26.1 mile Ride. Bike the Coast finisher!

Day started off pretty good. Woke up at 3:00am (went to sleep at 11:30pm :/) I couldn't really stomach anything. I had a little coffee, and half a bagel, and a few bites of oatmeal. Left the house at 4:25am, a little later than we wanted! But we made good time, got there at 6:40am. As soon as we got there my stomach starting hurting really bad. I walked to find a rest room, it was still dark outside. I found a very cute nice coffee shop and went potty there. I know.. very important detail. But seriously, when you are about to do an event, and have to go, you stress if you can't! So anyways :)

I registered and took pics with Davey and the boys, went potty again, and headed out. At 7:30 they announced the 25 mile group could leave whenever they wanted. I crossed the Start line at 7:42:19am.

It was an overall very nice ride. There were MANY hills. It was suppose to be flat, but I am glad it wasn't. This was perfect Olympic distance training. I didn't walk my bike at all.

I almost got hit by a car twice. Once the car was parked on the street and pulled out right in front of me. Second a car was turning right and got about 6 inches away from me. Scary!

I reached the half way mark at 1 hour, 3 minuets. I stopped and streched. My left inner thigh was cramping. I tried a GU for the first time.. and ewwww. I wanted to barf as soon as it hit my mouth. Thank God I had Shot Bloks, which I had to go to two different stores last night at 8pm to find. I still had no appetite, so I stuck to water, Gatorade and Shot Bloks. After 5 mins I got on my bike to continue when I saw a huge aid station/break area where all the bikers where getting sandwiches and water and going to the bathroom. I got ice water, used the restroom, took some photos, called Davey and was off. My total break time was 15 minuets, for which I don't count in the 2:04. There were no timing chips so no one was in a hurry. It was beautiful and relaxing. I felt good the second half, even a little faster and stronger.

I was riding along and heard these guys, and had to stop and take a picture. God bless our troops. I love our Military. It's because of them that we have the liberty to ride on the streets and to participate in activities. I am so grateful for them.

Relief flooded through me as I got back on the main street only a couple miles from the finish. I passed people and crossed the finish line at 10:01 am. Total time out-2 hours 19 minuets. -15 minuet break =2 hours 4 minuets total riding time. My legs were weak when I got off the bike, but my tank wasn't empty. I could have gone a few more miles :)

I was getting passed a lot of the time by serious cyclist. They all had cycle shoes, road bikes, cycle clothing, ect. But I did pass several people as well. I was happy with my speed, which averaged out to 4.7 minuets a mile.

After I got my medal I was super curious to know if the course was exactly 25 miles, on the website on the map course, it said 26.1. The lady I asked didn't know so she went and asked someone else and they gave me a paper, and confirmed, it was 26.1 miles. Woo! Almost a marathon on a bike!

We enjoyed a few hours at the beach after, and a free meal of our choice on the event. It was beautiful and in the 70's.
Here's to hoping I'm not too sore for my Spin certification tomorrow! 8 hour long class, 2 intense rides (so I hear). I will be sore on Monday! Hopefully weigh in goes really well. I am about to put the boys to bed now and watch a movie with my wonderful honey. xoxo


Oh and just for fun. Remember this before shot? Here's a new "So far" shot to compare.