2 wheels in 3 days

I'm getting back on the bike in 3 days and I can't wait!  I almost went for a ride today, but decided against it because the rib is still pretty sore. I ride with a group of 15 - 40 cyclists on Thursday mornings at 9am.  The group starts together, then we usually separate into groups of different speeds.  I ride with the fast group up front and often find myself "pulling."  Pulling means you're in the front of the line.  On average, you work 30% harder when riding at the front because everyone behind you is in the slipstream.

Pulling is a great way to get into better race shape because it's a harder ride.  It also better prepares you for triathlon because drafting is illegal in most races.  If you're caught drafting in a race, you have to serve a time penalty.

Dave Scott and Mark Allen

Standing in a penalty box for two minutes can really change the outcome of a race.  The picture of the two animals racing shoulder to shoulder is of Ironman legends Dave Scott and Mark Allen gutting it out in what is now known as the Iron War.  This is just one of many instances where a two-minute penalty could ruin your race.  I once finished an international + distance race in 02:59:25--a two-minute penalty would have put me over the three hour mark.  Let me tell you, when you race, there is a huge difference between seeing a 2 in the hours column and a 3. In addition to falling two minutes behind your would-be finishing time, dismounting your bike and getting out of your cadence and coming to a full stop throws you off your game--both physically and mentally.

I'm super excited to get back on the bike and hopefully the rib and oblique will hold up.  I plan on sitting in with the middle of the pack in order to take it easy.  However, every time I say I'm going to "take it easy," I usually find myself doing the opposite.  I always want to push it hard.  One of the many things I need to learn is patience, both in training and life.