My parents are visiting for a few weeks and Leila is officially four months old so my training has just kicked into the next gear with long long rides, two-a-days, and some serious intervals.
I was pushing myself to the limit during my intervals yesterday and it dawned on me that the motivation I use to push that little bit extra has drastically changed. I used to imagine Annika Langvad just ahead of me on the trail and I had to dig so deep to catch her wheel, this would light a fire under my ass and I’d have some of my best intervals! Yesterday though I felt the burn and just though back to December 24th, the day my daughter was born, the day I felt the excruciating pain of labor and childbirth and thought this pain is NOTHING in comparison, I must push harder. And I must push harder not only for myself but to also set an example for my little one (even if she doesn’t see it or understand it now, one day she will).
I love intervals. I love the burn. I love how fast and efficient they make you. I race not just to race – though don’t get me wrong I am itching to get back on that start line – I race because I enjoy the training, the commitment, the ability to push your body to the limit and optimize recovery day in and day out. Most importantly I race and train because it is fun even on the hard days and I absolutely love it!
Alaina Casioppo 