What If

slate As far a cycling goes, the winter is a clean slate for me.  With the last race of the season over, it's time to start the whole annual sequence over again.  I kind of know what I should be doing, but I never do it.  I'm a Fun Guy, not a Fitness Guy.

Lately, I've been contemplating a lot of what-ifs.  What if I tried a structured training plan for a year.  Logged my workouts, with predetermined goals before heading out the door for a ride.  I've been doing this long enough to know that working out without any direction is a good way to have fun, but the racing is going to suffer.

I wrestle with this, back and forth.  One one hand, I love cycling, and I want to still love it when I'm an old man.  It's a great way to stay in shape, and that's something I'm determined to do for the rest of my life.

On the other hand, I love physical competition.  It's a big part of my motivation for going out and riding, and staying in shape. It would be nice to earn some respectable results.

When I look at some of my racing peers who are stronger and faster than I am, I sometimes catch myself pondering the difference between him and I, especially as December draws near.  I ask myself if he is a better athlete than I am, and I don't believe he is. 

No.  I'm just playing, and he's competing.  He works harder and smarter, and deserves to be where he is. 

What if I just tried to do it right?  Could I do it?  Could I stick with it?  Could I keep it from taking over my life?  Would it work?  I don't know, but maybe I should try it out.

Winter is clean slate.  What if I do things differently this time around?

Comments (Comment Moderation is enabled. Your comment will not appear until approved.)
I think I am a fun Gal... Is there such a thing? I saw a fun guy... What about the gals out there that are riding away the miles. I have to say that I have really been enjoying my bike and my legs the last few months. It is a lot of fun to go out and have fun. Stop for coffee, and treats---Look at the cute little goats that line our beautiful country roads! Enjoy the wonderful sights of Hillsboro! Ahhhh....Complete Bliss!
# Posted By karleta | 1/26/09 8:53 AM
# Posted By hugh | 1/27/09 8:30 AM
Why bother? You will never be as good as me.
# Posted By Richard | 1/27/09 5:34 PM
Don't be dissin Mr. Big Powah. Good is just the middle of the scale, Richard. Erik transcended goodness long ago.
# Posted By Hugh | 1/28/09 10:04 AM