Seeing that triathlon has three sports - most athletes have a weakness in one of these areas. Mine happens to be swimming. But before it was swimming, it was cycling. In a big way. It was a good thing I could run, because I had to make up for my sub-par cycling skills. At one point Fast Brian gave me cornering lessons. And I'm pretty sure when he agreed to this he had no idea how awful I was.
I should probably back up here - growing up I used a bicycle to get to my summer job, ride to meet my friends, or get to school. It was never used in a race and most definitely never a tool that would make my legs and lungs scream while my heart felt it might pound right out of my chest.
So when I first took up triathlon I was ok with the fact that I was not a fast cyclist - everyone has to start somewhere right?! But I think after my first year in the sport somehow I got it stuck in my head that I couldn't ride a bike fast.
This picture has nothing to do with this post except that it was captured on a recent ride. And I thought the clouds looked nice.
I realized what started out as my undeveloped sport could become a strong point, but not unless I mentally jumped on board and believed in myself.
Again - cool clouds, no?!
Last year I really began to believe that I can be not just a strong cyclist, but a very strong cyclist. And as I started to believe this, I also started to push myself harder in workouts. I'm excited to kick of the triathlon season here in a month - simply to see what I can bike.
Next time you line up on the starting line - make sure you believe in your efforts 100%. Because when you do, the outcome is often a lot more rewarding.
