No more excuses!

Here at the very posh offices of XCRacer.com we regularly get emails regarding training around jobs, families, commitments, growing older etc especially training to take part in endurance racing.  So many (and I mean MANY) people feel like their time has been and gone.  We have discussed many times what answers to give or training tips to put up on the site to help, but so much of the information available seems to be from the elite athletes perspective.  How does the average Jo or Joanna Blogs train (or \'train right\' to quote a dvd?).  Is it possible to really take part in a tough endurance event and fit in hours and preparation needed around the jobs, families and commitments?  I really don\'t know to be honest. 

I think that doing something that you really love should be important to try and maintain.  Yes, things change, we get jobs that take up our time and energy, we give birth and that changes our bodies drastically, we need to spend time with our children to help them grow into perfectly wonderful people, we need to keep the bills paid.... the list goes on, but it is possible to still find the time to do what we love, keep everything else going, but do it well?  I think it is if you apply the right attitude.

I am going to race in the 2012 Bontrager 24/12 solo in July (7th).  I am so excited and very nervous, but I am sick of making excuses as to why I should delay it another year.  I will train, prepare and research everything I need to know so I feel ready and you will be there every step of the way.  I will be keeping a regular blog, writing articles on what I have found out regarding training, equipment (I have no idea how many sets of lights I need, do I change my kit, what drink do I have?), and covering other peoples experiences putting questions to top international solo riders, and testing kit along the way.

I hope to answer all the questions we have been asked and put to rest all my excuses and self doubts.  I have three wonderful children (7, 6 and 3) who I want to teach that if you believe in yourself and put the work in first you can achieve anything.  I work for my husband at XCRacer.com when our children are in bed, we are renovating our home and we grow loads of our own vegetables, and keep animals for food, I am with my children twenty four seven (no complaints!) - there are no childminders involved - our time is well used and all these things have to keep going.  I also don\'t feel anything like I used to ten years ago when I used to race.  I used to race Expert on the national circuit and got pretty good results. I am now 33.  I am scared that I will be laughed off the course which is ridiculous I know, but I am more scared of never even trying.  I am doing this for myself and my children, I know I have loads to do and I will regret this decision so many times I\'m sure, but I also hope that my experiences will help all the people who doubt themselves and give them the confidence, guidance and advice they need to just give it a go - you never know what tomorrow may bring.

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