Keeping thoughts on track was definitely something I had to do on the Wiggle New Forrest 100 mile bike ride last weekend.

I was signed up by a friend 6 weeks ago. So the training schedule was tight! Luckily I use to be a very keen cyclist, and when at University 20 odd years ago, I cycled everywhere. Even cycling across Germany to the Czech Republic to do the research for my dissertation as I couldn’t afford the flight! But that was 20 years ago, on a mountain bike of all things! Since then I got a bit more into running and neglected my lovely Kona bike.

I spent the last six weeks getting use to a borrowed road bike. A Ritchey Swiss Cross, for all you bike enthusiasts. Old school steel frame, which strictly speaking is a cyclocross bike, but its a beauty. Unfortunately I’m not allowed to keep it as it’s my boyfriends and he wants it back!

Race day, keeping thoughts on track

Race day finally arrived. We had to get up at 4.30am, have quick bowl of porridge, and then drive to the event to register at 6.30am. We were crossing the start line just before 8am. The adrenaline and excitement kicked in. And for the first 20 miles we were averaging 17mph. This was a bit too fast for me, I need a slower warm up, and I was aware of it.

Then it happened, at 30 miles I hit the famous wall. Now a 30 – 40 mile ride in training was a shorter ride, and I had another 70 miles to go! Shocking! The power felt like it had drained from my legs.

It was time to practice what I preach. And first thing on the list (after a sandwich) was keeping thoughts on track. So I did, I had a lovely positive comical interaction with a fellow cyclist. I started forcing myself to notice the beautiful countryside and wildlife around me, and focused my thoughts on the the fact that I actually love cycling!
It worked and before I new it I was at mile 50 really getting into my stride.

We finished in just over 6 hours cycling time, avg speed 15.6mph…
So the hunt for the next challenge is on – suggestions welcome… Focus is the name of the game!

If you have an event coming up or need help getting in the right frame of mind book yourself in for an Initial Consultation.