What do you mean train?

"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got."

I'm not going to try to attribute that to anyone.

Do you "train?" If so, what do you mean by that? There are a bunch of definitions. One is "to practice an ability." This implies you already have some ability. You "train" it so that you can keep it, I guess. Then there are some like this: "the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies..." A somewhat different context, now we are "training" as in job training or toilet training. Either of these can apply to bike racing, running, or any other athletic endeavor (a real bullshit word if you ask me, but I'm full of bullshit, so I'm using it anyway).

From the opening quote, you probably already suspect that I'm going to suggest the second definition is in some way more useful than the first. Well, that depends. Maybe what you've always got is just fine with you. Nothing wrong with that, especially if what you've always got is already really good (I really use "really" way to much). Or maybe you just enjoy the process. That's probably good. Focusing on results, or a lack of them, i.e. "what you've always got" can make you miserable. Or just keep you miserable. Some people are just miserable. Just enjoying the ride rather than worrying about the destination has its advantages. You can decide which is best for you.

Either way, if you're going to "train," it might be a good idea to consider the purpose and then make sure you apply the correct definition to your plans. Where do you want to go today? Or more importantly, where do you want to be tomorrow? If it's someplace new, perhaps you need to think different. Yeah, that was lame. At least I didn't try to work "may the source be with you" in there.

The road season is just about over around here, but we've got this big cyclocross mania that still hasn't subsided all that much, so it's the start of the season for some people. Cross is one of those things you have to "train" for, so what's it going to be? Will you stick with "but I've always done it this way" or will you try something new, or at least different? "Training" your strengths is fun, at least for you. That's probably how they got to be your strengths. Fun is good. Focusing on your weaknesses, not so much, but if you want to improve, just do it. Because you suck. Thanks for reading. Sorry about the abrupt end.