Juliana Moves

Remember when I said I was going to start riding more and maybe even bike commute to work? Well, I’m doing it!

Way, way earlier this year (or maybe even in December), I registered for a gravel grinder at the end of June. I chose the short course, which is only 23.8 miles, but it has 2,700+ feet of elevation gain. Ouch! My plan was to really start training for it after my 100k in April, and my goal was to complete the race feeling good. I’ve struggled with cycling in the past because it felt so uncomfortable – either my bike fit wasn’t great or my quads burned miserably the whole time. But I am changing that!

After my gravel grinder, I am going on a 4th of July cycling adventure with Sabrina in Arkansas, so I’d love to get to a place where I can ride 50-60 miles and not be grumpy or sore after. I think I can do it, but I’ll have to keep being consistent! Here’s my plan:

I am still running and lifting (duh). Running will always be my true love, but if my spring racing season taught me anything it’s that a little (or a lot_ of cross-training really does my body good. So, I am unapologetically adding in quite a bit of cycling to build my cardiovascular engine!

I’m bike commuting to work at least twice a week (though I’d love to manage it all three days I’m in the office) and that’s just shy of 20 miles round trip each day. I’m also committed to doing at least one 45-60 minute Peloton spin class to incorporate higher effort cycling into my training. Plus, I just think they’re fun! Then, on the weekends, I’ll either replace or supplement by Sunday secondary long run with a long ride!

I know that as the summer carries on and the heat and humidity become oppressive, I’ll have to focus really hard on sleeping, eating, and hydrating enough. I welcome that challenge 🙂

Wish me luck! I have to say I love the way you can really travel on a bike. It’s so fun to get around that way! This should be a lovely summer of cycling!

Love,

JN