Wanting to race

At some point in our lives we all encounter something we want to do which we are told we can not do. Sometimes we listen, sometimes we don't. I had a friend who said his belief was something along the lines of doing what he wanted and asking for forgiveness later. Of course, this mindset could get you in a lot of trouble if you don't have a sense of right and wrong.

A month ago my doctor told me she did not want me to ride my bike on the road past 14 weeks of pregnancy. That rule is a personal one from the doctor but I'm sure we can all understand the safety concerns behind her rule. But, she did agree to give me some leeway to race at Galveston, so long as I stopped after that. When I returned from Galveston I removed my race wheels and put on my trainer wheels. My bike has been set up in the middle of the kitchen ever since.

For the most part this has not bothered me. Michael set up a computer so I can watch movies or listen to music. I can go to the bathroom whenever I want, I can grab food whenever I want, and I don't even have to pull over to the side of the road to answer the phone. I've got plenty of intervals written into my workouts to keep me from getting bored.

Trouble is, all this trainer riding has made me curious. How is my fitness? Am I get stronger by riding the trainer all the time? Plus, my running has not slowed down too much and my body seems to be feeling somewhat normal. So naturally, I want to go race, that's what I like to do.

The Rookie is on Sunday, I am registered. I'd assumed it was going to be my last race of the season. I was planning to race against Michael and see how hard it would be to drop him when I'm 20 weeks pregnant. But my doctor's rules were different than some other people have been told so I'm up a creek.

Even though it's not what I want to do, I'm actually going to listen to authority and leave my bike at home. After all, it is only a race and baby G would not be too happy with me if something happened when I was breaking the rules.

I will be in transition though, I'm taking over Michael's usual job as transition coordinator. This makes me feel better b/c I can convince myself I'm doing something to allow Michael the ability to race.

That brings me to my next point... If I can't race, I think Michael should. So if you see him, encourage him to keep up the training b/c he's got a lot more racing this season if he's going to take over where I left off.