SMILE

you know you love it!

I do love it.  However, after sorting through race photos from the cape adventure I often don't smile.  I look so damn serious.  I need to lighten up.

Looks like fun.  Why not smile?

While racing I remember the spectators and children bringing a smile to my face.  I remember Selene bringing a smile to my face when she told knock, knock jokes when the going was rough.  I remember smiling when we looked up and the views were majestic.  During those moments of smiles all pain, dread, and effort seemed to disappear.  Energy was restored and I felt empowered.

I'm going to use this technique a lot this season.  I already started it while doing my intervals yesterday.  It wasn't too hard when a friend drove by me 4 minutes in to a 12 minute effort.  It must look ridiculous when you are by yourself and you are killing it to get nowhere.  It made me smile and it made things easier.  As I continued my training I found myself riding through the Gettysburg Battlefield.  I forgot that tis' the season for the tourists. I looked extra ridiculous flying through the battlefield.  I did my best to say hello to those I passed and offered a smile.  Before I knew it I was done and it felt good.  Regardless of what anyone thinks I love it and I'm gonna smile.  It is empowering.

Next week I will be racing the Cohutta 100.  I am the most prepared I have ever been for this race.  My training has been so different this year from any other year.  Some times I have to wonder what in the world I was thinking the other years going into the 100's with half of the fitness I have today.  That doesn't matter now and I can't wait to get out there and kill it.  I may not be number one, but I will be stronger, faster and feel great trying to be.

Oh, and it will be hard not to smile while I am riding this super awesome bike.  Thanks team CF and Specialized.