In training and competing there will always be highs and lows. The thought process of an athlete either goes something like this: “wow everythings going so well, im so strong and fit, im unbeatable!” or “urgh, i am so slow, i'll never be as good as i used to be'', finding that middle ground is practically impossible. Recently I've gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, this is no call for attention, it's simply just how my last few months have played out.
After the first MTB race I had that ‘unstoppable’ feeling, I had a solid ride and was just generally excited to be back to it. Getting to race every weekend for two months and see all my mates again seemed dreamy but unfortunately it's been a bit of a slow downward spiral until eventually I just couldn’t take the pressure I was putting on myself anymore… I really needed a break! There are many many reasons why things slowly started to go pear shaped to where I was eventually questioning myself “am I actually still enjoying this?” ,not a point any athlete wants to get to. I was close to being the fittest and strongest i’d ever been but something wasn't right, why were my performances still so off? I didn't keep these thoughts to myself either, I'm not very good at staying silent so I was constantly questioning my coach, parents and friends. I still cannot pinpoint one stressor but some definitely included:
Back home now and after two weeks off training I have just finished one of the best weeks of training i've done in the last few months, no crazy statistics or any QOMs to show for it but despite feeling horrendously sluggish at the start of the week I really did enjoy going out on my bike. I am genuinely excited to build my fitness again, starting afresh with my focuses on the Cyclocross season :)) Thanks for reading Amy :) x @pedalpotential @montezumasrace
1 Comment
6/28/2021 03:04:13 pm
Sometime you have to stop. Reset and then fall back in love with riding. You have to ‘re-feel’ what got you ‘there’ in the first place - then you can rebuild. You ‘do it’ because you want to and it is fun. 2020 has been pants but like everything we tend to adapt. I hope you feel ‘better’ don’t go chasing numbers too quickly. ‘Feel’ you’re getting better at riding your bike first - then nag your coach to get you ‘back’. Good luck!!
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