Leveling up

As you probably already know, I’m a gamer, so the concept of “leveling up” isn’t new to me. It’s probably not new to a lot of you, as well.

I’ve heard it used in the context of fitness and skills before, so I’m not trying to claim any originality.

But I still love to use that phrase when I feel like I’m growing, changing and becoming more competent at what I do, no matter what that is.

That’s all to say that I’ve been leveling up in life a lot lately, and it’s really exciting.

Last year about this time is when I switched over to training for IRONMAN Oceanside, which was in late October due to COVID and also my first (and most likely only) IRONMAN. I’m not a runner, so that was my main focus — trying to get into enough running shape that I would be able to complete a half marathon. [I literally started at square one.]

Unfortunately that meant cycling and riding took a backseat, which isn’t to say that I didn’t ride at all, but I didn’t put effort into training, I didn’t touch my mountain bike at all, and my long rides felt disappointing because I never had any leg power.

This year, there’s no IRONMAN, and there’s no running, so I’m focusing solely on riding. I’m super excited to make some huge gains in fitness, power and handling!

In fact, I already am, and I have some Strava data to back me up, which makes me feel good! I love seeing PRs and top 10s [even a QOM here and there] when I get out and ride. It’s not that it’s getting to my head or anything, but it is nice to know that I did something well, even if it’s a small segment.

The world of cycling is very male dominated, so as a female trying to keep up, it can be really hard on your ego. Usually there’s only one or two other women on the trail rides I do, if any; yesterday’s A group hilly road ride I don’t think had any.

I really appreciate Strava putting some of that into perspective. Of course there’s a ton of badass women out there too! But it’s reassuring to know that even though I get dropped by the entire group of dudes, I am still actually doing pretty good in my own real, when compared to my own category of riders.

I’ll never be a pro — I don’t want to be [well, I mean, OK, who doesn’t, really]. But I do want to do my best, try my best, and continue to grow as much as possible. I want to be the best version of me, and the best version of me is someone who is constantly working to improve, even if it’s in a small way.

I know that age will slow me down over time. I only started cycling 3 years ago, in my mid-30s. Sometimes I wish that I had found this sport sooner, but there’s no need to beat myself up over that [I promise I’m not]. I can’t change the past: I can only do my best each and every day, and I can only focus on today and tomorrow, so that is what I am doing.

I’m going to keep leveling up!

Doing that is extremely challenging in the moment, but very rewarding right afterward. It’s awesome revisiting some of these places that I haven’t been in a little while. I can totally notice the difference.

Some of the trails and places I’ve ridden this month have been extreme; with patience, guidance, a bit of caution and serious concentration, I’ve managed to at least survive them. All that makes the easier stuff seem easier.

Perspective and practice.

I know the setbacks will come — there always are. But I hope to learn and grow through them. After all, this is just what life gives us, and we just have to roll with it.

So here’s to 6 upcoming months of rolling rather than running.

Not that there’s anything wrong with running. It’s just not my thing. I’d much rather go fast!