Why does pride trump better judgement?

I have continued to log a lot of miles and my plan is to reach 3,500 miles by the end of the year. This shouldn't be a problem; however, I believe I am suffering the ill effects of overtraining. As of Thusday evening, I had completed 123 miles for the week bringing my total miles to 2,344 for the year. I am progressing nicely to my goal, but I had to take today off because of EXTREMELY sore legs.

I have started riding with the cylcing group again. The group departs early in the morning during the week (5:30am or 6:00am). I have continued to ride my Cyclocross (CX) bike with my commuting gear, while the others in the group are on their fast bikes. I ride with the group for about 12 miles and then finish the remaining 8 miles by myself on my way to work.

Yesterday about 6 of the group decided to push hard and I followed. Because of my overloaded condition, I couldn't match the pace and I fell off the back end of the mini-peloton. I thought the slow group would be on my heels soon, so I started an easy cadence. After a mile or so nobody was behind me. I decided to just continue on my way to work. At Spring Road, there is a serious hill (at least for the midwest). I did my typical spin up the hill and I saw the fast group that formerly dropped me in the dust. I was so thrilled to be behind them, that I jammed up and finished in the lead on the hill. Hmmm...I wonder why my legs feel like they are going to fall off.

Well, I totally let my pride get in the way of better judgement and I have to take a day off of the bike.