12/14/2024
I finally did it! Earlier this year I set a goal to hit 500 output for a 30 minute ride on the peloton before my birthday November 19th . November 18th I did my ride - and pushed myself and was on pace for it … and then I high fived someone . Needless to say the high five reset the class and despite being on pace for my goal - I didn’t get it recorded . I was devastated. I felt robbed, cheated, and although in my head I knew i accomplished it- I’m a firm believer if it’s not recorded it doesn’t count. I worked so hard that ride I was devastated. I didn’t know if I wanted to ride anymore . I was so upset I took 2 weeks off from riding the bike and only rode a week ago for the first time after.
Today I decided to ride with a friend who’s a former D1 football linebacker who’s as competitive as I am. We had dinner last week and he told me how he rides and is number 1 between anyone he rides with. He bragged how he trains with trainers daily and rides regularly- and said he not only would I not keep up but he may blow me out. Today was the day I decided to shoot for 500 again.
For those who know me I am the most competitive person you will find. If it comes to working - I may not be naturally gifted athletically with genetics but I make up for it with pure grit .
We both took off fast 💨 from the start shooting to see who would end up on top. I kept the cadence as instructed but pushed the resistance to ensure my output matched or surpassed my competitor. Lungs were on fire, lactic acid building. This was the day though not only was I going to win - but I was going to take the 500 by the horns and make sure it recorded. I refused to high five till the end - and made sure only way I was coming of the bike was if I died lol.
Also for those who know peloton I ride without clips. Literally in my gym shoes- so I lose the pull benefit you get when clipped in. He was in clips so had the “pull advantage”
Fast forward 10 mins in I was on pace for my goal but only ahead by 12 output . 15 mins I was at 236 output on pace for a good ride but no record goal PR. I had to dig deep to see the goal and just stopped listening to anything but the cadence and pushing my limits. That next 15 minutes was crucial and I hit 478 with 2 minutes left . I was tired, lungs were burning. My HR was well over my max, heart beating hard through my chest but so be it. I wanted to not only win but hit the goal I set . And boom 💥 I did it. Finally over 500 with a minute to spare. Also the friend I bested by 39 output pushing him to his limits
This is a post more to not just rah but tell you get back on the horse when you fall off. Whatever the goal. Find someone to push you. Sometimes we miss our targets but they are in reach. Sometimes things shift us off our paths. But I’ll tell you - I feel amazing this morning knowing my goal may have come a few weeks late… but better to come late than to never hit my potential
