my muscles are still burning and on some machines, i didn't think i could even do one rep, i hurt that bad. but after forcing myself for the first few reps, it got easier and easier. i was able to continue doing 4 sets as i had set out to do. for the warmup, i wanted to push myself to go for 5 miles in 20 minutes. the machine states to do 70-80 rpm, but i kept pushing to stay in the 80-90 rpm range. when time got critical, i really pushed it and for a split-second was at 100 rpm. i reached my goal though. i got to 5 miles. it felt really good. if i keep pushing myself each time, i think i'll be able to keep it up and it will be easier. i kind of like the competitive side of me that started to return as i was working out, challenging myself. when it comes to sports and things, i used to be very competitive. not that i am a sports person, but more like when i was younger and sports was required in school. usually girls get picked last for teams because they hate sports and are so wimpy about it. i tended to be one of the first girls picked 'cos i could kick some of the boys' asses. i didn't like wimping out, even when i had asthma attacks.