When working hard on the bike, I am a grinder.  My cadence is typically quite low, at around 70 rpm, when I am pushing higher power.  It is just what feels natural to me.

Each of us has a ‘natural’ cadence.  This is true for both running and cycling.  It’s the turnover speed, that just feels ‘right’.  It’s that place where you can live all day and feel comfortable.

So in checking my upcoming workout schedule, I discovered that my coach has given me a one month cycling block, where all of the hard workouts are to be done at a cadence between 80 and 95 rpm.  I knew immediately that this block is going to be tough and mentally challenging.

I did my first hard workout of the block this evening, and it was tough.  I got through the workout however, and then started to question whether my mental attitude going into the workout was a good one.  I was expecting it to hurt and it did.  What if I had gone into the workout with an attitude that it would be OK?  Would it have been as tough? 

I don’t know the answer to that question right now, but I have the opportunity to evaluate it in the coming weeks.  I am going to try and embrace the challenge more, and not dread it so much.  It’s time to get comfortable, being out of my comfort zone.