It is the mindset..
Reprogramming your mindset is essential, along with physical training, bike preparation, race strategy, and anticipating the unexpected.
While I don't have a PhD on this, I'll share how reprogramming my mindset helped me overcome obstacles during the 151 hours of Race Around Rwanda.
So what worked for me?
When it comes to ultra racing it is about finishing the race irrelevant of where you are placed. I have seen or heard stories about top ultra cyclists scratching the race due to several factors, so when you are out there, be ready and prepare yourself for any surprises.
Hike a bike - not a taboo
On the day 3, we started our day with 15KM distance of steady climbing, though it was on a tarmac, it was tough followed by nice tarmac descents and a hard gravel climbing, my speed was 4.5 or 5kph if I recall, if i stop pedaling I would fall, decided to walk a bit however the speed was 3.5kph.
Coming from a road cycling background, i.e short and medium distance races, hard core group rides, walking with a bike is a big no-no or even considered as a defeat or failure (at least from my perspective).
There are some positive side as well, the moment I was off the bike, I had a tiny little break from saddle soreness, had a relaxed time to snack a bit more importantly a tiny little break without stopping for a break.
So hike a bike is not a taboo however it is a way to push your limits by conserving some energy and at the same time, keep moving forward 🚴🏾♂️💪🏻
Focus on what is coming in the next 100 or 200m
I know it is good to know what is a head of you but not in Rwanda 🤣 as it is always looooong ups and looooong descents… however limiting my view to 100 or 200m worked like a charm. Ultra-racing is dynamic, it is a different game altogether particularly for a newbie like me who was at the end of the pack. Fatigue creeped in on the second or third day of the race, started to battle within myself, long steep climb was the last thing I wanted at this stage. so started looking at what is a ahead just within 100 or 200m, literally tackled every 100 or 200m instead of looking at how steep it was.. When completion and finishing line becomes your only vision you tend to push your limits with whatever works for you….you are the student and your own master.. there is no handbook or one size fits all…
Stop taking too many decisions
There was one decision made at the start of the ride…i.e to finish the ride within the cut off time…but when I was on the course there were many thoughts of scratching or quitting or giving up however for some reasons I parked those negative thoughts for later to visit. Started referring to my cue sheet to be focussed on the cut off time. Every pedaling, every rotation mattered to me to move forward. Didn’t get involved in any decision making process when I was tired, when climbing or before steep climbs.. so separated myself from any negative emotions and stuck myself to one decision that was made “to reach the finishing line”.
Last but not least,
Ask for help
When I was down, when I thought I was done, I messaged coach Niel, as an experienced ultra cyclist and my coach he was there all the time to push me and uplift my mind. Niel’s messages helped me reprogram my perspective which was very pivotal to the finishing of my first ultra race.
Some of the key questions I asked myself are….
Am I feeling good?
Yes
Am I moving forward?
Definitely Yes
It comes with a caveat as well - whatever worked for me may not work for you - there is no one-size fits all - Pretty little cycling stories is all about those tiny little moments and sharing that experience that I enjoyed or conquered on the course.
Many thanks for your valuable time
Stay tuned and watch this space..