Comments on: Mental Preparation for the Ride

By: Joel Phillips

Joel Phillips — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:52:00 +0000

I like that cycling refuels my power for positive thinking. In my life, days are more stressful and “things” seem to get to me if I can’t ride. I like how you split hairs Darryl, you chose the mountain bike over the roadie because you weren’t feeling the mojo, as I read the other comments I sense it’s important to visualise and wrap your mind around a ride. It’s almost as if you are all forgetting the most important part, HAVE FUN! Even the most seasoned professional athlete will say the most important thing is to relax and have fun. Use your mind to structure your schedule and training program, from there on out focus on fun. Maybe I am way off base here, but it seems to me when we start to impose constraints (this ride has to be this way) then it becomes less of a passion and more like work. After all, at the end of the day it boils down to did you ride or didn’t you…

By: Shawn McAfee

Shawn McAfee — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:56:00 +0000

Oh, and another thing. I find that the whole mental preparation part is an even bigger need for the off-the-bike world now. It’s become even more important for me to do some planning ahead for each days’ tasks. Otherwise I find myself floating aimlessly.

By: Shawn McAfee

Shawn McAfee — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:55:00 +0000

I know what you mean man. Lately since I “went pro” I find a lot more random gaps where I can sneak a ride in. But because they aren’t planned I just don’t feel the immediate motivation to really nail it down.

I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and planning out more rides.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:09:00 +0000

I’m still working on the visualization thing, Bode. I feel that is the best way to focus on what you want.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:08:00 +0000

Hi Zach, glad this caught you in time for your ride. How did it go after spending some time focusing?

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:08:00 +0000

Thanks Craig….I appreciate you commenting on this one.

By: Zach

Zach — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:14:00 +0000

I am just about to go out riding, but now am going to take a couple minutes to focus on what I want to do on my ride today first. Thanks for this reminder Darryl.

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:32:00 +0000

I try to keep my mind focused on my ride as well. I’m not sure if I go to bed thinking about it, but I do have it on my mind in the morning until I have completed it. Sometimes its a commute to work and sometimes its a training ride. Focus is key for everything.

By: Bode

Bode — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:29:00 +0000

I feel the same way. I have to have my mind in the game or I don’t perform as well as I know I can. I often visualize my ride before going out as well. It seems to help me.