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October 26, 2005
Gut check
In the Day, I used to hear the phrase "gut check" used in sports contexts. Don't know whether it still is. On the chance that it's not, I'll offer my own definition: a gut check is a physically challenging situation that takes a lot of determination and courage to meet and conquer. A gut check validates that you really are committed to your sport.
Today was two gut checks for this senior cyclist. With the summer road-bike season officially ended by yesterday's snow, the first gut check was getting out there on a mountain bike that feels like a tractor and riding, albeit for only 20 minutes, in 35° with a 10 mph head wind. The second gut check came a mile out, when the sleet started to fall and the temptation to turn around was hard upon me.
And for yet another Upstate winter cycling season, I passed the first (and crucial) gut check. Both of em.
Posted by senioritis at October 26, 2005 06:48 PM
Comments
good lord! 20 minutes in 35 degrees ain't nothin to 'only' about! next step: finding a conference that'll bring me to earlville for a ride-along!
Posted by: phoebe's mom at October 27, 2005 08:13 PM
I thought a gut check was what I do in the morning when I get on the bathroom scale and see if I can see what it says...
Posted by: Jon at November 1, 2005 09:21 AM