6 Things That Scared Me About Cycling (And How I Pushed Through Them)

The moment I crossed the finish line of my first marathon, I became a woman who had no fears (or so I told myself). I would tackle everything on my life's to-do list, like purchase a bike and enter the world of triathlon. I imagined myself on group rides chatting away with friends as I glided along my local trail. Then the fear I thought I had overcome bubbled up and said, "Nope, I'm still here!"

The voice in my head told me that running was easy compared to cycling. Runners keep their feet on the ground, placing one foot in front of the other. It's simple; unlike cycling.

I let my mind run away. The fear started as a small voice that got louder and louder as I piled on all the what-ifs: What if I fall? What if I crash? What if I am only meant to be a runner? What if I am not brave? What if anyone truly can do a marathon, but it's not the same for cycling?

These irrational thoughts kept me from purchasing a road bike for far too long. But once I bit the bullet and clipped in, I knew it was going to be close to love at first ride. That doesn't mean the fear wasn't there, it was, I just learned how to manage it.

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