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“It’s your road and yours alone; others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you” (Rumi)
Replace “road” and “walk” for “bicycle” and “ride” and you’re deep in cycling training territory. Yup, that’s what I always tell my young charges. It’s your bicycle and yours alone, others can ride with you but no one can ride it for you.
Also, would you let them do it?
Most of the fun in cycling comes from the freedom one feels when two-wheeling one’s way around town. I wouldn’t let anyone take that feeling away from me.
From the sublime to the platitudinous. I started this post with a quote by the spiritually-driven 13th-century (AD) Persian poet Rumi, and now I continue with a well-worn football cliché.
Of course football is a game of two halves. And occasionally, four halves, when there’s extra time. But when commentators indulge in this most tautological of peccadilloes, what they mean is that one half has been more exciting than the other one.
Similar to what happened to me recently when I worked at a school in Barnet.
Time.news Asks: Is Cycling Really a Game of Two Halves? A Chat with Cycling Coach, Amelia Stone
Keywords: Cycling, cycling training, motivation, personal growth, Rumi, football cliché
Time.news: Welcome, Amelia! We’re thrilled to have you share your expertise with our readers. This intriguing post titled “A game of Two Halves” caught our eye, drawing parallels between the personal journey in cycling and that classic football saying. What are your initial thoughts on this comparison?
Amelia Stone: Thanks for having me! I found the comparison quite insightful.The essence of the “game of two halves” cliché, that one part can be drastically different from the other, definitely resonates with the cycling experience. You might have a fantastic uphill climb, feeling strong and in control, but then a sudden headwind on the descent entirely changes the dynamic.
Time.news: The author starts with a quote from Rumi, “It’s your road and yours alone; others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you,” and then cleverly replaces “road” with “bicycle” and “walk” with “ride.” How vital is this individual ownership in cycling,especially for aspiring cyclists?
amelia Stone: It’s absolutely crucial. Cycling, at its core, is a very personal endeavor. You’re responsible for your training, your bike maintenance, your nutrition, and crucially, your mental fortitude. While group rides and coaching can provide support and guidance, ultimately, it’s your effort that determines your progress. New cyclists need to embrace this sense of ownership from the start. Nobody can magically make them a better cyclist.
Time.news: The post mentions the feeling of freedom that cycling offers. In your experience, how can cyclists cultivate and maintain that sense of joy and independence, especially when facing challenges like injuries or plateaus?
Amelia Stone: That feeling of freedom is a cornerstone of cycling’s appeal. To hold onto it, I woudl suggest focusing on process goals rather than just outcome goals. Instead of fixating on a specific time or distance, appreciate the ride itself. Explore new routes, challenge yourself with different types of terrain, and listen to your body to avoid burnout or injury. A cycling training journal is a great way to track progress while emphasizing the freedom that is present in each ride. Cycling offers many opportunities for personal growth. Don’t force things but enjoy your training and recovery process.
Time.news: The “game of two halves” analogy extends to training, where one phase might be focused on building endurance, while another emphasizes speed and power. Can you elaborate on the importance of varying training approaches?
Amelia Stone: periodization is key. Cycling training should be structured in phases. In the base phase, you build a solid aerobic foundation through long, steady rides. Then, you might move into a build phase, incorporating more intensity with interval training. The peak phase fine tunes your fitness closer to race day. It is also necessary to properly recover with active recovery sessions. A cycling coach can definitely help to maximize your training strategy. This cyclical approach keeps things interesting, prevents overtraining, and ensures that you are developing all the necessary physiological components for optimal performance.It’s like football, you need different players and strategies for attack and defence!
Time.news: for our readers looking for practical takeaways, what’s one concrete piece of advice you would offer to someone struggling to maintain their motivation and enjoyment of cycling, perhaps feeling stuck in the “second half” of their cycling journey?
Amelia Stone: My advice would be to re-evaluate your goals. Are they still aligned with what you truly want from cycling? Don’t be afraid to adjust them.Also, try something completely different; join a different cycling club, try a new discipline like mountain biking or cyclocross, or even just cycle to a new coffee shop. Sometimes, a change of scenery and a fresh perspective are all you need to reignite your passion. And remember Rumi – it’s your bicycle, and no one can ride it for you. Make sure you own your journey for maximum enjoyment!
