biking and the time / space continuum

[Geonz]

You're so right.

When I plan things with a significant margin for error, then I'm starting with a "head start," *not* starting out behind. It's totally mental - and totally important.

I have this model of myself as *not* being able to keep up directly with things... whether it's valid or not doesn't matter. However, if I think I'm ahead and whatever the "thing" is (whether it's cyclists or my to do list - works for both ) is somehwhere behind and gaining, I'm often able to focus and accomplish great things.
(That was one of my other clues that no, I really *was* improving... I was out riding by myself because I *knew* I couldn't keep up with that night's group even though they had *said* I wouldn't have any trouble...and then I realized they were behind me... and I knew I would not be able to keep up with them when they caught me and that would be really embarrassing because they would expect me to... and the next time I looked back, the gap had widened... oh, yea, but that didn't count because I was just starting... I realized if I even wanted to say hi to those folks I was going to have to SLOW DOWN and let them catch me... and that made my grin so wide and my head was so big they wouldn't be *able* to pass me... between that and the endorphins...)
... but now I need to tackle this stack of papers that I'm behind on ... which is why I'm postponing getting to it...
... no, I'm ahead ... really... somehow )

[Haudlady]

Yeah, this all sounds about right (er, except for that part about "letting someone catch up"... I'm not at that stage yet!).

I'm all about lists. I like to make "To Do" lists, with little check boxes so I can mark it off when I'm done... I always put silly things on there (like "eat breakfast") so I can check lots of stuff off! Anyway, I put the bike ride on there, and I know it's a priority. If other things don't happen, it's OKAY!!!

It really helps that my husband is a cyclist, and doesn't question my choices! Oh, and we keep the house "passably" clean - when the in-laws are coming over we both bust out the vaccuum and broom...

[DrBee]

You've hit the nail on the head! I always have running in the back of my mind while I'm riding that I have to be home by a certain time so that I can such and such done, etc.