Lessons from the Tri Challenge: Falling down, getting back up

After a brutal Chicago winter, last weekend it was warm enough for me to actually bike outside. Until now, I have been doing all of my bike workouts inside on a trainer. While it's nice that you can watch television, it gets old very fast, especially since I don't have cable.

I was so excited to get outside and try my new bike. So on relatively warm day, I went out  on a trail near Lake Michigan. At first it was difficult for me to control the handlebars. On a bike trainer, the handlebars were more or less just there and I didn't have to think about steering. After a few minutes of wobbling, I began to gain more confidence and I found a steady cadence.

Then I approached a pile of sand and, for some reason, I was so confident that I thought I could pedal through the sand without any issues. However, as soon as I reached the sand I kept pedaling but was no longer moving forward and before I knew it, I had been thrown off my bike.

Luckily, there were no major cuts or injuries besides my hurt pride, and I got back up and continued. I think this bike ride summarizes my experience thus far for becoming a triathlete. I fall down sometimes, but I always get back up! I can't wait for New York!