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The Benefits of a Cycling Diary
There are many benefits of a cycling diary. When I started cycling as an adult in the late 1980s and in the days before I purchased a cycle computer, the thought of keeping a cycling diary never crossed my mind. I was just having fun again riding.
I was however, training for a big ride (for me), an MS-150. As you may know is a benefit ride in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. More about that later.
After buying a cycle computer (look here for more information on these wonderful tools), I began to write about my rides in a spiral notebook. I recorded the date, average speed, today's distance and a note about how the ride went and who I rode with.
No great insights, I just kept a log of my rides. Later I found a form that could be used as a diary. (click here for a link to a PDF file of the one that I use)
For about 18 years I have been pretty diligent in keeping my diary. In the early years, I went so far as to compute a graph on my weekly rides. I found that I did not refer to the graphs so I stopped. Keeping data that I never refer to is not for me.
You might ask what have I learned. One thing that I learned is that over that time my average speed has not decreased much, if at all. That told a friend (I did not have the perspective to understand until I was told) that my conditioning was pretty good as I was older and had not slowed down (much). He told me that on a day when I was whining about how slow I felt that day.
Keeping a diary also helps me understand when I am having a good day (and when I am not). I have learned that there are days where I will feel strong and others when I won't. I am pretty competitive (just with myself) and want great days everyday. It just is not going to happen.
Keep a diary and learn about yourself. You will be pleased.
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