I have officially been bitten by the bug! No - I haven't contracted the flu. I have been bitten by the endurance event bug. On September 26th, 2009, I completed my first Century! For those of you not familiar with bike lingo, a century is a 100-mile bike ride.
Back in early Spring, my friend Mary - who is also new to outdoor riding - challenged me to my first endurance event on a bike. A little apprehensive at first, I decided to start training for it and see how much I could handle. I have to say - after teaching 3 - 5 spin classes a week and at least one (sometimes two) extended outdoor rides a week since Spring - I am happy to report that I lived to tell about it. Don't get me wrong - it was a lot harder than I thought it would be.
We chose the Tri-State Seacoast Century - spanning three states (MA, NH, & ME). Rumored to be "flatter than the flattest" - I would have to disagree. MA and NH weren't bad but ME rolling hills were the real challenge. Not to mention the wind coming off the water was pretty brutal!
Our original plans were to do 50 miles on Saturday and 50 on Sunday. With the weather predicted to be pouring rain on Sunday, our plans changed quickly. Although neither of us spoke about what we were about to accomplish, we both hoped that we would be able to endure the entire mileage. We just kept riding....and riding....and riding. As the sun started to go down, the realization kicked in that we just might make it! And with heavy legs we did!
A great sense of accomplishment was felt that day - as we drove back to the hotel in disbelief. All night we talked about how incredible the feeling of completing the ride felt! I am grateful to Mary for encouraging me to take the leap. We are sure to be riding partners in future endurance events.
For those of you wanting to try an endurance event like this - I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU! Maybe you can join me next year?
Happy Training!
