I still have about 6-10 weeks of healing to go before I am cleared to start (slowly) running again. The good news is I am now cleared to ride a bike. The better news is Janine splurged and bought me a nice road bike: a Raleigh Detour 3.5. Not a fancy schmancy racing bike or anything, but a nice comfy commuter bike - perfect for amateurs like me.
What I am happiest about is that I can now accompany my running friends on their long runs and assist them with their fueling and pacing. My first go was this past Saturday, when I met Tom, Colleen and John over at Lloyd Hall in the city for their hilly 20 mile long run. Mind you, 6:50/mile pace is much easier on a bike than it is running, but when those 20 miles include multiple serious climbs, let's just say it wasn't easy keeping pace for the entire 20 miles. Four months of relative inactivity caught up with me by the end, and my glutes were really feeling it. But it was awesome just being back out there and feeling like I was doing my part for the group. John had his best long run yet of his NY marathon training cycle, and it was great to be a small part of it - he couldn't thank me enough for being his fuel guy.
Yesterday, I was sore but not terribly so. I did a bunch of yard work for about 3-4 hours, which wiped me out. Nonetheless, I did manage an easy 4 miles or so of riding in the evening while taking care of some work errands.
Today, I felt refreshed and rode 10+ miles to Moorestown Running Company and back. I moved my seat up a couple of inches, which made a noticeable difference on the small hills. I can deliver much more power with less effort in the new position. I think my plan will be to ride for the amount of time each day that I used to run. No set schedule or anything -- if I am sore I'll take the day off, if I am feeling good maybe push the effort a little. It's just nice to not have to sit on a couch all day and to re-develop some semblance of an exercise routine.
