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I have a confession to make: I’m having serious problems bonding with cycling. Whenever Jesse and I ride, I become unreasonably anxious leading up to the bike ride and fairly miserable during the ride itself. I have an overwhelming feeling of being out of control of my destiny while in the saddle, whether that’s because an idiot driver feeling like an idiot driver is going to take me out at any second or I’m going to fall over while clipped into my pedals. Also, I’m having lower back pain that is likely a result of improper fit. I’m generally an easygoing and positive person but feeling intimidated by something as simple as biking makes me frustrated and defeated.
I normally conquer fear or anxiety with two things: preparation and practice. I do realize I’ve been on my bike fewer than a dozen times, but I expect to pick things up (and enjoy them) quickly, and the steep bell shaped curve to enjoy cycling has me wondering whether registering for Vineman and its 56-mile bike legwas a bad idea.
This weekend, Jesse and I headed to Lake Nicasio in Marin (after much trepidation on my part). Despite some wind, the 25-mile ride was gorgeous, with the West Marin scenery looking more like a scene from the Swiss Alps.
I realized during this ride that I have two options: change my attitude towards cycling (force myself to love it and train hard) OR drop out of Vineman. I hate missing goals I’ve set out for myself, so I’m inclined to choose the former. I don’t think I’ve given cycling a proper chance, and I want to put down more miles before I make a decision its future in my weekly workouts and races. Jesse’s a great teacher and has taught me about the gears, proper equipment, and pacing strategies. Now the rest is up to me.
Single-tracked Mind 
Why not get some peddles that you don’t have to clip into, also try some traffic free routes until you feel more comfortable. Take your bike to a local store and ask them to help you fit it to ensure it is not the fit causing the pain. You could try replacing the saddle for something more comfortable. Mostly just give it a wee bit longer, and if you still don’t enjoy it let it go.
Great advice. I think I’ve tried to do everything at once instead of adding in one variable at a time. Thank you for the comment 🙂
You’re a whole lot braver than I am. I never say never to ANYTHING.. except road cycling. I know I’ll be the biker to get hit, or fall over while clipped in. You deserve huge props for even getting out there. I’ve been slowly progressing with mountain biking when I visit Marin. My boyfriend LOVES to go & we ride the trails in China Camp (I highly recommend it! It’s b-e-a-utiful!) The first few rides, it was white knuckles while holding the brakes- the.whole.time. I’ve now mastered sitting back over the rear wheel & letting off the brake (a little bit). The more I go though, the more I develop a big love for it- so maybe the more you go, the more you’ll love it. What’s that quote? Something along the lines of “The things you hate doing most are the things you should be doing.” haha.
Thank you, I don’t feel very brave! I feel the same exact way about getting hit or fall while clipped in. I love China Camp! Also a great place to run. I am so the same way – riding the brakes and white knuckles. Maybe I’ll develop a love for it too, the way you have! Thanks for the words of encouragement! 🙂
Stay with it. You won’t regret it.
Thanks, I hope not!
It seems like you’re forgetting that all you’re doing is going for a fun ride in the fresh air in the beautiful country ride. Smile!
You’re totally right – I’m just a wee bit worried about the half ironman.
Try to have fun on the bike, don’t push yourself too hard (that can take the fun away from everything). See it as something else you can do sometimes, not something you must do all the time and enjoy all the time…
Great advice! Thanks.
stick with it, keep it simple and fun to start with, it will come. Dont let it defeat you! good luck!
Thank you!
I can very much relate to feeling nervous with vehicles around. I always try to limit, or eliminate, busy streets because they make me too nervous.
It’s also okay to take a step back if you really aren’t enjoying it. Sometime certain things just aren’t for us, and that’s okay 🙂
You’re right! I try to avoid the busy streets; they definitely make me too paranoid!
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Be gentle with yourself. It took me a long time to really get comfortable with road cycling. When we did our first trip in Italy I had started cycling three months before with clips. I was a wreck and I did have some falls with the clips. It takes time and practice. My advice is get on some paths, ride at a comfortable pace and clip in and out over and over and over. Does that help?
Yes, absolutely! Practice is definitely key – I think I need to be more patient and trust the learning process.
Thank you for the wise words!