Rode this morning with the Marin Cyclists partway on their Muir Woods loop. I
thought for sure that they'd drop me again going down Camino Alto, as they
always do, but this time, something clicked, and I think that I kept up with
them. I mean, they didn't pull away and leave me in their dust like they
usually do. It was really fun, and I can't wait to do it again, which is
strange, because I once so badly dreaded the downhills.
Then, we rode from Mill Valley up to the top of a quite ridiculous hill, but
again, with great relief I can boast that I was not dropped, and I could even
enjoy a few minutes of rest waiting for other cyclists. I think I have found a
new maximum heart rate. During our rest period, they asked if I had a close
relationship to God, because I kept calling His name during the climb. This I
was not aware of, but heck, I'll take whatever help I can get.
Then they explained that was just the warm-up, and proceeded out to the ocean.
I'll join them next time.
Here's something I'm working on that even relates to autocross. It's called
the Power of Positive Deception.
Take a skill you think you're not that good at. I don't know, just pick one.
Think of times you walk the course, and you think, oh no, I have to do THAT.
Like, oh no, that looks really tight, and I don't know when to brake, I don't
know what to do! Or what about downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, or 2nd to 1st.
Think of all the times you made the gears grind, and now you just dread it.
But it could be anything. It could be just autocrossing, period. Lots of
people autocross, but are afraid of it, afraid of making mistakes.
Now tell yourself how much you love it. When you encounter that obstacle,
whatever it is, really embrace it, like here's another chance to try it again,
and now you can't wait. Beyond remembering everyone's great downhill advice, I
just remind myself how much I love doing them, which was lying at first, I
can't lie to you. But now, I really do believe it. I really do love riding
downhill. It doesn't mean I'm the fastest at it, because it's not important. I
just enjoy it. That's what's important. Try that at a few autocrosses and tell
me what happens.
By the way, 99% of my posts are really to myself. I'm just cc'ing the list.
Katie
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