Contemplations

Training miles: 217.5

Because I will be riding alone I am trying to do most of my training alone. I will try to drag son or a friend along on some rides but most of the time I will ride alone. Some of you reading this may think that sounds awful, some may think you would listen to music or a book, and some may quit at the mere thought of riding alone. I have come to appreciate being alone on my bike.

Today, my wife walked nearly 4 miles in just over 60 minutes. That was wonderful, I enjoy the time with my wife, I always enjoy being outdoors (no phone!) on a beautiful day but walking with her makes it even more special. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork (Psalm 19:1)." We get to catch up a bit on what we have been thinking, struggling with, enjoying, plans, budget, family, and other every day things. But this isn't the same as being alone on a bike.

The Psalm remains as true, I get to examine creation in a whole different manner when alone. I can ask questions of God when I'm alone that I wouldn't ask in the company of others. I am more clearly thinking when alone and I can set small goals without needing to ask anyone if that sounds okay to them. The Psalmist goes on to write in verses 3-4, "there is no speech nor spoken word (from the stars); their voice is not heard; yet their voice (in evidence) goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun." These words are so true. The sun nor clouds verbally respond to my questions nor the stars when out before the sun rises (yes, I have lights) but their voice is heard through the quiet. God's voice can speak through the quiet and we need quiet to hear it. Alone, on a bike, provides that opportunity.

Endurance

I've started training for a summer bike trip. Today was one of those difficult days, strong wind out of the southeast that held my first 6 miles of the ride to an average speed of 8.3 mph. A quick right turn made it difficult to stay upright on the bike for the next couple of miles and one final right turn made all the difference. I could ride 20 mph without effort all the way home. Enduring the first six miles took some mind games, I think the new phrase in education is "grit." It is interesting that we are discovering many students are lacking grit. How did they miss out? How do we give it to them? Is grit important in life? Is grit important in school?

Those raised on a farm are laughing, grit was taught early and often.....chores that had to be done every day, hard, dirty, sometimes dangerous work taught "grit." People of faith know the words of James, "consider it wholly joyful,, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort, or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience (Amplified Bible p 358)." The ability to overcome adversity comes by facing adversity, ask any athlete. We don't develop endurance by avoiding training, physical, mental and spiritual. They all contribute to developing endurance so we can run the race of life.

My ride today brought my March total to 128 miles. Not nearly enough seat time for my 1200 mile ride later this summer, but it's a beginning, my endurance is on the rise.