Pedal like a Pro. Be Cycle Confident

0
3071

So let’s explore the possibilities of ensuring that you’ll be able to sustain a good level of confidence and a sane mind before, during, and after those rides that we deem daunting.So let’s explore the possibilities of ensuring that you’ll be able to sustain a good level of confidence and a sane mind before, during, and after those rides that we deem daunting.

One way is by talking to oneself, you know that little voice in your head. One should learn how to recognize how those voices are behaving; perhaps you are tired, nursing an injury, or just burned out by the stresses of life. This poor riding leads to negative self-talk: I’m not feeling it. I can’t hang with this group. I’m done. You are becoming your own worst enemy. Telling yourself you hate climbing hills or mountains never works.

You can only be good at things you love. Learn to put some enthusiasm into your challenges. You’re better than you know.

So how do we brush that little devil off your shoulders?

Now recall when you have been really confident in your cycling. Your self-talk is positive: I’m riding really well. I’m prepared to have a great race.

You are your best ally on your bike. With the positive self-talk, you begin an upward spiral of confidence and riding in which positive thinking and more confidence leads to better riding, and to even more positive thinking, even more confidence, and even better riding. Affirmations can do great wonders!

Here are some examples:

  • I love the challenges cycling throws at me.
  • I am committed to giving my best effort in every thing I do.
  • I think and speak positively on and off my bike.
  • I give 100 percent focus and effort when I train and race.
  • If I focus on riding my best rather than winning or losing, I will succeed.
  • I am light, fast, and steady.
  • I am awesome when I climb up hills.

Besides mentally psyching up yourself, you should also do the groundwork.

Practice and train your technical skills, your fitness capacity; go for more races and events.

Organize, plan ahead, what would you normally do on days leading up to the challenge?

If you still find it hard to trust your own abilities, you should work on it.

Find ways to stay relaxed. Challenge yourself; that’s when you’ll get the chance to better prepare your body and mind. As you grow wiser, so does your confidence in handling difficult situations.

Just like anything else in this world, your skills, fitness, mental strength, and confidence require patience to cultivate. Many people, not only cyclists, think that confidence is something in born. In reality, confidence is a skill, much like technical skills such as cornering, balancing, or riding fast near others.

Remember, Confidence is a Skill.

As Earl Nightingale once said, “We become what we think about most of the time.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here