Last year I decided I wanted to try my first century. I thought I was ready and I was so excited to tackle the challenge. My friends and coworkers were cheering me on, people were very generous with their donations (it was for the MS Society), and I felt like I had to live up to my goal. Well, I "only" made it 70 miles and discovered my bike hadn't been fitted properly. It crushed my motivation, I felt like I'd let everyone down and I was a failure. From early June on, aside from a few rides when we were in Italy, I didn't touch my bike. I realized that the century made riding a chore more than the fun activity it once was for me. If I wasn't going to do at least 30 miles, what was the point of riding at all? Must go faster! Must climb more hills! Nah, that's not why I enjoyed cycling.

A few weeks back I got on the bike and just did a few miles. I took breaks, I enjoyed the scenery, I went whatever speed I felt like, and I changed my computer so I couldn't see my speed or distance. It clicked again. And while I'm signed up for another century, my approach to it will be much different. Much like you, my average speed hasn't improved that much over the years, nor has my ability to climb hills. I'm not going to worry about it anymore, I just need to enjoy the ride. Hold onto the bikes. At some point, you may want to mosey around for 2 or 5 or 10 miles. And then maybe that passion will come back. Hang in there!