In 2004 I thought that I might want to buy a bike so that I could try my first triathlon. It looked kind of like this:
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| Trek 1200 |
Until now! I figure that since I'm signing up for this all women's sprint triathlon in July and maybe an Olympic distance sometime in the fall then I should probably get familiar with my bike and figure out what this cycling thing is all about!
My friend Liz took me out to a trail nearby and she was kind enough to take it easy on me for my first time. We ended up doing 20.5 miles but I was happy to be finished and feel like I could do another 20! This made me think that I just might really LOVE this whole cycling world! I'm so excited to ride with some groups, go out with my friend Liz again, and LEARN and challenge myself in a new sport!
Oh, and these Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar Shorts helped too....they were like riding on clouds and my crotch didn't fall asleep for a second!
Now for some questions for you! I'd love any advice you can give!
1.My husband just got some of these trendy Vibram Five Fingers as you can see in the picture above. He is training for some 5ks this summer but wants to work his way into a more minimalist shoe. Do you have any tips or advice for how he can start working his way into these Vibrams gradually? Would love any wisdom you have!
2.My friend just found out she is pregnant. She had a doctor tell her that cycling might not be a good idea for her. She's been active with spin, swimming, weights, etc. so I would think that continuing to ride her bike wouldn't be a problem. What do you think? Any advice here? I know that with running, I'd say just to keep doing what she is used to doing but is riding a bike different??
3. Thank you so much for your advice on triathlons, places to ride my bike, music lists, etc! I'll be putting some new tunes on my new iPod shuffle hopefully this week and I plan to use it for my next race. You guys ROCK! Seriously awesome and I hope to get back to you sometime soon!
Amanda
Cycling IS awesome. :) I'm sure you'll be just as good at this as the running. Way to get back out there and try something new (again).
ReplyDeleteI rode some when I was pregnant, but the thing about a bike is the falling part. You're falling from higher and at a faster speed than running.
Those shorts ROCK! If I get some will they look that good on me?
ReplyDeletefun! i used to bike commute 3-4 times a week 20 mile run trip living in Seattle. miss that. nice bike!
ReplyDeleteRaina, of course they would! I've seen your legs girl! You'd do these shorts proud! What? is that even a saying? You know what I mean. :) ha!
ReplyDeleteHaha, Back for more.
ReplyDeleteOK...glad to see you are busy leaping headlong into tri! Holy moly!! I have no doubt you could slay one of those.
The bike is nice! Mine is a renovated schwinn from about the year I was born. Heavy, but functional. It would get me laughed off a race course, as would my cycling. :)
I rode my bike in the last week of my last pregnancy, but i think it all depends on whether someone has any health risks in their pregnancy or not. You don't want to go *exercise nuts* if you have pre-eclampsia (I didn't know that with number one and just kept trucking like a moron...) it doesn't help high blood pressure in that situation. Go as you feel comfortable if all things are "normal". That's my un-medical advice. ;).
Hope you had a great weekend!
I think riding a bike whiel pregnant is totally fine!! I wonder why her doctor told her that??
ReplyDeleteOh, you know what, I'm thinking of spin. I never biked outside because I was worried I would fall over. I don't really trust myself enough on a bike not to fall over. haha.
Lookin' hot in those shorts!
Your post is perfect timing for me! I was just talking to my friend today about cycling. She has done several half iron man tri's. I think I am in the market for a bike. I need to cross train if I want to be able to keep on running :) Several of my friends have sone the Blue Lake tri and loved it (except for the mosquitos :)
ReplyDeleteWish i had known you were going to be at Helvetia, I totally would have asked you to jump in and run the last couple with me, maybe that girl would not have passed me with a half a mile to go. :)
You did it! I'm so proud of you! I hope your healthy positivity rubs off on me someday! My bike's been broke for 2 years now. It's sad, I know.
ReplyDeletewow, amanda. you look like you were meant to be in those cycling shorts!! you look rockin! I'm with Raina...I would totally get some of those shorts if they looked like that on me!! Proud of you for going after something new. I wish I had that desire for triathalons...but for now, I don't! :) Go get'em! Your friend who is pregnant...doesn't make sense to me unless the doctor is concerned with crashing...I guess that would be a concern...much like skiing. Skiing in itself wouldn't be a risk to someone pregnant but falling would! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to ride all the time before kids. My ob encouraged exercise and when I asked about cycling, she said it was great as long as I don't fall. Well, I couldn't think about anything else while riding, sucked all the fun right out of it. Needless to say I didn't ride much further into the pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteMy dr advised me to not cycle after a certain point - mostly because of risk of falling. Also as your tummy gets bigger, it is harder to be comfortable on the bike esp if you have a more "race" like position. I still rode until 7+ months. Just like with running - need to make sure you don't over exert.
ReplyDeleteHmmmph...Maybe you can be my stunt butt in a future race.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine why cycling would be bad for a pregnant lady unless they fell off. Did the doctor have any reason for his fear-mongering?
ReplyDeleteI remember cycling when I was pregnant, and there is a problem with balance as you get bigger, as your centre of gravity changes. It may be ok in the early stages though. Great pictures! You look like a natural biker!
ReplyDeleteMmost barefoot books caution against ever using VFFs, but most agree getting the BF part down is really important before going to any minimalist shoe.
ReplyDeletei think that Liz is right, it is the balance issue on the bike. I would think that spin etc..would be okay since we have had many a pregnant woman in my spin classes.
ReplyDeleteI love your bike. I am going to read the advice people give you. I have a new bike that I need to get out there and ride, but I am afraid to. I definitely need to get over it.
I just found your blog and am SO HAPPY! You are so inspiring and FAST!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I am in the process of bike-buying so I don't have any experience to answer your questions! I do teach spin though...and tons of pregnant women participate!
I can't wait to keep reading!
the risk of biking while pregnant is with falling and/or crashing. it also puts pressure on the nether regions that are already feeling additional pressure. you are also not supposed to go bowling while pregnant - so add that to the list of things that seem to be harmless
ReplyDeleteCan't ever undervalue a good pair of bike shorts!!! Love all the pics! Makes me SO excited to spend more time with my bike!!!! Wish we had some beautiful places to ride around here....You look awesome as usual!
ReplyDeleteDon't know much about the Vibrams but they're funky!
Would have to know more of a medical history but I can't imagine biking wouldn't be an awesome exercise for at least the first few months. A little more risky later on mainly with balance ....Not a doctor though.
Post your playlist when you finally organize it! I just bought a new shuffle (since my last one fell down a shithole). They are tiny and not a burden to carry so I'm considering wearing it in the race. Don't usually listen to music during marathons and maybe I won't even turn it on, but I'm thinking I might like to have it this time. I'm too lazy to type and send my playlist! I would be more likely to just mail you my ipod-ha! Looks like you got some good suggestions though!
Excited for you and your future, cycling tri adventures!!!!! You are SUCH a go getter-Love that about you!!
Happy Monday girl. Off to ride my bike now before the troops arise!! Thanks for the inspiration!
I think OB's get concerned with the risk of falling on a bike. I would assume a spin class would be fine as long as she has not risks with her pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteWow, Wow, Wow! Can I just say you're amazing?! And the shorts look super comfy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting your running groove on. I am sure you will be just as good at that as you are at running. :)
Yay, you're entering the biking world, so excited for you. One word of warning: it's so freaking expensive! You probably own way more stuff than I had when I started, but those dang bike shorts, shirts, gloves, tubes, tires, arm warmers....are PRICY!!!! Of course, I didn't have a bike either. Ha. Looking forward to hearing about your new adventure!! Yay.
ReplyDeleteI went to this seminar the other night about minimalist running with Michael Sandler and a slew of others and they all said to be VERY cautious easing into minimalist running. Michael's book: Barefoot Running, has a 12 week program, too. Hahah, that sounds a little AA-ish... :) The 5-fingers act more like a shoe than barefoot but I'd still recommend his gradual approach, if you wanted to pick up the book. Amazon has it for like $13 I think.
Way to go on your bike!! You rock! The shorts look great! What a cute picture of your hubby & son! I'd suggest your friend talk to another doctor. That just doesn't seem right unless there are some complications.
ReplyDeleteYou already know my advice on the vffs... go slow!! He really should start doing bf runs first then go into them. People think they are supposed to work down to barefoot when it's the other way around. Go barefoot first then back up into shoes.
ReplyDeleteMy doctor told me no to the cycling in the 3rd trimester- it is just an issue of that big belly and balance. But, I rode up until then. Better to be safe!
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you dusted that bad boy (girl?) off and got out there. It's such great cross-training.
ReplyDeleteFor your hubs--take it slowly, slowly, slowly! My advice would be to first get used to walking in the vibrams--work up to about a 30-minute walk in them. Then start with really short bits of running in them--like around the block short. He should do it at the front end of his runs, then switch into the running shoes and finish up. This will help his form get right in whatever shoes he is using.
Onto your prego friend--I cycled for the first trimester of both pregnancies then switched to the trainer. I think once your center of gravity starts going, it's better safe than sorry.
Yeah - for getting out on your bike!
ReplyDeleteFor your preggors friend, my doctor suggested that I don't ride either during my pregnancy because the position has the potential of widening your hips with the added weight. I don't know how much I believe that, BUT, I decided not to ride and do other things. I looked at it this way, I could still do stuff (at least until the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy then I was on rest), and you aren't preggors for ever so REALLY, what harm is it if you just don't ride.
Those shorts are cute too, you should try some clip shoes.
ooh, nice ride! Cycling is SO much fun, I'm glad you're joining the club :)
ReplyDeleteI am not a cycler at all... I have just never enjoyed it and would rather be running. But you look super cute in your cycling gear! Love it!
ReplyDeleteFor your hubby... slow, slow, slow is what I have heard. Cute pics!
Geez Louise! You just do it ALL :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, so you have some serious legs on you... you have the kind of legs I have always wanted. The kind where you show up on the start line and people go, "Dang... I have to race HER?" Instead I have toothpicks...
Those shorts... since I am riding a whopping 6 miles and feeling every bump and crack in the road, I definitely need some of THOSE shorts if I am going to go any farther. Taking notes on those...
So glad you had fun with the bike! The only word of caution I would give w/ the bike and pregnancy is that your center of gravity changes and your balance situation is upset a bit... so she should be extra careful!
How stinking cute are you lifting that bike up! I have been considering taking up cycling because we have a HUGE group of people here who do it. The only problem is I don't know if I can ride anymore....because I haven't had a bike since I was like 12.
ReplyDeleteI would like to feel like I could rock a pair of those biker shorts but I have seen a few too many older gentlemen who wear them and have their gut hanging out with the shirt stretched so tight it is UNREAL. I don't know if I am that level of brave....
I am also pretty obsessed with cycling right now... it must be in the water!
ReplyDelete1. My H just made the switch... he's worked his way up to 2.5 miles in the Vibrams, and digs them so far. Key, I think, was to go slow - baby steps. I mean, 5 minutes running. Wear them around the house, to the store, whatever, for a bit, while you're feet get used to it.
2. No advise, I wanted to eat watermelon and sleep while i was pregnant. :D
I love all of your pictures. The scenary is absolutely gorgeous and you are adorable. I am so glad I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have no advice so I am sorry. But I am getting interested in cycling and am excited to learn from you. Have a fabulous week!
I want to start riding just so I can wear those hot biking shorts! love those!!! you look Gooood!;) Vernonia is where we did all our long runs on my marathon training..it is FABULOUS!!!sigh...oh it just makes me want to go right now......I can't wait to see how you like the Tri! I bet you will LOVE IT! you have the strong body needed for the biking an swimming! you go girly!
ReplyDeleteI am SO SO excited for your triathalon!!! That is so exciting! You look good with your bike! LOVE the shorts! You are looking STRONG woman. About the rest day posts....I put all of my training posts under the MY TRAINING tab on my blog:) LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, so excited to hear you picked a tri! And those shorts are sweet - I like the length, not too long and not too short. Might have to find a pair.
ReplyDeleteOn to your questions...
1) I've been running in the Five Fingers since 2007, and have learned a lot in the process. Most importantly, take it slow and pay attention to how your feet, calves, achilles, etc. feels through the process.
Here's something I wrote on the subject of easing into them:
http://ironmom.blogspot.com/2010/12/do-toe-shoes-make-your-feet-stronger.html
2) I think what you do when pregnant is a highly individual decision. I had friends who biked through much of their pregnancies. I actually kept skydiving through both of mine! But I stopped biking and my reasoning was this: the danger of a sudden accident with blunt trauma is actually fairly high on a bike (much higher than in skydiving, for instance). Case in point, I went flying off my bike on Thursday and broke my arm. Being pregnant would've been really bad. From dogs to gravel to cars, too many things can neccessitate a sudden ditching of a bicycle. For me, I just didn't feel safe riding.
I have a red TREK bike and the same shorts. Yippee.
ReplyDeleteI did spinning while I was pregnant. Just no rode biking :)
Yup! Love the bike, shorts, scenery, pics and your new mission to triathlon! Preggers and cycling: Definitley an issue with balance...and the higher risk of injury if an accident DID occur. XOXO, M
ReplyDeleteYay for biking! Glad you had fun! You've already biked more than a sprint requires, lol!
ReplyDeleteI think the only issue with riding during pregnancy is the potential loss of the baby due to a fall. For me, I would only ride on the trainer preggo, I would probably not be able to ride due to nerves.
You're doing Blue Lake!! Woo hoo, good for you. I'll be in San Francisco that weekend for the half, but cheering you on from all the way down there.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the cycling. I have totally fallen in love with it. I just did my first duathlon this weekend. The idea of a tri really scares me but maybe another year.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures of you and your bike! And your legs look fabulous in those shorts!! Never heard of not cycling while pregnant, but what do I know - I have not been preggers before. I'd be curious to hear the reasoning behind the recommendation! Seems like less impact would be better, but I'm not a doctor.
ReplyDeletelove the shorts and your bike is sweet! great job!
ReplyDeleteyipeee for your crotch not going numb :)
ReplyDeleteAngela started wearing the Vibrams about a month ago. She loves them! She has been transitioning into a minimal shoe for the last 2 years. From the Newtons to the Green Silence by Brooks. This was just the next step. She started off running only 10 minutes at a time in them. Now she can run a whole 40 mins. She swears by them. She says her feet feel stronger and better than ever.
ReplyDeleteI miss cycling! I need to get back on the bike soon! :)
Cycling really can be enjoyable! I'm glad you had a good time! Your legs are so awesome! Mine would look like sausages in those shorts!
ReplyDeleteI think the whole thing about riding bikes while pregnant is the whole falling thing. Plus when you get big I'm sure it would get hard to balance.
Vibrams? Take it slow. They're so fun that you don't want to stop running. I'm sure you've heard that before though!
So fun! I think I'm getting the cycling itch...at I wanna give it a try! or a tri... ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely have to look out for some of those shorts!
No tips. Sorry.
oh congrats on biking again. the shorts are hot!
ReplyDeleteI have had several co-workers teach spin up until their due date, no prob! Just have to keep the heart rate down.
and for the vibrams, they weird eh? But I heard they do wonders.
wash them once a week, they get stinky. haha.