Seeking Imperfect Rides
2020 challenge - embracing cold, windy, rainy bike rides.
By Chris Palmquist
When confronted with an uncomfortable situation, the best athletes are able to “re-frame” how they look at it. Instead of dreading a race day with extremely hot conditions, an athlete might change the narrative for the upcoming day. “Hot days are my superpower!” “Extreme conditions are an opportunity to put more distance on my competitors.” “I love the heat. I love the heat. I love the heat.”
The story that we tell ourselves has a very real effect on how we intrepret our surroundings. Most of us are overly negative in our story-telling to ourselves. What would you think if I told you that it is quite easy to simply swap that negative story with a positive spin? This re-framing will help you feel much better about that day, that race or even an entire season of chaos and disappointments such as 2020.
My 2020 goals have all revolved around lowering stress, increasing health and finding the joy in each day. One of my goals is to keep riding as our Chicagoland weather turns into winter. I’ve been riding through rain, pushing into prairie wind and adding layers to stay warm in the cold. Through my living room window, the day might seem dreary, but as soon as I am pedaling down the road, it becomes beautiful.
I am having fun conquering more weather challenges and redefining what it means to have a “great ride.” My great rides now might be just a few miles. They might be ridden in loops within 7 miles from my house. They might be after dark. They sometimes happen in the rain. Many are solo, some with just a friend or two.
As I ride these imperfect rides, I am focused on the moment. Look at that tree! Feel the wind! Check out that sound. I have taken photos and stopped to ponder. My brain stops spinning, and I feel such gratitude for my health and ability to ride. I have appreciation for every tree and grass and animal that I see along the way.
What story can you swap to find more joy and fitness in this season? How can you re-frame what you are experiencing into an opportunity? Look for the “imperfect rides” and make them your secret weapon in this challenging year.
