Monday, February 18
May your LIFE preach more loudly than your LIPS.
With the start of
the New Year already drifting past us, the popular thing to do is claim
possession of it. Many people are letting it be known via Facebook, Twitter and
other social networks that they will be grabbing 2013 by the horns and taking
control of it. What a wonderful concept. Really, it sounds great in 140
characters or less. Maybe people think that writing out a statement for the
rest of the world to see will help those wishes come to fruition in reality.
Heres the truth- it is not going to be that simple. People
don’t just miraculously become suddenly stronger, faster, smarter or better
than they were on the last day in December. There will not be any miraculous
developments or new opportunities throwing themselves at you. Things will be
the same. Same job. Same issues. Same life. You are still the person who
vocalized your desire for change recently, but what you are DOING to make
certain those things happen is a whole different story.
So if everyone wants their piece of the New Years pie, how
can you actually guarantee yourself a slice. You have to realise that claiming
to conquer the world with no actual game-plan or aspiration is destined for
failure. You have got to dedicate
time and work hard to put yourself in a position to succeed. Those people are
at an advantage because the pursuit if their dreams is not postdated.
They are not waiting for a specific date, they are not
talking about what they’re going to do- they are actively going after these
things.
Being positive and wanting to improve is never something to
mock, but some people have turned it into an empty declaration. They say what
they’re going to do, seeking likes, retweets and temporary motivation rather
than making statements through their actions. If its not something you are
willing to do whatever it takes to achieve, eventually there will be some
roadblock reason to give up.
The New Year, much like the previous one, will have its
share of opportunities. If there is something, someone, or somewhere you want
to be, make progressive moves to ensure it happens. Being motivated at the
beginning of the year is a piece of cake. It’s the monotonous routines you
experience as you beat your craft that make a difference. 2013, much like 2012,
will be exactly what you make of it. Just know that there may already be people
several steps ahead of you, and embrace the challenge.
Personally, I cant wait!
A massive thank you to @bmc-sa for making it possible for me
to make the most of 2013! Also, to Redbull and Oakley for the individual roles
that they play.
Next stop, Sabie Marathon World Cup. Follow me
@candy_neethling for updates and keep reading.
Wednesday, July 4
Windham World Cup Thoughts over Airport Coffee
I write this from Vida at OR Tambo International Airport. My flight from New York landed hours ago and my patience is being tested by the frequent announcements of the future departure time of my flight to Durban. I am in need of a good shower and a home cooked meal. But sometimes these inconvenient situations force one do some useful things.
You can go read about my third place at the recent World Cup round in Windham, New York on any cycling forum, so I’m not going to bore you with a race report. What I do want to share is a bit more personal – how I got onto that podium.
The World Cup journey so far has been all about understanding and learning how to win. You cannot win if you don’t know how. And the only way to learn, is through experience. It’s a process in which you find the keys to each lock one by one. And it can takes years. One of my most recent and valuable discoveries has been learning how to approach a race in the correct mind space.
Anticipation or fear – that’s the choice you have before every race and I believe this choice ultimately determines your results.
Fear causes you to race with a defensive mindset. It prevents you thinking clearly before and during a race, causes poor tactical decisions, prevents quick recovery and contracts the muscles causing poor blood circulation.
For me then the best outlook is anticipation and excitement. This allows you to attack the race, instead of being defensive. When you’re filled with anticipation, it means you are competing with an outlook that says ‘I can’t wait to get out there and show them what I can do’ – while fear makes you think ‘what if I don’t win – what will my coach, friends and family think?’
But how do you just punch fear in the face when it is such a reality? One way is to emotionally pull back from the race. Being too emotionally attached is fatal. You spend so much time and energy obsessing about winning your race, that you actually throw away any chance you have of achieving your goal.
Instead, whenever you are off the bike, focus a little more on some other aspects of your life. Realise that this race is simply a part of your life, not all of it. This helps to put it all into perspective and shows that it really isn’t life-or-death! This takes some pressure off you mentally and allows you to race with more aggression and clarity of mind. This brings medals.
Bending your reality a little can also take some pressure off. As I always say to myself and others: ‘just pretend.’ Allow yourself to pretend that you are the favourite to win. Then race like you are. Or better yet, pretend you are the ultimate underdog and ride the socks off of everybody. Playing mental games with yourself works.
Focusing on the fun aspects of a race can also help, rather than worrying about all the things that can go wrong. Focus on the very reason why you race in the first place – because you enjoy it! See racing as a chance to reap rewards of hard work, not as an ordeal. We generally succeed at things we enjoy and fail at things we dislike.
Turn fear into anticipation, the scary ordeals into fun challenges to be conquered get perspective and bend your reality to better suit yourself. Your results will steadily begin to show the difference.
I’m looking forward to the next few weeks in South Africa in preparation for the Olympic Games. Keep reading for more adventures.
image: Chris Hitchcock / www.photobay.co.za
Wednesday, June 27
Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup Reflection
Somewhere along the line, you have to discover what it means to fight for something. My race this past weekend at the Mont-Saint-Anne World Cup was just such an experience.
I snapped my chain on the first lap, forcing me to abandon my original strategy and create a whole new game plan to make this the work best it could… a valuable lesson in racing as much as in the bigger picture that is life.
As much as I’d like to dump all the blame on bad luck, it wouldn’t be fair. After some post-race evaluation it became clear to me that I had failed to prepare myself 100 per cent. I hadn’t ticked all the boxes and it came back to bite me. On a large scale, my preparation was close to perfect, but it wasn’t immaculate. Training-wise I had never been more confident in my form, but its those small details that often make the world of difference.
Never again will I start an important race without having accounted for all the possibilities of mechanicals and having 100 per cent back up in the tech zone. I am incredibly grateful to James (Reid) who took the chain off his own bike and got it to the tech zone before I arrived after a long run. Also for encouraging me to keep fighting. Even though I was in last place after the first lap, I had a bike that I could pedal, with the chain that had been pedaled to an amazing fifth place in the u/23 men’s race.
From then on, it became a mental game something I enjoy playing. I think it’s more the satisfaction that I get from seeing how close I can come to cracking a seemingly impossible challenge. The pressure of winning was lifted, but I wanted to see how close I could get, and I loved every minute of it!
I was surprised at my seventh place finish despite the drama. This result gives me a much needed confidence boost going into the World Cup round in Windham this weekend. It sounds clichéd, but I now know that if I fail to plan, I plan to faiI. I’m excited to give this race the bash Mont-Saint-Anne deserved. Sometimes it’s only a matter of time…
Thanks also to Line from Biosport for making sure my muscles were firing before the time, to James for that chain and to my sponsor BMC for allowing me to experience true racing pleasure on my TE01 steed.
Image: Candice during the WC XC MTB at Contermanskloof earlier this year. Image (c) Chris Hitchcock
Wednesday, June 13
London here I come...
Being chosen to represent South Africa at the London 2012 Olympics is an incredible honour. I have experienced this first hand over the past few days. My phone has been a continuous chain of sms', emails and tweets. Never have i felt so uplifted in support and encouragement as i do now. The response i have received from people has been overwhelming- each one in their own unique way. It makes me smile as i think of the important role all these people have played in my life so far, and how they have shaped and moulded me into what I am today. I realize that I can do nothing alone. For me there is no greater comfort than approaching such a prestigious event with a massive team of people who are 100% behind me, or more appropriately, beside me.
Among the crazy mixed emotions, my thoughts lead me into thinking about what it actually means to me as a person/athlete to have this opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.
Any athlete would tell you that taking part in the Olympics is a lifelong dream come true.. The pinnacle of success in their career. But people know that already, they have heard it before. For me, its so much more than simply that. It broadens ones horizons and perspectives in ways everyday life never would.
For me, it gives me the chance to involve people in following my dreams. Mountain biking is a selfish and sometimes lonely sport. But to be able to bring it "close to home" for more people is an opportunity to share my joy in competing and what i have learnt with thousands. Being chosen for the Olympics allows me to involve a broader spectrum of people and their skills/ideas in trying to acheive my dreams. Im just the athlete- a small branch of this extensive tree.
Many would believe that winning is the most important thing in sports. Actually, it is the least important. Let me explain before you get upset.
If we consider the Womens XC Mountain Biking race at the London 2012 Olympics.
Lets say 50 women from different countries are invited to compete. If winning was the only thing that was important, then we could say that 49 of us will be losers. This is so far from the case. First of all, if we did not all show up to compete, then there wouldn't ever be a winner. Secondly, we need to appreciate the hard work each athlete as given throughout the season to be selected as a competitor. Lastly, we cannot overlook the personal satisfaction that each woman receives reaping the rewards of a job well done. Words that spring to mind are commitment, discipline, perserverance, dedication and desire- to mention a few. These lessons are far more important than the race itself.
Winning is merely the decoration on the cake. Preparation of the cake is what is most important. (although we do enjoy the icing).
So i am 20 years old, my journey is only beginning. I have a lot to learn about life and racing. One thing i do know is that i truely love racing bicycles, and the joy i receive from doing this to the best if my ability is unexplainable. Thank you to SASCOC and BMC-SA (Johann Wykerd) for providing me with the means to acheive my goals. You are fundamental in this process. And to everyone who has played a role in my short career, be it coming round for coffee to chat, or dropping a supportive sms, please NEVER underestimate the value in doing so. I feel blessed beyond measure and my motivation is sky high as i embrace what lies before me on the Road To London 2012
Among the crazy mixed emotions, my thoughts lead me into thinking about what it actually means to me as a person/athlete to have this opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.
Any athlete would tell you that taking part in the Olympics is a lifelong dream come true.. The pinnacle of success in their career. But people know that already, they have heard it before. For me, its so much more than simply that. It broadens ones horizons and perspectives in ways everyday life never would.
For me, it gives me the chance to involve people in following my dreams. Mountain biking is a selfish and sometimes lonely sport. But to be able to bring it "close to home" for more people is an opportunity to share my joy in competing and what i have learnt with thousands. Being chosen for the Olympics allows me to involve a broader spectrum of people and their skills/ideas in trying to acheive my dreams. Im just the athlete- a small branch of this extensive tree.
Many would believe that winning is the most important thing in sports. Actually, it is the least important. Let me explain before you get upset.
If we consider the Womens XC Mountain Biking race at the London 2012 Olympics.
Lets say 50 women from different countries are invited to compete. If winning was the only thing that was important, then we could say that 49 of us will be losers. This is so far from the case. First of all, if we did not all show up to compete, then there wouldn't ever be a winner. Secondly, we need to appreciate the hard work each athlete as given throughout the season to be selected as a competitor. Lastly, we cannot overlook the personal satisfaction that each woman receives reaping the rewards of a job well done. Words that spring to mind are commitment, discipline, perserverance, dedication and desire- to mention a few. These lessons are far more important than the race itself.
Winning is merely the decoration on the cake. Preparation of the cake is what is most important. (although we do enjoy the icing).
So i am 20 years old, my journey is only beginning. I have a lot to learn about life and racing. One thing i do know is that i truely love racing bicycles, and the joy i receive from doing this to the best if my ability is unexplainable. Thank you to SASCOC and BMC-SA (Johann Wykerd) for providing me with the means to acheive my goals. You are fundamental in this process. And to everyone who has played a role in my short career, be it coming round for coffee to chat, or dropping a supportive sms, please NEVER underestimate the value in doing so. I feel blessed beyond measure and my motivation is sky high as i embrace what lies before me on the Road To London 2012
Thursday, March 29
Hello from a snowy Switzerland:)
I am writing this from high up in the mountains.
Not sure how they even have wi-fi here, nor am I sure how I managed to salvage
the code off the tiny lady who speaks only German. We arrived here last
night in the dark, so this morning as I crawled out of bed, I was presented
with a winter wonderland outside. Needless to say, training will take place at
the bottom of the steep 10km pass, where the temperature is at least 10 degrees
warmer. But for now ill just sit by the crackling fire and enjoy its warmth.
Before we made the trek across Austria, we raced in
the Kamptal-Klassik Cup, which is a Category 1 race in Langenlois (Austria).
The track was a 5km circuit with 330m of vertical ascent per lap. Insanity I
say! The start was at the bottom of a mountain in a small town, and the rest of
the course extended skyward. A sustained power on the climbs, and a wreckless
speed on the downhills was the key to success. The technical aspect of the
track was almost non-existent, with only two rocky downhills to test your
skill. I think that if such a course was to be designed in SA, people would
probably lay complaints. But in Europe, the nature of the course in irrelevant.
They place emphasis on pedalling the bike as fast as possible and being first
across the line. Us South Africans can learn a lot from this winning attitude.
Racing in the Elite Womens Category, my start was
at 10, along with the Junior Men, Junior Women and Master Men. Having 350
people on the course at once was going to be interesting! Nevertheless, I was
happy to have made it to the startline at the correct time (daylight saving
began on that day). Although, I did feel robbed of an hour of precious sleep.
The gun goes and the girls went off firing on all cylinders! It was a steep
5min climb before we could start descending for the first time. I felt
terrible! Passing the feedzone in 21st position after the startloop,
I knew I had work to do. I also knew that I had gotten rid of the heavy legs on
that single climb. All I had to do was stay mentally strong and race smartly.
As I had predicted, people started giving up one by one as the race progressed.
The brutality of the course begins to take its toll about midway through the
race. People who had played all their cards on the climb out the start gate
really started battling, and I could see it. This gave me a mental edge. I
discovered and learnt a lot about the importance of cadence on steep climbing
courses. Keep those pedals turning at a brisk pace. I witnessed girls trying to
grind big gears. It is unsustainable and your legs will sieze up.
After moving through the field of Elite riders
throughout the race, I ended 14th at the finish line. (3rd
U23). I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the race and with the way I
felt. It is always a confidence booster when you begin to reap the rewards of
the hours you have put in. Also, its always beneficial to steal a few more UCI
pointsJ
Well done to my BMC counterparts Savannah Vosloo, Ashleigh
Parker Moffatt and Jaco Pelser for their results- go check out their blogs for
more info. Kyle dorkin (outcast on his Ellsworth Enlightenment) placed 3rd
in the Junior Mens Category! Excellent job young manJ And where would we be
without our faithful back-up, managers, feeders and supporters all-in-one..
Johann Wykerd and Willie Pelser. Thank you endlessly!
Catch us on Sunday at the BMC Swiss Cup for some
more entertaining racing. Cant wait!
Tuesday, March 20
World Cup #1 Pietermaritzburg
This picture says it all..
It had been a perfect day up until thirty minutes before the start. Racing at 4:30 in the afternoon is something that i am not accustomed to, and after this experience, i would have to say that its not my favourite thing in the world.
After living in Pietermaritzburg for a month in order to prepare for this race, things turned out differently to what I had anticipated. All those hours I had spent perfecting lines and braving rocks suddenly all went down the drain. The cards changed in a matter of minutes, and the race became one of survival. Survival of who could remain un-injured. It was all about who could manuevre themselves and their bike through the treacherous conditions in the fastest time. The Europeans immediately jumped at the opportunity to shine after racing cyclocross in these conditions. For me, it was another story...
In an attempt to remain warm for the longest possible time, everyone kept their jackets on until 1 minute to go. Whipping my jacket off and chucking it to James, I embraced the conditions and decided to give it a shot. It was just a mindshift.
The course was absolute madness!I have never experienced such dangerous and slippery conditions. It was definitely a new experience. It felt as if someone had placed dishwashing liquid all the track and instructed us to ride. The first of many crashes for me began about 5 minutes into the race. I realised that I better get used to this sensation of my wheels sliding, if I was going to get anywhere in this race. For safety reasons, the organisers had closed off all the A lines, which took away the excitement for the spectators, but the riders were grateful! It was such a demotivating thing to hit the floor every time I tried to up the intensity, making it a mental battle more than anything else.
On this day with these conditions, I could not compete with the skill and experience of the European girls. I took a lot from this race though- the key lessons I learnt from this race will be carried with me in into the future. Mountain Bike racing is an unforgiving sport and you have to be able to handle many aspects. Its all part of becoming the best. After fluctuating between 9th and 12th the entire race, I finished 11th, just outside the top 10, but was happy to be in one piece!
Thank you thank you thank you to the people who remained on the course to support me. You are my true supporters, and it was evident. And to Johann who stood in the pouring rain to give me a bottle and receive my "angry" glare each lap, you are a star. Thank you.
So currently I am sitting at JHB Airport, ready for my next adventure:) Im excited to be competing in some European cat 1 and 2 races with my BMC team mates. Can we have some dry weather please...
Tuesday, March 13
Momentum Health XCO Internationals #3
The last two weeks have been a buzz of excitement. Judging by the number of complaints I have received after somewhat slacking with my updates, it is evident that people enjoy my post race reflections. So this is my apology. But in the same breath- thanks for complaining. It made me smile:)
This past weekend acted as the "dress rehearsal" for the World Cup taking place this coming weekend. (17/18 March) For many, having survived the European winter, this was the first race of the season. A great time to flush out all the cobwebs and get the legs firing again. I was grateful to KZNMTB for having given us South Africans the opportunity to get some beneficial racing experience under the belt so early in the season. You are doing amazing things for our sport!
We stood on the start line on a typically sunny South African morning. The conditions were perfect for some fast, furious racing. The pro-elite womens category (U23 and Elite) had one start time. After being told that we were in for 5 laps, I knew this was going to be a battle. However, that didnt stop me from going out guns blazing. I seem to be making a habit of this! Its good to experiment though- especially when presented with a challenge larger than you are accustomed to. Go as hard as you can for as long as you can, and then try hold out for the rest of the way. This way, i know exactly where the point is where I start battling to turn the pedals with the same power. The start was absolute chaos (as expected), as everyone scrambled to be in the front up the first singletrack switchback climb. There was a bottleneck of riders on the first sharp corner entering the climb. Lesson learnt- be in the front up to this point, or if not, quickly make a plan to be there. Otherwise the time you lose is completely unnecessary, and waste energy trying to make it up.
After much stumbling and crashing, I found my rhythm going into the second lap. After the 280m of vertical ascent in one lap, you wonder if you will ever be able to repeat that another 4 times! The course is unforgiving, as it requires 100% concentration ALL THE TIME. Those logs have my heart rate sky rocketing every time I approach them! To those of you wanting to experience the thrills and spills of racing this weekend- I recommend you position yourself in the amphitheatre, where all the action takes place. For the riders, this section is beautifully placed, as it begins at the top of a long climb, and you are able to let go and have some fun. The trick is to make it through in one piece, still mounted on your bike. Nick has done an excellent job at making this course one of the most challenging on the World Cup circuit. Come check it out on Saturday.
I felt strong until the second half of the 4th lap, where the brutality of the course started to take its toll on me. However, knew I only had to make it to the finish line. Those last few climbs were a slog, and I was finding it difficult to have a focussed approach through those technical sections. This is when the support and encouragement of the spectators mean the most. It literally got me through. Having my mother running behind me shouting at the top of her lungs made me start to wonder whether I was going fast enough. Thanks for the boost mom. I cant wait to experience the excitement and support of the spectators in the World Cup. Keep it going guys! It does amazing things for us:)
I get the feeling that everyone battled equally on that last lap, as I wasnt passed by anyone, nor did I do any overtaking. To finish in 15th place in a field made up of top international elite riders gave me a lot of motivation going into the World Cup- where I will compete in my category. (U23) This test run taught me many beneficial lessons that will definitely be put to good use next week. I will also be racing my BMC TE01 and not the fourstroke, as I believe this is predominantly a climbing course, where my hardtail will shine.
Our community of cyclists has grown over the past weeks. as more and more international riders arrive in South Africa. Its great to have you all. I wish you all the best for your races, and I hope you experience the friendliness and hospitality of our beautiful country:)
Please come support on Saturday at Cascades. Racing takes place all day. My race goes off at 4:30. See you there:)
This past weekend acted as the "dress rehearsal" for the World Cup taking place this coming weekend. (17/18 March) For many, having survived the European winter, this was the first race of the season. A great time to flush out all the cobwebs and get the legs firing again. I was grateful to KZNMTB for having given us South Africans the opportunity to get some beneficial racing experience under the belt so early in the season. You are doing amazing things for our sport!
We stood on the start line on a typically sunny South African morning. The conditions were perfect for some fast, furious racing. The pro-elite womens category (U23 and Elite) had one start time. After being told that we were in for 5 laps, I knew this was going to be a battle. However, that didnt stop me from going out guns blazing. I seem to be making a habit of this! Its good to experiment though- especially when presented with a challenge larger than you are accustomed to. Go as hard as you can for as long as you can, and then try hold out for the rest of the way. This way, i know exactly where the point is where I start battling to turn the pedals with the same power. The start was absolute chaos (as expected), as everyone scrambled to be in the front up the first singletrack switchback climb. There was a bottleneck of riders on the first sharp corner entering the climb. Lesson learnt- be in the front up to this point, or if not, quickly make a plan to be there. Otherwise the time you lose is completely unnecessary, and waste energy trying to make it up.
After much stumbling and crashing, I found my rhythm going into the second lap. After the 280m of vertical ascent in one lap, you wonder if you will ever be able to repeat that another 4 times! The course is unforgiving, as it requires 100% concentration ALL THE TIME. Those logs have my heart rate sky rocketing every time I approach them! To those of you wanting to experience the thrills and spills of racing this weekend- I recommend you position yourself in the amphitheatre, where all the action takes place. For the riders, this section is beautifully placed, as it begins at the top of a long climb, and you are able to let go and have some fun. The trick is to make it through in one piece, still mounted on your bike. Nick has done an excellent job at making this course one of the most challenging on the World Cup circuit. Come check it out on Saturday.
I felt strong until the second half of the 4th lap, where the brutality of the course started to take its toll on me. However, knew I only had to make it to the finish line. Those last few climbs were a slog, and I was finding it difficult to have a focussed approach through those technical sections. This is when the support and encouragement of the spectators mean the most. It literally got me through. Having my mother running behind me shouting at the top of her lungs made me start to wonder whether I was going fast enough. Thanks for the boost mom. I cant wait to experience the excitement and support of the spectators in the World Cup. Keep it going guys! It does amazing things for us:)
I get the feeling that everyone battled equally on that last lap, as I wasnt passed by anyone, nor did I do any overtaking. To finish in 15th place in a field made up of top international elite riders gave me a lot of motivation going into the World Cup- where I will compete in my category. (U23) This test run taught me many beneficial lessons that will definitely be put to good use next week. I will also be racing my BMC TE01 and not the fourstroke, as I believe this is predominantly a climbing course, where my hardtail will shine.
Our community of cyclists has grown over the past weeks. as more and more international riders arrive in South Africa. Its great to have you all. I wish you all the best for your races, and I hope you experience the friendliness and hospitality of our beautiful country:)
Please come support on Saturday at Cascades. Racing takes place all day. My race goes off at 4:30. See you there:)
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