Yesterday I set a new record on my bike. Last week I mentioned to David I was considering doing my first 40-mile bike ride- and he didn’t think I could do it! So I did 40.5 yesterday :) My ride:
40.5 miles
16.9 mph average
around 2 hours 20 minutes (might be a few minutes off..)
approx. 1,900 calories burned (!!!!)
I did half on a local park's bike trail and half on a trail next to an expressway. It was nice having such different scenery throughout the ride. On my path I saw a deer, armadillos, turtles and birds of every color!
I love running and there will always be a special place in my heart for the feeling of my feet hitting the pavement. But cycling was a nice alternative with my shin splints. As it turns out, it’s completely addicting.
During my ride I thought of how biking is different from running. Here’s what I came up with from my personal experience:
-Biking is more expensive (umm, the bike- and upkeep)
- You can carry more things with ease on a bike
- Biking is tougher to prepare for (I had to break down my bike in my backseat)
- Biking is pretty much road bikes for road and mountain bikes for
rougher paths (with running you can take one pair of sneakers through many different environments)
- Biking will take you farther. The sights I saw on my 40 mile ride were beautiful and vast. With running I could see much less during one long run.
- Biking requires more equipment- helmet, goves, special shoes, etc.
- I think bikers are just as friendly as runners- instant connections
- Biking is easier on your body. My bad knee didn't start hurting until 2 hours into the ride- and I was pushing myself hard.- I feel safer on my bike (riding away from something 20mph is pretty good)
- Biking is just as addicting as running!
Are you dedicated to more than one form of exercise? How do you balance it? Or do you prefer one main form of exercise?
ps- I tried the Vanilla Bean GU halfway through my ride. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but it was awesome! Tasted like cake icing, really. I felt so much more energized immediately! I felt like I could go for 50 miles! I’ll definitely be buying more GU gels.
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The chocolate GU tastes like icing to me as well. I don't like the fruity ones though.
I've never done a long bike ride (I don't have a bike). But I'm thinking of getting one.
I think my addiction is walking. I love it :)
nice job on the 40 miler! I love biking, but I get sore from the seat after 20 miles or so... I'm completely addicted to running, but your right about getting to see a lot more on your bike! i love to go exploring on my bike :)
Icing? Maybe I'll pick up biking to I can taste this wonderful GU!!
Way to go on the miles! That's a lot! Loved hearing your thoughts :)
Nice! Do you have a collapsible bike? I am thinking of buying a small apartment-friendly bike for some summer riding. Also wanted to let you know that I tried Sabra hummus this weekend and am addicted!
Sounds like an awesome bike ride. Congratulations on 40.5 miles!
...And I can't believe you saw an armadillo. That's awesome!
You are awesome!!!
glad you've joined the biking addict club!
That is so amazing!! Congratulations!!
I'd like to bike someday. Need a better bike though.
I'd think that biking is in some ways more relaxing than running. Although I'm sure it's nervewracking to be that close to cars.
Congrats on the 40 miles! That's awesome! Haha, way to prove David wrong :D
I liked your biking vs. running comparison. It was interesting. I'm a runner, and have never really cycled before--though I am kind of interested. I think I'd need to be fitted really well for a bike because of my knees. My hybrid bike I use at school kind of hurts my knee when I ride it, so I'm guessing that I'd need to go to a specialty shop and pay lots of money for a good bike... kinda hard right now. But, maybe in the future :)
congrats on the 4-0
i WISH wish wish wishhhh i could go for a spin on my bike. i miss having a bike, and the weather here is too extreme for ideal cycling conditions. bah. ill sotp whining...instead ill be living vicariously through you, so keep it up!
GO YOU! That bike ride sounds great. I agree, its super addicting.
- Sagan
I'm going to admit this: I can't ride a bike. (Cringe!!) Can you believe it? I mean, I can KIND OF ride a bike, but the last time I really did I was a kid and you backpedaled to brake. I've never had a grownup bike with hand brakes. Silliest thing.
You are kick-ass and a half! Living in NYC I have NO desire to start biking now, but I can see how you would get into it down in FL. How fun would it be to go biking together for funsies?!
oh my gosh 1900 calories sounds like....CRAZY!??!!!? wow imagine how much food you'd have to eat just to recuperate....lucky girl!!! hahahaa
Whoa! 40 miles?! The most I have done is 26!
Oh, the things we see on bike rides :) Last week my boyfriend saw a perfectly held-together sandwich in the middle of the road, haha.
Which do you like more, running or biking? Thanks for the comment on my blog!
ashley, you're so freakin' healthy!
I love the pictures :)
I kinda hate cardio, to be honest - I just do it cuz I have to. When I live in Portland, though, I RELISH walking everywhere. So much to see. Mmm. Homesick!
Awesome pics and congrats on your ride!! 40.5 miles?!?!? Wow!
-A
Thanks for the "Gu" ee suggestions...I have located where to get them near me and hope they will help me as I increase my miles!
Pup is SO adorable and so glad you had such a great holiday ~ thanks for sharing
Vanilla bean GU is the flavor I tried right before my marathon...I loved it!! You're right, I think it tastes just like icing :) I have the chocolate flavor too, but am waiting for the next long run to try it out.
Great job on the ride!! I would love to do more cycling, but have to get over feeling self-conscious on the road... :)
I love when I am working out and see wild animals on a trail. It feels so special... for some reason!
I am addicted to running right now, but would LOVE to get into biking. It's good cross-training!