I am a grad student and work full time. I am trying to graduate in December and am having a hard time getting all the classes I need. So my only option is to take three classes over the summer- one evening class, and two five-week Friday night/Saturday classes. (Then one class and an internship in the fall) That means I'll miss three rides I really wanted to do this year- one century that I love and was really looking forward to after I didn't get to do it last year because of illness.

So, I know it will be worth it when I graduate in December and have this behind me and I'm trying to keep it in perspective. But, how can I keep motivated when I'm riding and not dwell on the fact that I'm missing these big rides? Training for the rides has always been a big motivator