The Athlete of the month award has been designed to highlight the hard work and determination of athletes that I coach. With a £20 wiggle voucher on offer each month then it can be a little incentive to help keep athletes motivated
This months winner is……
This months award goes to Kerri Anema who is part of the Ride Harder Academy.
Although Kerri is new to cycling and structured training she has smashed it since starting the academy! It just goes to show that you can be a beginner but still get to grips with the technology needed. Never wanting to miss a session Kerri has shown fantastic compliance to the sessions on the plan and this has been rewarded with an increase of 6% in the first two months. Kerri has also shown the benefits of an accountability buddy and how this helps both people stay focused! Even punctures are no problem now!
Name: Kerri Anema
Occupation: Sports Massage Therapist
How long have you been cycling and what got you into it? I had “a go” last summer and was terrified! So really this year is the start for me……. I’m still slightly terrified. My accountability buddy was definitely a driving force in getting me on the bike along with my family who all cycle….. to fast for me!
What’s your dream bike? I have had a new bike this year and just getting use to it, I love it now that James has done the bike fit with me. I’m not sure I know enough to have a dream bike yet, but I’m sure I will.
What are your goals for 2021? It would be great to achieve a challenge, maybe a 100! Oh goodness if I write it I feel like I’ll have to do it 😬. As I get more confident I think something abroad would be good.
What is your favourite training session on the Ride Harder Plan? I love a Tabata session, short sharpe efforts.
Favourite cycling/training quote? Cycling releases a chemical that makes you feel utterly smug and superior for the rest of the day 🤣
What’s the best piece of equipment you have purchased to help you improve as a cyclist? The new bike has made a massive difference but also the turbo is great and getting it set up indoors, I’d always moaned about it with my family wanting one indoors……. different story now I need to use it! Not having to take bikes on and off takes the hassle and excuses away.
How have you improved since being in the academy? The academy has pushed me way more than I could have achieved without following a proper plan. I would have no idea how to train. I am definitely feeling more confident, feeling fitter and thinking about fuelling for fitness is having a very positive impact. The academy offers something for everyone, from absolute beginners like me to those that have experience and take the training to the next level.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting structured training and how have you overcome it? Fitting sessions in was something I really worried about at the start, but the best advise James had was to plan at the start of the week. My working week is irregular but I find that I want to fit the training in so I make time and plan as much around it as possible. I actually get quite annoyed now if I miss something and have to catch up on a session. Oh and the tech! That’s been a massive hurdle, without my buddy I would still be holding the turbo plug in my hand, wondering what to do. Sharon has got me out of bother with tech and my first puncture and so much more besides.
What one bit of advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their cycling? Definitely join the plan, commit to it and make time to plan in sessions. Having an accountability buddy has been the most helpful part for a newbie like me. I am absolutely loving the academy training …….. well most of it!
