As I rode along the course at the Highline100 bike event in Fernie, BC – I had plenty of time to myself to reflect on many topics. In the past when people have asked what one thinks about for all that time out there on the marathon, Ironman or Fondo course – my answer has always been “everything”. This remains the truth.
On fresh legs and what was supposed to be a 40km loop covering the first of 100miles (160kms) – we found ourselves back at the transition point at 32km. Disappointed, no. Ok, maybe a little because this would mean that we likely wouldn’t be riding the full 160km which was the original goal. Oh well. Roll with it, right?
At the turnaround at the USA border, on not-so-fresh legs and knowing that the ride back to the transition would be against the wind – a little happier about the fact that the route was shorter than advertised.
At the transition (and lunch stop) finishing 96km after what felt like headwind the whole day – I was really glad that 140ish would be the total distance. I had about 22km of headwind ahead of me for sure but what I hadn’t anticipated was some pretty rough road for about half of that. Oh, and rain. Yes, the rain. This however, was to be rewarded with some really great road and a significant tailwind back to the finish. Justice.
On the whole though – the thoughts that run through ones’ mind are what either keep you positive, or don’t. What I discovered yesterday that the old ‘lock in and ride’ spirit that got me through so many other big events – resurfaced. Break it down in to chunks. Think about what’s going on in my body and what I can do about it – or not. Do that. Repeat. Look around (for bears in this case) at the scenery, the terrain, where people were picking berries. What type of berry was that anyway? The motorhomes (some bigger than a condo), the license plates. The number of F150/250/350’s with Alberta license plates (phenomenal).
What I didn’t find helpful was focusing on the negative ‘chatter’ about things outside of my control. Other people and situations that there is no way for me to have an influence. These I decided, after a few kilometers of brooding, were of no help to me at all. Time to refocus. How’s the body? What’s going on? Oh, headache – I’d better have something to drink. Sleepy? Time for something to eat. Muscle soreness – breathe it way.
Dr. Terry Orlick talks about distraction control in his book “In Pursuit of Excellence”. I get it. “Remove the barriers and distractions of your own making that are preventing you from doing what you really want to do and getting to where you really want to go. A negative and disconnected focus is your worst enemy, and a positive and fully connected focus is your best friend.” (Orlick, p 91).
In the end. I got it done. By the time I finished there were a few people left at the transition/start/finish. A few pieces of pizza were left. A few beer available in the cooler and the love of my life, waiting patiently.
Life is good.
LiveSplendidly!