Figuratively and literally! This morning’s bike ride went SO much better in the clip pedal department! I didn’t really struggle once. Instead of stopping right at the stop sign or light, I would slow down a long time in advance so I had plenty of time to collect my barrings and make a safe and semi-graceful stop. It really seemed to help me a lot. Also, I found it easier taking both feet out of the pedals and starting fresh each time instead of just one. I am sure this is totally inefficient but it helped me feel more in control and less nervous about the whole thing. It’s not really surprising to me that the more calm, cool and collected I am about something, the easier time I have trying to figure it out. Duh, Kinley…
I set out for an hour ride and ended up making it 65 minutes because I was SOCLOSE to hitting 15 miles. Compare that with running where I would cover a whopping 6 miles maybe! It was kind of neat getting to ride further on the bike trail than I normally get to run, gave me a whole new perspective on that part of the area. Something else I need to get used to is passing almost everyone on the trail… even other people on bikes seem to be on more of a leisurely ride and therefore I have to safely pass them. I’ve been saying “Coming up on your left” when I go past people but I am not really sure if this is polite or rude. I just fear them making some kind of freak out motion to the left when they hear me coming up behind them. I guess maybe I am just being excessively paranoid but I know I don’t have flawless control over my bike so I feel better safe than sorry? Maybe I am wrong but I think I will keep it up for awhile.
That’s me, the superhero on the left 
I’d like to say my bootay is getting more used to riding but um… that’s not quite the case yet… It’s much better on the bike path where the pavement is nice and smooth but when it comes to riding on the road? Oh good lord that hurts! And one particular road is exceptionally ridged and I think I may have gotten some whiplash from that portion of my ride! Not gonna lie, this part is going to take some getting used to!
These shorts really help but…
One thing that is really nice about biking that you don’t really have when running is a super convenient place to put your water! My arms might get tired from holding the handle bars but at least not from the added weight from water 
Plus it’s just cute
I kind of thought about this when I bought by bike but I reflected on it quite a bit more this morning. When I bought my bike, I got fitted, bought proper clothes and socks and other accessories that I need to have the best experience possible. When I started running I literally had a $50 pair of shoes and just ran… I wonder what would happen if I put as much energy and thought into having proper running shoes and running clothes if I wouldn’t feel a little better prepared?! (Who am I kidding, I am probably just trying to justify buying myself some lululemon clothes for running – someday!) But seriously, if you feel like you are struggling with running, think about getting a few more items that could help. Better clothes, shoes, etc.
I’m glad I am back to being excited for biking rather than terrified. Another week of this and I think I will be feeling even more comfortable! And hopefully in another week, I can start adding short, slow runs to my week! I finally broke down and went to the doctor yesterday and she thought what I have been fighting is a sciatica type issue so that makes me feel less inclined to continue rest since this type of issue actually could get worse with rest. I’m also very hopeful about the book I’ve been reading that I talked about yesterday too. I’m only about 20% into it but so far it sounds like this book was written about me. I’ll do a further post on this in the future when I finish it (it’s on Kindle!!).
I’m off for a walk with sister and then a fun dinner out tonight at a new to me restaurant! May have to bring my camera because it sounds like an awesome place!
What are you up to this weekend?
Sounds like you are killing it in the bike riding department! Way to go! I say, keep doing your “on the left” thing. It may come off as rude, but it is a safety issue. Safety first!*
Yes, I like your thinking! You just never know what people are going to do…