Sometimes things just do go as planned...........

or as John Lennon said so wisely "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

It seems like I've been experiencing a lot of that lately.

Today was one such day.

It's been a good year and a half since I had a bad crash which left me with two broken bones, one that was a stickler to heal. This immediately took me out of racing and hardcore training which at that time, I had thrown myself into full force..At first I was antsy but anxiously awaited the 9-12 weeks to return. Things just didn't go as planned. My wrist didn't heal and surgery seemed like the only viable option. This meant at least 3 more months to recover. It turned out to be 6. Patience...I was sad, I couldn't walk past my bikes without wanting to cry. I kept telling them and me "Soon".
Finally this past June, I got the OK and I've been back on the bike, building back my fitness, enthusiasm and desire to race. Don't get me wrong, as long as I am able, I will always ride my bikes as the joy and freedom I get from that means the world to me. I have pedaled thousands and thousands of miles, in various countries up and down mountains, kinesthetically feeling the roads, sweating and breathing in the sights.

But RACING? That's just a whole other ballgame. I told myself I will return and see how it goes. Well, so far this season, it's been a lesson in patience.

First race, Cantua...I flat blew up..I spent tons of energy on the first lap that I just died during the second. To be expected nonetheless, I was disappointed. Then came Snelling. First lap, chain drops, I chase to get back but just can't regain. then the luck of the Tack Attack. Not one but 2 flat tires due to come crazed "non" fan of cycling who thought sprinkling the road with gold thumbtacks would be funny. HaHa!
Ok, I said to myself, time to work harder. I've been slacking.

Today Berk Hills TTT, it seemed like a good way to test my fitness and I signed up to ride Co-ed with a male acquaintance I know from my work who I've seen at quite a few of the races. I didn't have unreal expectations as far as winning but was looking forward to working as hard as I could and getting a decent placing. Last Sunday we met on the course, rode through it a couple of times and made plans to meet at the course. Well, I arrived a good 2 1/2 hours before our start time so I could register, adequately warmup and do all those pre race rituals that we all have. I go to registration and am told I can't get my number without my partner being there. So I wait. Fortunately I am parked with the reg table in my full view, so I set up my trainer, start getting the warm up all the while keeping my eagle eye on that reg tent..Time is passing. Sweat is happening. Partner is NOT showing. No phone calls. HMMM...will he show??? I go twice to the reg tent, and even ask if there is anyone who is in search of a partner. At this point, I'll ride it with anyone. I just want to go!!!! 10:20, TT partner is still truant, so I bail. I did get a ride in as I met up with a Berkeley friend but it was certainly no TT effort. Oh well, Patience......At least I was able to ride. something I couldn't do at one point.

Patience, I have been challenged with this in many aspects lately. However, I will continue to forge ahead and keep the big picture in mind.