We started a bit later than expected and I ended up with a fast group. I was scared, but I was just going to give it what I had. As my regular bf, Tony Horton, likes to tell me, I was going to, "Bring it!"
I was warned that the first 5 were easy, but there was a HUGE hill at 5. I am talking like a vertical hill for 3/4 of a mile. OUCH! But I made it. I wanted to stop and walk my bike, but I didn't.
This was the first hill of hundreds. No LIE! It was a tough ride. At each turn, the group waited so I didn't get lost. I felt bad that they were waiting, but it did not seem to be very long - they said like 5 minutes.
But as the ride continued, they waited longer and longer. When my Garmin said, 23 miles, I was excited because I had never gone longer than that on Athena. then it read 30, then 40... wow!
As I got off Athena, I could barely walk. In fact, I could hardly stand. My quads were shaking and on fire. I could not keep my legs still in the car on the way home. UGH... I had NEVER felt pain like this before. I kept rubbing them... wondering what on earth had I done to my legs.
Once home, I took an ice bath for 15 minutes.... best decision ever. I also took an Aleve. I made a smoothie HERE that I had read about on Frayed Laces blog HERE. It was yummy. Before long, I felt great. No pain. I even mowed the front lawn, weeded, did laundry (meaning walking up and down stairs) and even took Athena on another mile spin with Brock.
I reflected later about how supported I felt. The group didn't leave me completely behind. They celebrated with me when I finished. 40 MILES... WOW!
But it got me thinking about the number 40 and how significant it is in the bible.
To name a few:
1. It rained for 40 days when God wanted to cleanse the world and start over.
2. Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days.
3. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness.
4. Jonah warned Nineveh they had 40 days until God would overthrow the city unless they changed.
5. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness when Satan tried to tempt him.
6. Jesus was seen on the earth 40 days after His crucifixion.
Today, we celebrated Jesus' resurrection. There was no Easter Bunny or baskets filled with goodies. No jelly beans or Cadbury eggs. There wasn't a chocolate bunny or even Peeps.
Today, we celebrated and shouted: "He lives!"
6 comments:
I am just gettting started on my bike again and wondering how to find time for biking and running. Any hints? Good job on the 40. I have only ridden more than 40 once and it was a few years ago. Then I didn't ride at all forever!
I LOVE that you're taking that approach to Easter with your kids!!! I was freaking out listening to people at work talking about the Easter gifts they were getting their kids for their baskets. It was like Christmas all over again! When I was a kid, I got a basket with a little candy in it. These people were getting their kids Wii games and clothes and all sorts of stuff... I couldn't believe it.
Way to rock the ride! Come back to the Glen and ride with all of us!
I wish Easter could go that way at my place, but the grandparents would never go with it.
Love Chocolate, have eaten so much this weekend I think I need a 40 mile run to burn off all the calories...
You are amazing! What a ride and it is great that the group was so supportive!
Wish I could do the no candy thing....I am with T, my parents wouldn't go for it, but we don't do presents or anything.
Awesome work, Jen!
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