It's that time of year again isn't it...relatives coming round, lots of food. Seeing old friends, lots of food. Having a break from work, lots of food...and did I mention lots of food?
Yep, I love Christmas. It still brings the kid out in me and I guess having children in the house just gives me an extra excuse to get in the spirit. The down side though is the food. Lots of it. Too much of it.
Now I'm a committed person. I'm sticking to my training to the letter. I'm losing weight by the hand full (1.5 stone lost so far since hitting the bike again) but this time of year does offer so much more temptation to lead us astray. Just last night I was at a client's Christmas party complete with 5 course meal, chocolate fountain and alcohol aplenty. It was torture (sorry Mrs Client if you read this....I only mean the food...the party was great!). I resisted completely though and I feel so proud of myself. Little things and all that.
However it is these 'little things' that matter on a challenge like the one I'm embarking on. Controlling the diet, training wisely, staying motivated...all important and central to my success but the often overlooked little things are just as important.
By this I mean challenging myself to improve, little by little, in areas I know I have weaknesses in. I could get deep here and say that this applies to all walks of life and all situations but let's keep it to the training. Psychotherapy sessions are extra! :-)
Last week I was lucky enough to be up in Sheffield for the launch of the new Steve Peat Syndicate team. We all met at Hallam University and I witnessed the team of 13 riders being put through their paces in the gym and learnt SO much about sports science and correct training techniques in the process. The main man Peaty was there, overseeing and getting to know his new recruits as well as leading the way in all the challenges and discussions. Dave from 'Dave's Gym' at Hallam (I think he might be the only one who calls it this by the way) was running the gym session and I have to say he was one of those inspirational characters you really want in your corner when the odds are stacked against you. A very motivated and motivating guy indeed. Anyway, Dave and I had a long chat about the challenge I'm about to undertake and he came up with some pure gems of wisdom and motivational techniques. But then, on the way back to the train station, Peaty talked about something I had seen him discuss in interviews before that really hit home....the 1% rule....and this is where my 'little by little approach' now comes in.
In short, it's all about the 1%s. If you know you have a huge challenge in front of you and it seems daunting...break it down. This way it's less fearsome and becomes more achievable. For me I know I need to improve climbing technique, tackling switchbacks at speed and general nutrition to name but a few. So instead of worrying about the huge overall improvements needed I now aim for a 1% improvement in each area every day or every time I ride. Over time, the 1%s add up without you even noticing and you have improved dramatically as a result. It sounds obvious, but it really works. Avoiding the chocolate fountain and alcohol at the party was my 1% for yesterday with regards to nutrition...I did it...and it feels FANTASTIC! Try it, you'll be amazed.
So tip for the day over, what have I been up to in training? Well, Jenny's plan is working a treat. I cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone looking for fitness training and guidance from the best in the business. Still very much in my base period so lots of churning out the miles in low heart rate zones with a few interval sessions thrown in. The Tacx Fortius is great fun (really? 'fun' and 'turbo' in the same sentence?!). No, I'm not having a laugh..it really is. How I ever used a turbo before I don't know...this one comes with on bike entertainment and the 'Training with the Schlecks' DVD is quite amusing...well it is when the competitive urge to overtake them hits you. IT'S A DVD. YOU'RE FOLLOWING THEM. YOU CAN"T OVERTAKE THEM....but I try all the same.
Away from the bike I've been concentrating on core exercises and some mild cross training in the gym as per Jenny's instructions. As much as I hate doing planks, I have to say I'm noticing the improvement in my core strength whenever I do one so they're not only good exercises but good improvement yardsticks too.
Away from training, the bike selection is complete and flights are being booked....and this will form the basis of my next blog...bikes and the challenge ahead of me. What is it? Who am I doing it with? All shall be revealed after Christmas....both here and in a rather well known mountain bike magazine and website. It's big, it's daunting and it's not that far away now ...but it will be worth all this hard work in training a hundred times over I am sure.
For now, I'll get in the mood with AC/DC and some 'Highway to Hell'.... now there's a hint if ever I've seen one....
In the mean time, have a great Christmas and New Year and snow or no snow, stay motivated, remember the little things and just keep on riding!
Cheers
Mark
