Preparing for a 1000km endurance bike race
This mornings task; whilst the kids lay in bed was to start working through my plan and preparation for June's 1000km 3.5 day Solstice Sprint.
I have 6 months.
I've been thinking on it but I need some deliberate action - why? Simply put - if I don't treat this seriously; I'll fail and failure in this ride could involve effecting my physical or mental health - at its worst - or not finishing in the 'time limit' at its 'best'.
I prefer to start going big picture first; considering all the stuff I need to think about and as I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel - more improving what's been there before (if needed) - I've gone straight to the amazing Endurance athlete @seanconway's 11 pillars of endurance.
I've always believed in seeking out the expert and listen to them👇
The First Stage - Sean's 11 Pillars of Endurance
Planning
Experience
Fitness
Health
Nutrition
Hydration
Sleep
Muscle management
Motivation
Community (Including Family and Relationships)
Discipline
I've also added a 12th… Work
Work being successful means I can take the time out and juggle the training and prep itself.
My second stage - A team
My second stage is to ask myself what does this high level view make me realise I need?
As it is so often; I realise it's a team.
In the past I've been lucky enough to have had one. Now I've realised I have to build one.
The good news is that I've already started (as well as having Sean C); I have:
My endurance cycling buddy @jason.hayles for motivation, pragmatism - sh*t loads of endurance riding experience and best 'matery' - he knows me better than most; on and off the bike
@joe_staunton of @ceyresteperformance looking after - Cycling Fitness, strategy and nutrition cover-
@jackpickfordjp looking after Strength and conditioning
Bike set up @dcdoestri of the @sportsperformancecentreiow
Bike servicing, parts and maintenance by @adriansbikeshop
The bike itself and ongoing motivation and support @northroadcycles
And
Then there is Liam the organiser and general all round legend of the Solstice Sprint Race itself - to update me (and everyone on the race) and how to approach it via an introduction to James @jrg106_ and @altafhussainr
Myself - I need to be my best friend in this process.
Still to enlist
As a result of doing this high level overview of things to consider I also recognise that I need:
A sports psychologist - I've messaged one I've worked with before and who was involved in my performance coach training
A project manager - I'm thinking on this - I know some great ones
Friends - to accompany me on the journey to the race
Friends - to keep me motivated through all the training and to celebrate with at the end.
My friends won't all need to be cyclists - @colinbanno is a marathon runner and running fast packer @stevemessr but some like @andyhoath and @anthonydonohue ultimately will.
I'll also need my friend and spiritual guide @daljindersidhu - he doesn't know it yet - he does now.
Now that feels like a weight off. What a team.
What would you add?
I've a very long list and set of tasks an needs to add to the spreadsheet based upon Seans 11 pillars but I'd love to hear your thoughts - what would you add and which mental health charity would you do this for?
I'd love to hear from you - people mentioned too - in the comments below
Stefan
By day I'm dad to Will, Vera, Isla and Oliver and an Executive Performance Coach helping good people lead great things at stefanpowell.co.uk. I'm also the founder of the award winning The Freshwater Coffee House, an award winning musician, artist and gallery owner and friend.
