Training ride 3/29/08

Greetings readers!

I had a tough ride today. I’m not sure why? I do have a theory though.

It wasn’t a hard ride, 34 miles, mostly flat, some rollers. Nothing I should have struggled with, I’ve done it a bazillion times. But struggle I did, I paid some dues today folks. The weather sucked, 1st rain and wet, then it cleared and the wind picked up. Seemed whatever direction we went, the wind was against me. My riding partner today had no troubles, in fact he seemed casual, promptly kicking my geared butt on a fixie. I was really wiped after the ride, I shouldn’t have been.

Oh yea, my theory. I think that the body responds to stress levels occupied by the brain. Meaning, (I realize this is oversimplified) when your loose and carefree, you sleep well and workouts are refreshing. I was watching my dog sleep the other night, she was in rem, jerking all over the place. “I wish I could sleep like that” I told my wife. “She has no worries” my wife replied. Wise woman she is. I’ve found a direct relationship to the rising levels of stress at my work to the declining levels of recouperative sleep, and subsequently my declining fitness, dispite my efforts to ride through it. The basis for athletic achievement after all, is good health. Show me a stressed out, sleep deprived, elite level athelete? I dont think the two are synonomous.

I’m not here to whine folks, on the contrary, I think its a revelation. I think I’ve finally put my finger on why I’ve struggled so much in March. Heavy job stress = less recooperative sleep, and declining fitness. I feel relieved. The light bulb went on, now I know the problem and I can deal with it. Stress is just another obstacle in my way, I’ll deal with it in a positive manner. Keep your eye on the prize Jimbo, cross season is 25 weeks away.

“Everything starts from where you are right now, the journey begins today” A quote I heard today that I took to heart. Stay motivated, hungry, and driven. Hell, if this was easy everybody would do it. It’s funny how a diagnosis can energize you.

Miles ridden today, 34

Miles ridden 2008, 914

Cheers!