Hi everyone, I haven’t posted anything in a while. But in these uncertain times, I thought it was really important to highlight how exercise can support us during lockdown and how I’ve adapted my training to ensure I still make progress without causing injury to myself or putting any of my family at risk.
So firstly, it’s been talked about for years about how exercise helps us physically and mentally, so right now it’s even more important to stay fit and healthy.
The Government have said that we can go out once a day for exercise, it’s really important that whilst exercising, we adhere to the social distancing directions and that we exercise safety.
As a cyclist, safety is always at the forefront of my mind, I’m an only child so when there have been close shaves (a car/lorry or bus almost knocking me off my bike) my immediate thought is for my family; despite, there now being fewer cars on the road safety is still my top priority.
A Helmet is a must ALWAYS and I’m very lucky to be part of Storey Racing and we use Kask for our helmets.
Another aspect of staying safe and healthy is to continue to train but without stressing my immune system.
As viruses are known to have post-viral consequences, not taking risks and pushing hard in training is best.
Also, because we don’t have a deadline for a race date as such, the lockdown is an opportunity to enjoy training for different reasons focusing on being outside and relaxed.
As the lockdown began I had just finished a block of training.
Now we are in this strange state of lockdown the next training block looks a little different, mainly in terms of where I ride and my gym work.
Although there hasn’t been a distance limit stated by the government, I am using roads that are really familiar – it might sound strange but on most of the roads I know every grid and pot-hole!
I’m not taking any risks when I ride either, so there’s no crazy descents or climbs.
There’s always turbo sessions, although these haven’t changed, I’ve been doing them outside on the drive or in the back garden; this just adds a different element to training, and means I’m outside enjoying the fresh air.
One area that has changed significantly is my gym work, with the beautiful Derbyshire Institute of Sport DIS.
Fortunately, Laura and James, the coaches, have been amazing and have adapted all my gym sessions to ensure they can be done at home.
We’ve made some equipment at home to help me where possible to carry on as normal, for example, we’ve made our own barbell.
Not being able to go to the gym has probably affected me a bit mentally.
For me, my gym work isn’t just about lifting weights and doing key exercises, it’s about being part of a group.
Therefore, recently it has been really important to stay in touch with the DIS gang and the Storey Racing gang; but even more importantly the road I live on has developed a daily routine that starts with a daily dance.
This really has helped develop a positive environment on the road, I’m restricted with my balance so tend to stay near something I can grab on too, but it’s so lovely to see everyone smiling and laughing.
I’m going to keep training and staying as positive as possible and be ready to race when it’s safe to do so. My family and I are following the Government’s guidance as are the team at Thorneycroft Solicitors and we hope you are all staying safe too!
To help you stay safe while you cycle I’ve put together a few tips and tricks that I use on my rides that you can view in the video below.
