Hi folks! Virginia here…
As you know, I have been having a bit of a struggle with triathlon lately, but today it hit me……
It’s not about the bike, swim, or run. It’s about this guy —
And it’s about his brothers and sister. It’s about who they see me as. It’s about my pride in being their STRONG mom.
Today I did a grueling and hilly 25 mile ride with a group of people who are ALL faster than I am. We started at 5:00 am in the pitch of dark. As we entered Fort Jackson for the ride, the small group quickly broke into fast, middle, and me. About 6 miles in (I think…couldn’t see the bike computer), we went over a big bump and my bike computer flew off. As I was trailing way behind the group, no one heard it. I stopped and looked around in the dark for the computer. No luck. I got back on and was, by that point, way behind. A bit later I found them all waiting for me. HUMILIATED is an understatement. I stuttered out my excuses, but the truth is…I’m just slower than they are. But, darn it, I did the ride. I love that these people let my slow behind ride with them. One day I hope to be worthy of the honor.
I was feeling a bit down about it as I pulled in, but then I was immediately greeted by my oldest son telling me about the new soccer shoes he wants. My youngest (above) looked at me and said, “Did you have a good bike, Mommy?” and then followed with “How far did you ride?” ….as if he knows about distances, hills, or riding at all….he’s barely 3. BUT…he knows that Mommy rides. I was proud…immediately. My slow pace left my head…and I was proud.
Thanks triathlon. I’ll continue to just keep moving forward.
thank u for this post. much appreciated and needed. I avg 15 mph on my road bike. New too the road bike as of Sept 2012. I feel good after I ride, but then I focus on how slow I am. My daughter always asks, “How did u do?” With enthusiasm, I always reply, “good” I met my goal!! then always follow with a “but I’m not that fast.” To which she always says, “quick saying that! U finished, didn’t you?”
I need to stop knocking myself down, and realize I am a newbie, it takes time to get where those who have been riding for sometime and everyone always starts in the beginning like me.
Just keep moving forward.
^i^
d
https://www.swimbikemom.com/2013/05/its-not-about-the-bike-swim-or-run.html
My humbling biking and my realization that it is not about the bike (or run or swim).
yay! thanks for the positive post!
Virginia, Big Props to you getting on a big in the dark at 5am, first of all! I do not usually ride in the dark on purpose, but the group you rode with should’ve assigned someone to your speed while it was still dark. Not fair your bike computer is lost! But the fact that you did those 25 hilly miles, and will do them again, means you are a stellar athlete! Most people in general would not dare attempt this! (I say this to Deirdre who commented too), don’t ever belittle this accomplishment! Triathletes and cyclists are a brave bunch. Hugs!