August 5, 2025
Day Three – Saddle Up and Show Up
Why “No Records Broken” Still Counts as a Win
Rain, Resistance, and a Choice
It’s Day Three of training.
It’s raining.
It’s Atlanta.
So—no surprises there.
Originally, I planned to head outside for my endurance ride. But thanks to the weather, I had the perfect excuse to pivot, clip into my Peloton, and keep my commitment to myself.
Not to crush it.
Not to compete.
But to honor the promise I made to show up—no matter what.
Because here’s the truth: no one else is keeping score.
Stop Competing. Start Committing.
Let’s be honest—lunch with a dear friend almost derailed my workout.
I was tired.
I was tempted.
And the voice in my head? She’s persuasive.
“It’s just one workout…”
“You’ve been doing great…”
“You’ll get back on track tomorrow…”
But here’s something I’ve learned over the years:
If it’s on the schedule, it’s not up for debate.
So I did it.
I showed up.
I rode for an hour.
And surprisingly—I hit a PR.
Not because I’m in peak condition.
Honestly, I haven’t been consistent on my Peloton since I bought it. (Can I get an amen from every home-gym dreamer out there?)
Still, I averaged 14.4 mph, burned 518 calories, and walked away with zero regrets.
Measuring What Really Matters
Let’s talk about numbers for a second.
My current weight? 180 pounds.
Now let me say this clearly:
I’m not chasing a number.
I don’t believe worth is defined by weight, pace, or smartwatch stats.
That said—I am paying attention.
Right now, my body feels tight.
My clothes feel snug.
And my cardiovascular system? Not exactly thrilled with the extra load.
But this isn’t about shame.
It’s about awareness.
It’s about taking stock, making adjustments, and moving forward anyway.
When Your Foot Has a Backstory
Now for the not-so-fun part:
My foot is bruised.
After yesterday’s run/walk, I noticed tenderness and discoloration at the top of my left foot. This foot has history—three surgeries in five years thanks to arthritis in the big toe joint. Plates. Fusions. Rehab. And now… more pain.
It’s frustrating.
But I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that pushing through pain isn’t brave.
It’s foolish.
So I’m calling my podiatrist, Dr. Phelps.
No heroics. No pushing through.
Because the goal isn’t to finish fast.
It’s to stay in the game.
Redefining Success in Real Time
Here’s a thought I had mid-ride:
What if I build my swim and bike endurance, then walk the half marathon and still make the cutoff?
And what if that isn’t just good enough—
What if it’s exactly what this version of me needs?
Because at the end of the day, I don’t want a medal.
I want freedom.
I want the joy of race day.
I want to feel strong in my body, steady in my spirit, and proud of every choice I made to get there.
A Reminder for You (And Me)
If you’ve been putting off something important—your health, your healing, your comeback—consider this your sign.
You don’t need a PR.
You don’t need perfect conditions.
You just need a moment of courage.
It may not be the start you imagined, but it’s a start.
Sure, maybe it would’ve been better to plant the tree 100 years ago.
But today?
Today is still a damn good day to dig in and grow.
Let’s Keep Showing Up
So, saddle up.
Start where you are.
Sweat a little.
Cry if you need to.
And remember:
You’re not doing this for applause.
You’re not doing it for metrics.
You’re doing it for you.
Let’s do this. Together.
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No Records Broken, Still a Win
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