Sunday, May 8, 2011

Balance

I thought this was the year that cycling and racing would return to normal. I was mistaken..... Everything that has changed at the end of last year; a new city, a new commute, our first house, and a renewed effort to make family the first priority; has completely shaken my cycling routines. It's still hard to find time and energy to train. The racing has been limited but also led to a lot of feelings unfulfilled potential since it wasn't backed by good training. What makes it worse is I now live in the best cycling city in Texas that also has some of the best racing thanks to the Driveway which could be the top weekday crit in the nation. The temptation of cycling is constantly there.

All this has created an inner struggle. I'm not under any misconception that cycling is or ever will be anything more than a hobby that allows me to stay healthy. At the same time, I love riding and racing and have a competitive and slightly obsessive personality. I've loved the time I've had for things outside cycling but the lack of cycling compared to what it could be has grown to the point of frustration verging on very mild depression at times. Thankfully, I have a very understanding and supportive wife and I'm confident that I will find a balance of cycling that I'm at peace with and fits my life. I just don't know what it looks like or when it will happen.