a little friendly motivation and a new goal

Guest

Well, to say the least, my average speed on my bike (having just started riding a few months ago) was less than to be desired.  Okay, it was slow....da.mn slow!

I felt like I had hit a brick wall and was getting discouraged about even riding.  I couldn't get past this same average speed, it seemed, for the last couple months.

I was really starting to get so down about it that I was starting to not like riding anymore.  A friend of mine that I ride with, heard me bitch about this over and over.  One day, we went out for a ride.  I noticed that he had picked up his pace.  So, I kept up with him.  I didn't think about my speed much, just tried to stay with him.

When it was all said and done with and we got back, I checked my average speed.  I had surpassed it by 3 mph!  I hadn't been able to break my same average speed for months!  And, NOW, I had broken it by 3 more mph!  Anyway, I looked at my friend, who was now smiling at me.  It seems, he knew I could do it all along.  I just needed the proper motivation.  LOL  

Anyway, every ride I have had after that has been significantly faster that what I had been doing for months before.  I guess I just needed a little convincing.

Just thought I would share that with you...it is 90% mental.

Guest

I think that with any type of training you reach a plateau. It's very difficult to crest that limitation and then when you do, it opens new vistas.

Congrats

To paraphrase a Yogi Beraism "80% of the game is 90% mental".

Guest

I think it might have also been an effect of putting in more base miles.  I still don't ride as much as I would like because I do multisport.  But, I am glad that I have re-ignited my interest for riding again.  And, I look forward to kicking butt at my next race.

Next race?  a nice flat fast ride by the ocean...can't wait!