Thursday, June 14, 2012

Pressure and Much Rejoicing

So, sorry I didnt blog my whole BRP trip. Theres tons of unedited video, pics to be uploaded, etc that just havent happened.  Thats life. I guess I know to reign in the amount of video I take in the Dolomites. I think Ill be doing more point and shoot action there

So its a month from my trip to the land of the Giro.  I received my packet in the mail yesterday with all my trip prep goodies!

Maps! Foot! Cat!

Perhaps now would be the time to learn some Italiano.  Nah. Ive got a 13hr plane ride to do that.

This packet contains all the maps and descriptions of our daily riding. Its thick!!!


Thats a lot of maps! Ella is intrigued

The toll of training has become very apparent.  Ive been fortunate so far (knock on wood!) to have only minor issues physically but I have totally hit the wall mentally.  As I said to some friends today I have not just fallen off the training wagon. Ive fallen off and been run over by a semi.

I knew something was up on the BRP ride when I fell to pieces at the simple act of someone else (Brent) taking care of things for me.  How much had I been carrying on my own? I hadnt even realized how exhausted and strung out I was.  I dont want to ride on the road, I dont want to ride in the cold or overcast weather. I really just want a hug.  Fortunately I got some needed hammock time in this weekend

Ommmm


I have noticed myself becoming increasingly more irritated. Yes the weather sucks, but it seems to be an especially problematic thing for me this year (because Ive been riding in it since November most likely).  Ive been more short tempered and more volatile.


Today I experienced some seriously flagrant road rage unlike I have ever been subject to before.  It made me furiously mad.  I am a believer in the Law of Attraction, and while I dont claim I brought it on myself I think I'm attracting more of these events lately.

So Ive basically stopped training.  Yes, going to Italy in slightly less decent shape is a bummer, but a bigger bummer would be forcing myself to train these last few weeks and end up hating my bike.  Nothing would be worse than going on this trip Ive been preparing for this long and be miserable.  Im having a hard time motivating myself to ride and freaking out about losing my fitness level.

Clearly, I need more hammock time.

I have decided priority #1 for Italy is to enjoy myself.  If the weather is putrid do I really want to ride, or would I rather take the van that day and rest my legs?  Do I really care about grinding up every last famous climb? I know a big part of me will be saying 'but Jenn, when will you ever have this opportunity again !?'  It will be interesting balancing Ego and Id, well, as usual :)

So Im trying to be gentle and remind myself that its pretty damn silly to be fussing over my 'performance' on a luxury bike vacation. The fact is in 15days I will be off work for TWO MONTHS!!!