Natalie White wasn’t pleased with ending one of many hardest working races on earth twice, so this Sunday she goes once more.
It’s the ultimate week and as I put together for my third try on the Tor des Géants, a wave of emotion washes over me.
Nerves and anxiousness have crept in. They’re fueled by the recollections of previous races, the spectre of current setbacks and the wonderful ladies who I’ll race subsequent Sunday. Nevertheless, I remind myself that that is my journey, and my focus should stay alone efficiency, not on the competitors round me.
Having been on the course a number of instances this summer time, I’ve actually loved seeing the course in a non-race setting. The great landscapes are each awe-inspiring and daunting. Every stretch of path holds a reminiscence, a lesson discovered, and a problem overcome. A brand new journey awaits in every climb and descent.
Not all plain crusing, however par for the course
Preparation for the Tor des Géants has been a rollercoaster this 12 months. After choosing up an damage on the Gran Path Courmayeur, my coaching has definitely not gone as deliberate however isn’t that usually the best way with these massive desires.
Every day presents a brand new alternative to adapt and push ahead, whether or not which means adjusting my coaching plan or taking the time to heal. Through the years of mountain working I’ve discovered to roll with the punches once they come.
Because the race approaches, I do know I have to concentrate on the fundamentals: consuming, consuming, and transferring. These are my mantras for the race. Perhaps I’ll add smiling to the record as properly.
Staying fueled and hydrated might be essential to sustaining my power ranges. I’ve been honing my vitamin technique throughout coaching, experimenting with totally different meals and hydration strategies to seek out what works greatest for my physique.
Hopefully the climate is pretty much as good as this recce on the ultimate day. For the entire week even. Photograph: Natalie White
Retaining your head within the recreation
Equally vital is the psychological recreation. I have to remind myself to concentrate on the positives. Each step on the course is a step in the direction of reaching my purpose, and I’ve the expertise to attract upon from my earlier makes an attempt.
I’ve discovered that evaluating myself to others is a futile train; the Tor des Géants is a private journey, and I can solely management my very own tempo and mindset.
Regardless of the challenges, I’m genuinely excited to get again on the course. I look to seeing my crew at each alternative, Robbie Britton and Gary Home, to supply assist and high class banter. Properly, trying ahead to seeing Gary a minimum of…
