Looking back at a Season for the Record Books

                Call it what you will, 2020 was one hell of a year. From the global pandemic forcing us to reevaluate our lives, widespread social reforms ushering in a new era of inclusivity, and a polarizing election which shook the very foundation of democracy… there have been huge transformations throughout this year. Fall brings about the time to focus specifically on how I have changed throughout the past months, both through athletic training, racing (or the lack there of), and life in general. It’s hard… no, impossible really, to separate the effects of the global conditions from happenings in one’s personal life. Everything is holistically connected, whether physically or psychologically, and necessary to take a broad look into how 2020 has changed me.

               What a season it has been though: zero real races, more physical and mental strain than I’ve ever endured, and countless lessons learned-about myself and the world at large. So where to begin? Well, maybe the most logical place to start would be the beginning.

 

Disappointment and Shifting Expectations

               It’s no secret that 2020 was a disappointing year. Yes there’ll be positives and life lessons to be learned in the future, but at the moment things kind of suck. There is no use denying the fact that I’ve been disappointed about many things throughout the year, between cancelled races, hiccups in the schedule, injuries, and excess mental stress there have been challenges throughout the journey. But one lesson learned throughout the 2020 experience is that this is a random world; things can (and will) change at a moment’s notice, and there is nothing you can do about it. So, the only path forward to keep ourselves from going crazy is to learn how to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. It’s a perfect opportunity to ‘be like water’ and succeed with whatever scenario the world decides to throw your way.

               If there’s a cancelled race à use the gained fitness for a challenge. Test yourself. Push your limits and discover that you’re more capable than you think. If there’s an alteration in the schedule à find a way to make do with what you have. Make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in. If you get injured à focus completely on recovery, or figure out what you can do and continue to improve yourself. There can always a possibility to become better; always a possibility to have a positive impact on training, racing, and life in general.

 

Be happy with what you CAN do

               There has undeniably been a lot of things taken away this year, no arguing that fact. Yet, so much still can be done, as well as opportunities which may not have existed in past years. Focus on the positives and what’s currently achievable rather than wallow in what has been lost and what isn’t currently feasible. Throughout 2020, I have been lucky enough to focus 110% on structured training, and not have the extra stressors involved with racing and traveling. While my coach and I did attempt to have certain ‘peaks’ in fitness throughout the season, these were specifically chosen dates which perfectly lined up with training blocks, work schedules, and weather windows. In a normal year, races happen on set dates, and while it’s is obviously possible to schedule a training season around these dates… it can be a bit of a hassle to make things line up perfectly. Furthermore, I was able to sleep in my own bed and establish a routine based around proper recovery after (almost) each training session and especially after mock race efforts. Finally, the added stresses (mentally, physically, and financially) of traveling to races were absent from the 2020 season. Worries about flight timing and whether or not the bike would make it to the destination in one piece were replaced with making it to work on time and if there would be time for an extra cup of coffee… in my opinion both drastically less-taxing scenarios. 2020 has been a year of “count your blessings among the shit.”

 

Improve. Improve. Improve.

               Never stop getting better, EVER. There is always something to work on and improve. What are you good at? Take advantage and hone these skills further. What are you less good at? Don’t shy away from them and simply rely on strengths to make up the deficit. We’re only as strong as our weakest link, and the true champions are well-rounded and able to take whatever is thrown at them. Actively run towards hardships and what sends a chill down your spine. Being uncomfortable and learning to control your emotions throughout this discomfort improves overall capability.

               Personally, here are the specific things I need to improve for 2021 (along with a plethora of other stuff… these just make it to the top of the list.)

-        Recovery. Giving myself the time and periods of inactivity to allow for full and proper recovery.

-        Putting up with shit conditions. Sometimes race day sucks. Deal with it.

-        Sprinting and sheer power.

-        Confidence. Half the battle is in your mind.

 

Trust the Process and Play the Long Game

               Nothing happens overnight, rather it’s the day in, day out grind which truly shows progress. On that note à every minute counts! Whether its specific interval training, base miles, or a casual ride with friends, learn lessons from each session on the bike, as well as throughout daily life. Every hour of every day can count for or against you in the long run. Stress is stress, recovery is critical, calories are necessary, and happiness is everything. Be sure to make the most out of every single day.

What you do right now, tomorrow, and the day after that all impact the future. Every action has a reaction and corresponding result down the line. Today impacts tomorrow, and this accumulation changes your life years down the road. Plan for today and look ahead to the future.