Back in the Saddle

What a difference a day on the bike with teammates and does for my outlook. We had our annual Sequim Race clinic this weekend and I was not sure I should even go for several reasons.

1. I just haven't taken time away from my family in a over a year.

2. Em had a soccer game with her new Rx goggles and I was excited to see her play.

3. I wasn't sure I could even keep up with anyone and

4. I just felt very disconnected from the team since I have been MIA for, forever.

I decided to make the time for me and ask for a carpool. My friend Cov graciously offered; this was the motivation I needed to pack the night before, wake up early on a Saturday and get my old morning race routine a rejuvenated try. The previous weekend I intended on going to the team rides but couldn't pull myself out of bed until just a wee bit too late and missed both rides by about 15min each morning. I road solo to May Valley on Saturday and Solo around the North end Sunday. It was good for confidence that I had some kind of fitness but also 2 long rides and my back was fine. Fine! that was new and such a welcome change from three years of suffering every time I road my bike.



So Saturday I woke up early and got ready like it was a race. There was a comfort in the familiar routine and I was excited to be with friends again. I was pretty apprehensive of how the actually riding would go but just happy to be going.



Had a great drive over with friends and then we prepared to "race". Just being in a pack was nerve racking at first but I settled in and then just tried to hold on. Then it got easier and on the downhill corner I felt some of my confidence come back. I managed to hold on to the main pack for a lap + a little; not crash while running over a full water bottle and nearly missing a second! Sheesh!

I got caught by a chase group and didn't let go of a wheel that I know well and trust until the last conrner. We finished the second lap and I did a simulated sprint (the only on I have ever won) It wasn't a real race and doesn't really count but it did for me in the sense that I felt competitive again and that feeling that only comes with racing that I haven't had for years. I felt more like me again.



Saturday was the hardest single effort I have done in several years and I felt it afterward for sure the gut pain etc. But the best part is I still had no back pain, hallelujah!



Had lunch then hurried home. Reid and I went to dinner with our very good friends to Snappy Dragon. We had a blast, I have missed S & J so much over the last year. I felt like part of my world was returning to normal, happiness in the everyday things could be found agian.



Today, I spent the day pulling weeds and scraping gutters in the warmth and sunshine and I couldn't have been more content. Life does go on and days do return to pleasant and calm. Time does heal and racing my bike is going to happen again.



Today is a good day and I am looking forward to many tomorrows.