08/28/2025
Have you ever worked hard for something and did NOT get the results you were aiming for?
I had a tough lesson this Spring:
Being prepared doesn't guarantee success but most of your growth is in the journey.
In Jan 2025, I began training for Bo Bikes Bama. It's a bike ride in Auburn, AL to benefit tornado victims in AL. Heisman trophy winner, Bo Jackson, has organized it for the last 14 years.
I chose to train for and ride the 60 miler.
I spent 4 months training. I enjoy the solitude of a long bike ride so most of my training was by myself. The journey was full of ups and downs but every journey is.
Ride day finally came and I was ready. It was pouring rain but I trained in the rain. Race organizers, alerted us to the weather. Tires go flat more often in rainy weather so be prepared. I had an extra tube in my pack, I was ready.
I made it 42 miles before my back tire went flat. For the next 5 miles I dealt with that tire. A mobile mechanic and I even changed the tube but the tire still went flat. My day ended at mile 47. I still had 13 miles in my tank.
I was frustrated, angry and disappointed. I spent 2.5 hours (of the 5 hr ride home) in a pity party.
I send my boys words of encouragement on a regular basis. Earlier in the month, one text had been about the power of gratitude. I couldn't get it outta my head.
I prepared for this race by myself, who was I going to thank? The faces and names of people that had wished me well and encouraged me along the way began flooding my mind. They are my Team Frank. I made a few calls to begin to say, Thank you. I got home and began to text and email my Thank yous. The anger and disappointment dried up. Gratitude works!
Since the ride, I've realized numerous other benefits and lessons I learned while prepping for that challenge.
It truly is about the journey. The process of getting prepared builds you for MUCH more than just success on event day.
On to the next challenge!
Do Something Daily
Coach Frank
