As I’m getting deeper and deeper into my Half Rev3 Triathlon training I’ve been finding myself freaking out a bit.  Specifically every time my weekly training schedule is posted I think, “How the heck am I going to do this?!” The funny thing is I always make it happen.  So why freak out?!

My most recent freak out came this weekend.  Although I’ve logged a decent amount of hours on my CycleOps bike trainer I’ve yet to really hit the open road on my new tri bike, “Sparky“.  (Taking him out around downtown a few times and crashing doesn’t count.) I can swim, bike, and run, but dealing with an actual tri bike is a whole different animal and takes some getting used to.  Needless to say I knew I needed to get out and ride Sparky…for real.  But thinking about hitting the open road (with cars!), without crashing (hopefully), and for close to 2.5 hours, I could just feel my heart rate increase.  What the heck?

As you can see I had some definite anxiety going on.  But with a little compromise to make this feel more attainable, singing Florence + The Machine, “It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back…just shake it out!” to myself (over and over), and lots of positive self-talk I got through it.

Being out there was amazing.  Although I’m appreciative of the countryside, so many things are overlooked when riding in a car.  Including this…

What?!  Yes, that would be a buffalo.  I came across them midway through my ride and just had to stop to take a photo. Sadly these buffalo are being raised for slaughter which just tore my heart to pieces but this guy came up to me by the fence and we had some conversation.  I also took advantage of the few seconds I stopped to down a Chocolate Agave #9 gel.  Although I’m getting the hang of drinking and riding, fueling is another thing I have to master while riding Sparky. Next time!

Something else I need to improve on?  Sunscreen application…or at least increasing my arm reach.  I applied sunscreen by myself since I was alone and obviously couldn’t reach that far on my back. Hence, the splotches.  On the right side of my back you can actually see finger marks where I stretched to reach as far as I could. Nice.

I didn’t come in contact with that many cars while riding and for the most part it was just me and the road.  I felt free and calm.  I loved it.  I want more. All of my anxiety for nothing.  When will I learn?

So there you have it.  2.5 hours on my bike, out on the open road, followed by a mile run right off the bike. Another obstacle tackled.  Now, it’s time to stay calm and realize, “I’ve got this!”

Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)