Back in March I set goal, a goal I came tantalizingly close to during both June and July only to watch it slip through my fingers like quicksilver. Failure almost reared its head again in August, but I knuckled down and last night, somewhere across from Terminal B at National on the Potomac Trail, the trip odometer on my handlebars rolled to 25.00 miles.
Doesn’t seem like much, but the 25th mile of the ride was my 200th in August (ftr – the ride ended up being 27.25 miles). When I set the goal, I had no idea how hard 200 miles in a month would be. Actually, looking at my ride-tracking app stats, there was a period between mid-June and mid-August where I’d done 400 miles in 60 days, but it wasn’t quite the same.
It was like the Tiger-slam of goal fulfillment.
But August was different…and a bit the same. I kicked ass the first half of the month riding a total of 136 miles on the 4th, 9th, 11th, 13th and 16th. Then I took a week off because of weather, alcohol and just not giving a shit and had to get 64 miles in during the last eight days. For some 64 miles isn't a big deal. For me it's three medium rides or two long rides. Or one really, long ride and a couple of laps around Haynes Point.
I did it, but let me tell you it as a Herculean task making myself hit the road last night. Once I got out there I was fine, it was the gettin’ that was tough. You wouldn’t think it’s hard to ride eight times in 31 days, but it is. I think my biggest stumbling block is that I most often ride alone. Most of the people I know who ride, ride a lot faster and longer than I do. When I ride with them it kicks my ass and I don't have fun. When I ride along I ride at my own pace (about 16-17 mph), but I get bored after about 90 minutes.
I don’t know if – OK, who am I kidding – I’m pretty sure I won’t be hitting the 200-mile barrier in September. What I think I’d like to do is get to 1,500 for the year (I’m at 973 right now), which I think is pretty doable averaging about 150 miles a month till the end of the year.
Who knows, now that it’s cooled down a bit, might be able to go even longer. Yeah, no.
7 comments:
Fantastic! So happy for you, setting a goal then reaching it is something to celebrate and reflect upon. Especially when physical activity is required.
I'm like you - I run alone rather than in a group. You're not alone entirely though, I have moments where I just don't care and skip a workout :)
Keep rollin'
Nice work on meeting your goal! Finding myself only semi-employed effective August 1st, I decided to use some of my newly free time to set a walking goal - and made it 85 miles.
When I ride my mountain bike on the road, I am so woefully slow (11 mph avg) that I am suitable riding company only for myself.
seriously - i'm kind of in awe of that. i don't think i've ridden 200 miles on a bike in my LIFE. that's amazing...
HK - Well, not everyone can run 13 miles. It is funny, there's so many times when I'm like, "I just don't feel like going for a ride," but then I get out and that all goes away.
Keenie - That is impressive! I used to do long walks every week - but then I was in the Marines at the time.
magnolia - And when you add in the 184 in July and 176 in June it looks even better. Although, that 184 in July kinda mocks me. One more ride, and a really short one at that, and I'da been there a month ago. Live and learn.
Yaaay, congrats! :-)
good.for.you. :-)
xoxo
Titania - thank you thank you thank you.
blond - And thank you too. It was fun, kinda. Actually, I have family coming into town tonight and I'm a little annoyed I won't be able to go for a ride when I get home from work. Wanted to start September off right.
Oh well.
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