Hi Biking Goddesses,

Have you ever had to decide your focus? I'm at that point. I'm super tired of not making the progress I want to make with my road racing. I also feel super burned out because of my feelings of 'stuckness' and not improving, etc.

I guess I am trying to decide if I'd be happier mountain biking. I started out my cycling in 1995 as a mountain biker. I started racing in 1996, but had to quit in 1998 due to Epstein Barr virus and chronic fatigue. I recovered from my illness and tried to make a comeback to mountain bike racing in 2001, but it was too hard for me. I couldn't recover and my grandma had died (she was my best friend).

Well, I have tried to race my road bike since 2001 on and off. During the past two years, I've been working at it more consciously. My problem areas are building strength as well as recovering slowly.

But, I must confess that riding my mountain bike is sooo joyful and fun for me. Even when my HR gets up into the 170's, I don't notice 'cause I'm having fun I also feel more at one with my mountain bike.

I'm old now though...I'm 35, so I don't even know if it's worth it to even try to race in any cycling discipline. I guess I don't want to feel like a failure or a quitter. I'm so not used to not being good at something LOL--I am not bragging LOL--believe me I'm a modest person. In other sports, I was such a natural. Oh wait, I'm a natural at mountain biking too...

I guess it's hard when you've had so much time and energy invested in one thing...In my case, road racing. I keep pushing myself to no avail. Maybe I'm just hard on myself or want to be where I want to be yesterday LOL. But, it makes me sad to let go I guess. I know I could go back to road racing if I wanted to, but I wonder if I ever would if I did leave it

If I switch to mountain biking, I still will do a majority of my training on the road, but I just like to have a focus I guess.

It's hard for me to make a definitive decision on road cycling. I've had many negative things said to me and my ego really wants to keep pushing and to do well so I can prove others wrong. I know that's not a constructive use of my energy and it doesn't really matter what others think...But, for me it's the principle of the matter. I have never 'quit' anything or given up when it comes to sports.

I knew you guys could relate to this--that is why I came here to get some insights and support. I just need to feel better about myself and the decision I do make...

Any help would be most appreciated...

Lots of love and thanks in advance,
L