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November 19, 2008
Your Thing
Today I sent a new personal record. A 1:44 ride outside in 28 degree weather with a windchill of 22. It was windy, NO SUN at all but dry. And, despite my best efforts to stay warm, I was cold. Really cold. I rode into the wind for the first 45-60 minutes and at times wanted to cry. But on the way home, with the wind at my back, I was much warmer. Still, it was tough but I did it. I did it.
Now I know some of you are thinking "really Shutt, get over yourself." Because I know some of you ride in MUCH colder temps on a regular basis. And it's not a big deal.
But here's the thing - it is a big deal for me. Because everyone has "their thing". The thing that they know they should do but just can't bring themselves to do. Even though they know it will benefit them - their performance, perhaps their health, maybe a relationship - they still just can't seem to get it done. Maybe it's because they are afraid? Maybe it's because they just make too many excuses. Whatever the reason - "their thing" holds them back. Maybe it's riding in the rain. Or running in the cold. Or swimming a 4K set by themselves. See none of those things are an issue for me. I would do any of those things without thinking twice.
But my "thing" is clearly riding outside in the cold. I don't know why it's such an issue for me but it's become this big deal and I knew this winter I needed to put it to rest. I just need to get outside, get over the fact that it's cold and RIDE! Because the fact is I live in Pittsburgh and I'm a triathlete. A triathlete who will be doing many miles on the bike this winter. So stop making excuses. Stop running to the trainer every time it's below 40 degrees. Stop letting the weather, something I CAN'T control, become an obstacle to my training and my forward progress.
Today I took the first step in doing that. On a day when I definitely would have ridden inside any other season or year, I got my gear on and I went. And you know what? It was fine! Yes, I was cold at times. But I didn't die. My feet didn't fall off. My hands are still intact and I actually felt quite good! I loved climbing because I got nice and toasty. I didn't like descending because WOW did I get cold. Yes, I wish I had a mountain or cross bike so that I could ride on some trails (slower!) and be shielded from the wind, but that's just not the case for me so DEAL WITH IT.
You know the past two days I've been doing some nutrition counseling in a rural area 30 minutes north of where I live. It's been quite interesting. I usually spend my day trying out how to feed really sick people that are missing their guts. But the past 2 days (as part of one of the many new jobs I have) I was mostly helping people figure out how to overcome "their thing". Most everyone wanted help with weight loss. And each and every one of them had something that they let become a huge obstacle for them. And I do believe I've now heard each and every excuse in the book why someone can't exercise! :) So really I spent most of my time the past 2 days convincing people that they CAN overcome the obstacles that are in their lives to achieve their goals. How? Well, when you make a committment to be the best person you can and to ALLOW yourself to succeed, you'll find a way. You'll find a way to overcome "your thing", the obstacle that stands in your way and that must be conquered.
So what's "your thing"? Start working on resolution now! Make a committment to overcome.
Posted by beth at November 19, 2008 8:08 PM
Comments
28 degrees is really cold, you should be very proud that you were that mentally tough. Dress warm!
Posted by: maija at November 19, 2008 10:14 PM
oh god, i was super miserable and totally decked out in booties and 2 pairs of gloves this morning and it was 48 degrees.
my thing is having to go on a 4+ hour ride by myself on the bike path, ugh. having to do more than 3k swim by myself. i hate long shit by myself. i also hate hard track workouts by myself. and the cold.
so. um thats a lot of things
Posted by: Kelly at November 19, 2008 11:20 PM
My thing? Speed Work! UGH! I hate it with a passion! Oh and house cleaning! (We won't even get into food!) Yup, speed work and house cleaning are biggies for me!
Posted by: Wendy at November 19, 2008 11:44 PM
um...my thing is swimming in cold weather. i really don't like to be cold beth!!!!! :)
Posted by: Audrey at November 20, 2008 12:22 AM
oooh, and on a professional note i really don't like when people are mad at me. um, as a lawyer and person in general i think i should work on that. it can't always be helped!
Posted by: Audrey at November 20, 2008 12:24 AM
Wow, that is really cold. Even down here in AR I decided not to ride outside if it's less than 40 degrees. My feet just can't take it! My other thing is swimming in general. It's never fun. Good for you for braving the elements. Be careful!
Posted by: mira at November 20, 2008 9:25 AM
Well Beth, I think your thing and my thing are exactly the same thing. Unfortunately, I haven't had the fortitude to even think about putting on my 30 layers and getting out there. I guess that because I haven't "offically" gotten back to a schedule yet. I've just be doing what I want and enjoying the freedom of choosing how I feel that day or doing nothing at all! Soon though, soon.. and I think I will go back and read this blog so I can be reminded that we do have to overcome our "thing" and get stronger that way. Yes, we are both about to have a long winter of doing things in the cold, but unless we are hightailing it out of here to warmer climates - I think it goes something like this "suck it up" Ha! I hope you're well & I miss you! Call soon!!
Posted by: Kim at November 20, 2008 9:37 AM
It's all about getting out of our "comfort zone".
Posted by: Nadine at November 20, 2008 9:46 AM
OK, I am only commenting about the first statement....You have guts. No WAY. 28 degrees. NO way not this girl. HELLLLLLO trainer.
Posted by: kerri at November 20, 2008 1:27 PM
My 'thing' is getting up in the morning to train. Actually just getting up in the morning is my 'thing' lol Once I'm up I'm fine but the snooze button is my friend....
My other 'thing' is the cold too. We've been getting really cold weather here (I live in Montreal, Canada) and I just dread going out to run in the cold, I do it because I love to run but I can't wait till the spring :)
Posted by: Patricia at November 21, 2008 11:11 AM