Deeply I pull thick air into my lungs. My calves are on fire, for a moment I look forward and this road seems to never end. Out of the saddle, the pistons pump energy into forward motion. My heart is beating into my ears, my surroundings pull in as a grey fog invades my peripheral. For what feels like eternity I clench my eyes tightly trying to clear my vision. Only a little longer. I look back over my shoulder. I see no one. I can’t seem to catch that pace vehicle but, something inside is making me try. Rationale indicates I never will, raw competitive instinct isn’t always rationale though. Sweat runs down my chin, dripping in a slow motion play onto my knee. I notice this, drip, drip. I am earning this. That’s the only way it means something. My lungs are audibly crying out for relief. Nausea enters my gut, but over my shoulder an invisible competitor is closing in, my fear of failure is becoming stronger than me. My heart feels like it skips a beat, a cold rush tingles over my skin. My brain sends all resources to my legs. I am gripping the machine, tossing it from side to side. I hear nothing but, a steady ring now. It’s getting easier, I move faster, then effortlessly I begin a the decent, wind whipping my jersey across my shoulders. I can feel blood pumping through my muscles, moving waste away along with the thoughts of those last moments. That challenge is in the past. Looking ahead, I see my next climb stands in greatness over where I just came.
This is where I need to be right now.
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