Wednesday, September 25
IT'S ON YOU
This is something I have been wanting to share for a while. Spending time where I grew up always inspires me and gives me a perspective that I fail to find anywhere else. I hope this speaks to you.
IT'S ON YOU.
That is where it starts. That is where it ends.
It’s on you and what you want, and how hard you are willing
to hustle, and how relentless you are going to be when they tell you to give
up.
Because people will tell you to give up.
They will look at you with crooked faces. They wont
understand your drive. And they are going to look to bring you down because
they don’t know any better. They havent had the guts to go for it themselves,
and so they will try to tell you. “No. Impossible. Not worth the effort.”
Forget them.
Forget them and all the barriers they try to place on this life of
yours.
Wake up. It’s your life.
Stop acting like the world runs you. Like the magazines run
you. Like all the people who have never perked their ears to really listen to
you have a say in what you are going to do with these footsteps of yours.
It’s yours. You are free.
Don’t wait. Don’t stand in the corner for direction to
reveal itself. Just. Start.
Sprinting. Peace will flood in when it’s right. But you have to move to find
the peace. Peace comes through footsteps.
Think about what stopped you yesterday. Who was that person?
What were they afraid of? Why did
they govern you for so long? You’ve got one chance. You’ve got one shot. The
world won’t cry if you never use it. It’s on you.
Look around. Forget the box.
Forget what you think the world is all about. Forget the
status update. Forget the selfie.
Here is what the world is really about: Humility. People.
People helping other people. People trying to make this hard thing, this
impossible thing, more graceful for others. That is where the joy is. That is
where the peace is. That is the beauty of every thread of life. We were never
designed to go at this thing alone.
Strive to do good. Strive to be the best version of
yourself. Reflect. Learn from the yesterday that made you feel weak. Stop
letting people bend and break your heart. Play the music louder. Scream if you
need. Walk away from that toxic person who never had your goodness at the
forfront of their mind. Walk away. Your goodness will be at the forfront of any
mind that loves you fiercely, with no sense of tomorrow. You deserve that. The
best of it. You have to learn to want that for yourslef.
You’ve got a voice.
Most people would kill to have one. So learn how to use it.
Start small, start slow, start however you want. But start. Use that voice of
yours for something good, something worthy, something that thickened your skin
and buckled your knees and ramshackled your heart.
Screw December 31 and the resolutions you’ve stacked away in
a closet for the start of a New Year. It starts now. It starts with a single
question that turns out to be the answer to everything:
Are you worth it enough to start?
Tuesday, March 12
Africa Champs- A Visual Progression through my Race
Standing on the start line, engine firing. I think I play with my hair when Im nervous- not as much about the race as about the storm approaching from behind. I just know what I'm in for!
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One of the climbs on the course. I had just come past the feed zone where I received various forms of encouragement. (basically people shouting/clapping in your face). I love it! It gives me a motivation and energy that I cant seem to replicate myself.
After the rain stops, the course becomes treacherous! Its like riding through peanut butter. You have to learn the skill of sliding using your back (and not front) break. After the first few falls, you learn quite quickly. I am still a work in progress. I need to master this by World Championships in late August.
Racing through the trees. Makes for beautiful photography, but requires concentration to avoid your handlebar making contact with a trunk. (Especially when you are sliding sideways in the peanut butter)
Smiles all round. Its always a laugh to catch up with Max post race. I truly find joy in racing my bicycle. And I love to chat about my experiences in the heat of the moment.
The U23 Womens podium. Myself, Mariske Strauss (South Africa) and Vera Adrian (Namibia).
Mariske had a very impressive ride and deserves the title.
My FAVOURITE. Myself, Beani Thies and Caitlin Mills after the Eliminator. Watch out for these two! Future superstars!
As with every race, there are lessons to take and lessons to leave from Africa Champs. I can always smile as I look back, because I know its moulding me into the athlete and the human being I dream to be.
Thanks to BMC as well as Oakley and Redbull for being incredibly supportive sponsors, and for taking this journey with me.
Next stop, EUROPE- for some testing, racing, and lessons to learn.
Keep riding :)
Tuesday, February 26
Pain and Gain at Sabie Marathon
Sabie- a small Lowveld town in Mpumalanga, South Africa,
became host to the ‘kick off’ round of the 2013 UCI Marathon World Series. This
past weekend, more than 3000 riders descended upon this town to experience
South Africas “Mecca” of mountain biking. Whether they were lured by the
winning purse, the UCI points, or the majesty of the surrounding mountains,
each one who participated had a unique story to tell. This is mine..
07:00 Saturday morning, gun goes off. Such a familiar sound,
a que almost. I know what lies ahead, and what I want to achieve. Somewhere
between is a mountain of pain which requires 100 percent physical and mental
strength to conquer. The cheers of the crowds are absorbed by the dust from our
tyres as we pedal into the hills. Dimmer and dimmer, until I can hear only the
sound of tyres on the gravel and the harsh breathing of my competitors.
Then it begins, the road rises gradually before me. I see it
as a test. A test of my ability to come to terms, and in a sense “feed off”
this monster called pain. Gradual turns to steep, and smooth to rocky. The
terrain is rough, ensuring that every muscle is subject to distress. The pain
is exponential, just like the profile of the race, and the speed at which I am
being forced to ascend. Forced through no choice of my own, but by a power
within me, refusing to let me return to my zone of comfort.
The altitude is so high. It feels like I have reached heaven
itself. At that moment in time, Heaven seems like the flowing downhill trail I
can spot ahead. The monster of pain momentarily loosens his ever -present grip.
It’s a time to breathe, a time to replenish, a time to relish in the relief.
But still, I can’t afford to let her get a significant gap on me. Mentally, it
would crush me.
Crunch time arrived- right on time, when my legs had begun
to sieze up. The monster is winning this game, but the driving power within me
speaks over my signs of weakness. I am strong, I believe it with every aching
part of me. A violently steep burst in the dying moments of the race was the
seperation moment. The duo of competitors in pale pink shirts, turned to two
single pale pink dots. My legs are screaming as I see her disappear around each
corner of this winding piece of track.
Then there it
was, instantly in my sight, the finish line that I had patiently and painfully
awaited. She got the better of me. Yet I feel like I partially won the game
with pain. I came face to face with it, and embraced it with a bravery unknown
to me before. Pain, Im not finished with you. Next time we begin the game on
more familiar terms.
Contrary to what you are thinking right now, I absolutely
loved every moment of that race. It’s a strange reality to get to grips with. I
guess its what keeps us hungry- the fact that maybe next time we can hammer the
nail of pain further into the wood.
Thank you to BMC for providing the platform for me to
challenge pain in exciting locations on a constant basis.
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
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