First BIG ride of the season

Today I managed to juggle my work commitments to fit in a ride of 4 hours in and around the local area.  Whilst I am glad it is over now, I realise that 4 hours is a mere drop in the ocean when compared to the demands of the Double Iron UK distances - as a reminder, 224 miles of cycling. Funnily enough, the biggest hurdle to get over is not the distance or time in the saddle (although these hurt!), but rather it is dealing with the boredom and stopping the mind wandering.

You might think that allowing your mind to wander could be a good thing when trying to pass the time on an endurance event.  The trouble is, if the mind wanders to thoughts of that lovely bath at the end, or a nice rest or thinking about how much further you still have to go - it can all come undone!  As such I try to adopt a slightly Zen approach to my time during these events and try to only focus on the here and now.  If you think about it, the now is the only part of your day or life that you can influence.  What is done is done and what lies ahead isn't here yet.  So to help me through, I concentrate on my swim stroke or pedal rate or count to one hundred in my head.  All pretty dull stuff, but seems to work!

So next time you are fretting about what you have done or need to do in the future - STOP!  Let it go and enjoy the moment for what it is.  For me, spending 4 hours on a bike in the glorious March weather is a great way of experiencing the 'now'.