...a bike ride to self-discovery

I just recently purchased a new bike, with the thought that it would help me achieve my long-time goal of joining a triathlon. before I decided to get one, I did my fair share of research, inquiry from different people and websites on what type of bike (brand included) would be a smart choice. as most of you might know, bikes nowadays have boomed into a wide variety that there's a specific type of bike on every activity you want to use it for. I ended up buying a cannondale trail 5 bike (its a hardtail type, but heck you don't really need to know its specific use).

and so, after that gruelling process of selecting the right bike, I was now psyched to begin training and move a step forward towards my goal of joining a triathlon. but, what's interesting is that, what started out to be a simple tool, ended up reminding me of the reason why people drive themselves into joining such activities in their lives.

on the first day, after getting the bike, I did a test run on Steph, (the name I gave my bike, go figure!! hehehe!!!) I thought that the right distance should cover at least 21Km, because I have this theory that the distance you cover with your run is twice the distance with cycling on a given time. so, after my initial break-in, I was able to find out later on that afternoon  that there was an immediate improvement on my running performance.(yep!!! I'm also a runner....^_^) my thighs improved by inflicting less pain during my run routine.

the following day, I originally planned to take another 21Km bike ride, hoping to push myself a bit further by lessening my stops. however, out of nowhere, an opportunity pointed out by a friend got me asking myself if I was capable of traveling more than 21Km by covering more than that distance in one day. and being driven with curiosity and faith that I'd be able to do it, I took the challenge and went on my way.

this ride however was not a walk in the park as I expected it to be. but to give you a clearer picture, the route I took required me to climb a 2.5km steep uphill road, and on top of that, I made it a goal not to stop during that climb. and so, I began to push through strong on my planned route, until I reached the start of the climb. It literally took me nearly about 30mins. to reach the peak. and during that time, I came a cross a moment when I was torn between telling myself to quit and motivating myself to push through. good thing the latter was much more convincing and I was able to finish the route with some minor sore buttocks and thighs.

by the time I reached my house, I suddenly realized what just happened during my Long Distance break-in. I somehow realized the reason why I with a majority of people who does these kinds of insanity go through with it. It's because it allowed them to go beyond their limits and experience the feeling of achieving a certain goal.

aside from that realization, looking back on my journey, I felt that I was able to enjoy myself more than I realized. During this long ride, I remembered that feeling I had when I was a kid and I was riding my first bike ever. I recall, loving the cool breeze that touched my face and the thrill of moving at incredible speeds and strategically thinking of which way to go in order to avoid stopping during that burst of speed. at the same time, I once again felt the feeling of wanting something bad enough that I literally forget the idea of failing both in your mind and in my heart.

These experiences and many more that I didn't mention was manifested within one long bike ride. what more if I covered more distance or further challenged myself to surpass what I already have achieved? all because of one simple ride, I have come to realize that I won't be doing this just to train for a triathlon, but  also to feel that I am living my life. And that is one of the reasons why people would strive to continue doing such activities, and I do believe that I am one of those people.