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 I
started racing in 1983, and rode through until 1994, when I retired, due
to being totally exhausted! Maybe I should have taken a day off sometime
in
the previous eleven years ? During those years, I rode mainly time
trials and
road races, with a modicum of success. Training mainly consisted of
long,
unimaginative rides, and hard races. I won a few road races and time
trails, and
tried my luck in France, where my lack of speed and talent was cruelly
exposed. I shelved my plans for the Hour Record, and returned to
Britain,
slower,
and none the wiser.
I came back to cycling a few years ago Clearly, I hadn't learnt my lesson
the first time ! A few good rides in my first year served to whet my
appetite for racing, but I haven't really progressed as I had hoped.
Hard training wasn't enough, it seemed. By October 2007, my
enthusiasm was rock bottom and my morale was shot. I'd had enough.
The elusive 19 minute ten has proved more elusive than I had
imagined but I have complete
confidence that
Johns
training will bring me the fitness and form to go well under twenty
minutes. I
already feel stronger and faster. He doesn't know about the attempt
on the
Hour Record I have planned for next year. I'll wait for a good time
to tell
him....
In my spare time, I fiddle with my bikes. But I think we'll keep that
amongst ourselves, please. Archaeology was always a passion, and while no
longer
my
job, I still keep a strong interest in it. Plenty of other interests, but
none that are interesting enough to talk about. At least, that's what
everyone
tells me. But they're just jealous !
I like the way John interacts with his riders. And his training plans are
imaginative, making perfect sense. I only started with John in November
2007,
but his attitude, enthusiasm and intelligence really stand out. I enjoy
the
sessions, even the nasty ones. I know they are doing me good ! He seems to
have
an instinctive feel for training, although I have no doubt of the long
hours
and hard work that have aided him in that feel. Like carbon fibre,
speedplay
pedals and AX-Lightness saddles, I tend know when something is
'right'. And
John Morgan is 'right'.
My morale is restored. I am keen and excited about next season. I can't
wait. Bring it on !
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