Last Long Ride.....Whoop!

Praise be.....today, was my last long training ride.....next week is my taper week. My tour is very, very soon.

Market Commons, Myrtle Beach

Taken about 4 hours into my ride.

When I started training the beginning of May, I thought it was too easy. I gave it a couple of weeks and then it got tough, like really tough! Time on the trainer was a little boring and my seat was killing me. I love a good challenge, though. I like to see just what I'm capable of....so, I persevered. Week after week, as the mileage got longer, I could feel the improvements and see them in the numbers. That alone was a great incentive. But then, I lost a little weight....5 lbs. to date, and my thigh muscles grew stronger and harder, and I loved it even more. I bought a good pair of bike shorts and that made all the difference in the world on the seat. I should have followed Cliff's advice much earlier, but I am very modest and those shorts....yikes! Anyway, comfort trumps modesty, I've decided.

Today, my last long ride, though long and hot...was awesome! I felt good, I ate well and I hydrated well. I intended to start early.....around 6:30, but that didn't go as planned. It was more like 7:15. The heat wasn't a factor until later in the morning and then I was tolerating it well. You may not be interested in my nutrition plan for today, but there may be someone out there who is searching to see what others do on long rides. So, if I can help, then why not tell? I started my day with a bagel and a little peanut butter with a cup of coffee and I drank about 8 ounces of water before leaving home. On the ride, I drank 16 ounces of Gatorade every hour, except the last half hour and I drank just water.  At the end of the first hour I ate an energy gel. At the two hour mark, I ate half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some watermelon. At the three hour mark, I ate another energy gel. And lastly, at the four hour mark, I ate the other half of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, more watermelon and a half of a banana. And at the end of my ride, I ate the other half of the banana. Although tired, I felt like I could go for another hour. But the plan was to ride four and a half hours and I did. I ride a hybrid bike, so I don't go as fast as someone who rides a road bike. But, for me, this tour is about the scenery, not speed. It's not a race. So I wasn't too concerned about my speed during training, although it did improve tremendously as the training progressed. Today, I rode 42.18 miles. This is the farthest I've ever ridden and I'm quite pleased with myself.

I won't be able to post, when I'm on the bike tour....but, I will be taking notes and lots of pictures. So, when I get home, I'll have lots to show and tell.

Now, in case you were wondering......my final stats:
Week of:
June 21st  -  56.38 miles
June 8th   -  66.5 miles
July 5th   -  89.27 miles
Today      -  42.18 miles
And, if all goes as planned by the week's end.....101 miles.

Holler!

I'm ready!

Do you remember my post about The Numbers? I shared with you the little bird nest and bird eggs in one of my ferns. Well, we have babies, y'all! They are darling! I only see two, though. I don't know what happened to the third one.

Look how cute! I wish I knew what kind they are. 

The little mama flies away so fast, when we go near, that I can't tell what she is. 

Maybe, I'll get lucky and get a good look at her this week. I'll let you know. 

Alright, bye y'all! 

Laurie