Why Not Enjoy The Ride?

“I wish they’d cancel practice today.”

I used to chuckle when students in my classes complained about a team practice. “If you don’t like the sport, why’d you join the team?”

I used to have the same internal debate with myself before a training ride. I’d procrastinate as though handcycling was some sort of punishment. Then I’d catch myself grumbling about hills, heat, thirst, and any number of other aspects of the ride.

Many days, the best part of the entire experience was rolling into the garage.

At some point I had to ask myself a question. If I don’t like riding, why am I doing it? What’s the point of choosing an activity and then wishing it would end?

Ever been there? Ever volunteered for something and spent the entire time wishing it was over?

My attitude—toward training, at least—has improved. These days I rarely ride just because I’m supposed to. If I’m tired or I really don’t want to ride, I don’t.

Most of the time, handcycling is one of my favorite activities. I thought I’d share some of the self-defeating mental habits that prompted my grumbling. When I avoid them, I’m better able to enjoy the ride.

I believe these apply to cycling and to life in general.

I focus too much on negatives. I have to crank up the hill anyway. Why not look around, find something interesting, and enjoy the scenery?

Ever notice that when you confront a challenge, the challenge is all you see? What if you deal realistically with the disease, the financial setback, the relationship pain…without making it your entire world? Of course that’s not easy—that’s why it’s called a challenge.

I’m not fully present. I’m thinking about something that already happened or preparing for the next task. The ride is its own activity with its own moment. There’s plenty of time to rehash the past and tackle the future, so why not focus on enjoying the unique character of this ride?

I don’t accept responsibility for my own choices. I tend to think as though a mythical, unidentified “they” pulls the strings. This encourages a victim mentality.

Nobody’s intentionally making my ride, or my life, difficult. I choose to ride. I choose the challenge. I’m not a victim, I choose…

I focus on results rather than the process. If I do the right thing in each moment and make the process excellent, the results will take care of themselves.

How fast, how far, how much…stop asking those questions. How well…that’s what matters. Do it right, do it with passion, love, and gratitude, and trust God for the results.

I look forward to “getting finished.” What if I changed my attitude and viewed the end of the ride as a disappointment?

I don’t want my life to be an endless series of tasks and activities to check off the list. “Getting finished” isn’t the best way to maximize the gift of each moment.