Some days it seems like I have found some sort of complete control over my mind, then the next day I realize I have none. The other day I was commenting to my wife that I don’t understand why I like the idea of the tough riding in the hills but hate the tough riding on windy days. Her response was something like “I need to go shopping, I need a new pair of shoes”. This is a very common type of conversation we have when I start one of my frequent statements related to cycling. I see nothing particularly wrong with this as I get myopic when it comes to whatever I’m doing and I would tend to grow weary of listening if the situation were reversed.
But I’m already getting off topic. This week I decided it was time for my mind to take control of my body and change my outlook on wind. As luck would have it I was going riding on Monday with a friend and the forecast was for windy conditions. As it turned out the winds were around 20 mph sustained with gusts between 30 and 40 mph. It was one of the windiest days I have ridden.
The plan was we were going to ride about 50 miles. The first 15-20 miles into the wind, and because it was basically an out back course, a total of around 25 miles into the wind. I felt good and was determined to embrace the added challenge of the wind. I have cut back on my riding lately and have added more gym workouts to my routine. This left me feeling strong and the ride went well.
Around the 45 mile mark my riding partner was having some problems with his quads and felt he needed to stop for a few minutes. Realizing that the route was going to leave us a little short of 50 miles I told him I was going to ride on a bit and would be back shortly to ensure I got over 50. I felt strong, rode hard and turned back into the wind to return. Truly, the wind did not bother me then or at any time during the ride. I thought to myself, I have certainly conquered my dread of the windy ride.
The next morning I stepped on the scales and they read 177 pounds. My target races for the summer were in June and at that time my weight was 170 pounds. I have been working on trying to convince myself that I eat to survive and fuel my engine, not as some sort of primal tool of enjoyment. I thought I had made progress but the past couple months tell that is not so.
My questions is: How can I have enough mind control to convince myself that I enjoy riding into the wind but still not be able to pull my head out of the refrigerator? I don’t know the answer, but like so many other things in life, I will continue to try and figure it out.
Keeping in mind that age is an excuse not a reason.
3 Comments
Gary – When you figure it out let the rest of us know – the kitchen / refridgerator is one of the toughest hurdles for me and I will guess most of us
I say this just as I finish baking both a lemon and a chocolate cake – ughhhhhhh
The thing I hate most is riding in a cross-wind. I hate leaning sideways into the wind. I get worried if it stops blowing I will fall right over.
I was reading this article the other day: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444032404578006274010745406.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet&fb_source=message
Apparently Bernard Lagat tries to gain 8 pounds in the off season.
Hey Gary, riding into the wind will beat you like a rag doll in the mouth of a rabid dog. If there is something worse than riding head first into a stiff wind, I do not know what it is. And how is this for irony, I have been riding for over ten years, yet can only think of a few times where the wind was at my back. But alas, there is always that next ride, which is the flame that keeps us going. As far as weight gain, I prefer to manipulate carbs for peak athletic performance. Most people following a sensible diet only need an additional 50 to 100 grams of carbohydrates 48 to 24 hours before an endurance event. A fairly conservative amount that is easily attained by drinking Gatorade or fruit juice, without the risk of weight gain. I carb-loaded for my marathon but I spent months perfecting not only the foods I consumed, but the timing in which I consumed them in concert with my training runs. A good guideline to follow is if your event is expected to last for two hours or less, you likely do not need to do anything special. Here is an interesting link on carb-loading as it pertains to marathons. Ride like the wind Gary! http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/carbo-loading-is-it-key-the-day-before-a-marathon/article1359197/