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The planned bike ride over the weekend looked like it was going to be snowed off but, as the weather evolved, Sunday looked promising. We agreed a 07:45 meet for a 100 mile ride which is perfect for the stage of my training. 

I got the bike ready, the bike rack on the car, clothing sorted and nutrition prepared, on Saturday evening. I looked at the weather conditions and it looked like it was going to be ‘baltic’ and everyone else seems to be up for it – I was not! I was hoping there would be a flurry of snow again, to take the event off the calendar! It didn’t happen.

I woke at 06:00 to have my protein shake, toast and a cup of coffee. I got dressed and put the bike on the, frozen, bike rack and defrosted the car – it was minus 3.5 degrees. I checked the messages again to see if the guys had called off, but there was nothing, so I set off to the meeting place. 

The car was nice and warm and when I arrived at the RV I didn’t want to get out, but, as other riders started to ride, I thought “This is going ahead” and got my act together. I signed in and joined the guys for the start.

I have to say “It was freezing” the route was dangerous in places but we took it steady over the icy parts. The sun was shining and, the views across the New Forest, were amazing. I soon warmed up and really enjoyed the whole ride, it was fantastic and I was so glad I had got out of bed and made the effort. 

Sometimes, in life, we dread doing things so decide not to bother, and, other times we just get on and do it. Why it that? I know, for me, I need to make a commitment to someone else to get me into action. If I say I will turn up at 06:00 to go cycling, swimming (or anything really) I will be there. If I wake up at 06:00 with all good intentions of doing that on my own, I’ll go back to sleep!

It wasn’t always like that, but it is now! Motivation changes with age and I know what I need to do to get me in to action so put things in place to ensure I do what I need to do.

What things do you know you should do, or ‘want to do’ but don’t do? It could be getting down the gym, changing an eating habit, dusting off the bike, getting the walking boots cleaned up, repairing the fishing rods or even learning a new language.

Whatever it is, just find your strategy to get yourself in to action!

A friend of mine has told everyone on her Facebook that she is running 100k from London to Brighton and raising money for the Samaritans –  she has used her strategy to motivate herself and I know she will get into action and do what needs to be done.

Once you get started, it may take a while to warm up, but the experience is worth it – trust me!

If you don’t turn up or take a chance, you will miss so much…

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