Isn't hindsight an amazing thing. So in that vain here are some quick hindsight learnings from my training for the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. The context here is that I am up to week 9 of my training and the body is starting to present a few niggles!
1. Bike Fit
My road riding bike is a flat bar road bike, purchased about ten years ago. It has had a great deal of 'time off' whilst I did my baby producing and rearing bit. I did have it well fitted to me when I bought it, so figured I would not need to take the precaution of having a professional bike fit prior to starting serious training. What I did not factor in was: 1. Woman's bodies change with babies (e.g. my feet are a full size bigger), 2. My husband had borrowed my bike and altered a few things, 3. There was a different saddle added somewhere along the way.
Hindsight: If you bike or you have changed, go for a proper bike fit.
2. Cycling shoes
My beloved ten year old, much travelled, cycling shoes were showing signs of age and wear. I boldly denied the need for new ones, applied some glue and generally ignored reality. The result: shoes literally falling apart 20 km into a 120 km training ride! Some electrical tape got me through the ride, and I had them repaired, but there was no denying the need for new shoes. Being tight, I bought some on sale, and was assured they would stretch. So far, not so good.
Hindsight: Buy the shoes that best fit your feet when needed. Get repairs done professionally before they become urgent.
3. Muscle balance assessment
As a regular gym goer whose training is broad and includes both strength and flexibility workouts, I figured I would be okay not not need a muscle balance assessment by a physiotherapist. My current niggles would suggest otherwise.
Hindsight: if you are over 40 and/or have had previous injuries, prevention is better than cure. Get an assessment done prior to the training season so you can work on any potential problem areas before they become real problems.
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