Day 221: Taking it Easy Today

I’ve been feeling tired lately. The stresses from the various things that are going on in my life, along with the difficulties that the winter have provided, have simply tired me out. I’m not willing to let R2R be the death of me. I have too many things to look forward to in life, like my family, old and new friends, and of course there’s Tugboat.

In order to be good to myself I took it really easy today. I was lucky to have a break from the rains, so I could ride my road bike instead of having to do another wet and heavy mountain bike ride. I really pulled back on the throttle today in order to give my legs a rest. I did a quick spin out to Sausalito on the bike path, and I then turned back and headed towards Tiburon.

I know these bike paths really well, and I knew that it would be an easy ride for me if I just remembered that I was taking it easy instead of pushing as I’ve been doing for months now. What a concept, and I already feel the benefit as I write tonight.

I ran into “J. B.” on the ride. He’s one of the founders of mountain biking, and someone that’s always good to see. He was riding a twenty-plus year old road bike that looks as cool today as it did on the day that it was built. We talked for a while, and settled some old business affairs, before parting ways in downtown Tiburon. I love the fact that cyclists can have conversations, like the one that we had today, while riding along at speed.

I returned via the same route that I’d ridden, and all of the way I reminded myself to take it easy, and I did just that! It felt odd to not be pushing harder and harder, because that’s what I’ve been doing for a long time now. I've been in the "more is better" routine in terms of my cycling. Today was a nice day of rest, and I look forward to treating myself to more rest days as I ride forward.

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow morning’s ride. I’m going to be out-experienced for sure! More on that tomorrow.

Distance: 19.83 miles
Calories burned: 1,186
Time: 1:23:56 hours
Elevation gain: 341 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23303916