All topsy-turvy!

So there I was, having a lie down and relaxing, when I get a call that sends my heart rate shooting into Zone 4 plus.

'Are you interested in going to Baku, 2015 1st European Games for the cycling race?'

Um...Hell yeah!!

I'll be competing in a 120km road race - a 9 lap course around the city centre of Baku. Each lap has a nice big hill in the middle:

So, yeah my plans have changed quite a bit. For starters, I had to withdraw from the Luxembourg 70.3 as it is on the same day. But the Luxembourg race comes round every year. Representing Malta in a top level cycling race is quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Some changes to my training have been made - mainly a greater emphasis on the bike, especially to develop resistance to constant surges etc.

I'll also be practically racing every weekend from now 'til the Baku games. So it's an exciting time and a stressful one. Getting the recovery right and staying healthy are the keys. Sleep, stretching, mental down time, nutrition, massage... and of course here a worthy mention thanking the Malta Olympic Committee for the amenities available to national team athletes, especially physiotherapy and use of the gym. I am making full use of them.

How do I feel? Excited, scared, determined, terrified, looking forward, proud...yep a multitude of emotions (here's hoping I don't burst out crying on the starting line lol). I'll be there racing with some of the best Europe has to offer, such as current Olympic Champion Marianne Vos. It'll be an awesome experience for sure. I am therefore determined to do my best and to race as hard as I can.

In the meantime - a shout out to my sponsors BMIT Ltd, SmartLightSystems Co. Ltd and Mochika, for their understanding and encouragement at all times.

http://www.baku2015.com/cycling-road/index.html

Sportsmanship and mental strength.

My four-year-old daughter came absolute last in a little fun run last Saturday. She took it quite badly. Nearly a week later, she's still upset that 'that boy' beat her. I don't know which kid in particular she's referring to but nonetheless, it appears some sportsmanship lessons are in order. 

Katie wasn't too pleased at being beaten...

The reality is that even as adults, it is sometimes difficult to be a good loser. That competitive streak, the adrenaline rush and the fact that we're 'on show' makes for a frustrating moment. Similarly, being a good winner is important. Either way, acknowledging and respecting competitors is an integral part of racing. Without them, there would be no racing in the first place. 

We need to remember though, that racing has a huge element of luck. Things can and do go wrong. Appreciating this and preparing mentally for whatever may happen is a significant part of daily training. What do you do if your goggles get kicked off your face? Can you keep calm, and put your goggles back on? Or what if you get a puncture? Do you burst out crying? Do you know how to change a tube or tyre? A little thought and mental rehearsal can prepare for some worst-case scenarios - and that includes losing to a stronger athlete. Finish the race, congratulate your competitors and smile. It's not always easy, but it is necessary. Then go home, have a private cry if you must, regroup and focus on the future. 

Switching back to sportsmanship - the classic example is Rebekah Keat giving that CO2 cartridge to her biggest competitor, Chrissie Wellington, in Kona 2008.

Respect! Could you honestly do that? 

My little girl told me that 'that boy' won't beat her again. 'Are you going to train for the next race?' I asked innocently. 

'No, next time I'll use my bicycle!' 

Ummmm...