I rode a lot last year. Between leading Ride to Conquer Cancer training rides, the ride itself, and my wife getting 2 new bikes last year, there was no shortage of incentive to ride. I rode over 10,000 km for the second straight year and all that mileage took a toll on me mentally. While my body was up for more riding, my brain decided it was time to rest. I had checked out of my paincave by the end of September
My body has paid for my brain’s need of recovery, so now I feel like I’m back to square one. My legs are tired and weak and my cardio is not what it has been the last 2 years. When I started my post-Christmas training, I’m not going to lie, I felt defeated. I have incentive to ride in the form of donations but I also want to be able to lead training rides in the spring. It’s hard to ride at the back of a group then sprint up to the front of the group to give direction, then fall back to the rear of the group repeatedly. Doing this at every turn can be like an interval workout.
So I get on my bike as often as possible and push myself harder than I did at this point last year, all the while thinking that the ride is only 152 days away, I’ve only raised 11% of my goal amount, and my fitness is not where i’d like it to be. Sighhhh… keep pushing, I know it will come back. Now, the 11% is up to you – every bit helps. Please, give what you can when you can. I promise I’ll be ready.
