so...i've begun riding my bike to work...not just as an eco-responsible, cost-effective practice...but now, as my car was recently totaled, as a necessity. it's one thing to ride as a choice...which i had done...regularly...and that is certainly something to feel good about.
but it's another thing altogether to ride because you have to.
when you ride because you have to, it doesn't matter how far you have to go. it doesn't matter if you're tired. it doesn't matter if you have a lot of things to carry. it doesn't matter if you're behind. it doesn't matter if you don't want to. it doesn't matter if you're sick. it doesn't matter if it's frighteningly dark. it doesn't matter if it's raining, or hailing, or sweltering hot. you simply must do.
and there's naturally an amount of forethought and planning involved in order to consider every possibility. but the thing is, the reward is such a sweet, sweet knowing...of knowing you can test your limits and push yourself through every and any obstacle that may arise along the path. it is the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with your resilience...and ultimately to know...without a shadow of a doubt...that:
you must [and can] do the thing you thought you could not do.
2 comments:
Jen,
Well said and my exact thoughts after having to ride a bike as a commuter for over 10 years. I got really good at cycling you know, then I entereed into a duathlon race - I came in second place. Eventually I discovered triathlon and had a fit advantage. I know the roads so well.
Debra
Jen,
It requires discipline and strength to do. You have it in you, and you will become even stronger. It is how I became an Ironwoman. It was a blessing for me in disguise. I do not want to write details but it is true.
Marathon 2/Ironman Triathlon
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