Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

One thing I told myself that needed to happen if I was going to really work at becoming a better swimmer and biker is to get out of my comfort zone. As I've mentioned before, I've not been very good at really challenging myself in any other sport than running. A few things needed to happen for me last week: I needed to get in the pool as much as possible (2-3 times per week isn't going to cut it), I needed to swim intervals on the clock (as opposed to swimming laps aimlessly), and I needed to be on my bike both days this weekend and get out of my comfort zone.

I'm happy to report that all things were a success. I was in the pool 6 times this week for a total of 14,000 yards (and officially reek of eau d'chlorine). I was on my bike 4 times - most notably, joining a group ride from Jack & Adams, a very popular bike/tri shop in Austin.

I am VERY particular about who I ride with. I either ride by myself or with people who I know well - know how they ride, how fast they ride and where they ride. While I am willing to jump in and run with anyone or any group anywhere, I am not that way with cycling. Group rides have terrified me in the past - I am afraid I won't be fast enough and get dropped (and ultimately get lost); I'm afraid of riding in pacelines; I am afraid of riding in big groups as it makes me nervous to ride really close to a lot of people. This weekend I decided to put my fears aside and drive 45 minutes South to Austin for Jack & Adam's Sunday shop ride. They were riding out east to Decker Lake, a notoriously hilly area, and I needed the hill work so it seemed like the perfect opportunity - if I could just convince myself to go.

Saturday morning I went out for a 37 mile ride solo in the country, followed by a 5 mile T-run and almost convinced myself I really didn't need to ride on Sunday as well. I was really itching for a long run, but luckily I was both sensible enough not to attempt said long run and also decided not to be a big weenie and just go ride with the Jack & Adam's group.

The ride started out a little terrifying for me. First, the ride leaders were very clear that this was not a 'No Drop' ride; in other words, they'll drop your ass if you don't keep up. They said if you didn't know the route, then you should find someone who knows the route and stick with them. I ended up latching onto a group of three others guys (probably much to their chagrin) and at times pedaling for dear life to keep up so I didn't get lost.

Jack & Adams is smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin, which made for the second terrifying part of this ride: getting out of downtown and getting back to downtown via bike. I don't like even driving in downtown Austin, but trying to cycle in the road in downtown Austin with a lot of traffic made me fear for my life. Luckily, I made it back in one piece.

I'm really glad I went and rode with a new group, and I'll be back. It was nice to get out on a new route, challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. That's the only way for me to get better. And, I held my own! I took advantage of being downtown and followed up the ride with a 4+ mile run along Town Lake. I headed home with a great sense of accomplishment.

I enjoyed the rest of my Mother's Day with my 4 legged "kids" at the park. It was a good weekend!

Hanging out with my favorites :)

Took the dogs for a play date and poor Flash kept getting mounted. I'm sure he's thinking: Worst play date ever!

Week in Review:
Run: 40.29 miles (I was able to add speed work back into my routine!)
Swim: 14,000 yards
Bike: 2 short trainer rides (interval work); 2 outdoor rides (Saturday - 37 miles; Sunday - 34 miles)
Core: 1 workout

Up this week: Splash & Dash Open Water Swim/Run race on Tuesday evening, 5k race on Sunday!