The Journey of a novice to finish a cycle race
Carla had never done a race like the 94.7km before and only got a bike 10 weeks prior to the 94.7km! It was a daunting challenge for her but the best moment in life is living outside your comfort zone, adjust and take whatever challenge you have and make the best of it! She signed up with Dream Riders because she believes that you are blessed to be a blessing to others and support a cause like Reach for a Dream that is impacting many lives and bringing joy to the people who need it most!
If you are one of those people who always want to do the 94.7km or any race for that matter and always postpone the idea … then this Blog is for you!
It all starts only 10 weeks before Joburg’s biggest cycle race … THE Momentum 94.7. I hear an advert for the race. The thought crosses my mind, that every year I say I will do this and never sign up for it …’ and remembering the last time I was on a bike was a leisurely ride in Cornwall, England in 2011…scenic and slow…. but we are all allowed to dream!
“the decision to go into unknown territory”
2013, I decided was a year for change… I didn’t have a bike but the information search is on … I phone a friend to get them to join with me, It’s not until the next day,I decide to take the plunge! I sign up online … an easy process. No bike, no kit, and no plan yet, just a thought, an action and a commitment but I now I needed more motivation than that, so thought I can’t pull out is if I raise money for the Reach For A Dream foundation.
“You don’t have to be great to start… but you need to start to be great”
Signing up with Reach for a Dream was actually ironic because It was exactly that … “reaching for a dream”… and how much more motivation would you need other than for a charity that helps sick children fulfil their dreams! That feeling of helping someone else through your action, is still what inspires me and drives me. Now it wouldn’t be the same, if I never updated it on facebook! By letting others know of the commitment you are even more accountable for your words, it’s not just about talking but getting results. Remember that you will get support from those you don’t expect and the ones you do expect won’t always be there because sometimes your actions to move forward, will make others uncomfortable as you step out of the zone of the known, but focus on the ones who are there for you and you even make more new friends going in the same direction!
“You can start now, no matter where you have come from“
Just 2 days after the decision was made…you would think you would be highly motivated but in reality it wasn’t the case, I didn’t get up to be at spinning at 5am as planned… thinking “oh dear”, how am I going to ACHIEVE this goal without changing my habits? The doubts creeps in … but wait, not all loss, just recover quickly and make it happen by going to later that day! Let the journey begin … start from where you can!
“There is always a solution”
It’s the first weekend after the commitment! I wake up early and think …” right I am ready to go out on a REAL bike”, one I have borrowed (a racing bike) at this stage… to get the helmet out…dust it off … only to discover that the tires are flat … wow what a start! Off to the petrol station … when I get there, Ernest the attendant says, the pump is too big to fit the tires…Gosh! what next… he surprises me and is very innovative to fix what seemed like a problem … it works! No backing out that easily! Wouldn’t quite say beginners luck but happy to find a solution and I didn’t give up…amazing how people help you along the way!
“Get back up”
All inspired, my bike is ready! Can’t wait to start riding, get on the bike and I’ve almost forgotten, I bail so hard! LOL! Not sure whether to laugh or cry! I have to just get back up and on the bike … I get to the gate, I fall off again … this time on my other side (at least the bruising will be even) No more sexy legs this summer … just bruises. Thinking I could achieve this hmmmff … disappointed but continue! I go out gate and only around the block… It goes well! Then go round the block until three little dogs start chasing me… lol! What next but think baby steps and building confidence.
“Commit”
The next session, I question …”why did I sign up!”There were some tough days mentally … being an ordinary person setting a target not achieved before and my mindset is not yet where I want it to be so still doubts as I jog around the block trying to do some cross training, thinking just keep on with consistent improvement… I continue commit to the journey and remember the words of the instructor who said “you will never know how easy it is,until you commit” Next steps I go to spinning and then search for a training program online, and work out my training plan for the next 10 weeks to go, a good chuckle because they all 12 week long plans and I have 10 weeks left … of which two weeks of those, I am in France. ..”Should’ve made the decision sooner but I come across a refreshing read…”You can do more than you think you can.”
“you just need the perseverance and passion to achieve long–term goals.”
The quotes and books you read always say,“Have a strong WHY to get you through the journey” but it’s definitely easier said than done, when you experience the pain of preparation, I’m reminded of Matthew 19:26 at this stage “with man this is impossible but with God ALL things are possible”.
“ACCOUNTABILITY is Key! “
The days go on and wow, I can’t believe there is no hassle getting up in the morning, for that 5h15 class in the dark but a key is to get a training buddy to meet at gym. Realising this journey is 80 % mental and 20 % physical. Accountability is everything.
“Small steps daily!”
Achieved the day’s goal of getting more kit, bought glasses, padded cycle shorts = crucial! Always set up, daily smaller goals that will lead to your greater goal, along the journey.
“Surround yourself with the Best!”
A few weeks of training and getting into routine, I was most certainly getting fit and feeling strong! I decide to step it up a gear and went to HPC to surround myself with the best… getting the bike setup …and pre 94.7 preparation talk! Exciting times, ahead! Wow,it’s really true… just set a goal and don’t worry about the how… it will be there. Just start, when you start something just happens.
By this time … was out riding bikes at Groenkloof with friends who were extremely supportive and helped me with things like teaching me about changing the gears and just getting out there to have fun… It was a beautiful morning and saw giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and buck. A bike safari … was brilliant. The lesson here is that people will help you along the way and remember on rocky roads, just don’t lose control, if you prepare with foresight ahead and go fast enough and change your gears then you will get up the hills and do not lose momentum.
“Mindset shift!”
At this stage I am no longer thinking how did I get I myself into this but that I can finish the race! It was out of my comfort zone but loving it! Perspective! I entered my first 52km cycle race in preparation to get experience of a race day, and finished well! The most I’d done before the race was only 60km…
“Race day!”
The day arrives, what an exciting mental, emotional and physical journey toward a goal. Up early to get to the race with much excitement and all kitted out in the Reach for a Dream cycle top, and the day ended up being so much fun and such great vibe with crowds along the route, cheering “go stranger go” I ended up finishing 4hours 4o min. When 5 hours was my goal, I wasn’t stiff the next day… taking it easy leaving some room for improvement and yes you guessed it 2014 …you will see me there for another adventure in improving and maybe trying to ride with cleats this year!
The Greatest lesson from this is it’s always about who you become from the goal. It taught me a lot about myself and to believe you can achieve anything you commit to.
LESSONS ON THE BIKE:
- Always keep your chin up when tired
- Don’t stop …you lose momentum
- Don’t think too much. Just do it…
- Develop routine and stick to it
- Change your thinking, to change your habits
- Say yes when your mind says no
- Make the commitment
- Surround yourself with encouraging people
- Get a partner to train
- If you break a promise to yourself, don’t beat yourself up but rather recover quickly.
- Stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, you will be surprised at what you are capable of.
- Do something for a greater cause – charity/ purpose
The difference between those who dream and those who do is ACTION.
It all started with one decision, commitment and action. This was 2013 …
Fast forward to 5 August 2021.
Carla Wasserfall has finished two 70.3 Ironman distance events and two running marathons.
Fast forward again to 7 May 2022
Progress never ends, Carla Wasserfall has finished 100miler mountain bike race called Race to the Sun.
“You don’t have to be great to start… but you need to start to be great”
