Reply To: pressure or fun?

[rmap01 ✓ supporter]

To me, this comes down to what your goals are. I think the vast majority of recreational riders do it for a mix of fun and fitness. (Highly) competitive people, however, may have additional motivations. I know people that race and they stick to a pretty hardcore training program. For that group, sometimes you just have to put the miles in or go hard certain days because that’s what your training plan requires. I’ve seen guys do hill intervals (and I can tell you it’s not fun). But even beyond the racers, I think it’s healthy to push yourself from time-to-time. The main thing I like about Strava is the ability to compete not as must against others but against your (younger) self. I wouldn’t necessarily consider it “pressure” but when you push your limits and take yourself out of your comfort zone you’ll get great satisfaction from the improvements you make.