Perception and lessons learned

It's funny how your perception changes while evolving in this sport.  Some random thoughts while on my ride today.

• My average speed for my 'not too easy, not too hard' ride today was a struggle for me to average two years ago.  
• I will now ride in 38* AND SUNNY instead of riding 3 hours on my trainer.  A new record low.
• 6 months ago a 3 hour ride was an easy day, Feb. 2nd it felt like a 6 hour day.  And in 2-3 months from now it'll be a short day again.
• Foam rolling is a 2-3 day a week is a necessity.
• I thrive and excel in volume especially in swimming.
• I run better off the bike.
• Having power numbers/ranges to hit makes the bike go by so much faster, it's like a game.  Which in turn makes me work harder while I'm out there...I've had the Quarq for 1 year, see bullet #1...coincidence?  Hardly.
• Having a coach with high expectations makes me work harder.  A LOT HARDER.
• Having a coach who coaches other athletes in your area and AG makes me work harder.  Now if I could correlate that to the food side.  
• Having a coach who puts the 'countdown' to the next race in TP makes me work harder.
• Knowing I'll be toeing the line with the best of the best in Oct. makes me work harder.
• I fall in love riding my bike each time I'm out riding.
• My current weekly training volume is an easy week during race season, and 2 years ago the same volume was average.   
• I still get bitchy if I don't eat on the bike after 2 hours - regardless of the time of year.
• This may be my toughest year to date...I'd better find my big girl pants and hang on for the ride.