This is where the glamour happens. My training log — a thrilling, data-driven account of how many miles I’ve ridden, how many hills I’ve climbed, and how many body parts have politely refused to work. As I train for my (possibly questionable) decision to bike across the country, I’ll be logging the numbers here: the rides, the workouts, the elevation gains, the occasional small victories, and the inevitable reminders that I am not a spring chicken. It’s not fancy. It’s not inspirational. But it’s legit. And it’s happening.
June 14 | Ride Time: 2:33:13 | Distance: 17.51 MI | Elevation Gain: 273 FT | Avg Speed: 6.8 MPH | Conditions: Sunny with lots of protesting | Notes: Rode with a buddy today who showed up in running shoes (flat pedals) and saddle bags (mostly, but not completely empty), while I was kitted out like I was tapering for Stage 12 of the Tour de France. Legs felt great, butt felt fine, but between my buddy’s Sunday stroll pace and her fairly flat back tire, I’m pretty sure we were passed by a jogger. Uphill. Carrying groceries.
June 10 | Ride Time: 31:35 | Distance: 6.5 MI | Elevation Gain: 123 FT | Avg Speed: 12.2 MPH | Conditions: Windy AF | Notes: Still feeling Saturday’s ride like a haunting. Gave myself a rest day, slipped back into my old (but clean!) chamois shorts, and hit the road. Butt still sore enough to be listed in the Book of Job, somewhere between the boils and the locusts. The wind was technically 10mph but emotionally 40, and every pedal stroke felt like I was towing a small trailer full of regret.
June 8 | Ride Time: 47:59 | Distance: 10.06 MI | Elevation Gain: 144 FT | Avg Speed: 12.5 MPH | Conditions: Windy | Notes: Back pain has escalated from ‘mild protest’ to ‘full labor strike.’ Scheduled bike fitting, which is conveniently only available after my spine has fully locked into its new shape, about a month away.
June 7 | Ride Time: 53:13 | Distance: 9.77 MI | Elevation Gain: 237 FT | Avg Speed: 11 MPH | Conditions: Sunny | Notes: First training ride and I haven’t even committed to doing this thing. Doesn’t matter. The bike is perfect. My body, less so. Knee: annoyed. Back: taking notes for its upcoming formal complaint.