The Flame

Ah training weekend. Good times. Lots of laughs. Grubby athletes. Cold showers. Missions accomplished.

I thought my flame for the bike was dying. Turns out, it was just a bit buried. For no other reason other than the fact that it was there, I decided to do the long course bike ride. I honestly wasn't convinced I had any business being out there; it's been awhile since I've stretched myself athletically.

I had contingency plans in my mind that I re-evaluated every 10 miles or so. There was wind on Jolon Rd, which is a narrow highway with no shoulder for bikes. I thought I'd bonk because I typically go into a state of paralysis when riding on roads with fast traffic, white trash in pickups and wind. Call me crazy but I don't like to take my hands off the handlebars and subsequently, don't consume calories or fluids. Jolon goes on for about 13 miles and was by far the hardest and loneliest stretch. Towards the end, I started talking to myself, but promptly stopped after swallowing a bug

The next challenge was the infamous Nasty Grade, which was blazing in the heat of the afternoon. It was nasty. But I got to the top and with wobbly legs, continued onwards with the end in site.

I felt such a great feeling of satisfaction after the ride. I had done something I wasn't sure I could do and I kept a positive attitude the entire time. I knew I had contingency plans, I could stop at any time, but I was really enjoying myself...that's what happens when I focus on things that make me enjoy the experience.

My favorite quote from this weekend was courtesy of my friend Chris who said, "this race is a whole lot more enjoyable when you stop trying to compete with it."

And that's the only way to do Wildflower because there are relentless obstacles...the weather, the course itself, mechanical failures, etc. So just get out there and enjoy the experience for whatever it is in that moment. And so I did. It was such an incredible beautiful ride. Fields and fields of wildflowers in all colors and varieties. Perfect biking weather. And a nice cold Guinness waiting for me at the end. Ok, 2.