Instead of riding our bikes to Trailblazer Park (the start of the group ride), we decided to drive the two miles so that we could run right after we biked. Every Saturday, I find myself in a mental match of whether or not I can muster the energy to run off the bike. The change of scenery was just what I needed as I found it much "easier" to commit to the run after another challenging group ride. Plus, we were joined by our triathlon buddies so the accountable was nice from the extra company.
I was really looking forward to this ride as it was "only" 63 miles but it was a route that we had never done before. So much of the ride was new to us and we were really looking forward to seeing new roads and sights. It's incredible that after six years of living in Greenville, we are still discovering new bike-friendly roads!
After the first few miles, it was evident that this would be a hard ride as the wind was strong. Even with the group, it was hard to tuck-in and conserve energy. The weather was a bit on the cool side (in the upper 30's) but thankfully it was sunny.
The KOM/QOM climb happened early in this ride. We only had about 42 minutes of riding (and 12 miles) before we our hearts jumped into our throats as we muscled our way up the pitchy 1.42 mile climb. It was steep and kept going, until we had a slight descend and then another steep pitch. It was a new climb for us and the scenery around us was beautiful but wow, that was a kicker!
After the climb we had a fast descend before regrouping at the bottom of the climb.
The next 15 miles were beautiful as we took a few new roads that we had never been on before so I was really enjoying the new scenery. Albeit, I was still trying to stay on a wheel and tuck myself in from the wind.
Our refuel break came around 30 miles at a CVS. I swapped by sport nutrition bottle out from the SAG car and snacked on some fig newtons. Throughout the ride I consumed 2.5 bottles of INFINIT (~250 calories per bottle) and had a few Skratch Cherry chews.
The KOM/QOM climb happened early in this ride. We only had about 42 minutes of riding (and 12 miles) before we our hearts jumped into our throats as we muscled our way up the pitchy 1.42 mile climb. It was steep and kept going, until we had a slight descend and then another steep pitch. It was a new climb for us and the scenery around us was beautiful but wow, that was a kicker!
After the climb we had a fast descend before regrouping at the bottom of the climb.
The next 15 miles were beautiful as we took a few new roads that we had never been on before so I was really enjoying the new scenery. Albeit, I was still trying to stay on a wheel and tuck myself in from the wind.
Our refuel break came around 30 miles at a CVS. I swapped by sport nutrition bottle out from the SAG car and snacked on some fig newtons. Throughout the ride I consumed 2.5 bottles of INFINIT (~250 calories per bottle) and had a few Skratch Cherry chews.
Karel was on the struggle bus. Even though he was mentally in it to ride, his legs were empty. This picture pretty much sums up how Karel felt for the entire ride. Riding the struggle bus is never fun, especially when you are with a group. Karel debated just doing his own thing but he stuck it out and finished the ride with the group.
The next 30 miles were on mostly new roads to us and they were beautiful. We were spoiled by smooth roads, rolling hills and a bit of wind at our back.
With only 4 miles to go, it was time for the ~2.5 mile "sprint" on Little Texas Road - a rollercoaster type road with a pitchy two step climb at the end. I wasn't planning on participating in the final sprint but I was feeling strong so I decided to go for it. Karel even attempted it and gave what he could, with whatever energy he had in his tank.
The next 30 miles were on mostly new roads to us and they were beautiful. We were spoiled by smooth roads, rolling hills and a bit of wind at our back.
With only 4 miles to go, it was time for the ~2.5 mile "sprint" on Little Texas Road - a rollercoaster type road with a pitchy two step climb at the end. I wasn't planning on participating in the final sprint but I was feeling strong so I decided to go for it. Karel even attempted it and gave what he could, with whatever energy he had in his tank.
Although it was a shorter ride at just under 64 miles and 3:25 riding time, we felt the 4,700+ feet of elevation gain, alongside the wind, hills and dry chilly air. Thankfully, our legs showed up for the run off the bike. Karel, Yannick and Kenny ran together and I started off by myself but finished with Al. Al and I finished with 27 minutes and Karel and the guys finished with 30 minutes. It was nice to change up the running route but still had plenty of hills to manage (~400 feet for the 3.36 run).
After the ride, we recovered with a recovery drink and then it was time for semi-homemade pizza. We purchase the dough from Publix, leave it out for 1/2 day so that it can rise and then bake it in the oven at 350 degrees (flipping each side after around 10 minutes and then putting on the toppings). I kept the base of the pizza really simple with marinara, mozzarella and basil and then cooked a mix of veggies on the stove top for additional toppings. I also made a salad. It was a great meal for our hungry bellies. After another snack shortly after our post ride meal, I was ready for bed!
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After each ride, I find myself learning lessons. Not just about sport but about myself. I have so much gratitude for the ability to safely participate in these group rides and train with others. I'm finding so much joy out of our master swim group and this Saturday group ride.
One lesson that I've learned over the past seven weeks of doing this group ride (minus one week), is the idea of performing under pressure.
Pressure keeps you sharp and paying attention. Too little pressure can make you lose focus (or not care) whereas too much pressure can make you feel anxious and can affect your ability to make smart decisions.
When performing under pressure, many athletes perform below their capabilities. But then there are athletes are rise to the occasion. Why is it that some athletes can perform under pressure whereas others struggle to perform to their full capabilities?
Perhaps you want to avoid failure, you feel you are being judged on the outcome or you don't want to look bad in front of your fans/friends/family. You may feel panic and anxiety under stress. These are valid reasons why you may make silly mistakes or throw good decision making out the window on event day.
But if you rarely (or never) feel pressure to perform in training, you can't expect to suddenly know how to perform under pressure on event day. Putting yourself into pressure-cooker situations - scenarios that are different, experiences that are uncomfortable and situations that bring a fear of failure, you gain experience. Simply hoping to perform at your best when it matters can work sometimes, but most often it doesn't.
One lesson that I've learned over the past seven weeks of doing this group ride (minus one week), is the idea of performing under pressure.
Pressure keeps you sharp and paying attention. Too little pressure can make you lose focus (or not care) whereas too much pressure can make you feel anxious and can affect your ability to make smart decisions.
When performing under pressure, many athletes perform below their capabilities. But then there are athletes are rise to the occasion. Why is it that some athletes can perform under pressure whereas others struggle to perform to their full capabilities?
Perhaps you want to avoid failure, you feel you are being judged on the outcome or you don't want to look bad in front of your fans/friends/family. You may feel panic and anxiety under stress. These are valid reasons why you may make silly mistakes or throw good decision making out the window on event day.
But if you rarely (or never) feel pressure to perform in training, you can't expect to suddenly know how to perform under pressure on event day. Putting yourself into pressure-cooker situations - scenarios that are different, experiences that are uncomfortable and situations that bring a fear of failure, you gain experience. Simply hoping to perform at your best when it matters can work sometimes, but most often it doesn't.
Pressure is your body telling you to pay attention. It's your body's way of getting you ready to perform. You need to feel pressure to take advantage of it. Don't be afraid to put yourself into uncomfortable and different situations to experience the thrill and exhilaration of performing under pressure. Learn to see a situation as a challenge, not a threat. A challenge is to be embraced, not dreaded.
Worrying takes a lot of energy. It messes with your mind, steals your confidence and paralyzes your abilities. Let go of the added weight of trying to meet or exceed your expectations. Train and race like you have nothing to lose. Focus on the process, don't chase an outcome. Avoid paralysis by analysis. Don't overthink, just do.
Most of all, remind yourself that performing under pressure is an opportunity to have fun.
When the spotlight shines on you to perform, enjoy yourself and don't forget to thank your body.
Worrying takes a lot of energy. It messes with your mind, steals your confidence and paralyzes your abilities. Let go of the added weight of trying to meet or exceed your expectations. Train and race like you have nothing to lose. Focus on the process, don't chase an outcome. Avoid paralysis by analysis. Don't overthink, just do.
Most of all, remind yourself that performing under pressure is an opportunity to have fun.
When the spotlight shines on you to perform, enjoy yourself and don't forget to thank your body.