I no longer dread my training rides. In the beginning I was scared to death. I knew it was going to be hard…I had NO idea how hard. I also knew I was going to get better…I had no idea how long it was going to take to get better!
Within the first 5 miles of TR7 I was frustrated and tears were starting to fall. I know I have improved, but I am still struggling. The hills are kicking my butt…yet every time I ride I head out on hills. I climb them over and over and over thinking eventually this is going to feel better. Eventually I am not going to be at the middle of the hill while the rest of the team waits for me at the top. But when? In time to finish Bike:MS with my team? During the ride the doubts were starting to dance through my thoughts and the faucet turned on. Luckily the sweat streaming down my face hid the tears so no one knew, but they were there!
At the top of one hill I expressed my frustration to my friend Jennifer. She confirmed that I was much improved and encouraged me to keep trying. So, the next hill I did. I tried so hard…I muscled up that hill with the best of them…I wanted to pass out by the top. My friend pulled up behind me and basically said “stop muscling and start spinning!” Like a ton of bricks, it hit me. I was using muscle to get up the hills and not cardio. I let it sink in, discussed with another friend, Doug, and then tried the techniques they pointed out. IMPROVEMENT!! INSTANT IMPROVEMENT!! The next hills were much easier…I was breathing heavy and my legs were burning, but I was making better time on the hills and it felt so much better.
No more tears and I am ready to try my new found skills on a 45 mile ride this Saturday. Bring it on…I am ready to ride!