Our Cycling instructor likes to encourage us during the ride. "You can do it," "Don't give up," "Make sure your pedal strokes are perfect." I know why she does it...at least I think I do...she wants us to stay safe and get the most out of the ride. For some reason...I heard the call for perfect pedal strokes more this morning than anything else...to the point where it became a mantra for me...whether we were doing switchbacks (turns during a climb where you lead with your left or right foot)...or...while we were doing seated climbs...or when she told us to "release" and sprint...these 3 words...perfect pedal strokes...kept me focused...there was a moment late in the ride that I started thinking about stopping...I didn't mind you but the thought did occur to me that I could if I wanted to. What kept me going? What I'm finding with all of this cycling and jog/running is that a HUGE portion of the experience is MENTAL...which gets me thinking about how experiences like "this"...cycling, jogging/running...are great space...if you are willing to surrender to the experience...to re-wire your brain...re-wire it into believing that stopping is not an option...that what you are doing is good for you...that "this" is fun! When the instructor called for perfect pedal strokes...I found myself looking down at my feet...really focusing on pedaling through my heels...allowing myself to notice how "that" felt...up through my hamstring.
Words like "perfect pedal strokes" can be very motivating and this is getting me thinking about how well placed words/phrases can be motivating in other situations. Now...don't get me wrong...these words are not magical...there are many other variables in between the call for "perfect pedal strokes" and Tony looking down at his feet trying to define what that means. Several decisions need to be made both voluntary and involuntary. I just think it's interesting...I'm pretty sure that I latched on to "the call" because I am a perfectionist...I want to do things perfectly...so in this case...if you ask me to pedal perfectly...I'm going to try.
Ending with a haiku...in an attempt to pull it all together...
Cyclist's mind
calmed
By perfect pedal strokes
Posted with Blogsy
1 comment:
I really enjoy your haiku that sums up the experience of the cycling for you. There's a type of a zone one can get into with exercise...it's like all other parts of life are temporarily blocked from the mind...sweet relief in a way.
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