first) and subsequently, to ensure longevity by easing up on leg/IT band stress. I guess I figured there had to be organized events (rides or races) just like those I enjoy each month as a runner; but I really never considered doing one. Again, I’m a runner. Now, someone was suggesting that I do a 100-mile ride…and that I could actually do it because I had “run a few marathons.”
What to do?
Test things – or more specifically, myself. So, for the past month, I’ve been riding more, checking my endurance in the saddle, toying with hill climbing, and other aspects and skills of cycling. Funny: all the things I did when I was progressing from 5Ks to half marathons to full marathons to a 50K (and someday a 50-miler.) Dip the toe, test the water, then…
The verdict: “Yeah, I can do it.”
So, after checking with my wife (who thinks I’m nuts already, but still loves me!), it’s a go: I am registered for Foxy’s Fall Century!
With that, I’m doing a temporary shift in my training focus through mid-October and will be bicycling a lot more. Not exclusively though, as I have two half marathons scheduled between now and then; but enough to ensure that three goals are achieved on October 19th:
- Finish in upright position
- With a smile on my face
- Wanting to do it again
The seed was planted around the end of July…I’m looking forward to the harvest on October 19th!
After that, I’ll be back to a running-focused plan for the balance of the year…I got plans!
Giddy-Up!
Training Journal – 9/4/13:
- Current plan: Foxy’s Fall Century Training Plan
- Today’s session: 21-mile circuit ride
- Comments: I rode for 1:13:11 for 21.12 miles @ 17.3 mph avg & avg cadence of 85.
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