I don’t typically take on fitness challenges on Strava or Garmin as I can end up pushing myself, setting myself up for an injury, or both. However, this December, I took on the Rapha 500 cycling challenge: ride 500 kilometres between December 24th and December 31st. Despite a few high mileage weeks, I was only averaging 300km per week; that extra 200km seemed out of reach. I was reminded by friends that “It is just a challenge. You don’t have to do the whole thing.” But I wanted to finish the 500km (that was what I signed up for) so, by Day 5, I left the challenge. I knew that I wasn’t going to meet the goal without beating up my body and that not completing the full distance would only upset me. It was easier to just walk away.

This week, though, I started the 7 Day Challenge, one that I know I can finish. All I have to do is ride every day from January 5th to 11th. Distance and time don’t matter; participation does. Now this is a challenge that I can support! Besides, it is organized by Vancouver-based Samsara Cycle , which happens to be my favorite brand of cycling gear. Canadian owned and operated, designed by women for women, cute, comfortable and well-made: how can I not love this brand? Even Dave recognizes the quality of Samsara’s gear. A few months ago, he took a closer look at my cycling shorts that were hanging to dry in the laundry room and asked me if Samsara makes men’s shorts. “Sorry, honey. It’s girls only.” “Too bad,” he replied. “Those are really nice.”

The goal of Samsara’s 7 Day Challenge is based on making the daily decision to ride; just keep showing up. Since participation and effort are main focuses in everything that I do, it was easy to get on board with this event. And the parameters mean that I can incooperate it with my triathlon training and will be able finish what I started. Come join me!

Monday’s Training: a.m. Long run (14km., treadmill); p.m. Easy Ride (21km. Rouvy)