I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, even when I know I’m not good at things, it doesn’t put me off one bit. Is it strange that I’ll enter a race even when I know I’ll come near the bottom of the pile, that I’ll do things I’m hopeless at without caring a jot? When I tell people what I have planned, ridiculous things sometimes, they often ask me why I do it. It is odd that I just thrive on challenges, rather than accomplishments?
Who knows the reason, but whatever it is, I found myself saying yes when London Cycling Campaign asked if I’d like to ride the London Revolution, a 180 mile, two day cycling event. I said yes, even though the most I’d ever ridden was 50 miles, I said yes, even though I don’t have a road bike. And I said yes even though I wasn’t entirely sure I could do it.
That was two months ago, when full of spark and vigour about the ride ahead, I eagerly downloaded the training plan, positive that this time I would actually train for the ride. For no one can ride 100 miles in one day without training, can they?
The first week of training went swimmingly, I easily fitted in the required training, enjoying slow, long, easy rides at the weekend, and intense bursts of interval training during the week. I thoroughly enjoyed making time for training, as I love riding my bike, whatever the circumstances. I even squeezed in a couple of spinning classes. But then life got in the way; I had way too much work to do, a magazine to produce, articles to write. (I also had to go climbing, surfing, ride my BMX, play with the cats etc, but that’s another matter).
So here we are, several days from the ride, and I haven’t done the training. How will I cope with riding 100 miles in one day, sleeping in a tent and then cracking on with a further 80 miles, including a trip up the infamous Box Hill? My will is strong, so even if my legs aren’t, maybe, just maybe I’ll be ok. As long as there isn’t a head wind! It’s a shame, because honestly, I love feeling my body getting stronger, I love getting tougher and faster, I love exercise, I actually enjoy putting the work in. I just never seem to have time.
Just how do other people manage, do you have to put the rest of your life on hold?
