MM253

I have just returned from a 4-day trip to Mallorca, cycling. We (me and Tony) went to complete the Mallorca 312 which is a cycling event held every year. It comprises of 3 distances, 167km, 225km and 312km. As we had previously completed the 167km, we decided that this year we would do the 225km ride.

We have been training over the cold, wet and rainy months but probably needed to do more prior to this event. We arrived on Wednesday last week, picked up the bikes on Thursday and did a 3-hour ride to get the legs going. Friday was a day to organise fuel, clothes and rest for the big event the next day.

8000 riders lined up the following morning at 7am to begin their rides. We got over the start line at about 7:20am and the challenge began!

The first climb came after 25km and carried on until 55km (with a few down hill blasts in-between) from 100m to 515m and then up to 890m to the Coll Puig Major. Tony was looking strong and I felt like I was hanging on but we then had a lovely downhill stretch of 16km, which seemed to go way too fast!

After the downs came the climbs, it seemed relentless and after about 50 miles of riding, my legs felt tired and empty, and I still had 86 miles to go. Already I was thinking of changing my distance to the lower one, but that was the same as 3-years ago so no real development there. Tony still looked strong and I know that, mentally he will not give up, he would complete the 225. 

I had no choice, I had to get over it and ‘man up’ a bit. I brought my refuelling forward and started eating before I’d planned, it felt right and especially when Tony said “I’ve eaten all of mine already” That made me think I was being too rigid about my plan and needed to be more aware of changes required on the go!

After 30 mins, I felt fine, my legs were back and for the rest of the race I felt great. The hills still took their toll but I felt strong. We stopped at the planned aid stations, refuelled well and then set off again.

Finally we finished the race, another success in the bag.

It would have been so easy to give up, and change to the 167, but I didn’t because I had someone there who wouldn’t accept failure (without a good reason). As with all things, the support of those around you is vital to be able to push through the pain barriers, mentally or physically, and achieve great things. 

Thanks Tony, another milestone achieved together – whats next?

Who do you have to push you and support you when things get tough? How do you adjust your plans to maximise your performance?

Do you want Tony’s details? 🙂

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