“It’s like riding a bike.”
That’s a phrase we’ve all heard at least 100 times before. But has anyone who’s uttered these words ever actually tried to get back to riding after a long layoff?
This was a question I found myself soon answering when I woke up on Christmas morning to find a shiny new bicycle, adorned by a bow, next to the tree. It was a moment I had been waiting years for, and one that I thought I was well ready for.
As it turns out, riding a bike isn’t quite as easy as, well, riding a bike.
My first day back on the road must have looked comical to those who observed. Each turn of the pedals was taxing on my legs. It was uncomfortable. And with my focus on the task of generating power with my legs, keeping my eyes anywhere but just a few feet ahead was a challenge. Thankfully, I soon found a rhythm after a few minutes and began to build a few shreds of confidence.
It was right about this time that I was re-introduced to hills. I’d encountered little bumps along the ride, but my first challenge was a short downhill segment I thought I could use to my advantage for the ensuing ride uphill. After a cautious ride down, everything seemed to be going according to plan on the uphill, if only for a few seconds.
My legs were overwhelmed with the challenge of pedaling uphill, and when I tried to stand and pedal, I could feel myself wobbling. Just before going backwards, I stepped off the bike and walked it up the hill, out of breath and frustrated. A big part of me was expecting this to be easy, but less than a mile away from home, I knew it was already time to head back.
My glutes were going numb from the hard bike seat, while my legs — even with years of conditioning as a runner — were hurting in places they’ve never hurt before. I chalk it up to my body just not being used to this kind of exercise.
My first day wasn’t as “fun” as I had hoped it would be, but I went on a second ride and then a third until I hit a small level-up. I’ve become much better at anticipating the obstacles in front of me, like sewer drains and recycling bins, while also sensing the cars riding alongside and behind me. I may be dating myself with this reference, but the whole learning experience felt like a high-stakes version of Paper Boy on the original Nintendo.
But unlike in Paper Boy — where I tend to get attacked by dogs, lawnmower-pushing maniacs, and the grim reaper himself — I find myself getting better at riding in real life. Slowly but surely I’m remembering how to switch speeds, and just on my last ride I had the confidence to actually stand and pedal. It was on this warm and sunny day, a rarity for a punishing winter season, that I finally began to remember just how fun riding can be.
I intend to get back out on the road soon, but if Mother Nature has her way, it could be a week or longer before I can venture out. I just hope that when I do finally get “back in saddle,” it’s a little bit easier than riding a bike.
1 STEP BACK, 3 STEPS FORWARD
It takes guts to toe the starting line for a long-distance race, but eight runners from the Local.News1 coverage area took it a step further, doing something downright “Dopey” at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
These runners — Hagerstown’s Garrett Ammons, Joel Carson, Maria Kramer, Mackenzie Riford, and Madeline Sink, and Chambersburg’s Amie Lynch, Anthony Lynch, and Danielle Rhoads — completed the “Dopey Challenge,” which consists of running the Disney 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon races over four consecutive days.
Ammons was the area’s top runner in the 10K (53:25), half marathon (2:10:09), and marathon (4:20:28). Other top runners in the 26.2-mile race included Hagerstown’s Alessia Regazzoni (5:43:34), Jennifer Keefer (4:48:27), Carlson (6:35:32), and Amy Guessford (6:39:09).
Closer to home, in Emmittsburg, Md., Allie Isaacs was the top female at the Lewis Memorial 10 Miler, with the Hagerstown runner clocking a 1:14:49.
Finally, Chambersburg’s Abby Berger and Hagerstown’s Mike Stuts have also been on the racepaths in recent weeks. Berger posted a 3:09:59 at the North Park Half Marathon in Allison Park, while Stutts competed at the New Year 5K in Akron and finished in 37:47.
And now, a look ahead:
Jacobus 5 Miler: Saturday, 9 a.m., in Jacobus. This is the sixth race in the York Road Runners Club Winter Series. Learn more about the race on yorkroadrunners.com.
Groundhog (Almost) Half Marathon: Sunday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m., in Gettysburg. This untimed “fun run” spans 12.87 miles from the Gettysburg YWCA to the famous Ott House in Emmittsburg, Md. Check out the event on runsignup.com.
Run Your Ice Off 5K: Sunday, Feb. 1, 1 p.m., in Chambersburg. Keep your New Year’s fitness goals rolling with this race, one of the final events of Chambersburg IceFest. Regsiter for the race on timberhilltiming.com.
Also: Medal Madness 5K/10K (Saturday, in Manheim); Jacobus 5 Miler (Saturday, in Jacobus); Medal Madness 5K/10K/Half Marathon (Saturday, in Hughesville); Groundhog Day 5K – Pittsburgh (Saturday, Jan. 31, in Allison Park); Groundhog Jog 4 Mile (Saturday, Jan. 31, in Punxsutawney); Groundhog (Almost) Half Marathon (Sunday, Feb. 1, in Gettysburg); Run Your Ice Off 5K (Sunday, Feb. 1, in Chambersburg); Terrible Tyler 15K (Sunday, Feb. 1, Newtown); Ugly Mudder 10K Trail Run (Sunday, Feb. 1, in Reading).
