Fitness goals changed: Running -> Cycling

Earlier this year I was fixated on running a marathon. Unfortunately, only in my head did I think I could run.  Over the year I always rode my bike to work until I started to use different cars at times. My logic was thinking if I did long distance walking, I could start running the same.

Turns out that idea failed as well. I pondered one day; what if I just start to ride around. I didn’t have gas money most of the time and I wanted to go to the beach. It was during that “awakening” I had referred to; it was time to start exploring new options.

I rode my bike the same distances I was walking. It only made more sense to me. It did provide more of a danger because drivers see cyclists less than walkers. Irregardless It was enjoyable and less harsh on my feet. I started off with the same 8 miles I was doing with the walking. Not much challenge it was because of my current conditions from the gas station job.

Then I thought, let me just try going to the beach. It was a 6.5 mile trip one way. I completed it with the same no challenge. It was a plus that I could swim while at the beach for added activity. As of this post, I have been riding my bike for a month. My bike is a standard Schwinn Beach Cruiser with gears. Its not the best for long distances but I make due with what I have.

Over time I needed more challenge. I am the type that likes to be worn our and sore after physical activity. My logic says if I am not sore or tired, I didn’t try hard enough. Therefore I started to find creative ways to increase my millage without changing my route. I scouted through Google Earth; and plotted the best roads to go with the lease traffic while going down extra streets.

Eventually I increased the route to a challenging 12.5 miles one way. Sometimes if I swam; I would have trouble completing the same return trip and therefore reverted to the 6.5 mile route on the way back. either way I have increased the bike ride from 13 miles into 18-25 miles. The initial time it took me was a 4 hour time window. Now it takes me 2.5-3 hours. I increased the speed I traveled with the increased strength.

When I first started to ride my bike I was 233 pounds. One month later I am 223 with great leg developments. Some “fitted pants” I had to give up because of the muscle gains haha. I then decided to get adventurous and start making long distance goals. The local malls are 10-11 miles away, I hopped on the bike and made it there.

As long as I am hyrdated and there isn’t much wind gust, I desire to push further and harder than I ever went (with injury prevention in mind). Running never gave me the same drive. I actually dreaded running. Bike riding is my new love and will work more wonders than running will ever provide. I will do my best with my current bike even though it is not made for long distances.

I have been looking at light weight racing bikes to be optimistic to upgrade into something that will open up new doors. You can only go so fast and far with a beach cruiser. It takes an intense amount of energy to maintain 12 MPH on the type of bike i have, for the millage I go. While I don’t have a racing bike; I see this as a positive factor as extra fat burn until I can afford the fancy bike.

Currently I am happy with the rate and effects bike riding is doing for me. I guess running and marathon racing isn’t for me. It was a learning lesson but I won’t beat myself up for trying it out. Better to have tried than always wonder the “what ifs”. I look forward to bringing more positive updates on my bike riding adventures.

Training visualizations

 

Yesterday it was quite interesting that I had a dream of actually jogging 26.2 miles and it went fine and swiftly. It was actually quite an enjoyable experience to run. In the real and awake state for many many yers I have always hated running. Not sure if I am ultimately lazy but even in the Army in top shape I could be I hated to do it. Soemthing about it now I am developing a love for running. Not that high of a love yet but I do admire the changes to the body exercising is doing.

The long distance walking I am doing now is developing my legs pretty nicely. Whats interesting to me is that when you do long distance walking through the same environment you used to drive around for years; you see alot more via walking. I saw lots of things I would never see because of driving. Its as if all surroundings are ignored and not appreciate when you don’t have the opportunity to stroll around. See all of the unique landscaping and front yards. To smell the different foods being cooked at dinner time. Its a must try experience i would recommend for everyone. Let it be atleast 4-5 miles through a variety of areas.

Back to the dream as I was side tracked. I think it is very important to visualize in pair with goals. Many motivational sources such as “The Secret”” has said many things about this process. One of the speakers said when you can go there in the mind, you can also go there in the body. I am going to pair that with more visualizing running 26.2 miles while building up my marathon training program. Well not really a program, just some fancy wording of attempted exercises I am making up as I progress.

6 months remain till race day. I am looking for completion not competition. With this limited remaining time it is critical for me to up the millage on my runs and do more endurance and cardio breathing training. Injury prevention is key to actually ensure I can make it to race day. Here’s to more visuals and physical running to come. Bring it on marathon.