Another twenty one miles

I got out and did another 5 laps around Hains Point and the odometer says I did 21 miles. It was a nicer day but worse road conditions as there was still a lot of ice on the road around East Potomac Park, and the roads were wet in a lot of places as well.

But it was sunny, warmer, and winds were calm. Maybe 40 degrees. My average speed was much higher as I could get over 20 and 22 quite often, and the speed never dropped below 15. Most of the time I was probably riding 17 18 19 mph.

Last week there were few bicyclists out: just one group of five that blasted past me on one lap. I then caught up with them as we approached Hains Point, and then past the Point, the just shot ahead of me again. Drafting helps a lot.

Today, too, there were few bicyclists, but lots more runners than last Sunday. There were a total of five bicyclists, and I easily passed every one of them today.

Still getting used to the clipless pedals. I need to take the bike into the shop and get the shoes adjusted. I need to buy a water bottle bracket as well, and a rear light.

If anyone rides or is training and sees this, please comment or send an email. I would LOVE to have a training partner, for any of the three sports.

Triathlon training: beginning

Two weeks ago today, I bought a 2010 Scott Speedster S30, my first road bike in years. Last Sunday was the first time I went on a real ride, with shoes for the pedals and everything. I have never worn shoes for clipless pedals, so I spent some time leaning against a wall, just putting them in and pulling them off the pedals. After maybe ten minutes of practicing, I set off and within one block fell over. There are lots of stop lights in Washington, and I found out I have to pull a foot out well before when I need to stop.

I rode 20 miles on it, mostly laps at Hains Point. It was well below freezing with winds from the NW at 20-30 mph. Going with the wind was fun, almost scary. I was able to go over 25 mph. Going against the wind was another story. Then, it was hard to go 15.

Still I did it and am proud of it. Because of work and chores, I haven't been back on since. I hope to get some time on the bike tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

The best to all in the newest of the year 2011! I started it out by running - here's the route -

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4210781

Just over 6 km, almost 4 miles, in really nice weather for January. One of my resolutions this year is to get more fit. This means to keep up the gym and do another "big" thing like a marathon or triathlon. Right at this moment, I'm leaning toward the triathlon.