Greetings fellow bloggers and loyal readers! Holy cow, it has been a whole week since I have posted again! I need more time...seriously! MCM Mama turned the big 40 on August 25th and to celebrate she put on a virtual race. I decided to do the 4 mile run and did it on Thursday evening after I got home from work. I changed into my running clothes, put on my visor, sunglasses and Garmin and headed out the door. I really didn't have a plan, I just figured that I would run two miles and turn around and come back. I ran down my street to Weaver Lake road and into the MG trail system. I made my way down the path and took the path to Rice Lake. I wasn't looking at my Garmin and didn't really want to make this one a fast run. I just ran easy and steady. When I hit the two mile mark I turned around and headed back. Here are my stats.mile one, 8:35
Mile two, 8:37
Mile three, 8:42
mile four, 8:24
Happy Birthday Mama!
I have been getting about four runs in a week. Most of my runs are anywhere from three to six miles. I am also getting at least one long run in on weekends. Yesterday I ran six miles and this morning I ran fifteen. I was not moving fast...trust me:) I woke up at 5AM only to fall back asleep until 5:30. I then forced my butt out of bed! I really do love running in the morning because everything is so peaceful and it is cooler. I am doing Jamoosh's Hard Core Club training and it is flipping harder than hell! I am doing it twice a week and I am hurting pretty bad! I sort of feel like I felt when I first started Jeff's 100 push-up challenge:) Not good! The good news is that I will eventually get used to it and my muscles will thank me some day soon!
I took this baby out this afternoon for a ride around Rice Lake. I have been test driving bikes:) I am so torn...I still have not found the perfect bike. When I purchase a bike it has to feel like it was made for me. Sadly, no such luck! I need help! I would like to do a few duathlons but also would like a bike that I can ride for fun. I need a bike that serves both purposes:) The sales man told me that this bike would do the trick. He also told me not to expect to win a duathlon with this bike. I started laughing and said, "Trust me, even if I had one of those fancy Tri bikes...I still would have no chance of winning a du!" This bike is on sale for $530. 
Holy cow! Does that really say $8,299.99!?!
It is the one in the middle:) I am going back on Wednesday and will try a few more but they are more money! Yikes! I know that there is a bike for me somewhere...I just need to find it:)Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all:)
Good luck on finding the right bike. I did not get on my bike at all last week but plan to this week for sure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't crossed over into the work of bicycles - I had no idea they were so spendy! Good luck on your decision making!
ReplyDeletegood luck finding the right bike. it's out there somewhere...
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteSunglass, visor, and Garmin are my staples too. No ipod? Wow, your splits on a casual run are impressive. Regarding a bike, my friend owns a bike store, let me know if you'd like his phone number to do some further research. Maybe he can give you a good deal. Honestly, I'm not a bike guy so not sure if that's even a silly idea.
Way to go on your MCM race:) Good luck finding a bike that you <3!
ReplyDeleteAfter a year or two you will realize that the bike was not that expensive – it is all of the accessories that are expensive – shoes, helmets, pedals, bags for this and at that, a new Garmin for the bike, etc. It is never ending.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it is a great sport. How many 3 hour runs can you do day after day?
Oh, that bike was expensive. The one I am drooling over (and NOT buying for sure) is "only" 6K. Hope you find one you like that you won't have to get a loan for.
ReplyDeleteGood job with the virtual race!
ReplyDeleteYay for a new bike! Good luck deciding which one to get. About wanting one that you feel was "made for you," just remember that for most bikes, you need to be properly fit on it for it to really be comfortable to ride. Just something to keep in mind when you're test riding!
Aimee took the words out of my mouth - lots of bikes could be perfect for you if they are fit to you. My entry-level road bike was just under a thousand bones, but totally worth it for all the riding experience (before I moved up to a *gulp* more expensive bike).
ReplyDeleteI can't wait 'til you're doing DUs - you're going to rock!!
Good race Julie! Sorry I've been MIA for a while. I've been busy. Anyway, I think finding an appropriate bike is really hard work. I've been told it's harder than buying a car, LOL! Congrats on rocking it though...I'm super jealous because I still don't have a bike, so running is all I can do for now!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Sheesh! So expensive! Now that I'm in a city with far too many hills, I've been thinking that I should get a road bike that has gears on it (my fixie is wayyyy to hard to ride here). But yowza! Those bikes are beautiful but spendy!! :)
ReplyDeleteKnowing you and how hard you push yourself though, you'll get every penny, plus some, out of whichever bike you find. Good luck & have fun!! I can't wait to read about your biking adventures. :) :)
xoxo,
A
That bike is expensive but you deserve the best so you have to enter, to take the baby and to say: "don't p... off the Black Knight Army" (you are the Amazon, aren't you?). And after the dealer must thank you to have choosen his item!
ReplyDeleteAnyway you are doing very well with running, congrats.
Great job on the virtual race! Hope you have a great week Julie :-)
ReplyDeleteI love bikes!I have a Trek carbon road bike and love it! Being only 5'2" I had to work on finding the right one. Biking is a super good cross training for running. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou ran 15 miles? Nice job Julie! Is that your longest run to date? Good luck with the bike shopping.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how expensive bikes are, my son's cost more than mine did!! Great job with all your physical activity!
ReplyDeleteBiking is going to be great cross training for you! Just be patient to take the time and ride lots of bikes to find the one that feels the best. And if you think you really are going to put some miles on it, and you are financially able to do so, spend a little more than the $500 or $600 (not $8000, though!). You will notice a big jump in ride quality which will make you WANT to go out and ride it! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteYou are keeping your running right up there. No wonder the half marathons are so "easy". I can't give any advice on the bike. You are right to take your time for sure. I agree, it must feel right.
ReplyDeleteNice job on your 15 miles! I hope you'll have a nice bike shopping :)
ReplyDeletePost scriptum: Stefano told me about your email. Thanks Julie, you're always kind :)
Nice job on the virtual race. You are so speedy!
ReplyDeleteTest driving bikes sounds like fun! I'm sure if you give it time, you will find one that's just right for you.
The most important thing about a bike is that it fits you. Maybe Trek is not the brand for you (Trek is expensive, they have to pay of Lances contract somehow), I suggest trying another brand or better alot of brands to see how they feel.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the virtual run Julie! Speedy momma!
ReplyDeleteI have a Trek Madone 5.1 and I love it, but I rode a lot of bikes before I settled on that one. You really should ride a few different brands to see which one has the best fit for you. I also rode a Specialized, Felt, Orbea, and a Giant, but just kept coming back to the Madone because of the comfort (and mine wasn't $8k!) Good luck! Let me know if you want any advice Julie!
Good luck finding a bike!! I like the looks of that Trek!! ALSO don't forget to get fitted!!
ReplyDelete$8 for a bike. Wow. My truck would be paid off if I had $8K right now. :)
Great job on the virtual run, another active weekend for you. You're such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on finding a bike you like and that you can afford.
Jeesh that's an expensive bike! lol... I hope you find the bike of your dreams! :D
ReplyDeleteKeep at the bike shopping...i know it sux I did it this winter...
ReplyDeleteand GREAT work on the core workouts those will help your running:)
-Derek
Once you find the right bike, I'm predicting you will convert to the dark side. :)
ReplyDeletewow, nice job on the 15 miler...slow or not, yoiu got the miles in...
ReplyDeleteyeah, i can't believe how expensive some bikes are...i was bike shopping recently and saw some $8000 bikes too.....way overpriced if you ask me...
it's not about the bike. It's about the engine :-) but it helps to have a road bike versus a hybrid versus a tri bike!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie!! I took a little summer hiatus and I'm catching up on my blogging! You are beautiful as always and I love reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteI am in the market for a bike too so I can't wait to see what you end up with.
Great job with your running! My advice for buying a bike is to spend as much as you can stomache. A really nice bike is a lot more comfortable and fun to ride and it will make you want to ride more. The lighter bikes with nicer components are much faster. When you ride with friends, you will enjoy it more if you aren't getting dropped on every hill while you are working twice as hard. Maybe I'll see you at a DU next year!
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI think you should go the road bike route. You can definitely use it for duathlons. And you can have it 'fitted' to you. Just make sure you get the right size frame. I'm 5'7 and I have a 54 cm bike frame range...as reference.
Good job on your running!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing what bike you choose!
$500 for a starter bike sounds great.
ReplyDeleteEven the most basic bike at our local shop is always around $350 and it definitely wouldn't be suitable for duathlons.
Always a difficult decision though, so think it through and read some reviews. Some poor schmuck meanwhile will be rolling up and taking home a $8,000+ bike? That's just sad.
2 other notes, great job on that Maple Grove race. That's a pretty cool t-shirt.
And please, the public demands the mullet pics!
As always, I'm so behind in blog land - sorry Julie. You DO know that I love to read your blog more than anything else, I just need about 10 more hours in the day! Ha.
ReplyDeleteI think you need the 8 grand bike and see if you can win some of those du's :) But I love the bike you got. I need to get my son a good road bike badly but college tuition is calling instead - rats! Those dang college kids!
Glad you're still out there running some, I'm sure it's a big stress release :).
Thinking of you, girl!!
XO
Good luck finding a bike - there are so many choices and they can be so expensive! Both my hybrid bike and my road bike are used, and I was very happy to save lots of $ and still get two very nice bikes. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat virtual run. I would love those times - 4 in a row.
ReplyDeleteHave fun finding a new bike. I have a comfort hybrid bike and love it. I bike to work at least 2 days each week. I also did the MS 150 Bike Ride in August for the first time. Many many people told me that the most important thing to being able to bike that far was a road bike. I did it on my hybrid - and had a great time - and will do it again next summer . . . but will be looking for a road bike. I just don't want to spend too much because I think I would still bike to work using my hybrid.
40 isn't old.... if you're a tree.
ReplyDeleteYou are supposed to run 40 Miles on your B-day, not 4!
Anyway, happy day.
I say get a Cro-Moly lugged frame with decent components. It might put in the 700 range, but you could probably find one in the 5's. You don't need carbon fiber or aluminum. (I used to be a wrench monkey)
Hey Julie - I spent $400 on my bike - it works great and I am really happy with it. I guess I was saying holy crap, if I had $8K kicking around, I would use it to pay off my truck instead. ha ha. I am always surprised at what bikes cost. So no, I didn't buy a bike that cost more than my truck.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you are back!!! Bleh - bikes are SOOO expensive. I got an 'entry level' one and it was 700!!
ReplyDeleteGreat flurry of activity, Julie! I am always amazed by what bikes cost. I got mine in 1984 - top of the line at that point in time, a Miyata road bike. It was over $400 way back then.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on finding the perfect bike. I heart my bike, but it took awhile to find her. :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how expensive that bike was!!! I hope you find the one you are looking for. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteNice training groove you got going on!
ReplyDeleteI think it is worth it to wait and find the right bike for you. Keep looking, keep test riding.
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteNice bike - costs mor than my car!!!!
Just wanred to drop you a quick line to let you know that we've had a big earthquake in our city a few days ago - I've put a heap of pics on my blog if you're interested?
cheers
Steve