Let the dog see the rabbit. What on the earth is it with my mindset, why when I see another cyclist ahead who is without lycra and road bike do I get the bit between my teeth and start to stalk. Seriously I focus on nothing else other than the rider at 50 to 100 yards ahead. My body position changes, my shoulders move inwards, my cadence gradually increases, I may even add a gear on and push a little harder. And it's measured, incredibly measured. There is no unseemly rush or sprint, it's a gradual gentle stealth approach but the acceleration is there, quiet, gradual and sustainable. I want that rider's scalp. Fortunately for me this morning the prey animal turned off to the left before I snuck into their wheel. I say fortunately because I was definitely feeling yesterday's brave towing effort in my glutes, in my thighs, in my knees, in my lungs ... need I go on.
It's a good feeling though, the reminder that yesterday I really put something into it. Because that feeling alone tells me that this is a future gain, the effort of yesterday will reap its fitness reward in days to come. I hope. Does it work like that? I don't know, but I sure as hell am enjoying fooling myself into believing it.
I was overtaken 6 times on my journey to work this morning. Hopelessly left behind, feeling like the mature lady I am as the lycra clad men, and one bearded guy on a similar straight handlebars number to my own cruised on by. I felt old, unfit and frankly a little despondent. Will I ever be able to effortlessly ride at that pace? How do people get to that point? Is the bike important? Is it truly, all about the bike?
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