dilemma

The problem of the dilemma has long been discussed. Beginning with the classic Greek philosophers, the dilemma has presented the specific problem in decision making. Robert Pirsig, in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, presents the dilemma problem as a metaphorical bull that elicits a response. This bull presents three classical metaphorical responses, you may throw sand in the bull's eyes, you may sing the bull to sleep, or you may refuse to enter the arena. (All metaphorical responses of course.)

If you prefer, the dilemma can be expressed with logic as well.

Constructive dilemmas--

1. (If X, then Y) and (If W, then Z).

2. X or W.

3. Therefore, Y or Z.

Destructive dilemmas--

1. (If X, then Y) and (If W, then Z).

2. Not Y or not Z.

3. Therefore, not X or not W.

It seems Spring, with its inconsistent weather, always presents a specific dilemma for me. Saturday, typically, is long ride day. There are ways this triathlon culture works: Friday - Long Swim, Saturday - Long Ride, Sunday - Long Run. It is just the way it is. Saturdays all through the spring come and go, each with its own meteorological conditions, and each condition presents me with the choice of riding outside or in.

Last weekend I checked the weather for the next. It said sunny and 60, perfect Spring riding conditions. As the week progressed, those sunny days moved to Thursday and Friday, leaving the weekend awash in rain and wind.

I was planning on going to Dave's house and riding with him and other friends through the wilds of Eastern Multnomah County. This, however, seemed to be more and more unlikely as the weather reports progressed. Not only could I expect rain and wind, but also its bastard children wet chamois and frozen fingers. I knew the ride would be miserable.

I decided not to bear the brunt of this vicious weather, but in doing so I certainly sacrificed some gained fitness. Instead of 6000' of climbing, I rode the trainer for three hours with some interval work mixed in. Hardly, the effort I would have endured outside, but passable.

Therein lies the dilemma. What are the boundaries we place around our training? What is acceptable to endure? What isn't?

For me it was unacceptable to ride out to the Gorge in 30 mph winds. It just didn't seem like something I was going enjoy, it seemed dangerous on some level. So I took one of the bull's horns and lived to tell about it, but what did I sacrifice in the long run. I saved a couple hours of personal comfort and safety, but sacrificed some personal fitness.