Epiphany - I don't have to ride

[Bike Chick]

I just started racing this year, and already I have so many times heard my teammates say things like, "if I do that race, it'll just be for fun." And I think to myself (or out loud), what race would you do NOT for fun. We aren't pros or anything. We are amateur racers enjoying some friendly competition in the midwest, happy when we win back our race registration fee with a podium finish. It is ALL for fun, even a big event/target race. And the minute it isn't fun any more, something needs to change!!!!!

Very good point, chicagogal. I've heard people say that many times and you are right, if we aren't doing it for fun, what are we doing it for?

[OakLeaf]

There you go.

It got so not-fun for me that I burned out so hard I didn't ride at all for 12 years. I'm lucky to be back. Don't be that person.

[Tri Girl]

Good for you for the epiphany!!! About 5 years ago I got so caught up in mileage/avg/competing and it totally burned me out. I didn't do anything for almost a year. Now I ride for fun and because I want to. I still do triathlons and hang with the same crowd, but I'm SOOO much slower now. I don't even care. I want to do it for fun and because I like it.
Good on ya!!