The awesome owner of this space, Victoria, is away for a bit and asked her friends to contribute a few guest posts. I am honored she asked, and I am more than happy to help out. Today I’m writing on behalf of The Diabetes Collective, a new blog from Diabetes Monitor featuring several great contributors.
On October 20, Victoria is participating in the upcoming JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Death Valley. She’s going to ride 105 miles in a single day, and she’s doing it for us. If you are able, donations are always welcome.
She has been working very hard on her training. She’s nervous about the ride, and rightfully so! This is a huge distance to tackle, and she’ll be pushing herself right up to her limits. But, I also know that she is ready for it, and she’ll be so proud of herself once she’s crossed that finish line.
I completed my own 100-mile ride earlier this spring, so I’m not just talking the talk. I worked through an 18-week training program (thank you Team WILD!) and learned some important lessons about myself.
I know Victoria has been doing a lot of biking in preparation for this big ride. She’ll tell you she hasn’t done enough, but I think she’s right on track. As I learned, all of this training is important for a handful of reasons:
- Building muscle strength and endurance
- Improving cardiovascular performance
- Learning how to manage blood sugars, nutrition and hydration
Although training seems to focus on the physical, Victoria’s training time also has been preparing her mentally. It is not just her leg muscles she’s getting ready; it is her mind as well. She’ll need to dig deep both physically and mentally to complete her ride.
Breaking through mental barriers
I wanted to quit several times during my training. As I pedaled mile after mile, my mind played tricks on me, trying to get me off the bike with doubt, fear and failure. But, I pushed through each time, erasing those doubts and fears one pedal stroke at a time. While I was training, I did not realize how useful mental performance would be.
I succeeded on the day of my big bike ride because my mental strength matched my physical strength.
Go Victoria! You got this!
Scott is one of the most amazing D-people I know! If you haven’t had a chance to read his work, you can find it here. You can also follow him on Twitter here. He lives life with type 1 and loves telling his story. He’s a blogger, speaker, writer, advocate and co-host for DSMA Live. His mission is simple — to make a difference and help others. Seriously, I love this guy. He’s such a great inspiration and an encourager! A few weeks back, I opened a letter from the mailbox to find a photo of me on a bike. He’d taken it from Facebook and had it printed on a card with an encouraging note inside. With this guy as my cheerleader, I’ll never fail! Thanks Scott!
Scotty J, you are a tremendous inspiration! I know that Victoria is going to do so well in just over a month, because I saw the way that you conquered the Twin Cities TdC. Victoria, you definitely got this! And if you ever doubt, just remember Scott’s tricks: “I can ride to that mailbox. I can ride to the top of that hill. We’ll see what happens when I get there. Hey, I can go until that next landmark….”
Scott — Victoria and I are planning on riding side by side. You can bet I’ll have this advice in my head. and Also teach her my “Scott Johnson Counting Trick!” Seriously — you inspire me. I hope I can be as stong of the mind as you were in your ride. I know my legs are ready. I know my lungs are ready. It’s my head I worry about!!!
Thanks so much Victoria! What a fun opportunity for me. And yes, you are going to totally rock this ride.
And thank you Jeff!
ScottyJ… awesome post to support Victoria… and Victoria, good luck in your upcoming ride!! You will be awesome, and it is so great that you will be riding in the TdC… one of my goals/dreams as well!! Can’t wait to follow you on this journey!