I Did It! My First Group Health STP
When I told people I was preparing for my first Group Health STP, people generally responded in one of three ways:
1. Oh yah? My stepfather's aunt's boyfriend rides that in one day every year.
2. Are you kidding? (Accompanied by a quick once-over and very wide eyes.)
3. I rode that a few years ago. Maybe I should do it again. (Accompanied by a far-away stare usually indicating extreme fondness or mild gastrointestinal distress.)
From Loner to Group Rides
I trained for the STP beginning on a magnetic trainer in my apartment the winter before the event. Eventually I graduated to the roads around Seattle and Whidbey Island, although I did not ride as many miles before the STP as was recommended. Also, against recommendations from friends and colleagues, I usually trained alone.
Before the Group Health STP, however, I completed a couple of 50- to 100-mile group rides in the area. This was invaluable experience because I learned group riding etiquette, including how to read 'Dan Henry' symbols painted on the roadway to indicate the route and how to signal to my fellow riders that a car or other obstacle was approaching.
Discovering What to Take Along
Also, the group rides were great practice rides for the STP. I figured out what I needed and what I could do without.
| What I needed: |
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A hydropack for water. Even after years of ballet school, I am just not coordinated enough to reach for a water bottle at 27 mph. |
| • |
A lightweight rain jacket. I had a jacket for training in the early spring but that turned out to be too hot for summer rides. And forget about wearing cotton — wicking fibers are where it's at if you want to stay cool and dry. |
| • |
A helmet with plenty of ventilation. After a few hours of pedaling, your head needs to breathe. |
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A massage at the end of every long ride. So very worth it! |
| • |
One reason I needed the massage was bike adjustment. I didn't realize that you should be fit on your bike in the beginning of the season and then again later in the season after your muscles stretch out. |
| I did not need: |
| • |
A bike lock. On group rides, you're never that far away from your bike. |
| • |
An MP3 player. At first, I rode with only one earbud in my ear — the other one dangling precariously from my neck. That's just dangerous. Plus, the battery wears out on long rides and you sweat (think drenching sweat). |
| • |
A beer at the finish line. I fell into a deep slumber and took a nosedive into a plate of oysters in Portland. |
| • |
Clipless pedals. I know, I know, they significantly decreased my energy output on each pedal stroke. However, as a novice rider I ended up not clipping in all the time. The toenails on my big toes turned a lovely shade of violet and a few months later. . . fell off. My bike shoes may be to blame: I've bought a bigger size now. |
Personal Milestone
Training for and finishing the STP was an invaluable personal milestone for me. I had never participated in an endurance event. I had no idea it would be such a confidence booster. Now I have no qualms about signing up for 30-mile rides. Even running and completing triathlons seems within reach.
Since I've finished the STP, I've lost (and kept off) the 12 pounds that had been nagging me since college. Most important, who knew that toenails grew back?
So when I convinced a friend to ride in his first STP this year, I got a far-away look in my eye and said, "Maybe I should do it again."
By Pamela Richardson
Group Health staff writer
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