My Limits

A lot of times I hear people talking on group rides or even in races about their "limits." And a lot of the time I hear the excuse that they didn't want to go past their limits so that they still have enough to finish the race etc. I believe that staying within your limits is just saying that you didn't suffer enough. As big of a statement this is and as much as it can offend some people, it is simply the truth when it's go time in a big/important race. These are the races you train all winter for to win, these are the races where suffering is key, and these are the races where "not going past your limits just to finish the race" just doesn't cut it. For me, if I was asked the question "what are your limits?", I would honestly have to say that I don't have limits. I race and train to a point where I can no longer push the pedals, and even to a point where I am vomiting my guts out. Whether I am off the front of a race or just trying to hang on the tail end of the field, I know deep inside that I pushed myself way past my limits and poured out every bit of energy that I had left. The sensation of pulling yourself inside/out may not feel the best at the moment, but it will feel bittersweet after you've recovered and reflected on what just happened. It will make you that much better as a cyclist, whether you're a "racer" or just a recreational rider that loves the joys of bike riding and the pain that comes along with it. You won't regret the satisfaction that comes along with suffering.

Pictured below is at the SCNCA Elite District Road Race Championships at Castaic Lake. I apologize if it grosses you out but it shows someone really going past their limits just to hang in there with the big boys.

Photo Credit to Dan Munson of Cycling Illustrated

Keep pushing,

Nick Castellano