Getting tougher

I have come to the conclusion that I don't actually know what it's supposed to feel like to be in physical discomfort. I mean really hard physical duress from intense training. I can go fairly hard for a long time but when I'm pushing any harder than 'up a hill where I can see the top' my body slams its fist on the table and says 'no, this will not do'.

So my 2 x 20 this week was far more successful than last week. Well I finished it for a start. But it was decidedly uncomfortable. My heart rate hovered around the high 150s and threatened to tip into the terrible 160s a few times, ending on 161. So generally pretty tough (made tougher by my paranoia that I WASN'T going to make it again).

But when Rob does it, his legs spin at 100 rpm, his muscles go taught and he cannot breathe, let alone blow his nose, grumpily whisper requests for more water or contemplate the work that needs doing on the bike. I can. So quite honestly I don't think I'm trying hard enough.

I need to get to the point where I accept and embrace the pain as part of the training, not worry that it's hurting too much. I actually felt better when Rob said 'it's too easy for you, you're supposed to be crying for your mother'.

So, Mum, I hope you're on standby because next up is 240 watts for 40 minutes. Bring... it... on...