Day 5: 25 Miles of Endurance
Day 5 of my triathlon training was all about endurance, focus, and embracing the grind. Today, I tackled a 25-mile ride on a speed bike at the YMCA, and let me tell you - this session was a test of both body and mind (and my behind also got sore).
The Start: Gearing Up for the Ride
As I hopped onto the speed bike, I felt a wave of excitement and determination. This was about locking into a mindset of consistency.
The steady cadence of my legs + YouTube video in front of me, and the energy of the gym around me set the tone. From the very first mile, I knew this was going to take a while, so I was trying to not get too bored.
The Middle Miles: Finding the Zone
Somewhere between miles 8 and 12, I hit what athletes often call “the zone.” It’s that sweet spot where your body and mind align, and everything feels effortless - even when you’re working hard.
I focused on keeping my cadence steady, my form strong, and my mind positive. Each mile was a small victory, a reminder that endurance isn’t just about physical strength - it’s about mental toughness, too.
YMCA’ got crowded at around 9AM (it's a Saturday morning). Seeing others push through their own workouts was good at times. But mostly I was in my own bubbles, sometimes pedaling with my eyes closed.
The Final Push: Strength in the Struggle
The last few miles would "never end". I was getting impatient. With every pedal stroke, I reminded myself why I’m doing this. The finish line of this ride wasn’t just about completing 25 miles - it was about building the resilience and have the capacity to endure. I’ll need it to cross the triathlon finish line someday.
When I hit the 25-mile mark, I felt a surge of pride and relief. I did it. I had a difficulty walking at first, but it was worth it.
Reflections from Day 5
Endurance workouts are a powerful reminder of the strength we carry inside us. Today, I proved to myself that I can keep going, even when the miles feel long and the burn feels real.
This ride wasn’t just about logging distance; it was about building confidence, cultivating grit, and reminding myself that I’m capable of so much more than I sometimes believe.
Looking Ahead
Five days into training, and I’m already so grateful that I am doing it. The power of showing up is huge.
Tomorrow’s a new day, a new challenge (6 mile run + 1,000m swim), and a new opportunity to grow. For now, I’m soaking in the satisfaction of today’s ride and gearing up for what’s next.
Here’s to Day 5 - 25 miles closer to the triathlon finish line. I'll keep pedaling forward! 🚴♂️💪✨
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