New Bike Trainer

After reading tons on triathlon training and all the coaching, I realized I needed to make a change from the recumbent bike to an upright for working out at home.  Given that the gym-type stationary bikes are so expensive, I decided to buy a bike trainer.  I didn't want to spend a lot and I didn't find anything on Craigslist or in thrift stores.  After quite a bit of research, I found one on Amazon that didn't break the bank - just over $70.

There were a lot of complaints in the reviews about noise with all the trainers, but several folks mentioned changing the tire worked well.  I found a nice and fairly smooth tire for around $15 at Dick's Sporting Goods.  It made a HUGE difference compared to the knobby trail tire I had before.  Plus I got some more experience in changing bike tires (more on that in a future post).    

Riding a bike on the trainer is a lot different than riding outdoors.  For one, the seat is far more uncomfortable, that's for sure.  I'm going to easy myself into it a little at a time.  Today I managed around 5 minutes.  I don't know the distance or RPMs though - no bike computer.  That'll be the next purchase and fortunately not extremely expensive, probably no more than $15.  So the total expense for converting my mountain bike to a stationary bike will be right at $100.

Anyway, after the 5 minutes on the bike, I jumped on the treadmill and did a mile.  My speed was mostly 3 mph, but then a couple times I thought I'd run.  Once at 5.0 mph and once at 6.0 mph.  That only lasted around a minute each, but now I know I can do it!  Not bad for being sick, huh?  I'll start working at extending the times each week.  I can't wait 'til I can actually run a mile (and eventually more) without stopping!

Happy Monday everyone!  Hang in there and keep to your goals.  We can do this healthy thing, we just can!  My new motto is "Be like Nike and Just Do It."