Broken heart

[artifactos]

The problem with finding a new club is that this one is the only one within a reasonable driving distance for me. He could easily join the Dayton club, but he didn't "like" them. There's one further down into Cincinnati, but this is already a 35 minute drive for me, and going to Dayton or Cincinnati would nearly double that. I don't know how else to find a training partner, though.

[katherine]

It's a bit small minded, but wouldn't it be nice to continue all your hard work and look FABULOUS. And really isn't it likely that if anyone is being asked out it likely won't be your ex, but you! If my partner and I broke up, which I really hope doesn't happen, but if it did I would want two petty things to be hotter and faster than he is, hence I would keep riding.
Also petty, but I recommend shopping, new gear makes everything better!

[Miranda]

I had something similiar happen before in my start of cycling. I am so sorry for your heart. But, here is one thing for you to wrap your mind around as a positive if you can...

All things do happen for a reason, and even though your relationship with the bf did not work out... his passion for cycling was a vehicle for you to find your way to the bike... like a hidden gift... a positive outcome from a situation that went negative.

Even if you did change clubs, there will always be something that reminds you of him cycling related. For me, eventhough time has passed, I still see it everywhere to a certain degree.

These things will sting the scar on your heart. But, it doesn't have to break your soul & passion of riding. It's just part of the history... but not the end of the story.

(((hugs)))
Miranda

[ClockworkOrange]

It's a bit small minded, but wouldn't it be nice to continue all your hard work and look FABULOUS. And really isn't it likely that if anyone is being asked out it likely won't be your ex, but you! If my partner and I broke up, which I really hope doesn't happen, but if it did I would want two petty things to be hotter and faster than he is, hence I would keep riding.
Also petty, but I recommend shopping, new gear makes everything better!

Katherine, I love your suggestion and no, it is not small minded.

Again artifactos, big hugs to you this morning.

Clock

[artifactos]

Well, we talked (for hours) last night and it seems like we are tentatively working things out. I rode yesterday before going over for our talk, and had a great time on my own and held a faster pace than usual. I'm figuring myself out.

We're going on a ride (brick, actually.. I don't have a wetsuit, so I'll be doing a 5k while he swims a mile) on Saturday morning together, and I likely won't see him until then. Hopefully we both get some of our mental/emotional exhaustion out of our systems by then so we can have a really good time together. The ride is going to be in the same place he took me for my very first ride on my road bike.

[HermitGirl]

After riding for a few weeks you will begin to associate your bicyle with LIBERATION, and SELF DISCOVERY, and you will FIND JOY in the anticipation of WHO and WHAT is around the next metaphorical bend (I am telling this to myself as I write.). You (we) just have to get through these next couple of weeks. We can do this !!!! Not riding is not an option.

[HermitGirl]

I meant that regardless of being with or not with your boyfriend, your bicycle is now YOU and a part of you , and when you ride, try to associate riding with what you experience as your own, not an extention of him. Ride because You Are A Rider .

[katherine]

HermitGirl and Artifactos: How about new music on the ipod? I'm much more of a classic rock kind of girl, but some Beyoncé seems to be in order.

[artifactos]

I have some great get pumped-up songs on my iPod and I ride with the music on a little low with only one earphone in (and I only ride with music on the bike path.. which is why I've been riding the path so much lately!). I actually have a "Girl Power" playlist I listened to yesterday.. and while I skipped quite a few songs because the pace wasn't fast enough for me, I really enjoyed myself.

[HermitGirl]

HermitGirl and Artifactos: How about new music on the ipod? I'm much more of a classic rock kind of girl, but some Beyoncé seems to be in order.

Yes, music on the ipod indeed. I'm an acoustic folk lover, more Indigo Girls & Dixie Chicks !

[katherine]

I'm an acoustic folk lover

Ani DiFranco then! I can't tell you how many breakups Ani helped me through, and in fact I still listen to Not A Pretty Girl on really technical trails.

[indysteel]

Ani DiFranco then! I can't tell you how many breakups Ani helped me through, and in fact I still listen to Not A Pretty Girl on really technical trails.

Good call! Her double live album is a favorite of mine. "Joyful Girl" is particularly fitting for this thread.

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/anidi...oyfulgirl.html