Things I learn while cycling … and how it relates to everything else in life.

The recent decision to start biking at the tender age of fifty-somethings has been quite inspiring, motivating, and crazy! At this point, you might be wondering, “Why would a sane person do THAT?” It started with a desire to participate in a three-day charity run. So here I am with the determination and conviction to reach my goal: a 3 day trip without waiting for the sunken car to take me to the next point. As I drive, I see some parallels emerging between cycling and life. This is what I have learned so far:

  • Patience – Sometimes the lungs work very well and help the body continue to function with minimal discomfort. Other times, every muscle, every joint, every bone, and even the hairs on my head scream for mercy. With so much fluctuation in performance, it can be so infuriating, especially not knowing which days will be “good” days and which days will be “bad” days. Accepting myself where I am right now, being kind and gentle to myself in thought is teaching me that delayed gratification is much better than instant gratification.
  • Let go of expectations – Okay, this one hit me on the head! Everything was planned (in the secret corners of my mind that were caught in the traps): I was going to get in my new Cannondale and ride like the wind into the sunset for a whole day. After all, when I was younger (MUCH younger), walking 25 miles in the afternoon was child’s play. Yeah sure! Someone forgot to tell my body that that was the plan. Expecting to go 10 miles on the first outing was ridiculous at best. What I learned is that it’s okay to lower expectations a little (sometimes a lot) when those “voices” try to tell me otherwise. My expectations are now realistic and aligned with where I am and my current skill level. As such, he knew that a two-month quasi-training period was not enough to get there. My new goal is to get in shape to participate in next year’s charity event. I readjusted.
  • Rest – I do not need, nor do I want to, push myself beyond what I am capable of (see Keeping Up with the Joneses). Stopping hydrating from time to time is GOOD! Or even using the excuse to stop for a drink of water is a GOOD thing. Resting after a trip also allows the memory of the muscles in your body to activate and it is in those quiet moments that I can really soak up all that I have accomplished on the trip. Also, who doesn’t like a nap every now and then? Hmm?
  • Keeping up with the Joneses (NO!) – On a group trip, I rarely take the initiative. Oh, it’s not because I don’t like setting the pace or being up front (I’ve got this control thing going). What I found is that I enjoy being behind and setting my own pace. I have knighted myself “TP”. LOL. I used to compete and was known for doing pretty stupid things in the past. These days I like to compete with myself more. And all those cyclists who pass me going 100 miles per hour? They can move on, but don’t let your wind knock me down, because then I’m pretty sure I’ll catch you.
  • It is hard work – Let me say it again, “Damn, it’s hard work !!” How can such a small incline when walking look like bumps the size of Mount Everest when riding a bike? This just puzzles me and fascinates me at the same time! Like anything worthwhile and worth doing, there will be a few tears involved from time to time, especially when you’re on the cusp of “exploding.”[1]. What I learned a long time ago on a motorcycle trip (yes I was driving) from VA to FL in some of the most torrential downpours known to man is this, when I was asked what we are going to do (because it is raining), I replied : “What am I going to do? Cry?” So, I put the big girl panties on, suck on them, and move on. Why? Because no one is imposing this on me, I am choosing it.
  • The rewards are great – Those great feelings of reward come from many different things. It can be a small accomplishment like going slowly under the bridge over the curved hill or pushing yourself a little more, bending down a little bit more to tap into those often unused reserves, or staying on the bike and pushing, grunting and groaning your way up. the hill. It can be a great feeling of accomplishment to just take a spin no matter how many miles … or feet. And there are many things in between: a big stage, getting out of bed earlier, putting the TV down for a night, realizing that you have more energy (energy begets more energy) to really feel good about yourself. I’m in favor of that!
  • YOU CAN conquer the mountain (fear has no place here) – Seeing that mountain in front of you (okay, it’s really a hill, it still feels like a mountain) and purposely engaging in self-motivated talk (yes, speaking out loud is acceptable and encouraged) takes you to that mountain . … and the next! It’s one full pedal stroke after another. If you do one, you can make another. Rinse and repeat until you reach the top. What’s the worst that could happen? I walk with the bicycle and myself uphill.
  • FUN – Call me crazy. I promise you that I will not reproach you. This cycling thing is fun. I feel like a child again! I get to hang out with some great people where we hike a trail, stop for lunch, and drive back. I’m having great conversations and meeting new people, even making a new friend or two along the way. Learning about all the different things involved in cycling, the different styles of cycling, and trying new things are all part of the fun. The only thing that would make the experience more enjoyable is a clothespin and a playing card. Let the neighbors know: there will be more noise on the block!
  • Falling down is part of the journey (sometimes) – You know you are stepping over the handlebars if you suddenly apply the front brake without the help of the rear brake. If you try to get “fancy” with a move here or there, you’re going to go down. If you find yourself in a situation where you are going a little too fast for the conditions and suddenly have a case of doubt, the guaranteed road rash is in your future. Then what do you do? Mourn? No! (Okay, sometimes you could if it really hurts.) You get up, assess the damage, repair / bandage it / stop the bleeding / put the chain back on the derailleur, get on the bike and continue. What happens if the bicycle is knocked over? You call someone to help you. You take a risk, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. The thing is, you will never know what works and what doesn’t unless you DO.
  • Slow is good – I don’t want to break any speed barrier or I want to intentionally hurt myself. I learned that in cycling, like most things, whether it is my first time doing something new or rediscovering something I did a long time ago, it is good to take my time until I regain my “balance”. Once I’ve done quite well, I’ll be able to pick up the pace a bit. Slowing down, taking my time, savoring the moment is an incredible experience.
  • Going fast can be scary – What goes up must come down. 🙂 This is what takes me to all the mountains and hills, knowing that the descent is going to be a blast! There is nothing more exciting than being on top of the climb (definitely helps with those last push of the pedals) knowing that the best part is about to happen. [Insert music here… Carly Simon’s song, “Anticipation”] For me, the feeling of flying up that hill is like nothing else in the world, it’s scary sometimes, but it’s definitely good … very, very good!
  • Breathe – At times, I find myself holding my breath. That usually happens when I feel a little stressed. That stress can be related to work, in my personal life, or struggling to breathe on those long climbs. On long climbs it’s a bit more obvious: gasping for breath and feeling like there isn’t enough oxygen in my lungs to help my muscles work. This is where I consciously remind myself to breathe. If I am lucky enough to have a yogi with me on the trip, she will remind me to practice my Ujiayi breathing, a controlled way of breathing in which you actively use your mind to override the feeling that you are running out of breath. . The feeling of being out of breath can create a state of panic, which becomes cyclical. I may not use the Ujiayi breath every time I am stressed, but focusing on my breathing for 15-30 seconds when I am in situations where I am feeling a little stressed goes a long way in reducing stress, fear, or panic. I may be experimenting.

I am sure that I will learn many more things in this cycling adventure that I have undertaken. I can hardly wait. Go ahead!

[1]http://www.myfooddiary.com/resources/ask_the_expert/aerobic_vs_anaerobic.asp