2012 - the year of the bike

When I decided to pursue this triathlon thing, it was without any experience running, and no ability to swim.  The one discipline I had some experience in was the bike.  I knew how to ride a bike and even occassionally took my kids out with me on my hybrid and them in the bike trailer.

So in May of 2010 when I decided to do a triathlon, I jumped headfirst into C25K, while simultaneously taking my first swimming lessons.  I think it's fair to say that running was my focus that year.  I did my first two 5k races and my first 10k race.

Then in 2011, I continued to make huge amounts of progress in my running.  I started a coached swim program, which has probably been one of the best things I could have done.  I increased my swim speed by about 20% and discovered that I am not actually destined to be a "slow runner".

Meanwhile, I did get a road bike, Bella.  And, I did ride it.

I did some okay mileage.  I got almost all my long bikes in, but at best, I usually rode twice a week, while I ran 3-4 times and swam 3.

Whenever something had to give, it was a bike ride.  If I had to miss a run, I'd make it up during the time I would normally do my next bike.  I already knew how to ride, I'd tell myself.

For some reason, it just didn't hold the same priority for me as running and swimming.

Yet, oddly enough, in a triathlon, the bike is important.  Very important.  Generally comprising about half the time of the triathlon.  If there is a discipline that it's the worst to be weak in, it's the bike.

Oddly enough, almost two years after starting this journey, my weakest discipline is the only one I was capable of when I began.  The bike.

So, with that in mind, I declare 2012 the year of the bike.  Since it's February, and I'm in Alberta, Canada, it's trainer time.  I still have a month before my HIM plan officially starts, and that will include 4 rides a week (one of them a brick).  

The plan for right now?  Be ready to start that plan.  Go to spin classes once a week, and spin on my own 3 other days.  Keep my posture strong, and my arms soft.  Push myself at times, and give a steady effort at others.

The long term plan?  Get those rides in.  Give up the death grip I still sometimes have on the handlebars.  Reach the point where it feels natural to keep my cadence up.  Become stronger on the uphills and braver on the downs.

There's a term in cycling known as T.I.T.S - "time in the saddle" (I assume it's a cycling term, even though I know about it from tri circles).  Basically, there's no substitute for it, and the more you can get of it, the better.

Bella and me are going to become good friends this year.