For the last 2 weeks I had been training on my stationary cycle trainer, building endurance, so I was excited to see how that would help me today on the dirt, rocks and hills.
That excitement quickly turned into frustration. EVERYTHING seemed harder! Hills that I had easily overcame with ease and speed seemed like quicksand. There were even a few times I had to dismount the bike and walk it up. I was in complete disbelief. I ran down the checklist of preparation.
Hydration-check (started steadily chugging water last night)
Stretching-check
Protein packed light breakfast-check
Adjusted seat, checked tires, chains- check, check, check
While trying to make sense of my pain and fatigue, I instead began to internally fight with myself. At this point my frustration was full-fledged anger. I was angry! This was supposed to be a great ride, a great workout, afterall it was a familiar one. With every muscle in my body tense and contracted, I fought. I truly felt like I could not go any further. I pulled over to the side of the trail and cried out to God. At that moment I felt like this was much more than just a physical struggle. I started out the morning with praise on my tongue, joy in my soul and laughter in my heart. Now I was on the side of a trail cursing at everything!
At a standstill, I prayed.
I couldn't shift the gears on the bike to aid me on the ascents but through prayer I could allow God to shift the gears of my heart. I had lost sight of my goal that morning. My daily aim is to glorify you God in all I do! What was my motivation that morning? To prove something to myself? Lord, how Your grace and gentle teaching astound me. After some time at His feet, I mounted the bike. I took it slow. My anger and frustration gone, I enjoyed the ride with Him. At every bend I gazed upon His beautiful creation. And though thoughts of failure continued to try to enter my mind, I completed the ride. Victorious! To the glory of my Father!
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