Unfortunately, my poor training leading into this day posed for a difficult trek on Day 1.

Typically during the spring I do about 800 miles or so prior to my rides, however, this year I only did under 100 miles. So this brought concern for day 1 of the Anchor House Ride for Runaways because I had to ride 78 miles on the first day. Not only was it 78 miles but it also had a lot of hills for Day 1.

Of course due to my poor training, Day 1 already brought on my knee pain. I had to pedal through the pain and pushed myself to get through the 78 miles.

Day 1 was all about surviving and what the week will hold for myself and my team.

Although I was with my dedicated team, I didn’t want to drag them along for the ride because I wasn’t quite prepared for what Day 1 had in store for me. So, I rode by myself.

The terrain for the day was challenging but beautiful. I rode through the Shenandoah Mountains and it was spectacular. Overall it was a lot of farm country that I rode through along with some rolling hills, which made for a challenging but gorgeous ride.

So what was my outcome for the day? Definitely tired to say the least but overall very good. The knee held up for the day and I actually feel good.

Here’s a ride breakdown for the day followed by some photos of Day 1:

  • Started at 6:40 a.m.
  • Finished at 2:15 p.m.
  • 78 miles with 5,200 feet of descent