When you’re riding with stronger cyclists, you have a tendency to fall behind from time to time. This was the case on this week’s long ride. Peddling as hard and fast as I could, I tapped my body for all it had. When I was in lead, I felt strong, but as soon as the stronger riders moved in front I my self-evaluation and cycling self-esteem dropped severely. “I suck” was the only message to be heard. Nine miles into a 50 mile ride, “I suck” is NOT the message that needs to be playing in one’s head.
I found a way of changed it up by telling myself that I was out for a ride by myself. Soon after, I was feeling okay again. For a while anyway.
Later on in the ride, when my back groaned and legs yelped, I began my self talk exercise. “You are awesome, Julie. FRICKIN’ AWESOME!”
That worked for a bit but then fatigue and a nice headwind started in on me. Without any other tricks up my sleeve, I fought back with the same determination that has pulled me through my long marathon training runs. After acknowledging the pain, fatigue, and distance to go, I found a little reprieve in my “drops” and pushed on.
In no time, we were all pulling into a local taqueria for a little post-ride food to celebrate of our awesomeness.