4 Essential Lessons I Learned As a New Cyclist
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I picked up my Specialized Roubaix from the bike shop on April 11, 2020. In the three weeks leading up to that morning, everything had shut down. Lysol’s stock soared. I acquired at least a dozen different cloth masks from Banana Republic which I’d later learn did little-to-nothing compared to the N-95s. I hadn’t had any actual human physical contact since a hug leaving dinner down the street on March 15.
My bike changed everything. Throughout that summer, cycling opened up a whole new world to me. It was something that I could do on my own or with friends in a safe environment (the outdoors), and it showed me parts of my own backyard that I didn’t know existed before. It allowed me to go places beyond my bubble, a treat for someone that was so used to frequent work trips and airline upgrades. I learned about 9W. I got my first flat tire. I rode my first century. I got really, really strong.
It didn’t hurt that my go-to escape was also low impact on my body, too. Cycling quickly became a supplement to my usual pavement-pounding stride that empowered me to take on new challenges. Fast forward three years: I’m still constantly learning new things in the saddle, and I recently conquered a huge hurdle of going on one of my favorite rides solo.
These days, I’m riding more regularly as a supplement to my marathon training, and as I do so, I’m getting more and more messages with questions on best-practices. For newbies, check out my episode with Alison Tetrick diving into the need-to-know for beginners. And in the meantime, here are three lessons I’ve learned as a beginner myself:
1. Always have a roadside kit with you: Before you go anywhere on your bike, make sure you have an extra tire tube (if your bike isn’t tubeless) , a hand pump or CO2 cartridge, and whatever other tools you may need if you get a flat tucked in a small bike bag. This way, even if you’re still in the I’ve-watched-50-YouTube-videos-and-still-can’t-change-a-flat-well camp (raises hand), you’ll have the necessary stuff should you get a flat and someone happens to ride by who can give you a hand.
2. Hard things take time. Namely, long climbs. Also, cycling fitness. On most every ride I go on, there’s some sort of hill that I know exists and dread the entire time leading up to said hill. But just because the hill is hard doesn’t mean I’m not capable of doing it. And so, persistence is key. The hurdle’s totally conquerable. I just have to have patience.
3. Padded shorts are a MUST (so is sunscreen): If you’re going on a ride that will last you more than an hour, then I cannot recommend a pair of shorts with a good chamois enough. Chamois is the padding inside a pair of shorts/bibs that helps to protect your nether-regions (and keep you comfortable). A big misconception: The squishier a chamois feels, the better. Actually, the density is key. My favorite cycling shorts are Rapha Women’s Classic Shorts and the Machines for Freedom Essential Cycling Short. I like shorts over bibs, but everyone’s different. I also love a short with a pocket. Harder to find, for sure.
Also, I mentioned sunscreen. If you don’t want ridiculous shorts (and short sleeve) tan lines, don’t forget to lather up before heading out. I miraculously avoided an awful one last year despite a whole lot of sunny day cycling, and I was really grateful.
4. Use. All. Of. Your. Gears. When I started cycling, I had no clue how many gears my bike had or how to use them properly. Learning this information will completely revolutionize your experience, and ultimately help you pick up speed and feel more comfortable and confident on your bike. Here’s a helpful article from Cycling Weekly with more info.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: “Mama’s Eyes” by Mette
The newest addition to my running playlist that makes me want to sprint (and also, dance around my apartment). Someone was playing this at MOTIV the other day when I was using the sauna, and I immediately downloaded it because it’s a VIBE. Not usually a house music sort of human, but I dig it.
Gear I’m Loving: Adidas Boston 11
OK, so the Adizero Boston 12 comes out today (which I got my hands on and am in the initial phases of testing). BUT! The Boston 11 is a solid neutral sneaker, and it’s on sale right now for $88 (which is almost a 50% discount). The best part? Adidas has a 30-day trial offer, which means you can run in this shoe for three weeks, and if it’s not your vibe you can return it no questions asked. Sounds like a great opportunity to try a discounted classic, to me.
I’m Reading: Money Power Respect: How Women In Sports Are Shaping The Future of Feminism by Macaela Mackenzie
Just got an advanced copy of this, which comes out on June 27 and is currently available for pre-order. You already know: Women’s sports receive a fraction of the airtime allotted for men’s sports, as well as a fraction of the marketing dollars, media coverage, and training resources. For every dollar that the NBA’s highest-paid player brings home, the WNBA’s highest-paid player earns just half a cent. But while misogyny in sports is particularly visible, it’s not unique. Women athletes face the same sexist barriers found in all career fields: the motherhood penalty, transphobia and misogynoir, underpromotion, and more. In the book, my old colleague Macaela writes on how women are using sports as a platform for change. Exclusive interviews with allyson Felix, Megan Rapinoe, Billie Jean King — it’s GOOD stuff.
Quote I’m Loving: "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." - Michelle Obama
Thanks to AG1 — the daily Foundational Nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health.
I drink it literally every day. I originally gave AG1 a try because I was tired of taking so many supplements and wanted a single solution that supports my entire body and covers my nutritional bases. Plus, I was popping way too many gummy vitamins. I wanted better gut health, a boost (or similar) in energy, immune system support, and also wanted a supplement that actually tastes great. I shake it up every morning after my workout, and truly it makes me feel energized and confident knowing that I’m doing something good for my body by giving it the nutrition I deserve — including 75 whole food-sourced ingredients, prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods.
If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/hurdle.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧 255. Sally McRae, Ultra Runner
Welcome Sally McRae AKA Yellow Runner back to Hurdle! We're celebrating, because this week Sally adds "author" to her impressive multi-hyphenate with her new book, Choose Strong. She talks to me about what that title means to her, reflecting on a journey that's been filled with #hurdlemoments — from growing up in an emotionally and physically abusive household and losing her mom to cancer to working multiple jobs. She also talks to me about her experience at the Cocodona 250, an ultra-marathon in which she navigated injury from mile-7 onward, and what resilience means to her. Plus: How she's planning to bounce back before her next ultra in Tahoe in just over a month, and what other fun things we can expect from her content moving forward.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧 : #HURDLEMOMENT: Your Top Running Questions, Answered — With Nike Running Coach Jes Woods
Last week I sat down with Nike Running coach Jes Woods live at Nike's New York headquarters to answer your big running questions in honor of Global Running Day. And this week? We're bringing the live episode to the feed! In this week’s conversation, Jes and I tackle the tough topics — including:
How do I decide what raced to run?
If I only want to run three times per week, what should I be doing?
How do I know if I need a run coach?
+ more!
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