Sometimes, you just need a slap in the face, a boot in the butt, or a rude awakening of some sort to snap you out of a funk. For me, it was riding with recumbent guys that were faster than I am. Yes, yes, I realize there is always going to be somebody faster and being a competitive soul, I look at that person as a target. I am a little disgusted with myself, though, because I knew my training had stagnated.

I'm riding tons and tons, that's not the problem. My weight has stayed the same in spite of the many miles I ride, which is an indication I need to rethink what, when and how I eat a little more. Also, I'm afraid I may have to cut back on the beer intake. There's more, though. I got comfortable with the way I am and the way I was riding. I was purposely avoiding riding with the fastest group in our club because that would be harder work and I wouldn't be able to run at the front, at least on the climbs. I would have to be content to sit in the back and work my way to the front. No, I had gotten comfortable with the group I've been riding with because I could pretty much do what I wanted to.

I'd also quit pushing the intervals on my commute ride. This is probably the worst thing, as these are what got me the biggest gains. It's far too easy to just fall into the habit of just cruising. On this morning's commute, I bested my best average speed to work on the very first day and in spite of the fact that during the recovery portion, I let my speed drop farther than I usually do. I didn't best my PB by much, but I was pleased for the first day of really getting back into the swing of actually training.

So, what am I training for? Nothing in particular; just for me. It's certainly not about going fast all the time. I'm willing and able to slow down and lead a beginner's ride, or stay with a strugglng rider. I have no issues with that. But when I want to run with the big boys, I want to be able to GO! One of the greatest adult influences in my cycling was a fellow that rode just like that. Slow ehen it suited him and fast as heck when he wanted. That's who I want to be and the reason I work to improve and be fitter and faster. I'm still a considerable work in progress, but I'm also having a lot of fun along the way. I'm not butt-hurt about getting out-ridden the other day. I am, in fact, quite appreciative as it seems to have been what the doctor ordered.

Mark

The heat has put me off commuting for a while. I just can't seem to face it, so I've been riding in the mornings, before work, and in the late evenings. I, too, have noticed I have quit progressing and my average speeds have decreased. I'm putting it down to "maturing to the point of wimpyness."

My weight has also held steady, I'm still about 3 or 4 pounds from my goal. As soon as I see a day it is NOT going to go over 110° F, I'll be back on my bike for the ride to work.

Do NOT limit your intake of beer, Mark: a recent study has shown that moderate drinkers are around 30% less likely to get Alzheimer's!

Cut back on the beer? Okay, who are you really, and what have you done with Mark?

I suggest everyone quit trying to over think life and what we do. I retired a year ago. Starting on the farm, I had people telling me what to do for 60 years. First dad then the Navy then the Co. Now I just do what I feel like. When it come to the bike, I mix flat cruising with a few hills that I try to charge up. Being in the snow belt I gain about 10 pounds over the winter, then lose it in the summer. At my age goals are mostly things of the past set by other people. Just enjoy life. Enjoy riding. Personally I feel only stress and inactivity will do us in.