One of my goals for 2015 is to ride my bike 1,000 miles.
Part of that goal includes a century ride, which, I’m sure you can figure out, is riding 100 miles in a day.
I am currently in the midst of my training regimen for the century ride, which will take place on Sunday, September 13.
I always encourage people to challenge themselves and get comfortable being uncomfortable. This is my own project on the journey to welcoming discomfort.
Most of my training has been riding on my own, by myself. While I have been pretty consistent at doing the rides I need to do, I have, on occasion, skipped a ride because there is no one holding me accountable in this process.
Often, I find the voice in my head telling me it’s too windy or it’s too hot or you can do your ride later today. As I’ve told you before I often fight with the voice and the voice wins more than I like.
Every summer my family rents a cabin with my two brothers and my sister-in-law. This is a tradition that started probably close to thirty years ago when my mom would rent a cabin and we would all come and be with her either the whole week or part of the week.
As mom got older and wondered how long she would be able to be a part of this family week she would say, “I hope that when I’m no longer able to come, and even when I’m gone, you will continue to do this.”
Mom has been gone now for six years and we continue to rent a cabin and get together very summer.
Both of my brothers and my sister-in-law have been biking for several years and I have more recently gotten into it at their urging. I even participated in a triathlon a few years ago because of their nudging.
Because we were together I was able to do my training for the century ride with them. Actually, most of the riding was done with my older brother, as my younger brother and sister-in-law are much faster.
I couldn’t believe the difference in my training in riding with someone as opposed to going alone.
First of all, there is the physical part of riding. When you have two you can draft. This is where one biker is in front of the other and the rider in back can get pulled just a bit by the front driver to make their ride easier. It’s the same principle as the V you see when geese fly overhead.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the principle of two horses pulling compared to one. If not, check out this site to learn more. It’s a powerful lesson of what two can do compared to one.
Even more important than the physical aspect, though, I believe, is the mental aspect. The fact that someone is in this with you is powerful. You are together on the same journey headed for the same destination.
Often, there was no conversation during our rides. That didn’t make a difference. We were in the ride together. The ride was easier because there was someone in it with me.
It takes courage to welcome accountability into your life. I couldn’t skip a ride because one, or both, of my brothers wouldn’t let me. They pushed me when I needed a push.
The same principles hold true in just about every area of our life. Positive accountability, whether it be in our personal or professional life, makes us better.
For much of my life I have felt more comfortable going it alone. For much of my life I have failed to reach my goals because I haven’t wanted the accountability.
I’m courageously working on being more accountable and wanting someone to come along for the ride.
Do you have the courage to be accountable? Who can you find to go on the ride with you?
To whom are you accountable?
Romans 14:12
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
You are right – lonely sports (cycling and jogging) demand more self-discipline. I prefer team sports because if you loose you can blame the loss on your teammates. Blaming others is much easier than having someone holding you accountable! :}