IT DON'T COME EASY

THE SUN WASN'T UP YET.  Soon the sky would begin to lighten, imperceptibly. For me, it was another reminder of...

... how long it's taken to figure much of this sport out.

It wasn't over night,
not a flash of inspiration...

... it has been pedal stroke after pedal stroke.

For example, in the early days of my fascination with really long distance racing, like Leadville 100, I battled mightily with debilitating cramps.

On raceday, I'd line up with fear knowing how much I'd soon be suffering.

I'd mark the hours, not so much the miles, counting them and pushing the dreaded pain as far into the race as possible.

From the anticipation of the day, to the passing hours, when they hit, and they always did, I'd be in the moment...

... just get me over this little hill, through the next mile, one more stamp on the pedal.

I learned to suffer, and that suffering could be dealt with and pushed through.

That's how it's been for me.

From leading all the way until 500 meters to go, and getting smoked in the sprint...

... to learning how to position myself for efficiency, 
and occasionally be the last one to lead the race.

From blowing up my weight with each pregnancy (sympathy weight?) and overall neglect of my health...

... to chiseling it off, one pound at a time, over several years.

From busting chains and getting countless flats...

... to learning proper bike prep for racing.

Just like the lightening sky...

... light and knowledge come one mile upon mile.

Or, as the great Ringo Starr sang...

... You gotta pay your dues if you want to sing the blues.

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164.2
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling