21/01/2025
How to be an athlete for life, not just one good season- discussions with friends and my own case study ♻️🚀
I have decided to withdraw from my first race Saturday and postpone until the spring season...
My body is fit, but not as strong as I'd like, and I'm not in the headspace for racing. 16 year old me would've raced regardless and done myself some damage- mentally and physically.
The races are fast, in big groups, and there's no margin for error. I'm not sharp enough or ready for that right now.
I have spoken to friends recently who are excited to get back into their competition seasons and training but for various reasons (body, life, mind) something is holding them back. My answer; take the advice you would give to others. Is it a fixable problem? Then fix it. Do you need support? Then reach out. Does it just need time and a change of scenery? Then give yourself that.
With all the talent and work ethic in the world (which I know I have) you cannot force your mind or body into the right headspace if you just aren't there. Sport for life, being an athlete for life, means seeing the bigger picture. Being real about where you're at and the gap between that position, and where you need to be to come back stronger and winning, year after year.
Give yourself grace, and time, stop racing life and beating yourself up, so you can win when it really counts.
