I was disappointed in myself today. I set out to ride six round trips to Marsh Park, for a ride of almost 55 miles, which would have been my longest ride ever so far. However, I settled for exactly half that, completing the three round trips (26.2 miles) in 3:15
Ever the King of Rationalization, I am able to identify at least two reasons for this: (1) a later than usual start, due to my Monday morning Bible study and fellowship men's small group; and (2) the weather, which was gray and gloomy, with a touch of wind. The wind was never oppressive, but when I finished and got inside, it was from the north at 10-20 mph. But at least I didn't have to battle the temperature: when I began at 9:00, it was 63°, and by the finish, early this afternoon, it had climbed to 65°.
My daughter Christy and I (shown below) exchanged texts during my ride, and I found this to be encouraging. However, I didn't hold up my end of the deal. As she astutely noted, "Like you said, mental endurance is key. The next few hours are going to pass either way, so why not spend them meeting an amazing goal?" Tomorrow I WILL I hope to begin my ride at my favorite time of day: pre-6:00.
At one point, Christy warmed my heart with a phrase from our alma mater, St. Olaf College in Minnesota. King Olaf, after whom the school is named was the one who brought Christianity to Norway, and on his battle shield was emblazoned the phrase, "Fram! Fram! Kristmenn Krossmenn!" (Forward, forward, men of Christ, men of the cross.) So when she told me "fram fram!" it lifted my spirits and made me smile.
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