Now I've gone and done it!

I've always enjoyed the energy that comes from a regular exercise routine. However, it has been hard to find a sport that I could do that would fit into my lifestyle. I don't like "stationary" exercise. I want to be out doing something. Running is okay and I have run extensively in the past, but it just doesn't have that element that keeps me coming back for more.

Mountain biking has been more my speed and riding gives me a workout while at the same time allowing me to incorporate the technical sides of riding and the social side of thrashing a trail with other pedal pushers. The only problem is that with a family and all the work responsibilities it has become harder and harder to load up the bike and find a trail. The trail that was once behind my house has basically be destroyed, so I would have to drive to the nearest trails.

Enter road biking. I have recently worked out a deal so I could get a Specialized Allez Elite Triple. It isn't a fancy bike, but is a solid beginners bike. Now, my rides begin at the end of my driveway! I've been able to work out a system of riding Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. After my first full week of riding, I have logged over 100 miles.


That's me second in line.

Where I have gotten myself in trouble is that I have signed up for my first Metric Century ride on September 1st! That means I have only a month to prepare to ride over 62 miles. So far the longest I have ridden is 30 miles. I hope I'll be able to do it. But really, a goal like that is what I need to keep me in the saddle and pushing for improvement. It is what turns exercise into a sport - a game where I play against myself to go farther than I thought I could.

I'll be using this space as a journal of my training along with the other little tidbits I keep track of - like Trent Mayo, NASCAR and UNC sports.