Re-learning Old Tricks

As a runner I learned early that I needed to wait for my body to be ready for the next hard training load.  There were times when my program called for a hard run but I just knew I wasn't up for it.  The answer was to wait.

I've never really had to do that much with my riding.  I just get on and ride.  Maybe I'm training myself harder than I have in the past. Maybe I'm just getting old. Maybe it's the need to get over my cold and the GSR.  Most likely it's all of it put together, but getting on and riding just isn't working any more.

This morning I rode to work and I quickly got the feeling it wasn't all good.  I was a bit sluggish, felt cold and had no fire.  Normally I'd just push as hard as I could, have a nothing ride and feel like crap.  Instead, I backed off, focused on cadence, keeping my heart rate down and enjoying the ride.  It was into a chill wind, but I found a pace I could maintain without hurting or draining the batteries.

On the way home I just felt my way into it.  Warmed up slowly and really stuck it to it.  I feel that my strength is coming back and I'm doing good rides when I'm ready to.  I'm starting to listen to my body and to push the pedals instead of myself.  

Because I have little natural talent at running, the only way to get anywhere was to be smart about it. Up until now I've been cycling pretty much on luck and talent while not making the most of either. It's time to add a few brains into the mix.

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