Losing Ground

I have to admit I had my ego smashed this morning and served up to me on a platter by my riding friend, Sarah. We haven't been able to ride together for a few months and when we last rode, we were about at the same spot. However, in the last few months, she has obviously been working MUCH harder than I have and she smoked me today on our ride. There was nothing pretty about the way I was riding. I was stinky, sweaty, huffing, wheezing (gasping at times) and my face was--I'm sure--a sweet beet red.  She kept her pace the whole time on the flats and the climbs and it was extrememly humbling as I dragged myself after her. My goal for next time? To get back to where I was so that we can ride together again without her having to wait for me and pretend that it was even a workout for her. Thanks for the great ride, Sarah!