Getting comfortable being uncomfortable

I tried out two new group rides this past week: Worlds and Meridian. I likely would have kept putting off these two rides if it hadn’t been for my Coach, Adam, scheduling it on TrainingPeaks. I had only heard the rumors of the intensity and extra testosterone one would find by joining the ranks. I could have wussed out, done a Zwift workout instead, and dealt with the consequences of Adam. Instead, I ponied up and showed up for an ass beating.

Why do I voluntarily show up to sufferfests and get my ass handed to me? Why do I do things that make me nervous and embarrassed and sweaty?

Because it makes me grow. I grow when I get out of my comfort zone.

We love our comfort zones. It’s like laying in bed, under a warm blanket, your pet snuggled next to you, it’s quiet and relaxing. Getting out of our comfort zones is when your partner rips the blanket off you and there you are: bare-assed and cold, struggling to pull the sheets back over you to return to your shelter.

I consistently step outside my comfort zone to make it bigger. The more I step out of it, the larger my comfort zone and the fewer things scare/intimidate/provoke me. I knew joining these two group rides would be uncomfortable: new crowd, new route, new level of effort. I didn’t know how I’d do. I assumed the worst, naturally, but I did it…