Be in the moment

This past week I held a training camp in Palo Alto, Calif., where as a professional, I used to spend my winters training. The riding there is just amazing. The week back in California really brought home to me how special my time as a full-time cyclist was.

These days I am busy with coaching, running the Jet Fuel-Norco team and finishing up my degree at university. That doesn’t leave much time for nice long rides in the countryside. And this, I realize, is the norm for most people. What I was doing as a professional cyclist—riding every day all day—was not normal.

I guess what I am trying to get at is that it really came home to me this past week how special riding is. It is a time when you can be in the moment, when you have to be in the moment, and not worrying about the next meeting or other myriad things that you’re working on.

And it was really only this past week that I realized how much it means to make the time to get out and ride. It can take a big effort and much planning to take the time away from “life.” Just look at how happy we are when we are out riding, particularly at the top of a tough climb.

In my coaching, I have the utmost respect for my clients. They are full-time professionals in a variety of fields—successful, busy people, who make the time in their day to train and improve themselves. What they are achieving is impressive and a real testament to their dedication. It reminds me of how special riding is, and that it is worth the effort to make the time and get out. Cycling is a beautiful thing and you always feel better after a ride. So make sure you are getting out there!