Lady… My Ass Hurts EVERY Day

2009 September 24
by Jackie

fallafternoon

A couple weeks ago my husband was looking through some cycling forums trying to find a solution to his seious butt ache problems. In the forum someone talked about a conversation he had heard between a lady and Lance Armstrong. She asked him how he rides without his hiney hurting, and his reply was.

Lady, my ass hurts every day.

This whole idea of riding through pain intrigues me. You know pain is one of the reasons I hate exercise. I hate lifting weights because I can’t move the next day, aerobics gives me plenty of aches and pains, and it seems easier to quit than to suffer.

So what makes cycling so different?

Really ~ I’m being serious.  The last two rides I’ve done my feet have not only been numb, but they have been in serious PAIN. I’ve had this weird foot thing before where it feels like I’m walking on 10 inch chef knives every time I take a step, and this is what it feels like every time I push the pedal down one more time, and yet I keep doing it.

I have not gotten off the bike. I have not put the bike back in the barn.

In fact, I have actively gone out looking for solutions. I’ve bought cycling shoes. I have bought new sneakers. Robert told me his foot numbing was helped my a new seat ~ and I’ll be looking into that soon.  I’m making an appointment with my kinesiologist to deal with the foot pain issue.

Spending all this money to fix this issue so I can keep riding.  What it is about cycling, and cycling now that has me so enraptured I’m not only willing to be in pain, but willing and ready to spend money to solve the problem so I can ride even MORE!!

I don’t know. I think it’s about the freedom, the solitude, the fresh air, the confidence I have gained, the joy it gives me to know I created all that power to get myself, this bike (and many times a toddler and a trailer) home, even when I thought I might not make it and contemplate whether I’ll need to call someone to pick me up.  I have never felt this way about a sport, or exercise before.

I have always looked for the easiest, and most simple reason to stop doing, I have never gone out looking to do more.

There’s something magical about cycling. You can feel it just talking to other cyclists. You can feel it when you read the story of someone else’s ride. You can feel it when you get together, the anticipation of a good ride with a group of like minded people.

There’s something about cycling that helps you get through, whatever it is that’s going on in your life, even if your butt does hurt every day.

I don’t know if people are like this about other sports ~ I imagine they are, but it’s like a whole new world has opened up to me since the day I decided to get back in the saddle again, and even though my feet hurt and I’ve got a pain in my ass I LOVE it!!

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Related posts:

  1. Managing the Aches and Pain Biking Can Cause
  2. What the Heck Am I Gonna Do All Winter?
  3. Women’s Cycling Shorts ~ Tips for a Good Fit
  4. 10 Tips to Create the Perfect Bike Ride
  5. How to Succeed Climbing Hills ~ 10 Tips for Easier Hill Climbs
4 Responses leave one →
  1. 2009 September 25

    Don’t look now, but your enthusiasm’s showing. :)

    Mine would, but I was fairly beaten up by my bike today. Not by riding, and I didn’t fall, but I hadn’t tried to put it on the bus since I was hospitalized in April. It’s VERY heavy. I’m bruised and battered. But, I’m home, and tomorrow, I will ride. Yes, I hurt, but my spirit hurts more if I don’t ride every day.

  2. 2009 September 28

    You shouldn’t have to put up with pain while cycling. There could be some small adjustments that are needed. Have you been fitted by a pro or a good bike shop? I’ve seen people get rid of knee pain by millimeter seat adjustments.

    What about your shoes? Do they pinch during the ride? Just wondering if your feet swell while riding. Are you running clipless pedals? Cleat positioning perhaps?

  3. 2009 September 28
    Jackie permalink

    Hey Jeff,

    I am currently riding a mountain bike. I have been riding in my regular sneakers which don’t seem to pinch. I’ve loosened the laces so they weren’t tight on the top of my foot. I bought some cycling shoes ~ shimano mt31 thinking cycling shoes might help. The problem actually got worse. Instead of 10-15 miles before this starts it started within a mile or two. :(

    I have not been professionally fitted for my bike, I have taken it in and the lbs owner said it looked about right as far as my legs etc. I realized after I bought my bike it was a little too small for me. I’ve since gotten a longer seat post. I’m still a relative beginner, and looking forward to getting a road bike for Christmas. With that bike will come a professional fitting. I just can’t see paying more than I paid for my bike for a fitting??

  4. 2009 September 29

    Check out what Luke had to say on the follow up to your comment! Much better advice than my speculation…

    Bike Carson – Preventing Lower Back Pain.

Leave a Reply

Note: You can use basic XHTML in your comments. Your email address will never be published.

Subscribe to this comment feed via RSS

Cycling Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory
One out of shape moms journey to bike across kansas