PoorInRichfield I can't remember. I'm 63 and I mostly commute. While I like to keep a brisk pace, I have to keep in mind to not "outride my brakes", especially on surface streets with potential cross traffic at intersections. While the trails allow for longer uninterrupted segments, the paths and trails I commute on are fairly busy, especially in the warmer months. Also, when I was 48 I slipped a disk in my neck while straining to give it my all sprinting away from a stoplight. I was in constant pain for 6 months and off the bike for a year. That made me a little more circumspect about all-out efforts.

However, your post had got me thinking. I quickly thought of 6 segments across all my commute routes that could be safely sprinted. And as long as I am not starting from a dead stop in too high a gear, I figure I'd be okay.

I often remember "Field Day" in 2nd grade. We had a 50 yard dash and one other kid and I tore away from the pack. I can still clearly remember the feeling of the adrenaline, how my heart felt like it would burst and how my legs felt like they were being driven by something outside of me. I've had that same feeling occasionally over the years, but I haven't tried for it recently.

This post has really got me thinking! I can, at first thought, count at least 6 segments on both trail and street with no or limited cross traffic where I can see the entire segment before me and any potential infringements at a safe distance. I know my cardio recovery is good and fast, so I just put a reminder on my phone to try sprinting.

It just never occurred to me to sprint a segment or two and then let up....thanks!