Long time runner (over 15 years) who has come down with plantar fasciitis. I have (semi) obsessive workout behavior and addicted to it like crack. I do weight training about 5 times a week and cardio about 6 times a week. I keep spreadsheets on my cardio workouts (going back over 6 years) and monitor time, calories and heart rate (average and max). My goal is a minimum of 15,000 calories burned a month in cardio (about 24 hours). It was March of 08 when I last missed my goal (suffering with a high ankle sprain) at 13,554. I have often thought of biking but it was too complicated and too expensive. With running all you need is 5 pairs of shoes a year and you can literally almost do it anywhere. A couple of months ago my plantar fasciitis pain started. I played in the river of the Nile but finally had to face the facts. Started doing all cardio machines but I NEED to be outside and fatigue far too easily when looking at displays in a static environment. My plan is to not run for at least 6 to 8 weeks (although plantar fasciitis may have a different plan), which is into October. Decided I had to buy a bike because I was going crazy going nowhere to get my cardio and need some “new crack”.
Oddly I can’t remember the last time I actually rode a bike. I know the last time I rode for any length I was probably 15. Went by Atlanta Cycle (Vinings) just to look and was talked into taking a (I’m scared) test ride. Was actually apprehensive that I would wobble like a weeble or maybe even fall like a fool. Luckily it was “just like ridding a bike” and I was off.
Bought a Scott CR1 Team Monday (Aug 30th) and rode 20 miles on the Silver Commit trail (with testing peddles and running shoes). Tuesday I went on a group ride of 24 miles and was doing great (except looking like an idiot with my peddles and shoes) until about mile 18 when my shoelace came untied and tangled into a knot and about threw me to the pavement. Time for shoes although I was concerned about getting out with them.
Today I did 20 miles (about 1h7m) on the Silver Commit trail (which crosses lots of roads so I could get lots of stop/start practice) with my new shoe/peddles and love them. Was surprised at how easy and instinctively it is to twist the heal out (of course now that I bragged I’ll forget and fall in front of 20 people) as you come to a stop.
Just got a base roof rack for my car (delivered as I was typing) and have a Inno fork mount in shipment. This is the BAD of a bike crack habit because you must buy, buy, buy, buy.......... Time to mortgage the house.
Now I have a new goal (doesn't hurt to dream, it just hurts to NOT try) of doing a few Triathlons and 1/2 Ironman. Just hope that swimming is ALSO “like ridding a bike” since I can’t remember the last time I swam.
