I wish this was posted in November 06, when I took up cycling with Red Rider and her cohorts. I sagged for RR and them when they did the 06 Solvang Century with rain, sleet, hail and snow as RR and K's first Century. I was so impressed with their achievement I opened my big mouth and said "if we get a tandem I will do it with you next year." Time rolled on and we bought the bike in late October. Within a week we were signed up to do the Tour de Palm Springs century in February. Our first training ride, after a 10 mile ride home from the LBS was a 55 miler with OMG hills! I lived. I hurt. but I got stronger. Since then we have done 3 centuries. Two with over 6k feet of climbing. Did I forget to say WIND and wheelsuckers, lots of em.

A lot of it is mental. I applaud all who are working there way up or have found their comfort level. As RR says "if it aint fun it won't be done."

Thanks Stapfam, for putting it so well. I would only add sometimes our mind tells us we should fold it up and go home when all it takes is to dig down deep and find that inner drive. As the distance grows, so will your sense of accomplishment.