Adventures in cycling: The numbers

I used to think running was expensive - $100 on shoes (or more) every three months, a $250 GPS watch, $80 tights.

And then I spent $600 on a road bike (that I've ridden outside all of two times) with visions of participating in my first triathlon in 2014. Along with the bike, came $50 shorts that make me feel like I'm wearing a diaper, a $30 water bottle holder and a wish list that topped out at $34,403,203,019.96. Not including race entries.

This weekend, that wish list now totals $34,403,203.011.396 thanks to the purchase of my very first bike computer. Can someone cue some awws?

With the marathon over and the weather taking a chilly turn, I'm looking toward my goals for the off season - train with no pressure, have fun and spend more time on other endeavors that will prepare me for a strong spring. A strong spring that might include a half marathon but definitely a triathlon, and I need to get in the saddle a bit more than once a month.

Hence the bike computer.

Mark has a trainer and the trainer tire, so I really just needed the fancy sensor and display. And by needed, I mean wanted because I am a numbers girl (only in terms of sports) and want to know how far I've ridden and how long it took me. While my husband is pretty knowledgeable and adept at bikes, he thought it would be best to take Miss Peaches to the shop and have the experts put on the computer.

So we did. Nice story, eh?

Well, you're going to ride around the bike stor like a maniac - that's what.

It took a bit longer than anticipated, not so much in selection as there was only one that could do what I wanted but in the installation time. We occupied ourselves by gasping at the price of Spinervals DVDs, cycling shoes, clipless pedals and jerseys (that wish list might have grown pricier) and chasing our bike-loving toddler around.

Now it's up to Mark to get it all set up - or for me to learn how to get it set up - so I can go for a ride this week. In my basement. While watching "The Walking Dead."

Any good workouts for this cycling newb?

{camera} Roll with it

From the weekend ...

My co-worker brought in cantaloupes from her family' garden. With a show of puppy eyes, I snagged one and it was every bit as delicious as you would imagine.

Date night! My in-laws requested (no lie) to keep Miles overnight so Mark and I ate a meal in a restaurant without having to say "Bottom on the chair!" The new barbecue joint was not necessarily veg friendly but fried mac and cheese? Yes. Please.

And then Mark had the bright idea to go to DeBrand Chocolate for dessert. We split an epic one-scoop sundae with crispy peanut butter and raspberry sauces in a dark chocolate bowl.

Sunday morning, as Miles was still with Nana and Papa, I took advantage of guilt-free run time and met a member of the running club for a long run. He had 13 miles on schedule so I arrived early to get in 2 warm-up miles. As I headed out for that solo run, the sun was rising over the bridge in a spectacular show of color.

Success! 15.34 miles and obnoxious orange lululemon pants. I am happy to report that this run went far better than expected, and I am 157 percent sure that it was because I had some stellar company. I had never met him but we chatted the whole time as he gears up for his first half marathon and Weight Watchers. At one point, I looked down at my watch and was all, like, "Whoa! I'm at 10? No way!"

The hip was quiet during the run and has been fairly placid since. I think any crankiness was because I didn't stretch long enough post-run.

Note: Ignore that time - I forgot to stop the watch. My last lap of 0.34 mile, according to the Garmin, took 30 minutes.

My first pumpkin spice beverage of the year - tall light frappuccino from Starbucks. It was a great way to celebrate my run.

And then there's this ... my first road bike! The local bike shop was having its end of season sale and all 2013 models were on sale. I have made it known that the one and only thing I want for Christmas is a road bike so Mark and I decided to check it out. The sales rep, whom Mark knew from his cycling days, said this sale was as good as it was going to get and a good time to buy. I asked for a low-end road bike, as I'm just dabbling in this whole thing and bikes are friggin' expensive and my credit card sneered - it sneered - at some of the tags.

I got set up on the Giant, immediately regretted my choice in flip flops and felt intoxicated as I navigated the loop around the store. I compared the ride like going from driving a tank (my Trek hybrid) to a sports car (the Giant).  But I liked it enough and we ended up bringing her home. Her as in peaches.

I also got some sweet cycling shorts. Apparently you drive sports cars in diapers.