“My training this spring feels like the parking brake on my bike is stuck.”
I encountered my friend along the trail last week. We talked a bit and he asked how training was going for the summer tour. He started to lean over to check my brakes but I laughed and assured him the bike was working fine.
“So what’s the problem, Rich?”
“Not sure, but most days it’s like I’m cranking in sand. The results aren’t all that bad, but I’m really having to grind just to keep going. It’s strange.”
My friend and I didn’t solve the problem. But I wonder if it’s ever happened to you. Ever been training, preparing for something important, and no matter how hard you try you just can’t seem to get going?
Have you ever felt like your parking brake is stuck?
I’m not complaining. I get to ride a bike…I’m pretty darned lucky. But part of the point of this is sharing the struggle and working our way through it together.
So what do you and I do when it feels like some undefined source of resistance might be holding us back?
Make sure the brake ISN’T stuck. Check the equipment and infrastructure carefully. Make sure some unseen broken part or process isn’t impeding progress.
If it feels like something’s stuck…maybe it is! Check it out.
Check the data. Perhaps things are better than you think. My speed/distance have actually been okay for this point in the season, which has helped keep me from getting too discouraged.
Feelings aren’t the best barometer of progress. Just because you feel it doesn’t make it true.
Beware of comparing. “It’s not as good as it used to be” is a trap. I did some especially good rides late last summer and fall…after a full season of training. Perhaps my feelings are based on an unfair comparison.
The Good Old Days, whenever they were, likely weren’t as good as we remember. Today’s training is its own experience.
Check out circumstances unrelated to the training. In my case, the last few weeks have been especially emotionally difficult and draining. I’ve tried to compartmentalize, but perhaps other areas of my life are impacted more than I realize.
Is something going on in one part of your life that might be dragging down other areas?
Keep grinding. Perhaps is a normal part of the training cycle. I expect is to pass, as long as I don’t quit. I have a lot of miles behind me to indicate that things will turn around if I just keep going.
I’m convinced I didn’t suddenly become a crummy cyclist. I’m sure my training will pay off, because it’s always worked that way.
Training, preparing, learning are long-term endeavors. You and I need to keep a long-term perspective, looking back and looking forward.
That’s hope…a confident expectation based on faith. Hope changes what’s possible.
So on with the training, whatever it is for you. I wonder if my tires need more air…