the more and more i am around cyclists, the more i catch myself staying stupid phrases, that are indiscernible to the normal ear.
this must stop!
i made a handy chart below - please read - and do your best to resume to normal speak. i will do my part.
What you say | What you mean | Example |
---|---|---|
"Refeuling" | Stuffing your face | Sometimes I even hear people use the phrase "refueling" when they aren't even cycling. If you go to the mall and stop for an Auntie Anne's pretzel, you can't really call that re-fueling. If you go on a recovery ride and stop for coffee and a pastry, that also is not refueling. Even if you are "refeuling" during a ride, just say eat. |
"Resting" | Being Lazy | "Rest day -- need to recover." One of my favorites. A great excuse not to do dishes, laundry, cleaning, take out trash, or take care of anything that really needs to be done. |
"Recovering" | See Above | See above |
"Need a massage" | I'm indulging | Does anyone ever really *need* a massage. Somehow when I took health class, I don't really remember seeing "massage" high up on Maslow's hierarchy of needs. |
"Can't ____ because of my coach" | Making a lame excuse | For real? How old are you? Is this like when you were in high school and your mom would say: "if you need an excuse at the party... you can always use me." No need to make your coach into public enemy #1. I'm sure he/she isn't a huge buzz kill. You're an adult - if you want to do something, do it. Tell your coach your schedule, that is what you are paying them for. If you don't want to go on a ride with your friend, just say it. No need to bring your coach into it. |
"Fuel up" | Eat | Are you a car? You are just eating. Just talk like a normal person and say eat. |
"Hydrate" | Drink | This one isn't so bad, but still, drink and thirsty are perfectly acceptable words in the English dictionary. |
"Bonked" | Sucked | Just cause you were stupid to not eat enough doesn't change anything. You still sucked. Own it. |
"Junior" | Teenager, Teen, Youth | Don't get me started on this one. Who uses the word "junior" other than an old man saying to his grandson: "hey junior, come over here." I don't know why the national federation decides to call 10-18 year olds "juniors" - but can't we just say what most people in society say... high schooler, middle schooler, youth, teen, etc. Nobody says junior unless you are 80. |
I am sure I can think of more, but let's first start by eradicating these from our vocabulary. That will definitely prove to be challenging enough.