Most of you here already know my story but here is a synopsis.

I will turn 44 in December, I'm 5'2" and 110lbs.

I began on 8/10/15. I decided I wanted to get some sunshine and a little exercise and got on my daughter's tiny bike and rode .84 miles and realized that it was killing my knees. I went to Walmart and bought a Huffy Cranbrook Cruiser came home and rode another 2 miles around the neighborhood. I was so amazed that I rode that far. That is where it all began.

I rode 737 miles on that cruiser, including 54 miles in the Hills of Oklahoma Tour with elevation gain of 2217ft in 5 hours 22 minutes. Brutal but I loved it.

October 8th I bought an 80s mixte road bike. To date I have put 584 miles on her.

I now find my competitive self aspiring to go further. I am trying to figure out training/recovery plans, sports nutrition and basic mechanics. What started out as a simple ride has become a whirlwind of questions, discoveries and elation.

Since I've joined this forum I have found support and advice that has helped in so many ways.

I strive to do my first Century at the Hotter n'Hell 100 this summer. A lot of this goal stems from sentimental reasons. I grew up hearing about this since I was a kid and spent a good portion of my childhood in this area.

I had thought that my main interest was more in the realm of endurance rides/tours but in the last couple of days I have found that I get a bit high on pushing for time and speed. After doing some skill drills and pushing myself in some heavy winds, I seem to ride in a different way than before. Whether I get to the point that I can succeed at this... only time will tell. I realize I have a long journey ahead of me and have a hell of a lot to learn.

Friday I did a (for me) a quick 16 miles in 1 hour 17 minutes. This was the first time I broke 14mph average (max 20.6mph.) I did fast before this ride and felt absolutely great!

Saturday I did 36 miles in 2:32 hours. Average of 12.8mph / max 21.7 - 28mph winds. I had oatmeal and a protein shake about an hour before and I felt the difference. For the first hour I was doubting myself, felt weak... but just kept pushing. About the last 10 miles I caught my second wind and felt really good on the finish. Granted I had a tail wind (aside from a few crosswinds.)

I realize these are some really slow speeds but for me they are improvement. I am chomping at the bit to get a new bike to see if it really make a difference or if it's just me. Patience is a virtue I guess.