Because road racing is hard, and takes discipline and experience to do well, it is rewarding; however, sometimes it is simply frustrating. At those times I wonder if it's sick to put oneself through the rigors of training and stresses of competing, if it's worthwhile to push other passions and responsibilities to the backburner to pursue sport.
My season started in early April. I raced timidly at Turtle Pond and finished not last. The next weekend, I went all the way to upstate New York to race 10 miles of Battenkill (a 55 mile course) before quitting because of breathing problems. A third weekend offered two chances to compete, Sturbridge and Palmer. At Sturbridge I felt stronger and more confident, but dropped and broke my chain in the first of four laps.
With nothing to lose I rode more agressively at Palmer; I attacked early, but didn't have it in me to stay away alone for nearly fourty more miles. I sprinted well and finished 3rd! That's not winning, but my best finish ever in a road race, and enough to renew my optimism. It' worthwhile.
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Podiums are wins in my book. Fuck, any money at all is a win to me. I might view it differently when I'm actually in the money, but I think you're doing just fine.
ReplyDeleteNice job at Palmer. You racing Sterling? Sunapee? I'm sure I'll see you in CT if not.
I'm out of town for Sterling (bummer) but I plan to be at Sunapee. See you! Happy racing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck at Sterling. Careful on the wet ick.. roads tomorrow.
ReplyDelete[quote]At those times I wonder if it's sick to put oneself through the rigors of training and stresses of competing, if it's worthwhile to push other passions and responsibilities to the backburner to pursue sport.
ReplyDelete[/quote]
Is that like the 64 MILLION (inflation) Dollar question?
Love the post. Maybe it's not about finishing first, maybe it's not making the podium, maybe it's about proving continual self improvement in something which is just about you with little outside influence.
Congrats on the third place, more than I'll probably ever achieve, but i'll keep trying. Here's to bigger and better (it's all relative) next time!
CT :)