90% of the game is half mental.
– Yogi Berra
So much of cycling is physical; fitness, technique, nutrition, etc., Yet, so much of it is mental. Today was a prime example. A half mile into what should have been a quick and fun 15 mile loop and I knew that I was under fueled, unmotivated and feeling a bit like this–
As I rolled along like a slug, in my best superhero voice I muttered “MUST…. KEEP…. GOING… MUST….RIDE… MUST… HAVE… FUN… .” But that didn’t really help. It also didn’t help that it was 90˚ and humid as Jake The Dog’s (former) balls. Sorry Jake.
I figured I would salvage the day and just roll easy while taking some photos. Sometimes a few good pics and I can salvage some motivation. My camera has a rechargeable battery, which is great of course. The only caveat is that you need to CHARGE the rechargeable battery in order for it to function.
Shit.
Such is life. I aborted the ride and finished with a laughable 8 miles of riding. Which sucks, not just because of the short distance, but because it reminds me of that stupid Eminem movie 8 Mile the story of “a young rapper, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make the most of what could be his final opportunity but his problems around gives him doubts.” Blah.
Then again, maybe I could remake the movie and have it be about me? 8 Mile II, The Soiled Chamois… ” the story of a fat, aging mountain biker, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make the most of what could be his final opportunity but his problems around gives him doubts.”
Seems about right.