Mount Greylock Time Trial

The 9-mile Mount Greylock Time Trial has a little bit of everything. Big walls, fast rollers, punchy steep bits, and an unrelenting ascent to the highest point in Massachusetts.

Most of my training is easy and repeatable and well within my capabilities. Very rarely do I give a true 100% effort. Even in hard workouts I try to leave hold back and leave something in reserve.

Still, every once in a while I like to do something that empties the tank, or what Steve Magness calls a “see God” type workout or race.

It might sound strange, but one of my favorite feelings is arriving at a finish line completely depleted, knowing that I held nothing back and gave it my all from start to finish. Whether that’s for 5 minutes or 5 hours, nothing compares to holding a big effort at the edge of your abilities and resisting the urge let up, despite the screaming in your mind and legs.

There is also a little sadness when it is over, when the heart rate settles and the clarity of thought returns. Despite fighting so hard to get to the finish line to put an end to the pain, the truth is I never feel more “alive” than I do when I’m in the midst of extreme discomfort and pushing my body and mind to the limit. It seems like an eternity in the moment, but it’s over too soon, and leaves me longing for that feeling again.

Thank you to the Northampton Cycling Club for putting on an amazing event. I’m grateful to be physically capable and healthy enough to train and test my mind and body in environments like this.