You made it through the holidays to January 2014 without to much interruption. I hope! As we enter the New Year and a new cycling season, our goal is to become better cyclist and to win more races. Although I’ve been at this for a long time, I still think about the magic pill. In 1966 I found myself asking lots of questions but getting very few answers. Years later, as a coach, it became clear. I discovered the magic pill wasn’t a pill at all.
Let me continue by saying the magic pill isn’t magic at all. It’s all the little things we do that add up to being our best on our bicycles. It begins with patience. We’ve all heard the phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, I’ve got news for you, great cyclists and competitive racers aren’t built in a day either. There is a long list of accomplishments you must make to become a pack rider, and to win races. These things take patience, effort, and lots of hard work. I think the word I’m looking for here is “dedication.
First and foremost it’s about what we do off the bike. Small things like maintaining protein levels, proper nutrition, stretching and adequate rest. If you’re not getting enough protein, warming up those muscles or getting plenty of sleep, most of your efforts on the bike will be in vain. Once you’re healthy, well rested and warmed up, your ready to get on the bike. Proper training begins with a coach you trust, one that will design a program specific to your individual needs. The cyclist coach relationship is an important one. A good coach will guide you through the program while holding you accountable. Listening, evaluating and motivating are other key traits you’ll look for in choosing a coach.
As you begin your 2014 training program keep this in mind, diet, protein, hydration, sleep, proper stretching, low stress and time management affect each pedal stroke you make. It all adds up – taking care of your body, learning from the right coach, maintaining the motivation to train regularly, leads to winning races. What should you avoid? Over training! If you are crash dieting and over training you can count the season gone till next year; in other words ride to build skills and develop as a cyclist, in lieu of pushing through a work- out just because.
Remember, no one gets better in a week or a month. If this was the case everyone would be racing a bicycle. Cycling is a hard sport, but if done correctly it can be one of the most rewarding sports at all levels. The racing season is right around the corner. 2014 is up to you, it’s your decision –keep moving forward step by step, workout by workout and day by day. Remain patient, stay focused and you will achieve your cycling goals!
What’s the magic pill? Dedication to the sport of cycling, and lots of hard work; sounds like a pill I’m willing to swallow, how about you?
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