In my last post I talked about training for this great adventure. I quoted training plans and alternate methods of training. Well, life must’ve thought I was getting a little too comfortable in my routine, because it went to the bullpen and brought in a curveball specialist to try and throw me off track. These overly-exciting curveballs have reminded me of one of my favorite quotes: “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” (John Lennon)

Post ride nutrition.

Over the last two weeks, life has conspired to take my training schedule of five rides a week and reduce that to two rides a week. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining (much). I know everyone has weeks and months like that. But the sudden drop in training gave me a sense of panic. How am I going to conquer Grand Mesa, or the Century from Crested Butte to Salida on two training days a week? Or worse yet, what if I complete the rides, but I’m too tired to go enjoy the beer garden? Such a travesty must not be allowed to happen! I didn’t sign up for Ride The Rockies to see this route from the SAG wagon.

How do I avoid these unwanted outcomes? The first thing to do is push that panic away. I still have a month of training rides to go. (Only 30 days until we all meet in Grand Junction! Wahoo!) Second thing: count my blessings. None of those curveballs included any kind of injury or illness, nor did they include any type of mechanical failure or damage to my bike. Nothing is stopping me from getting back out there and catching up.

I’m choosing to take this setback and turn it around. It has given me a renewed sense of determination to step up my training. To make sure I complete each day with enough juice left in the tank to enjoy the evening festivities in each host community and still be ready to go the next day.

Mr. Lennon’s quote serves as a subtle reminder that you have to be ready to roll with the punches when things don’t go according to plan. This can be a lot easier said than done. So I’ll leave you with one more quote to help you see that glass as half full.

“I’d rather be an optimist and wrong, than a pessimist and right” -Albert Einstein