On embracing a headwind

A friend of mine told me a story once about how he hated to run to the river because on his return he always really disliked running back up a hill- which was the last mile or so to the gym. He said one day it just dawned on him- that if he continued to avoid the hill- he would never get good at running the hill- and what good was that doing?

He then went on to run the hill on every run- to the point where the hill seemed to get smaller and smaller- and eventually, after some time, he started to not even notice the hill.

This story really hit home for me.

When I first started biking I really disliked two things- hills and wind. Whenever there was the slightest breeze I would find any excuse to stay inside verses put myself through the impending AGONY of struggling through the loud, cold, awful wind.

Well...I think to myself now. WAH. If I continue to whine about a little mother nature---then what happens if on race day (unfortunately I learned this the hard way) there is ridiculous wind- or rain- or snow....* * okay maybe not snow....but really. It only makes you stronger.

Leanda Cave posted this on tweeeeeter last year about this time. I have it printed out and posted on my wall at home. 

So I figure if you can teach your brain to learn and grow and you can teach your body to adapt to stresses placed on it THEN my theory is that anyone is absolutely capable of anything-----as long as you are willing to dream- and believe- and work ridiculously freaking hard. 

Which is kinda where Im at at this moment. I know that I have some pretty lofty goals- and I know that I have time to work towards them- and I guess I am just really really starting embracing the wind.

Seriously, wind- give it to me, baby.

My ride today- beautiful Washington State.... (did i mention i live in the desert part)

My favorite ride at the moment. Loving the hills.

Baby's first duathlon with the momma. She might have even lied to the race director telling him I was 12 verses 11 to get me in the race....shhhh :)

I hope you're loving training too.

Love, Erin