Feels good to stop, but really good not to stop

I Experienced one of the single hardest bicycle climbs ever this Saturday afternoon. I have been cycling for about 2 months now, so just about every ride is hard, or progressively getting harder. The ride started up W.Saanich, where I ran into Chris and the two of us continued onto Willis Pt rd, then onto Millstream. Around this time Chris asked "Have you ever climbed up Munns road? Me, being full of vinegar and zest for life a.k.a. only about 45min into the ride, said "No, let's do it!" (Big excited grin on face)...

I have never been so close to getting off my bike.
It was so brutal it felt like I could not even turn my legs. I think it was the second to last climb that I just about peeled off to the side of the road. After the corner, it looked
like one more hill... honestly I couldn't be sure, my legs screaming at this point wanted to be done... Thankfully Chris was there or I probably would have stopped. But instead I stood up, and pushed hard to the very tip top. And wow it felt great to climb that hill, I was so proud of myself for not giving up. And also because Chris said I just completed two 15% grades.

It is always good to listen to your body, but sometimes it is only your mind that doesn't want to do it. In the case of this Saturday afternoon ride it really was mind over matter. Now off to shower from Lake swim this morning and then perhaps
some Wimbledon is on order.