IM Rookie - 1st Week Bike

I can't believe how different my triathlon bike rides after such a long layoff. It feels so foreign to be riding in aero position again. Everything hurts (butt, shoulders, neck) and 20 miles seems really, really long. In fact, I was commenting to a friend that I think a 20 mile run would be easier at this point!! I also rode Tantalus for the first time this week and it was BRUTAL. Tantalus is a nasty, switch-back, filled GOLIATH of a climb that lasts about 5 miles. It's right outside of downtown and has amazing views of the entire South Side of the island. Unfortunately, I was so focused on breathing that I didn't get much of a chance to enjoy it. Fortunately, there were some fellow triathletes that rode with me and helped me get up this climb. My balance feels off too as I had to descend much slower then usual....I was on the brakes so much that my forearms were locked by the time I finished the ride....On top of this, I almost fell over with the first pedal stroke as I couldn't click into my new pedals on the left side....Total IM ROOKIE!!!