So I rode. But only for 30 minutes. My legs are still tired from the race on Saturday and I’m scrapping the long run this week in lieu of the 20k I ran and will run my 20 miles next Sunday. The last long run before I taper . . . Thank God!

So about the bike. I owned it for ten minutes before I crashed it in my driveway because I couldn’t get out of the pedals. I have a huge bruise on my hip, but nothing major since the bike was practically standing still when I fell over. I’d also like to put a plug in here that Michael was standing right next to me and didn’t catch me. I don’t think he even tried, although he said he did. Don’t worry I got even. Bruised hips have their advantages. Or disadvantages. Depending on how you look at it.

All I’ve done this week is drive my bike up and down the neighborhood working on getting out of the pedals without crashing. Thankfully, I haven’t crashed since the first day and I believe I have mastered unclipping myself. I know, I sound like a baby, but I’m new to this road bike stuff. And the road bike is certainly different than the hybrid.

Today was the first day I was brave enough to ride on the road. On the road with cars. And garbage trucks. And other cyclists passing me like flying monkeys. And curbs that drop off 10 inches waiting to pummel me in the dirt. And holes and rocks and roadkill. For some reason this mental stimulation was a lot easier when I knew I could just put my feet down and stop instantly. There is also the speed thing. I can go a lot faster with the road bike, but my handling skills do not yet match the speed. I think for the next few weeks I need to focus on learning about the bike and how to ride it without killing myself.

All I need is a nice, flat, car-free place to practice ride. And a vagina-friendly saddle. I’m open to suggestions, please. I know nothing about saddles, so specifics would be nice.