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 Mazz who is part of the Ride Harder Academy. Mazz is relatively new to cycling and has never done any structured training previously. She has shown great dedication to the plan completing sessions even after a very long busy day at work. It has been great to have her on board within the Facebook group supporting and encouraging others. Mazz has also increased her FTP by 14% in the first 2 months!
Well Done Mazz, keep it up over the Christmas period and don’t let all the hard work go to waste!
Name: Mazz (Marian)
Occupation:
Reablement Support Worker
How long have you been cycling and what got you into it?
2.5 years.. Hubby has done a bit of cycling and hounded me to join him. Eventually, I gave in and borrowed a mates hybrid bike. We rode for 9 miles and I loved it! Two weeks later I rode a 75-mile sportive…. I was hooked!! Hubby stopped cycling and I carried on. I enjoy the challenge and pushing myself to do better. I’m not fast, I struggle to climb but I always give 100%
What’s your dream bike?
One of these gorgeous Factor bikes would be nice
What are your goals for 2020?
I am off to Majorca again in March. Hoping for a complete Andratx to Pollensa route in a reasonable time. I’ve also entered my first triathlon!
What is your favourite training session on the Ride Harder Plan?
I’ve enjoyed the 5min intervals the most. Keeps me focused on the job in hand.
Favourite cycling/training quote?
In order to get faster, ride with people faster than your self.
What’s the best piece of equipment you have purchased to help you improve as a cyclist?
My direct drive trainer
How have you improved since being in the academy?
It’s the discipline and structure that gets results. I would have said “I’m too tired today” but now I get on with it. Accountability is key.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting structured training and how have you overcome it?
Time and tiredness. I work 14+ hour shifts and drive a lot of miles. I would love to train in the mornings but I am out the door at 05.15 to sort the horse out before starting work at 06.30. I also suffer from insomnia which doesn’t help. I have to move sessions around a bit. I work most weekends and have a Monday off so use this day.
What one bit of advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their cycling?
Join a club. Ride with a group that’s a bit faster than you so you push yourself to be faster.
