Peloton

I have been using the Peloton app a little over a year, but have only had a bike since December 2021. December 2020 I bought a Schwinn, and used the Peloton app on either my phone or my ipad. I was strongly against spending a ridiculous amount of money on "THE BIKE," and refused to be part of the Peloton cult. Why would I when I could buy a similar bike for much cheaper and just use my ipad on the screen? I mean, all of my friends who are Peloton groupies tried to talk me into it, but I refused to listen to these smart, awesome people. Until, I had my first real Peloton ride in September 2021. I was on vacation in Arizona for my birthday, and the gym had a Peloton. So, I thought, okay, okay, I will give it a go. Oooh, boy, was that fun. That ride changed my mind (life!?), and three months later I had sold the Schwinn and purchased the Peloton Bike+. And to this day, I have not been able to come anywhere close to my stats from that maiden voyage.

A little back story. I have been an athlete my whole life. Ski racing, swim team, diving team, gymnastics team, running, softball, are all sports I played as a kid. Ski racing was my #1. I loved the competition. And now, as an adult, I still love the competition. I am getting back into skiing after a few years off to have some kids, and running has consistently been my love as an adult. I really started picking running up seriously in 2010, although I have competed at a moderate level my entire life: 10k's, 5k's, and numerous half marathons. I ran my first real race when I was 6 years old. It was a 5K, and I won a pair of shoes!

In 2010, I decided to really take running seriously, and I got fast, very quickly. I ran a half marathon in 1:39, and when I realized I could actually be good, I decided to train for a full marathon. I ran the San Diego Rock n Roll and qualified for Boston. I ran the Boston Marathon in 2012 (it was a sweltering 90 degrees), and I ended up qualifying again for 2013 (the year of the bombings), but didn't run due to a hamstring injury, thankfully! I qualified, and ran, again in 2014. And then I took some time off from competing to have a couple of babies. I didn't run another race until November 2019 (Seattle half marathon), and it was humbling. My body felt different, I was much slower, and I just didn't have the run swagger I had pre-kids. Still, I kept with it.

Spring 2021, my worst (running) nightmare happened: plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common running injury that involves intense heel pain, which is worse first thing in the morning. It started mild, like any injury, and then progressively got worse. But what did I do? I continued to run. The weather was great and I couldn't NOT run. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon in August, and I don't quit, so I trained like I normally do. Diligently. But then the half marathon was cancelled (thanks, Covid), but I vowed to still run the mileage. I ran 13.1 miles anyway on August 22, which also happened to be my 18 month soberversary (more on that in another post). My time was slow, mostly due to my painful heel, and I knew I was going to have to make some changes.

So, I decided to start trail running. I thought if I could run on a softer surface, my pain wouldn't be as intense. I signed up for a race. I had heard good things about the Baker Lake Classic, so I signed up for the 25K (15.5 miles), and started training. I trained the way I train for any race. On the road. I was coming off a half marathon training, so I mildly increased my mileage and thought I would be golden come race day. Well, being the trail runner newbie that I was, I had no idea trail running was like hiking + running. 15.5 miles on the trails is more intense than a full marathon on the road. I was not trained. Buuuut, I loved it. It hurt like hell, and it took me over 3 hours to finish, but it was a much more laid back experience than running a marathon. Everyone was so nice. I actually stopped to eat, to pee, and to take pictures of the beautiful scenery. I met some amazing people who confirmed the trail running community is a lot less uptight than the road racing community. I fell in love. So, I signed up for another race, even though my heel pain was getting worse. I had the trail running bug, and I couldn't wait to do more races.

Cougar Mountain 7.6 miler 10/31/2021 was my next race. This was a much more manageable distance, and the distance I probably should have started with. This was a very fun race. The conditions were awesome: VERY cold and clear, and it was Halloween! I paced myself really well (probably too well, I could have gone faster), and ended up beating my personal goal time of 1:30. But, I could not ignore my heel pain. It was getting pretty bad.

November, I traveled to Mexico solo, and on the beach in Punta de Mita, is where I had my last run. It was at that moment that I realized I just couldn't run through the pain anymore. If I ever wanted to have an enjoyable run again, I would have to take a break from running. That was a painful decision to make. Running is my passion. I love being able to lace up my shoes, pop in my ear pods and head out the door on a long run. Ugh, the tears are welling up as I write this because I miss it so much.

I finally went to the doctor about a month ago, and he said it might be a year before I will run pain-free. I hate this. But, I remain optimistic.

And this brings us up to speed.

Christmas 2021, I bought myself a Peloton Bike+. The + has the swivel screen, and I wanted to have options. Ask me if I have used the swivel yet (please do). The bike was delivered THE DAY I, and my kids, came down with Covid in December, so it sat, lonely, in the cold garage, until I was able to ride. Two weeks after I came down with Covid, I was on the bike. It took me a few weeks to get my fitness level back up, due both to being sick and not running for a month, but I got there. Now, instead of running, I ride with the garage door up so I can watch passersby and feel the fresh air. Is it the same as a long run? Hell, no. But it is as convenient, and certainly as sweaty (or more). And remember, I am competivie, so each ride I am able to compete with at least one other person.

But still, 92 rides later, I have not been able to beat my maiden voyage stats from 6 months ago. I have gotten close, but not good enough yet.

So, yeah, I am a Peloton groupie, too, and I am not ashamed. I 100% know why everyone belongs to the cult. It is a pretty fantastic place to be.

Follow me! @RETravelMom

Let's Ride!