As someone who will never be a serious athlete for medical reasons myself, every time I swing a leg over the top tube it’s a good day, even if the fatigue gets the best of me and I have to toss my bike on the bus halfway home. It doesn’t matter. Just go ride your bike, somewhere, anywhere. The joy and fire will return.

I used to think, “Everything is an obstacle for that guy”. But he doesn’t see it that way.

Don’t ride because you feel obliged to keep up some kind of regiment or to relieve the rigors of work.

Ride because you can.

Seriously, though. You’re commitment to the sport is making me feel like a total cubicle-dwelling sissy. Please continue to work all day and throw in a little couch-surfing action while you’re at it. TV. In-Touch magazine. Online shopping. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it just like me.

R

I’ve just finished a four month battle with metastatic breast cancer and heart problems and I just don’t ride unless I feel like it. Now I’m stronger than I have felt in 2-3 years.

On a softer note, when you’re tired for whatever reason, maybe it’s time to have just a fun ride or two. no agenda, just a ride. it can be for 30 minutes or 3 hrs. Stop half way through for a guilty pleasure, an espresso & pastry or whatever. then ride back home with a big smile.

Joel: Dude, killing your mile PR by 11 seconds is HUGE. Congratulations and that was definitely a better pep talk than yesterday’s attempt!

Ed: I LOVE the recess analogy. Love it. Very powerful and clear. And has to do with monkey bars, which is always a triple bonus.

Jono: That was brilliant. Really. What great imagery! I’m going to grab not-tired by the hand and suggest that we skip off to recess together.

In fact, I do love to ride and I actually really, really, really enjoy the focus and payoff of concerted training. I like the tactics and sheer brutality of road racing. It’s so crazy hard it’s kind of mind-boggling. And ruthless, just ruthless. The whole getting dropped by the peloton thing? Just crushing. But in a way that usually makes me want to rally. It demands a level of fitness (jesus, even at this stupid cat 4 level) that is pretty crazy. I love all that about it.

What challenges me sometimes is the time demand and the sheer amount of crap/gear requirements. I recall heading to the start line of my TT at Cherry Blosson last week and realizing that I didn’t have my glasses on. As I raced back to get them I was thinking, “Could there possibly be ANY MORE gear required for this sport!?”

So… I ran this morning. Shoes and laces and some stretchy clothing. Arms moving back and forth. No gears, no clicking.

It was nice.

I love me some pros sometimes, but I make no bones about being one, or acting like one. Truth be told, I think the pro lifestyle is generally pretty shitty. I like health insurance and baking clay pot chickens whenever I want to and sleeping in my own bed.

Really, my frustration doesn’t come down to the fact that I think I should be able to ride 20 hours a week, its that I can see the wisdom and planning of my training schedule (a plan that is cumulative) and I like the moments where I get to realize results. Those big a-ha moments where I can actually FEEL fitness gains are completely mind-boggling and incredible. I want more of those!

I don’t think the current lull is indicative of a major overlying issue, I’m pretty sure it’s just a hiccup along the way. But it’s good to take pause and think about things like what you point out – the source of motivation and the core reasons. I need to re-read David Rowe’s e-book, I think!! And get down to the heart of things!