Fear of Flying
As I sit here on a plane while returning from a business trip to Ohio, I realized that flying to me is similar to my training and athletic endeavors. See, I was always afraid to fly and when I first flew, I would get nervous and get sweaty palms and sick to my stomach. The same thing happened when I first started racing. As I flew more often, I realized that it was part of the journey. I learned to relax and take it for what it was, a necessary step toward my destination. Some things are out of our control, you need to get on and trust the pilot and the crew to get you where you're going.
This is similar to one's journey into an athletic endeavor. You may be apprehensive and nervous at first, but just hop on and enjoy the ride. You will experience new and exciting things and expand your horizons. Take it for what it is. With training and racing, you need to learn to trust your plan and your training. Put in the work and the time, and trust it to get you where you need to go. As long as you learn something from every race and situation, it's a worthwhile experience.
Even the destination is part of the journey, since when you get there, you start planning where you are going next. So next time your training or racing is not going well or you are having a rough patch, just remember, if you are on the right path, you will get there in due time. Enjoy the ride!
"I never look back, dahling. It detracts from the now" Edna Mode
Bill NehrBill Nehr is a former Category 1 bike racer, two-time Ironman triathlete, and certified USA triathlon and USA Cycling coach. He has also worked full- time throughout his athletic career and is a family man with 2 young sons. His approach to training is to bring real world training and racing advice to the cyclist and triathlete. He will bring his experience and those of others together to motivate and help you realize your goals through smart, simple and realistic training. Please visit www.bntcoaching.com for details or email wnehr@bntcoaching.com.






