Back On The Bike - Inside

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After being hit by a car while biking, it was NOT easy to get back on my bike.  But, I knew I would.  I vowed that I would get back on my bike because I am not a wimp, I am not a quitter, and I would not let the accident forever rob me of the joy I experience when training for and completing triathlons.  Actually getting back on the bike was not as hard as I thought.  

As soon as I was physically able and weather permitted, I was able to bike around my neighborhood with kids in tow in the bike trailer. It felt good and I didn't think much about the accident. Getting back on a road bike on roads with cars zipping past me at 55mph or more...now that was a different story!  I didn't think that it was likely that I would be hit by a car again, but I just wasn't ready to risk it.  I mean, I had been doing everything right when I was hit by a car and I just was not ready to be at the mercy of distracted drivers again.  I felt like I would be vulnerable and exposed out there on the roads.  It was definitely a dilemma.  I knew what I had to do but could not do it.  I was stuck.  

And then while at my local bike shop getting a new helmet, the owner gave me a coupon for an indoor bike class.  I inquired about the details and he told me it was a CompuTrainer class in which I would ride on my own road bike in a group class and we would complete a computer workout profile under the direction of a coach.  Wow.  That sounded perfect to me.  I would get to "ride" my bike and be totally safe at the same time!  I signed up for and completed a trial class and I was hooked.  

It was a very challenging workout (harder than I thought it would be indoors), the group of riders made it fun, and the coach, Stacee, taught me more about biking in those 90 minutes than I had learned my whole life.  I signed up for a whole session and went weekly.  Stacee continued to challenge me and teach me.  I reveled in being coached - my whole life I have been an athlete on a team and I think I am just wired to do what a coach asks me to do.  It motivates me to do my best, to reach or exceed the expectation.  

The other riders in my class all happened to be gentlemen about 30 years older than me, but we hit it off right away.  They would tease me about being young and not knowing the songs playing during our workout and they would tell stories and jokes that had me laughing throughout the class.  It was such a blessing to be smiling while riding.  Those sweet guys helped me forget to be scared on my bike.  Their kind hearts, big smiles, and love for biking were just what I needed.  

After the session ended, I felt like a new person on the bike.  I looked forward to getting back on the roads and enjoying it again.  And when I did get back on the road, I went for a ride with my favorite guy about 30 years older than me - my dad.  I knew I wouldn't be able to face the roads solo and that I would feel more confident with a partner.  My dad, an avid biker, was happy to oblige.  We had a great ride together and although I shuddered as the first few cars went flying by, I was smiling.  I was back on the bike and I was happy.

I still attend CompuTrainer classes in the off season so I can stay in bike shape through the long Chicago winters.  They are an important part of my triathlon training because there are so many months here where the weather prevents outdoor training.  I look forward to the hard workout and to seeing the friends I've made in various classes.  There's an immediate bond with other bikers, other triathletes.  I've received tips on biking (I'm still pretty new to it) and also information on the best local places to swim and train.  I'm so thankful for the relationships I've built through the indoor bike classes.  The camaraderie has been influential and irreplaceable for me in my triathlon quests.

If you are interested in indoor bike training, or meeting other bikers in your area, inquire about CompuTrainer bike classes at your local bike shop.  You won't be disappointed!

Brooke

For more information about Xxtra Mile triathlons visit http://www.xxtramile.com

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