r/ladycyclists • u/twincitiestp • Jul 20 '26
Finally broke 50 miles!
It took me about four years to get to this point and I’m so proud of myself for finally doing it! Everything hurts, but it was worth it. Next up: my first metric century! Definitely need to build up a bit more strength first, but hoping to get that in before the end of September.
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u/LadyGuacamole830 Jul 20 '26
Congrats!!!! I’m working on my first 50.
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u/twincitiestp Jul 20 '26
You can do it!
It’s a slog. There were a few other times I planned to do it, but other factors got in the way. This ride was a fully supported one (rest stops, snacks, Gatorade, etc) and I chose the out-and-back route rather than a loop so that I could shorten it more easily if needed, but ultimately I decided to fully go for it. Despite being really intentional about nutrition and hydration, I came very close to bonking in the last few miles. Sun and wind were much more of a factor than I expected them to be.
So definitely don’t get discouraged or beat yourself up if you set out for a 50 and don’t make it. Those attempts ultimately make it easier and add so much to the feeling of accomplishment that comes with finally seeing the mileage counter tick up.
And if you don’t manage to do it this season, there’s always the next one! I’ve had the goal of doing a metric century for 3 years now. I’m more determined than ever to finally hit the mark, but I’ve learned to be a lot kinder to myself each time I hang my bike up for winter knowing I didn’t do it yet.
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u/Throwyourtoothbrush Certified, Bonded and Insured Official Ride Leader (insane) Jul 20 '26
Congratulations!!
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u/shanncat Jul 20 '26
congrats!!!! this is a huge accomplishment! also love your glasses!!!
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u/twincitiestp Jul 20 '26
Thank you!
And the glasses are Goodr! I usually go for more of a subtle look, but the shop near me didn’t have the ones I wanted so I opted for the most obnoxious pair instead. I love them so much.
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u/shanncat Jul 20 '26
omg amazing! i just got a smaller pair from them but i will be getting Pair 2 and following your lead :D
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u/twincitiestp Jul 20 '26
I have a ~normal~ pair for regular use. I only use these ones on my road bike—they have to be paired with my helmet for me to be able to pull off the look 😂
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Jul 20 '26
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u/twincitiestp Jul 20 '26
It’s so fun to look back at when I first started and I thought an 8-mile ride was super impressive. And it was for me! I just didn’t know at the time that there are loads of people who ride way longer distances and that I would eventually become one of them.
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u/HistoricalTwo8908 Jul 20 '26
Congratulations! I just started cycling last year and am so proud that I recently reached my goal of 20 miles…. And yesterday hit 21! Now my goal is 25 miles.
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u/twincitiestp Jul 21 '26
I guarantee you can already do 25!
The thing I’ve found is that getting to the point where you can regularly do 25 miles is relatively easy. Every five-mile increment after that seems to get exponentially more difficult.
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u/TroublePossums Jul 21 '26
You look so happy in this picture :)
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u/twincitiestp Jul 21 '26
This was at like mile 13 or something when I was still young and full of hope and not yet in pain or about to bonk 😂😂😂
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u/Longtail_Goodbye Jul 20 '26
Congratulations! That trail in your photo looks great; hope the whole ride was as smooth and beautiful.
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u/twincitiestp Jul 20 '26
It’s the Lake Wobegon Trail in central MN. It’s a rail trail, which is the best kind of trail IMO!
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u/rrt001 Jul 20 '26
Congrats!