Break it Down — Roadbook of Cycling

The imposing sight of a mountain looming on the horizon can defeat you before you've even started. It's the same when you load up a training session on Zwift and think:

“Fuck me. This is going to hurt.”

The mind is far sharper than the sword. So use it to cut through any self-doubt by breaking down the challenge into manageable chunks (apply to all aspects of life).

Here goes my process and inner dialogue:

I Load up today's session. It's only 75mins but with 40mins at FTP. "Ah fuck. Here we go again."

Warm-UP:

"This is free."

So I piss about on my phone and load up a playlist.

First 10min interval:

"This is still basically the warm-up."

My body is riding on autopilot. So, my mind starts to wander and process everything on my to-do list.

Second 10min interval:

"This is comfortable. No stress."

My subconscious keeps ticking.

Third 10min interval:

"This is getting uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle."

I slowly become conscious of my effort. So I turn up the music and tap away to the rhythm.

Fourth 10min interval:

"This is starting to hurt. The first 2mins are going to be fine, the second 2mins could start to burn, the third should be pretty toasty, fourth I might have to grimace, but the fifth, I have nothing to lose. I can empty the tank, and it's done."

I crank up the music up and let it distract me from the sensation of time and effort.

Then I get to the end of the final interval and go, "That wasn't so bad. I could go for another."

Once broken down, only 10mins of this 75min session are uncomfortable, and only 2/4mins hurt. Seems a lot easier now, eh?

My point is: "Don't let a challenge beat you before you've even started."

Secondly, If you don't fail frequently, then you probably aren't pushing yourself hard enough.

Take confidence in your abilities.

Download some of my Zwift sessions here.

G