Pushing the Limits

Do you hear this all the time when you ride? I do...

Fortunately working in the bike industry has given me the opportunity to ride with some really strong riders and I've learned a lot from all of them; especially the importance of pushing yourself to the max.

Regretably, my max--well let's just say, it's far from that of the max of most of the riders I ride with. They always want more..
I have to work on those things that hold me back;

Fear--of injury; I spent so much time repairing my knees I fear the ultimate destruction of them will come on the bike; I need to get over this as I ride harder now than ever and they are still hanging in there.

Knowledge; knowing how much to give and still be able to finish

Intimidation: it's tough to go out as a beginner and ride with the big dawgs of the world--god forbid I fall down on my bike or do something silly while with them ~~like having my sunglasses not situated properly with my helmet or grease covering my leg; a sure beginner mark:)

So I've decided to work on this immediately. I'm going out hard next time and for the entire time--no Garmin--just pushing it to the limit the whole way. I'll expect to hurt, I'll be sweaty and unattractive, I'll probably still have grease on my leg but I'll adjust my glasses..and after this I'll be better, stronger, faster ---and someday race ready.

~rl