Winter Update

First, here is a winter motivation song to listen to while you read this post, this song makes me happy. Ra Ra Riot! 

A few years ago I didn't much care for winter.  November-December would roll around and I would close my eyes and dream of summer.  Over the past few years, I have made my weakness (winter), into one of my greatest strengths. I no longer close my eyes and hope for summer, I now find myself missing the disappearing harshness of winter that I have learned to embrace.  

*During the cold months, I used to dream about riding in places like this, race bikes, and HOT race outfits. 

I've made no qualms about it that some winters have been tough, but those same winters have allowed me to find myself.  I have adapted my training and lifestyle to use the things that once made me weak into things that now make my mind and muscles strong.  I now love the harsh winds, deep snow, and darkness.  It was also during winter that I discovered that I do my best training with a little bit of snarl.  Just that little bit of edge of having those un-named people's voices in my head saying "You can't do that." and over-powering that doubt with hard work and the phrase, "Watch me."

It is during times of challenge that I have found my creative side and discovered things that I had no idea I enjoyed so much.  Stepping outside the box is a good thing...

....Getting tossed out of the box in a full on skid is even better.

This winter I have been on a new adventure.  It is something that is both motivating and intimidating.  It is always on my mind now , it makes me nervous. I admit that at times I am actually quite terrified.  It is very much out of my element and it challenges me to learn about it, train for it, and keep a never-say-die attitude.  I, like all people, have that feeling at times of -if I just give up, all this stress would stop-.

All of us have that point where we question what we do. Often times people quit when things get tough. There is a cowardly side to us all,  but there is also a part of some of us, deep down, that will never give an inch.  I have a part of me that has stick-to-it-ness, and the courage to keep going even when I am nervous, even down-right scared.  I call that part of me "Brodacious." That is the part of me that has physical power to keep pushing when I am tired, and also the forethought to plan my attack and seek help when I need it.  It is that part of me that has the courage to take that first step in saying this is my dream and this is what I want to do.

When thinking about this "big secret adventure" I ask myself, what if I look like a fool?  What if I totally suck?  What if I am out-classed and people laugh at me?  I know that my challenge for the time being is countering that inner doubt with What if I do well?  What if I totally rock the socks off this sucker? And maybe, just maybe, what if this turns out to be a dream come true?  I know that if I am scared, nervous, and intimidated now, but I keep focused and put in the time and effort to do what it takes, then on May 3rd I am going to feel like a million bucks and it will be a dream come true.

It is already mid-February, and I haven't even completed the "Training Montage" post yet.  Blink your eyes and it will be March.  March is always my month, and I am doing a great job of chasing the elusive and sometimes scary dream that awaits...  

...and that is why I keep pushing.