velogrrl

One of my passions is cycling and I raced for many years and people often asked my why I raced, why I trained and pushed myself so hard. Here is my explanation:

I enjoy training as much as I do racing. I enjoy being systematic and scientific in the approach I take to my preparation, I like the meditative aspect of my daily training rides, and I like the feeling of being fit. But its the game thats played on the bike, the races on the weekend, that helps me play out the dynamics of the world at large on a small, personal scale with no real repercussions. To get closer to pain, and closer to death, normally without experiencing any lasting consequences. I am aware of the glaring exceptions to this rule, but they themselves are the reminders that we are, in fact, alive, and need to make the most of the authentic life we have. Without the games, without the suffering, it would be simple to forget. Thats the reward I get from racing and from suffering, far above and beyond any trophies or prize money I might or might not win. Its a reminder that I am alive in this increasingly dead and uninspired world. And thats what keeps me coming back every weekend.