The ride started at Shari and Kevin's house at 7:30AM. We rode to Harmony, PA to meet the group. I wanted to throw up, but I put on my big girl pants and got on my bike. (At least I had 2 shoes for this ride. The last time I went to ride, I was missing one bike shoe. Some how I had a shoe in each of our cars. Still can't figure that one out.) The ride to Harmony was great. I didn't realize at the time it was mainly downhill, until later in the day! We got there early and had a little break before the hell began.
The good news: I didn't fall over, I didn't have to pee, I didn't walk my bike up the hill and I didn't have a headache. The bad news: I was last most of the time and people had to wait for me. I hate when that happens! That is when I made the revelation that my turtle tattoo was on my body, not only due to I love sea turtles and wanted a old school, black ink, tribal tattoo, but it is my reminder that I swim, bike and run like a turtle. I will say I am getting fasters, but I just can't keep up with people that are younger or who have been doing triathlons for years. I was a late bloomer in my athletic endeavors. I get that and embrace it, except when people have to wait for me.
The ride ended up being 71.3 miles - 6 hours and 18 minutes. (that included a few stops) with 4750 feet of gain. That is a shit load of gain, especially for a 50 year old's first really long ride. I did get a great lesson from Joella when we got to Moraine State Park. I'm sure if I remember everything she told me, I will get stronger and faster. Always something to work on.
I do think Shari tried to kill me at one point. She turned the wrong way to go home and we pedaled and pedaled and pedaled up a huge hill. (I did have a thought that I may have to walk my bike up). Shari beat me up the hill (shocker) and she was on the phone. All I heard was "Hollie is going to kill me". We were a little lost. Long story short, we had to go back down that hill and turn and go up another huge hill. This was around mile 54-57. Anyway, I didn't die, but I was wearing out. Shari did have a "too close for comfort" close call with a car pulling out of a model home. She is very lucky that she got stopped. It could have been tragic.
We made it back to Shari's house and she said "do you have your running shoe?". I proceeded to say, I don't have a run and there is no f.....way I was going to run. So I put my bike on the back and the truck and went home. After I was home for 10 minutes, I put on my running shoes and ran/walk 2.5 miles. I check with Joella and I was supposed to run, It was slow, but wasn't was bad at I thought it was going to be.
The journey of IronMan is amazing. I never knew my body would ever put up with what I am doing to it. Each and every day I am shocked what I can do. Even it is slower than a turtle, I finish what is on my plan and get up the next day and do it all over again. Today's ride was a high point, due to I came home in one piece. Next weekend is my first century ride (100 miles in a day). Look out Niagara Falls! Here comes the Iron Curtain!!
I'm so proud of you! You did great! Out of all the riders, this weekend, you have the least experience. You were never far behind and on the longest ride, you didn't get to rest, because as soon as you caught up, we started moving, again. I am convinced that you are just as strong as everyone else. You have some technique to work on, that's all. We have lots of miles to ride, this summer and I have no doubt that you will be right up, at the front of the pack in no time. Time in the saddle is all you need. Be proud of how well you are doing. You got this!!
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