So, at the weekend I joined a few hundred people to do a cycling event. I had been persuaded, 5 weeks ago, to sign up for the 102 miler by my mate as he was joining a few other people to do the ride. I have been out on 5 training rides and each of them was under 60 miles, so not a lot of miles in the legs, so to speak!
It was a beautiful day on Saturday and, despite the 5am early breakfast, I felt good. Tony picked me up at 07:10 and we were at the venue for 07:40 to register, put numbers on the bikes and to meet up with the others. At 08:10 we were off!
The first 35 miles was really pleasant. We were in a nice sized group, with the ‘real’ cyclists taking the front, leaving me to draft along at a nice pace. At the first aid station the group stopped for refreshments but Tony and I carried on, as planned.
This was when it started to get tough and, at about 52 miles, my legs were in pain and I was slowing down. Tony was leading and taking the pressure but it wasn’t the same as having the large group and I knew he was suffering too. The ‘hills’ (Not really hills) seemed tough and I was having to get out of my seat to make sure I kept moving.
Eventually, we reached the 72 mile mark, where there was a junction, and a choice to make. Turn right for the remaining 32 miles or go straight for the shorter route which was 10 miles. Tony looked at me and I looked at him and we made a quick decision to go straight ahead. We both justified our choice with the knowledge that we were not training for an Ironman, not signing up for any more big rides and so why put ourselves through the pain?
When we got back to the venue, I was so happy we had made that choice. I felt that we had worked hard enough and, even though the last 30 miles had been progressively more painful, I ended up enjoying the ride.
It is important, in life, to recognise when to change your plans and when to look at the bigger picture. Sure we will get some comments from the guys who did the 102 miles, but that is banter and expected! The good thing is we live to fight another day and I have not been put off cycling yet.
If I was still into my cycling, this would have been a great training ride but instead it was a great ride with my mate and a much needed mental escape from the world and it’s problems.
I am back in the gym today, where my real focus is at the moment – the ‘Summer holiday body’ is still the target, so long distance cycling is not on the cards!
Set your targets high but be willing to make compromises if required. Re-evaluate and go again.
Have a great week and enjoy your chance to have a mental break now and then, whatever that looks like for you.