A return to the roads

A section of the descent into the town of Keene, on the Lake Placid Ironman Course

While I will run in almost any weather, I will not cycle in cold temperatures. It’s just too, well, cold! That means I have been cycling on my trainer 4 days a week since the beginning of November.

Today, however, the thermometer read 45 degrees at 8:30 a.m. That is warm enough. I was excited and apprehensive to return to the road.

Excited because I’ve been working my arse off on the trainer for over 3 months – hill simulation, interval rides, tempo rides, long rides, high cadence rides, rides I don’t even know what to call them rides. I was hoping all of this work would pay off in a measurable speed increase once I hit the road.

But, I was also apprehensive because I hadn’t been on the roads in so long. I was worried about my handling, and more to the point my cycling anxiety. As some of you already know, I crashed last March, and spent the entire season with the a high level of cycling anxiety. I rode scared every time I saddled up. I would cringe when I heard the sound of an approaching truck, or flinch as cars would pass me doing 50 or more miles per hour.

So, when the weather turned cold this winter, I wasn’t as unhappy as most people are to be stuck on the trainer. I was content to be able to ride without the worry of getting buzzed or hit by a car.

But, I knew the day would come. I’ve been mentally preparing for it. Positive visualization. Mental pep talks. Encouraging mantras. I’ve been working on re-training my brain’s prednisone response to cycling, just as I’ve been working to train my body to pedal more efficiently.

With today’s temps sure to reach the 60s by noon, it was time to return to the roads.

But, had I properly unpacked all my baggage from last year? Would I be stuck with the same anxiety, the same fear?

Excited and a little bit nervous, I began the preparation ritual.

“I’m a little out of practice,” I noted to John. “Help me run through the list of what I need.”

“Helmet, shoes, gloves, spare tube, CO2, Road ID…” and on the list went. I dutifully checked that I had all of the necessary safety and comfort gear.

Then, the moment came. The morning had started off a little cloudy, but by the time I started my ride, the clouds were departing and dollops of blue sky were everywhere. I swung my leg over the bike, plopped my butt on the saddle, clipped in, and began. I immediately felt great. I was faster than I was at this point last year. Heck, I was faster than I was in July, when I was at the peak of my cycling fitness.

The physical training is paying dividends.

More importantly than speed, however, I wasn’t scared. It’s almost as if the past few months spent inside have “reset” my mind. I felt calm and in control on the bike today. I enjoyed myself. I waved at people. I didn’t stop peddling when a car passed me.

The mental training worked.

While I will continue to do key workouts on my trainer (my new CompuTrainer, which is scheduled to come tomorrow!), I’ve got my outdoors rides to look forward to and enjoy – rather than nervously anticipate and fear.

It’s a good day to ride 🙂

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