Uncharted Roads: Pat’s Endurance Odyssey

/January 19, 2024

Endurance sports provides athletes new challenges and opportunities to push their limits. These uncharted roads are both exciting and harbingers of fear. Pat Spencer is one of those athletes willing to take on those roads. She is standing at the beginning of a journey that promises both excitement and uncertainty. Her destination: Rebecca’s Private Idaho, a challenging gravel cycling event spanning four days with three days of racing over the Labor Day weekend.

The Gravel Cycling Community Beckons

As the first article in our monthly series, “Enjoying the Journey,” we dive into Pat’s decision to take on this formidable challenge and explore the obstacles she faces along the way. From her initial motivation to race alongside friends in the gravel cycling community to the allure of tackling a stage race like never before, Pat shares her insights and reasons for choosing Rebecca’s Private Idaho. “I have other friends that are doing it, and usually the events I do, I kind of just go out and do on my own. And especially in gravel cycling, that’s kind of been it. And one thing I’ve missed in gravel cycling that I had in triathlon was my community of friends and my teammates. So when I saw a bunch of other people that I know were going to do it, I was like, this sounds like a good opportunity to go race with them,” Pat explains.

Confronting the Stage Race Challenge

The decision to embark on this journey, however, is not without its challenges. Pat reflects on her experiences, including facing the uncertainty of a stage race and overcoming setbacks in previous one-day events. “I dnf’d half the races I did this year that were one day only. Let’s do a stage race,” she boldly declares. Pat has a love of the fear of failure which is why this stage race is exciting to her. She explained that she will probably hate being alone on the single track but when it’s done she will reflect on her accomplishment. That reflection, according to Pat, looks like success and she will cherish it. The uncharted roads will be a memory filled with joy that she dove into the unknown.

Camaraderie Among Female Cyclists

In a thoughtful reflection on her endurance sports journey, Pat sheds light on the nuanced relationship between solitude and connection. For her, the allure of endurance sports lies not only in the solitary grind but also in the shared camaraderie with a community of women cyclists. She embraces the paradox of enjoying the solitude of her solo rides while cherishing the prospect of camaraderie, connection, and shared stories within a group that surpasses her own speed. Her motivation transcends the pursuit of medals. She has a desire to witness nature, engage with people, and, above all, challenge herself. The unique connection with her wife, who accompanies her on these races, adds another layer to her journey. This additional layer highlights the important role of support and shared experiences in her endurance odyssey.

Countdown to Rebecca’s Private Idaho

As we accompany Pat through her training and preparations, the series will delve into various aspects of her journey. From the camaraderie she finds in a community of female cyclists to the mental and physical challenges of training for a stage race, Pat’s story will be one of resilience and perseverance.

The Start Line: A Journey’s Beginning

Throughout the series, we’ll explore key themes like goal setting, navigating obstacles, and developing mental skills for endurance sports. Pat’s journey will provide valuable insights for athletes facing similar decisions and uncertainties. She will be shedding light on the grit and determination required to reach the start line of a race that seems just out of reach. Rebecca’s Private Idaho may be uncharted roads today but tomorrow they will be that path that Pat uses to enjoy the journey.

Jason Bahamundi Run Tri Bike Magazine Owner Triathlete Ultra Runner Trail Runner

Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run Tri Bike, is a passionate and accomplished endurance athlete dedicated to proving that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. With a background deeply rooted in the world of triathlons, running, and cycling, Jason has not only excelled in his personal athletic endeavors but is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive world of endurance sports. This led him to establish Run Tri Bike, a platform that serves as a hub for enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Jason's genuine enthusiasm for endurance sports, continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and embrace the transformative power of an endurance sports lifestyle.