[cdubbaya]

So I'm new to distance riding, or what I call distance anyway. I started cycling a few weeks ago, and have been slowly increasing my distance and pace with each ride. I normally do 5 to 8 mile rides, with the occasional leisurely 12 miler on a nice evening.

Anyway, I started using RunKeeper for my last two rides, having used both Strava and MapMyRide previously. I like the autopause feature when I stop, although I try not to rest unless I really need it.

Tonight I felt like a new person. I did my normal route down a familiar trail, roughly 5.5 miles to and from my house. But when I returned, I felt like I had more! I did the route again, without slowing my pace. The app told me I was around 7 miles in, averaging about 15 mph. Not bad for me, and at that distance, it was a personal best. When I got done with my second leg, I pushed harder, and did a third! I felt great, and I've never done this distance at that speed.

Finally, on my way back home, I turned down another long flat road, just to push one last time, maybe only 1 mile out of the way, but I couldn't resist. When I finally returned home, I was so anxious to see my new personal record, show it to my wife (she wouldn't care), post it to Facebook (they wouldn't either).

I took my phone out of the bag, looked down... The app crashed! It only saved my first 8 miles! It missed my entire third trail ride, and my short detour!

Silver lining is that I did indeed beat my personal best pace, at 16.48 mph, but unfortunately my stats are not accurate. My best guess is I did about 15 miles at maybe 14 or 15 mph.

Here's all that remains of what could have been a great motivator and a bit of an ego booster. I'll get em next time!

 

[Industry_Hack]

Even if the app failed, you did the ride. That's what counts.

 

[Rock_my_Roll]

I second that. Who needs stats when you can feel the results in your legs and know it in your heart?! Congrats on your excellent ride. :thumbsup:

 

[newleaf150]

SO frustrating to lose mileage like that! Hack's ultimately right - the important thing is that you rode it - but having a record is awfully nice. My smartphone, running a different app, blows mileage infrequently, but over and over. I still use it for the ease of use/posting when it (usually) works, but also roll with a Garmin GPS for backup and live maps/tracking. It has yet to malfunction, but takes more effort to export your ride data.

 

[Industry_Hack]

I like checking out the route I just walked with Map My Walk. The GPS can't indicate a straight line at walking speeds, so it's all jagged, and looks like I was drunk. But I can feel it in my legs.

 

[rola643]

And so yet another addiction has begun! That's how so many addictions start right? Just a little more and I'll feel better ! Enjoy your new drug of choice Way to push and test your limits!!
I use that app a lot when I walk my dog and between it stooping and losing data I've lost faith in it. I think part of it is my phone to be honest

 

[cdubbaya]

Yeah I'm still pumped about the ride, it felt good.

It just sucks not to have accurate data, so I know how I'm doing. I like to set goals and track my progress over time.

 

[John_V]

Yeah I'm still pumped about the ride, it felt good.

It just sucks not to have accurate data, so I know how I'm doing. I like to set goals and track my progress over time.

Sounds like you are already addicted. There's a cycling rehab for this but I've never known anyone that has gone. The next thing that will happen is you will miss a day or two of riding and your legs will start to twitch. Don't worry, it happens to all of us.

 

[omnivox42]

It is easy to get into your numbers to constantly push yourself. I personally think it is fun and interesting to look back and see how I have grown.


Cycling is an addiction, adrenaline, is an addiction, even the leg pain.

Oh, and congrats on your PB.

 

[cdubbaya]

Sounds like you are already addicted. There's a cycling rehab for this but I've never known anyone that has gone. The next thing that will happen is you will miss a day or two of riding and your legs will start to twitch. Don't worry, it happens to all of us.

Yeah with the weather as nice as it's been, it's hard to stay inside. I'm going to try for a 20 mile ride this weekend, supposed to be around 80 degrees in Minneapolis.

I definitely feel it today. I'm nowhere near in good enough shape yet, but I suppose that comes in time. I'm about 10 years removed from being in peak performance shape when I played basketball and baseball year round.