Competition Amongst Friends

The Death Ride is in one week. Seven days of nerves to withstand. It's ridiculous. There's nothing to be nervous about. Get on the bike and pedal. The catch is that you pedal for 12 hours, at elevation, taking 10-15 minute breaks every few hours. The butterflies are going crazy in my stomach.

I did this ride two years ago. And I completed 90 miles of the 129 mile route. I was in better shape, but was not mentally prepared for five "passes" and so only completed four. (Looking back, had I completed the whole thing, I would not be attempting it again. Hindsights a bi*ch).

I've trained a little differently this year.
First, I didn't bike as much. This is not a good thing.
I'm going to take aspirin for the week leading to the event. This should help to thin my blood and make it easier for my heart to work at high altitude.
In training, I rode longer hill climbs and varied it up. Instead of riding the same three hills, I went to Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tamalpais to seek the intensity I would be facing on the Death Ride route.
Lastly, I rode with friends. I'm fortunate this year to be participating in the event with people I know. It's made training easier and more fun. But it's also taught me something about competition amongst friends.

When it comes to athletics, it's hard to find someone that is a mirror image of you in talent and skill Maybe someone runs faster, but the other person can run longer. Cycling is no exception. I have a friend who's excellent at hills. I suck at hills. I have a friend who goes really fast on the flats... I like riding with them because they make me push myself harder on the flats. I consider myself a competitive person, but when it comes to cycling, I want to ride with people who are better than I am. They push me to do better, and i think that's the secret to getting better at anything.

Friendly competition is a phenomenal thing. It can help one succeed when they otherwise wouldn't have; and it can strengthen or break a friendship. If there's one thing I have learned during this season's training, it's to surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and do well, and who remain supportive and positive, whether they finish before you or after you. Avoid those who never were able to grow out of being that 'sore loser' on the elementary school playground.

Now, go watch the Tour de France!