When Two Become One

on February 13, 2010

Remember this song?

OKAY â€“ Clip-in shoes are awesome. I canâ€™t believe I put getting them off for this long! It makes the ride so comfortable, fast, and fun. I felt like my bike was an extension of my legs! I canâ€™t believe how much I was fighting my bike when I wore sneakers (not even with toe cages!) Clip-ins make you one with the bike â€“ corny but trueâ€¦

I didnâ€™t even fall! 🙂

I did the loop around the Orlando International Airport. Itâ€™s a very scenic ride for something that I can bike 3.0 miles to from my front door!

I saw an alligator, a sandhill crane, two eagles, and a heron on my ride, too! 🙂

Distance: 18.13
Duration: 1:21

It was really WINDDDDY and COLD out and the wind resistance killed my pace. It was a hard, hard workout! Iâ€™m totally in love with cycling again, by the way (I go through a phrase every six months of so). Itâ€™s just so fun and relaxing. And I love to be outside.

Before I went on the ride, I had leftover Vegetable Korma and brown rice:

When I got back, I had an orange:

And a Oh She Glows bar:

Are you the kind of person that needs â€œoutdoorâ€ time during your workouts? Or do you prefer to exercise inside at the gym? I will run in all sorts of weather conditions just to be outside!

{ 61 comments }

Christine February 13, 2010, 4:43 pm
I LOVE being outside for my workouts!! It makes me so much more fresh and motivated to do my best. I’m jealous that you are able to workout outside almost all year round….With the snow & ice & cold in Iowa in the winter, it’s just not possible for me! Although as soon as it gets just a little bit warmer out I will for sure be back outside.
Cassie February 13, 2010, 4:49 pm
It seems like I do most of my workouts inside (yay for DVDs..?) but my walks to/from school during the weekdays are AWESOME.
I feel bad because I almost never accept a ride in the mornings, (no matter how cold it is & how much I complain..the exercise always feels great!) it’s a 1.9km walk each way, and once spring hits i’ll be able to hear the birds and the lovely morning sun… 🙂
I also plan to start running, so training for that in the spring OUTSIDE will be nice too!
Karla February 13, 2010, 4:51 pm
I used to be a gym girl all the way but recently I’ve been running outside and really liking it, even though it’s been below 20 degrees each time I’ve ran outside! Can’t wait for it to warm up!
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place February 13, 2010, 4:51 pm
I’ve never tried biking for exercise before, I’d be too scared of falling!

If the weather is horrible, I need to exercise indoors. If it’s beautiful out, I’ll go for a run outside!
Bec February 13, 2010, 4:52 pm
Glad you love them they make a huge difference!
Nicci February 13, 2010, 4:52 pm
I love my workouts inside, during the winter. I can not wait till the snow and coldness goes away, so I can get back to working out outdoors.
Kt F @ ThroughTheFinish February 13, 2010, 4:52 pm
I looove working out outside and have been going stir-crazy all winter. I finally got to run outside today and was basically grinning the whole way haha! I just hope February isn’t pulling a fast one on me like it did last week!
Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ Pound weight loss! February 13, 2010, 4:55 pm
I spent the majority of my childhood doing outdoor activities from playing with friends, riding my bike, camping & fishing with family, snow & water skiing, hiking, and even mtn. climbing that I LOVE the outdoors!

However, I lived in Colorado then and it isn’t quite the same here in Florida but it still is really good as weather is nice most of the year so it is great for my new love “Running”.

I don’t get to do it outside as much as I would like due to my schedule (and the fact that I don’t like running when it is dark outside) but I manage to get out there every Saturday morning! =)
Becky February 13, 2010, 4:56 pm
I am definitely an outdoor person! Ran in 4 degrees last week just to be outside. Glad you’re enjoying the clip-ins. I started using them for spin and needed to replace my pedals when I got back on my bike because I couldn’t stand to ride without them!
Lauren February 13, 2010, 4:56 pm
I definitely prefer being outside, but with the inclement conditions we’ve had here recently, I’m very thankful to have a gym with great treadmills!
Amanda February 13, 2010, 4:58 pm
I would so much rather be outside than in. However, good ole Nebraska weather causes that to not happen!
John February 13, 2010, 5:01 pm
I like exercising outdoors because there’s less monotony. Outside at worst I’ll do an out and back so I see as little of the same terrain as possible.
Evan Thomas February 13, 2010, 5:01 pm
I love warmth more than I do the outside so it’s been the gym for me for far too long
Janessa (epicuriousvegan.blogspot.com) February 13, 2010, 5:05 pm
I love all the Florida wildlife you see on your jaunts! In Oregon we see squirrels and maybe a raccoon or something if it’s around dusk. Boring.
Samantha February 13, 2010, 5:06 pm
Being outdoors is wonderful! A lot of my “active” time comes in the form of hiking with my kids, scuba diving, yoga on the beach, kayaking, etc. As Henry David Thoreau said…”I have a room all to myself, it is nature.”

Glad you got the clips figured out fast and are enjoying them! There will be clips on my new mountain bike that’s being built and I’m scared to death!
Gracie @ Girl Meets Health February 13, 2010, 5:10 pm
hahaha yesss I remember that song! I remember singing it with my girlfriends at our SIXTH GRADE slumber parties 😛

Way to go with the clip-ons. I can totally understand why you’d be hesitant with the possibility of falling. I would be too. But if you loved it and got used to it on the first time around then I’m sure you’re good to go.
Julie @ Pickley Pear February 13, 2010, 5:16 pm
I’m toying with the idea of buying cycle shoes, for indoor cycling…do you think it’s worth it? They are expensive.
I’m a fair weather outdoor runner. By choice, in the winter I’m a gym rat!
mackattack February 13, 2010, 5:17 pm
I do the best working out inside. This way I can’t chicken out because of weather 🙂
Paige (Running Around Normal) February 13, 2010, 5:23 pm
That sounds like such a fun bike ride! How cool to see all those animals.
I definitely prefer to exercise outside. Hate running on the treadmill…especially anything longer than 3 miles!
Meghan@traveleatlove February 13, 2010, 5:31 pm
I can’t run inside so I have been training in some awful New England weather this year. The only bad thing about the Boston Marathon!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 13, 2010, 5:40 pm
2 become 1 was one of my favourite Spice Girls songs!! Good times 😛
Wow…that’s amazing seeing an alligator on your bike ride! That’s a proper zoo animal in England lol :p
I’m definetly an outdoor exercise girl, I hate the gym! Though I do like home workout DVDs as a change a few times a week, especially Jillian Michaels 🙂
Tyler February 13, 2010, 5:41 pm
lol, i love that you thought of that spice girls song for clip-in shoes!! yes, clip-ins are awesome 🙂
Cyclist Kate February 13, 2010, 5:43 pm
I do a mix of both, but my indoor workouts are reformer Pilates classes (next to a huge window) and swimming…sometimes I hop on the stepmill and zone out to some teevee (don’t have television at home, so it’s kind of a fun treat), but otherwise I love to bike and run outside. I just feel more refreshed after breathing in fresh air and soaking up some sunshine! But really, any way you slice it, I just want to get that workout into my day.
Angela(the lady loves to eat) February 13, 2010, 5:45 pm
I used to only like working out indoors but recently I have been going crazy if I can’t get outside to run. I always feel refreshed and happy after an outdoor work out!
Run Sarah February 13, 2010, 5:55 pm
What a gorgeous spot for a ride! I enjoy workouts outdoors so much more. I prefer warmer weather but unfortunately only get it here a few months out of here so I bundle up and run with it!
Jo @ SeekingHealthyBalance February 13, 2010, 5:56 pm
I love outdoor workouts but the weather isn’t always on our side here in the UK!
If I had Florida weather I would be outside all the time (but not sure about the alligators on the bike ride!)
Alison February 13, 2010, 5:57 pm
if it’s a nice day, running outside is always a plus. but i am perfectly content working out inside as well. sometimes, i feel like i get better workouts inside because i can monitor what i’m doing whereas outside i feel like it’s more recreational.
Christina February 13, 2010, 5:59 pm
I prefer to be outside because I love the fresh air and scenery and get bored being inside all winter. This year I spiced up my indoor workouts by doing classes, sports and spinning and it’s been fun! Maybe the key is that I don’t mind working out alone outdoors but staring at a wall in the gym gets boring? Go figure 😉
Heather (Heather's Dish) February 13, 2010, 6:10 pm
i really enjoy doing stuff outside a lot more than inside, but it’s just nice to move sometimes!

i love that you put the spice girls song on there, i totally forgot about it!
Therese February 13, 2010, 6:11 pm
Definitely an outdoor girl. I’ll go inside for spin class or if it’s a necessity but other than that I prefer the outdoors. Much less boring!
Matt February 13, 2010, 6:14 pm
I would much rather be outside than stuck in a gym!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday February 13, 2010, 6:17 pm
You can ride your bike around the airport? Sounds dangerous.
Abby February 13, 2010, 6:26 pm
Ahhh I can’t wait to get my road bike!!! I really hate the gym—I’m so much more of an outside person. Today I had a long run scheduled, but the snow in pittsburgh has made it unsafe to “share the road”, so I was doing it on the treadmill. I called it quits halfway through to finish outside. That didn’t happen, but I just couldn’t stand that treadmill any longer!
Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN February 13, 2010, 6:32 pm
Just until recently, I loved the treadmill. I finally got a running buddy and every since my first outdoor run, I can’t stand to be on the treadmill!

I can’t wait to get caught in my first Florida summer rain during a run. 😉
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 13, 2010, 6:34 pm
I prefer to be outdoors – gyms are too stuffy … if I have to workout inside I would like to be at home.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 13, 2010, 6:42 pm
Yay! So glad you had such a successful run with the clips!
Jaclyn February 13, 2010, 6:47 pm
My sister and her boyfriend are training for the century bike race too. I’m so proud of them it seems like so much hard work! It is so great that you all are doing this though. Great cause and will be ultimately so rewarding! 😀
Sarah February 13, 2010, 6:50 pm
I recently got clip-ins and those are the exact words I used when discussing them with a friend this morning. It’s corny, but so true that you are one with the bike! I also said “I feel like I am challenging the bike, instead of the bike challenging me.” Another cheesy line, but hey clip-ins are great!
Niki@ Niki's Neverending Adventure February 13, 2010, 7:26 pm
I like to be outside when I run but lately I have been stuck inside because it’s just so dang cold!! I have really found a liking for the treadmill! Gasp, I know. I just seems to be able to really push myself on it and it’s not so bad when you change up the pace and can watch all the shows you DVR! Haha. I like to multi task and sometimes, my treadmill time is the only time I have to catch up on my shows!!
Erica February 13, 2010, 7:29 pm
I LOVED the spice girls so…of COURSE I remember that song 🙂 Glad the shoes are working out. Looks like a beautiful day! I like a mix of indoor and outdoor workouts. When it comes to running though, I NEED the outdoors! It snowed 2 inches here last night and I had to run inside today. 6 miles felt like forever! Hope you and the husband have a wonderful Valentine’s day
Laura February 13, 2010, 7:33 pm
Spice girls! I was a member of their fan club 😉 I remember being obsessed with Baby Spice’s lilac knee high boots after watching that video. The wildlife you saw on your cycle ride sounds much more exotic than what I saw on my walk, sheep, sheep, sheep, donkey, horse, ducks and A NEWBORN BABY LAMB! One of the first this year! I never know whether to be happy seeing them, or sad, ’cause I know whats going to happen to the little things. I hate, hate, hate exercising inside, to the point where I’ll run in snow in shorts and a vest, and get numb all over. Hope your back is holding up after your student-eske crashing at Megan’s flat…
Nicole February 13, 2010, 7:38 pm
I’m more of an inside person during the winter and summer, but in spring and fall I’m an outside gal!
The Actors Diet February 13, 2010, 7:39 pm
ha ha i loved the spice girls!!! or, i loved to pretend i didn’t love them but i really did…
Maya February 13, 2010, 7:48 pm
LOVED spice girls! I would love to get into cycling, but I’m a little intimidated! Once it warms up around here I’m going to read your intro to cycling posts and maybe try it out for myself. I do love running, especially outside!
Scorpio Woman February 13, 2010, 8:05 pm
I like to look at your photos with the sun and no snow. I would like to be there in Florida. I’m so tired of this cold.

I liked this song of the Spice Girls. I think we have the same age or near. I’m 30.

I prefer to exercise inside but at home. I’m kind of shy and not good at it and don’t want someone to look at me. And also here it’s cold.
christie, honoring health February 13, 2010, 8:18 pm
So glad you enjoyed your ride and that the clips ended up being a good thing!

I love exercising outdoors and wish I could do it all year round. I am so looking forward to spring for that reason alone! I even practice yoga on my deck 😀
Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 13, 2010, 8:25 pm
Ok you might have convinced me that I need to think about getting clip ons…or at least toe cages 😉 I love any excuse to get outside!!!
Devon February 13, 2010, 8:25 pm
I know the loop you’re talking about! My BFF lived off of Semoran and worked at OIA for two years. I used to drive over when I lived in Melbourne to see her. 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying the cycling!
Island Girl Eats February 13, 2010, 8:52 pm
I love to be outside and get some fresh air. Running on the treadmill is brutal!
Kelly February 13, 2010, 9:15 pm
Ah Two Become One…awesome song haha
I love to be outside but living in Boston a lot of my winter work outs are inside, awesome!
Laura @ Strong and Steady February 13, 2010, 9:16 pm
Yayyayayayay!!!!! For real, that is the exact same thought that went through my head on Thursday – *I am one with my bike!!!!*

Also, 18 miles! That is awesome! Go Caitlin!!!!
Amber K @ sparkpeople February 13, 2010, 10:10 pm
I prefer the gym.

I always end up backing out of my workouts if I plan to work out outside. It’s either “too hot” or “too cold” or “too windy” or “oops, it’s raining again.” No excuses once I’m at the gym!
ari February 13, 2010, 10:44 pm
do you ever find biking to be boring, especially for that long? i suppose it’s much like running where you just have the scenery and your music/thoughts, but for some reason i feel like biking would be more boring hahhah
- caitlin February 14, 2010, 9:05 am
  yes i do sometimes find it boring but i think that running long distances has “trained” me to be OK with working out alone or in silence for 1 – 3 hours. esp when i’m outside – if i was on the bike at the gym, i would die!
Cynthia (It All Changes) February 13, 2010, 11:41 pm
I enjoy my outdoor time when the weather permits. But in the freezing cold NE winters I stick to the gym. Can’t wait until the weather warms up.
Bridget February 14, 2010, 12:49 am
I have been missing the gym, because there isn’t one nearby. The city is about 10 miles from my door, and the road that runs along the main JH school that I teach at is extremely beautiful to ride on, especially in the spring (cherry blossoms!) and fall (red and gold leaves). But, as long as I have my music to listen to, I can be happy pretty much anywhere.
Julie February 14, 2010, 9:33 am
I would so much rather be outside! I love, love, love bike riding, and now thanks to your posts I’m a little less afraid of getting my road bike and clip ins. Thanks!
Julie @SavvyEats February 14, 2010, 11:57 am
I desperately need to get clip-in shoes & pedals…what kind did you get?
- caitlin February 14, 2010, 6:32 pm
  i already had those shoes and just went to the store to buy pedals to match – check out craigslist, there are good deals!
Betty February 15, 2010, 3:45 pm
I love being outside. Hiking and running are my favorite…I think it has to do with doing it outside and enjoying the views.
Susan February 15, 2010, 5:49 pm
Bahahaha, I used the exact same Spice Girls reference when I went clipless: http://tryingforatri.com/2009/06/16/going-clipless-book-review/ People need to start using more Spice Girls lyrics in everyday speech 😛

I lovelovelove outdoor exercise, it always makes me feel so much more refreshed. But I also refuse to run outdoors in the Canadian winter. I think it’s dangerous.

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