Cyclists are Still Champions

16
Nov
2011
By

We’re a cycling website, so we focused this post on riders, but if you’re a runner or doing anything else that moves your body….You’re a Champion as well.

One of the first posts we ever put up on Loving the Bike was titled “Why I Think Every Cyclist is a Champion“.  I still totally feel that way, but there’s another angle I’d like to spin on this topic.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty dang proud of myself when I come back from a challenging or longish type ride.  Heck, coming back from any ride is reason enough to celebrate, even if it’s simply time on your indoor trainer or rollers.  It feels so good when my Family asks how my ride was and I zing back with a smile and “It was totally awesome”.  Knowing inside that it was a fantastic ride is reward enough…but it sure feels good to share that feeling with the ones I love.

These days there are so many other ways to share your post ride excitement.  Of course there’s Twitter, Facebook, and those types of social media but going to a place like Daily Mile and posting up the stats of a ride is something that can feel equally as nice.  Putting up your mileage and watching your weekly total grow can give a strange but rewarding feeling of accomplishment.  There’s just something about putting those numbers up in the cyberworld, that can feel so good.

Daily Mile is a very supportive and encouraging environment and odds are that when you punch up your ride, you’re going to hear back from someone who says congratulations and keep up the great work.  If you’re a little more competitive and like posting your statistics and seeing how you did compared to others in your area…..try using Strava.  You’ll need a GPS for this one, but when you upload your information it will show you how you did compared to other local riders on things like hill climbs.

But I’ll say it once again….in the end, we’re all Champions.  Anyone who takes time out of their day to crank the pedals using nothing but their own human energy is doing good things for themselves and the world around them.  Celebrate your accomplishments.  You are a Champion.

Photo c/o mvjantzen

Enjoy Your Ride

Tags: , ,

Pin It
  • Johnny

    Yes we are.  Yes we are.

  • Susan P

    I know I feel like a champion when I get back from a hard ride.  Thank you for reminding me of that today.  I agree that things like Daily Mile are a nice way of keeping track of our success.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Yeah, it’s a good feeling isn’t it Susan?

  • James

    I mostly use Daily Mile and I agree that it feels good to see all those miles on there.  I haven’t tried Strava yet, but it sounds interesting.  Thanks for giving me this tip and I enjoyed your article.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Strava is neat for the fact that you can compare some stages of your ride with those who live around you and also compare to your past rides as well.  Thanks for checking out today’s post.

Blog Sponsors

ClifBar
Viva la Bicicleta
Get Your LTB On

Blog Partners

Cycling 360 Podcast

bicycleradio
BicycleRadio.com
Listen to bikeschool on Bicycle Radio


Popular Threads

Powered by Disqus

Causes

Be Kind To Cyclists

People for Bikes

World Bicycle Relief

Join Team LIVESTRONG with me and fight cancer!



What’s the best fuel for an early morning ride?

Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride.  For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am.  I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier.  My rides are 1.5-2 hours.  Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all?  What do you think?

Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved.  The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all.  And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.

Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.

My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon).  Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods.  The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants.  The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.

Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water.  These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.

And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.

During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well.  With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.
Nutrition Tips