An Epiphany

[shootingstar]

Against all you folks, I am slacker. I've never competed. But I have just blasted around on the bike because I got high on cycling. And what the cyclometer was telling me.

Then eventually I took the thing off my bike and didn't obssess all the time about mileage. I still have packed in alot of decent mileage without a need to write down precisely, how much I cycled each day.

[maillotpois]

Against all you folks, I am slacker. I've never competed. But I have just blasted around on the bike because I got high on cycling. And what the cyclometer was telling me.

Then eventually I took the thing off my bike and didn't obssess all the time about mileage. I still have packed in alot of decent mileage without a need to write down precisely, how much I cycled each day.

And?

We aren't "competing" unless its against ourselves or goals we set for ourselves. So?

We like riding too. We don't measure everything by a computer. We have fun. And when its not fun, we stop and re-evaluate. Did you actually read the posts above?

Not sure what your point is. Again.

[Crankin]

I am more of the smell the roses type, but I have a good degree of competitiveness in me . I just try to channel it between me and myself. I go through periods of ebb and flow, too, but I've been able to moderate this by varying the type of activity I do. Cycling is definitely still my #1, though.
I've had a little trouble adjusting to my new schedule, with my new job. Although I actually have time to ride during the day a couple of days a week now, I find that unless I go out early in the AM, I more than likely will not ride.
I learned my lesson when I was teaching classes at the gym. Not only did I get injured, but my "schedule" of training and teaching, along with a full time job and 2 young kids just about sent me over the edge. Once I quit that and became just a "consumer," I lost all motivation and put in less and less effort, gained a lot of weight, and got disgusted with myself. If I had been able to moderate myself before this, I don't think I would have lost my mojo.
I set reasonable, but fun goals. This year, I am going to do a century again... after 6 years, it's time.

[tealtreak]

This is a bit like what I was trying to get at with my post about balance a few weeks ago. How do we challenge ourselves yet retain balance and a sense that riding and training if fun, not work and a chore. I love riding, I love training, but at some point riding and training can become drudgery, and I don't ever want that. How do we continue to challenge ourselves yet still "smell the roses?"

Can only speak from personal experience- but always trying new sports and activities does it for me (: I don't compete, but over the years have tried any and all outdoor adventures and sports opportunities life with 3 active sons throws in my way. Every time I try something new I discover muscles I didn't know I had and renew my enthusiasm for fitness in general.......... Returning to running, riding and the gym after a week backpacking or on the river is then like returning to an old friend.

[Veronica]

No longer "training" for DMD has made riding more enjoyable. I can wait until the sun is up and the temperature is reasonable...

Of course, Tuesday I stumbled getting out of bed and twisted my ankle. Stupid creaky old joints... It didn't keep me from doing plyos with Shawna on Wed., but I've decided my planned 13 mile run for Saturday is not a good idea. And I haven't been on my bike since. I'm hoping to ride with the fast club guys on Sunday. Funny how that is not stressful... I guess 'cause I'm just happy to hang on as long as I can and I don't worry about holding Thom back.

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Of course, Tuesday I stumbled getting out of bed and twisted my ankle. Stupid creaky old joints...

Bummer. Careful running w/that.

Enjoy the fast guys!