Fear

I want to be a cyclist. I will not break any world records, ride on a national team, or compete in the Olympics in this sport. I'm okay with that.There will always be men and women who are better at this sport than me, and equally so men and women I am a bit better than. I know how to ride a road bike and I can do okay without ever practicing or training again.

HOWEVER-

 I do want to set and break my own personal bests, go on spins longer than I ever dreamed I could ride, attack hills, go faster, become stronger (aaaaand leaner), and even get some bruises from time to time because I challenged myself. I might not be a future Olympian, but I want to train like one. I thrive in a competitive training session and like that mindset/motivation.

I've been on my bike more this fall than I ever have. I've also been able to do things on my bike I'd yet to do before (i.e. clip in/clip out on my pedals successfully, stay clipped in on steep climbs uphill, cycle over 20 miles, cycle in traffic, and go adventuring on my 'Athena' in Ireland), but I want to do more.

It is colder and windier in Ireland now. Winter weather is moving in quickly. I don't exactly have winter gear, so if I stay serious (get serious) I should invest in appropriate gear to stay warm. I felt the chill first hand (pun intended) as the wind chilled my hands quickly. I understand what gloves are for on a new level.

After months of pedaling up what I think of as hills and only being told it's a 'drag' or a 'bump', I was proud that after a mega climb I was finally given the clear it was in fact a proper HILL. The best part: Feeling like the bumps and drags were harder. I think in time I built the 'hills' up to be so big in my head, once we attacked one it wasn't so bad. Don't get me wrong, I could still FEEL it, but I didn't feel like it would beat me.

I worried it would be 'too hard' and I'd have to quit, clip out of my cleats, or turn around. When I cleared the top and realized I beat the fear this time, it was such a GOOD feeling. Too bad I later clipped out wrong and tripped over my bike at a traffic light. I was only the comedy segment for about 5 minutes for passing traffic. That was aweeeeeeeeeesome (sarcasm sarcasm sarcasm).

Don't let the fear of something new or challenging get so big you never try. And don't think you're too good too fast, because you'll probably fall at a moment you're no longer paying attention. Keep dusting yourself off until you get it right.

Cheers,
M