I cannot get over how much stronger I feel in my legs. The combination of a great ride in Aliyah, my spin classes, the long ride and my hill training is all paying off. I noticed it especially today when I tackled my hill here at home. Three times I tackled that hill today with a total of 24km of riding and I felt strong in every part of it. Quite the difference from when I first started riding. When anything would scare me, when even the smallest bump in the road would make me get the wobbles.
My first 8km was done nice and easy, on easy gears and on the small chain ring. I just wanted to get my legs all warmed up and feeling good. I sat on my saddle the whole way up and just rode the long continuous climb - spinning the legs and quite a high tempo. The second time around I decided to still keep it on the small chain ring but on a harder gear which made me get out up and out of the saddle. I didn't realise I would like climbing the hill this way - I felt more in control and alot stronger I might say. It was as if every revolution I made had purpose, a new strength which I never had before. I liked it.
On the 3rd climb I made it a bit harder yet again. I made the gears harder yet again and this time by the time I made it to the top I knew that I had had enough. My legs were burning and screaming out to stop peddling. But did I give in? Are you for real? No way! On the home stretch I dropped down into the drop bars and gave it whatever I had left. In my little world I was hooning it. In Barbara's world, I was riding my bike at light speed. For the first time in ages I felt invincible climbing hills on Aliyah.
I know that at this pace I should be able to tackle the hills x4 times next week. And with that I will try to find another hill to tackle. Another challenge to overcome.
My first 8km was done nice and easy, on easy gears and on the small chain ring. I just wanted to get my legs all warmed up and feeling good. I sat on my saddle the whole way up and just rode the long continuous climb - spinning the legs and quite a high tempo. The second time around I decided to still keep it on the small chain ring but on a harder gear which made me get out up and out of the saddle. I didn't realise I would like climbing the hill this way - I felt more in control and alot stronger I might say. It was as if every revolution I made had purpose, a new strength which I never had before. I liked it.
On the 3rd climb I made it a bit harder yet again. I made the gears harder yet again and this time by the time I made it to the top I knew that I had had enough. My legs were burning and screaming out to stop peddling. But did I give in? Are you for real? No way! On the home stretch I dropped down into the drop bars and gave it whatever I had left. In my little world I was hooning it. In Barbara's world, I was riding my bike at light speed. For the first time in ages I felt invincible climbing hills on Aliyah.
I know that at this pace I should be able to tackle the hills x4 times next week. And with that I will try to find another hill to tackle. Another challenge to overcome.
